Tips : 5 months packing in some nastier parts of Africa:
Footwear is key, robust footwear is a godsend. Not saying heavy boots, but quality walking shoes help. It ain't a fashion show.
Also, check if it's rainy season, if so a light waterproof top helps.
Malaria: If country has it, then remember anti-malaria tablets protect against a few mosquito bites. So try to not walk through a load of them.
Fold in half and cellophane wrap/gaffer tape some £'s / $'s . Stick it into your boot/shoe sole. Split your cash up and don't flash large denominations about.
if your wearing high necked boots, you can gaffer tape cards and emergency cash into the inner lining , keeps it safe and snug.
Know the embassey location 'before' you land in country.
If your going to go 'deep' in country off the beaten track let someone back home know the duration and return date from excursion. (i usually text to a mate who has my details in country)
Grab a cheap penknife in country, be surprised how often it comes in need. ( give it away before heading back)
Have a blast with fellow packers, but with the local population be humble and smiling. Goes along way. Also, learn how to say 'Hello, thankyou, goodbye' in their language. Your Johnny foreigner there.
Don't carry anything for anybody, carry your own gear and let them carry theirs. (no matter how pretty they are)
Hydrate well and only bottled water. No ice...ever, dysentery isn't nice unless you want to lose weight in a hurry.
Use protection...you know
Have a safe and life altering trip, especially the few weeks back home when all you do is look around and wonder why everyone looks unhappy and miserable compared to the people you met who had nothing fancy, but seemed happy.
To avoid smelly clothing: wash them man...either pay a local to or do it yourself. I lived with 2 trousers ( the ones that can become shorts) and 3 shirts and 3 pairs of socks. No underwear, commando saves on washing.
Footwear is key, robust footwear is a godsend. Not saying heavy boots, but quality walking shoes help. It ain't a fashion show.
Also, check if it's rainy season, if so a light waterproof top helps.
Malaria: If country has it, then remember anti-malaria tablets protect against a few mosquito bites. So try to not walk through a load of them.
Fold in half and cellophane wrap/gaffer tape some £'s / $'s . Stick it into your boot/shoe sole. Split your cash up and don't flash large denominations about.
if your wearing high necked boots, you can gaffer tape cards and emergency cash into the inner lining , keeps it safe and snug.
Know the embassey location 'before' you land in country.
If your going to go 'deep' in country off the beaten track let someone back home know the duration and return date from excursion. (i usually text to a mate who has my details in country)
Grab a cheap penknife in country, be surprised how often it comes in need. ( give it away before heading back)
Have a blast with fellow packers, but with the local population be humble and smiling. Goes along way. Also, learn how to say 'Hello, thankyou, goodbye' in their language. Your Johnny foreigner there.
Don't carry anything for anybody, carry your own gear and let them carry theirs. (no matter how pretty they are)
Hydrate well and only bottled water. No ice...ever, dysentery isn't nice unless you want to lose weight in a hurry.
Use protection...you know
Have a safe and life altering trip, especially the few weeks back home when all you do is look around and wonder why everyone looks unhappy and miserable compared to the people you met who had nothing fancy, but seemed happy.
To avoid smelly clothing: wash them man...either pay a local to or do it yourself. I lived with 2 trousers ( the ones that can become shorts) and 3 shirts and 3 pairs of socks. No underwear, commando saves on washing.
Last edited:
