If you were visiting Africa for the very first time, what would you pack?
This is a question that was asked in a Facebook group – the answers were, shall we say, surprising – from the sensible to the downright bizarre.
What would you pack on a trip to Africa?
“An empty bag for all the stuff you’ll buy there”
“Pepto Bismol skin so soft cheap flip flops Benadryl Tylenol power bank for cell stool softener DRINK WATER WATER. Pack a lunch for the plane cause plane food is nasty and processed pre frozen dinners Juice powder packs for water bottles like crystal light. Flash light. Large scarf if you wearing long braids hair gets hot on your neck. Sun tan lotion. My first sun burn happen in Africa”
“Empty duffle bag strictly for souvenirs”
“US currency no older than 2009 and in good condition. The ATM only allows about 400,00 Tsh per transaction which equates to about $200”
“Bug repellent”
“Sunscreen”
“Neck/hand fan!!”
“Plug converter”
“I wouldn’t even attempt to drive in Nigeria. Man you gotta have mad skills to do it . From 5-8pm traffic is bumper to bumper”
“Anything anti mosquito-you do not want to get malaria!”
“I thought about skin so soft by Avon but was told the mosquitoes stronger there”
“Get a list of shots you need from your Dr, malaria prophylaxis is a must. But there is other shots you need. Get a converter for your electronics. Download WhatsApp and tell your family here to do the same. Comfortable shoes.”
Some were eye-raising:
“Ammo and money “
But most were practical considerations – albeit mostly unnecessary
“Phone converters/ charger. Portable WiFi, take old clothes so you can give them away.”
“A lil bag with otc meds Tylenol, Advil, tums and anti bubble gut meds. Sunscreen A wash cloth”
“Sunscreen, feminine everything, good moisturizer, lip balm, sun glasses, reusable shopping bag, mini umbrella, comfortable shoes”
“Toilet paper”
“Light and comfortable clothes”
“A hat”
“Sunscreen”
“Insect repellent”
“Travel shoes and a pair or two of sandals.”
“Definitely yo anti malarial which u should have started to take before yo travel.”
“Appropriate chargers for yo phone or other gadgets.”
“Malaria tablets, mosquito repellent, small tissue packs, perfume oils no spray Cologne,(or you’ll attract biting fly’s) bring comfortable sandals, or shoes, modestly light attire, people claim mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothes.”
“Malaria tablets, insect repellent, flip flops, sun hat, sunglasses, walking shoes, adapter plug… there’s loads more but I wouldn’t be going anywhere without these items.”
“Dental floss..baby wipes.. deodorant..flip flops..eye drops ..chapstick..credit card..debit card..passport..emergency contact info..”
“Bug Repellent.
Mosquito net.
Flashlight (the lights go out)
Water purification tablets.
Sun hat or cap.
Citronella candles.
Gifts for everyone along the way.”
“Small bottles of rum, packs of lemonade, Tylenol, protein bars”
“Peptobismol, benadryl, wet wipes”
Some took a metaphorical approach to the question
“Pack your humility, respect for self n others, open mindedness to new experiences, courteousness, flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to learn and experience new things. DO NOT PACK, arrogance, ignorance, intolerance, high western/American attitudes, or misguided assumptions. Leave your political, religion, social and cultural assumptions and projections at home.”
“47.3 pounds of Patience”
“Gratitude”
“Open mind”
“Blessed Assurance for road trips”
“Humbleness, openness, friendliness, kindness, and adaptability”
Now watch veteran traveller Drew Binsky’s assessment of what to pack on a trip to Africa
Over to you… what would you pack? Does it depend on where you’re travelling to? Share your thoughts in the comments!
