Okay, so you booked your safari in Kenya, now what? Here’s a packing list that will hopefully help you out as I tried to keep it as simple as possible. If you can, don’t pack into a large luggage. Some bush airlines won’t allow that size luggage as it won’t fit. Please reference your airline if you are flying to your safari destination once arriving into Kenya.

Mornings can be cool (10-15 degrees Celsius) but you’re in an open truck in time for sunrise and the wind can make it cool so my biggest tip for packing is to pack layers!!

Warm sweater
Windbreaker/rain jacket
Pair of pants

Afternoons are hot (around 30 degrees) so you’ll want to change into cooler clothing

Breathable dress
Shorts
Tank top/T-shirt

Evenings, after being in the hot sun all day you’ll be back outside for your second drive - Light sweater or think oversized button ups that you wear in the fall or summer evenings.
I do also suggest bringing 1 dressy outfit in case you decide to dress up one night at supper for photos.

Shoes:

1 one pair of sandals
1 pair of closed toe shoes.
*I would avoid white shoes unless they are easily washable as the dirt here can stain depending on what region you are going to
*Hair dryers and straighteners may not work due to the difference of voltage. Kenya is 240V. Camps will sometimes have a hair dryer in your room to use if you need it.

Others:

Power bank to charge your phones while we are out in the trucks and in the airports (not a necessity but if you have one, bring it!)
International plug adaptor, Kenya uses the 3 rectangle prong European one
Luggage lock for your checked baggage
Sunscreen, I recommend SPF 50, do NOT bring SPF15, it will not work here, but at a minimum bring SPF 30.
Bug Spray
Sunglasses
Hat
ALSO, random but helpful, you know the little small travel packs of Kleenex? Yeah, bring a couple for when you’re out on a drive and need the “bush” toilet.

Meds: This is ONLY for if you get sick/emergencies in the bush.
*This is not medical advice, please consult with your doctor before taking any medications.

1 course of antibiotics
Pepto Bismol
Immodium
Hydration tablets
Advil/tylenol - Gravol
Benadryl
Any prescription medication, make sure it’s in your carry on in the original prescription bottles.
Documents:

Passport
Yellow Fever vaccine proof (they will need to see the original if they decide to ask for it)
$US cash: this can be used for tips for your drivers and then the rest of the staff at camp. The recommendation is anywhere from $10-20 day/person in your room. You tip your driver/guide separately as you are with them most of the time.
You can get Kenyan Shillings out in Nairobi if you would like to use that instead.
Travel insurance is also a must, especially when going to more remote places like a safari camp. For this we highly recommend SafetyWing which is affordable, easy to use and they also offer medical evacuation which can be very handy where you are in the middle of safari land. You can enroll now by clicking here.

Keep in mind that safari camps, especially in a country like Kenya, are much better equipped than you might think and most of them do have extra items that you might have forgotten from toothbrushes to hats and sunscreen.

It is now time for you to go out there and enjoy your own safari adventure!

Me again, I warn that this is a lengthy one and honestly it is so delayed because I have thought about not posting this one MANY times. I wasn’t sure if it would come across wrong or offend anyone but at the end of the day, I do want to share my perspective. Everything I am about to say is with the utmost respect and I am truly sorry it my words don’t articulate it accurately. Here we go!

We are finally settling into a bit of a routine and damn, it feels nice. We don’t even have our house fully moved in or even decorated at all but I already feel as though this is home. I hope you watched our couples Q&A, I will put it down below because that will help answer some questions that people have regarding our move!

I think one of the biggest questions is “Is it what I expected?” ish? Is that an answer? I found there is such a broad range of economic status that I didn’t expect; I didn’t expect the wealth. In what I consider a small distance, we can see hardship as well as massive gorgeous houses, and malls such as local stands to large modern ones. I admire the resourcefulness here. Its such a small thing but it took me off guard: the large concrete foundations that are being built, instead of steel beams it was all wooden beams.

Kenya is also so much more beautiful than I ever expected!! The nature, the lushness, the flowers: it is incredible! It makes me realize that we don’t always have an accurate picture portrayed by the media back in Canada. We have had several comments on our videos from Kenyan’s saying basically just that; they are so happy that we are showing this side of Kenya and trying to change the way people see it. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are definitely areas of lower economic status, and when you are in the city business district there is no green and it is not as clean but I feel as though it is the only thing that social media shows and that is upsetting. I do agree that awareness is crucial to institute change, but so is having the full picture. People all over the world are missing out on this beautiful country! It is our goal to change the way the rest of the world views Kenya, come see it and help the incredible country flourish!

Now lets dig some into the culture side of things. Keep in mind when I am talking about this that I have only skimmed the surface of the culture, but this is what I have noticed so far. Someone told me this the other day and I do believe it is true: we always talk about how Canadians are friendly but I think the difference is, Canadians are the most polite but Kenyans are the most happy and friendly people. In Canada we tend to say hi, ask how you are, which we believe is genuine, but do we truly listen to the answer? I am finding here that when you are asked how you are, they genuinely want to know, they take the time to stop, listen, and talk. Everyone is incredibly happy. This is very hard to put into words but when you experience it, you will understand. Now yes, we have been advised that MOST interest comes from a good place and it is something to stay mindful of but overall, Kenya has welcomed us with open arms!

We also now have a gardener! He is amazing!! I cannot say enough good things! When I said that I was overwhelmed with the lushness and flowers in Kenya, now put those in my yard, and I am someone who can’t even keep a tomato plant alive LOL. I needed help! Something different than Canada, Kenya has a culture of a 6 day work week from what we can understand so he was extremely grateful to have 3 days here to add to his current 3 days at another property.

Anyway, enough for now. To sum it all up, the more we travel and get out of our little bubble, the more and more beautiful I realize that Kenya is. I’ll admit, from what I saw in the media before moving here, in my opinion, is definitely not a true portrait of this country. To think, we almost missed out on this beautiful place! The emotions these last few weeks have been overwhelming with the realization that this is exactly why we began this journey: to get out of our comfort zone and experience a different culture, way of life and beauty.

Until next time,

Tracey

What To Pack For Your Safari Adventure

BLOG #6: WARNING ITS A LONG ONE