What To Pack

Your luggage is limited to one backpack and one daypack weighing no more than 20kg.  As a general rule, if you cannot lift your own luggage, you’ve got too much stuff!  Most people make the mistake of bringing too many clothes on tour, less is more in this instance.

Please keep in mind that this is an adventure tour in an adventure truck and luggage should not include any Samsonite style suitcases.  As the wheelie / trolley bags have a solid frame, they don’t squeeze into spaces the same way a backpack or a duffel bag does, the lockers measure 35 x 35 x 80 cm.  If the frame does not fit these diameters, there aren’t many other places to put your bag and it will inconvenience everyone else on tour.  Also, by day two, the mud and stones will get into the little wheels on your wheelie bag and the novelty will be over and you’ll be carrying your suitcase from A to B.  They aren’t as comfortable to carry as a duffel bag and as you think you don’t have to carry it, you end up packing a lot more than you normally would.

A compact & flexible duffel bag is perfect for stashing into a locker or an overhead shelf.

Not a good idea to bring this kind of bag on tour!

A money belt is an excellent way to carry your important travel documents, cash and cards

Buy a small combination lock to put on your locker – this way there will be no keys that may get lost.

On our camping tours you will have to bring your own sleeping bag as we do not rent out sleeping bags. So it is very important that you don’t forget to pack or buy a sleeping bag before you leave on one of our camping tours. Nomad does provide mattresses, which are 5 cm thick, so you have a comfortable sleep. Pillows are also not provided, so if you would like to use one, please make sure you bring one with.

Day Packs

Please check the itinerary for your specific tour as generally you will need to take along a smaller day pack for excursions.  For example on our Cape Town to Vic Falls tour you will need a smaller bag, big enough to bring basic equipment (toiletries and clothes) for two nights.  The daypack is for your Okavango Delta Excursion, where you cannot bring your entire luggage.  Other tours also have overnight experiences where you will need to pack a daypack.

You should pack the following:

Kit for all weather conditions including:

  • 2/3 shorts/skirts
  • 1 jacket/anorak
  • Tracksuit/pullover
  • 2 pairs of long pants/jeans
  • 2 pairs of walking shoes/boots/trainers
  • 1 pair of sandals
  • 3 or 4 T-shirts/short sleeve shirts or sundresses
  • 2/3 Long Sleeve Shirts
  • Smart casual change of clothes
  • Swimwear
  • Underwear & socks
  • Sun Hat – preferably that covers the back of your neck.
  • Raincoat
  • Kikoi/sarong
  • Beanie and gloves if you’re travelling in Winter

Your clothing should be easy to wash and dry and should preferably not need ironing.  Avoid synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather.  Many people underestimate how cold Africa can be – remember your jersey/jacket!  There are also nights that are warm but you must still wear clothes that cover arms and legs from mosquitoes, or there are days that are warm but nights that are freezing so plan carefully.  Take a set of casual but smart clothes for the occasional evening out in a restaurant or club.  If you wear glasses (or contacts) it is also advisable to bring a spare pair along.

Additional Items:

  • Towel & facecloth
  • Baby wipes/ Wet Wipes
  • Personal toiletries
  • Sleeping bag
  • Torch & enough spare batteries (headtorch is best)
  • Camera & spare batteries and memory cards
  • Water bottle. (A 2-litre Coke bottle works well)
  • Penknife
  • Insect and Mosquito repellent
  • Suntan lotion, sun block & after sun lotion
  • Sunglasses
  • Watch
  • Biodegradable laundry detergent
  • Passport (plus a copy of your passport & visas)
  • Extra passport photos
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Money
  • Small sewing kit
  • Plastic bags (Ziplock)
  • Clothes line and pegs
  • Small scrubbing brush
  • A small padlock for your luggage locker in the truck
  • Small basic First Aid kit (painkillers, band aids, after-sun lotion, eye drops, anti-diarrhoea tablets. )