Johannesburg - Living in the big city of Johannesburg, you can imagine my excitement when STA Travel told me I was being sent on an overland trip to the Kruger National Park with super short notice.
It was nearing the end of February and I got to go on a holiday? I was suddenly looking forward to closing down my laptop, letting down my hair and setting off into the African sun au ‘natural to experience the diversity of Mpumalanga. With only three hours to grab my things however – how could I possibly be prepared?
Sometimes we’re so “city” that we forget what’s needed when we need to get gritty, so I’ve mapped out essential items people need on a camping excursion like this. Also if your peers forget their goodies, you can be the local If you’re about to head out on the road with your baggage packed far away, best you have your hand luggage well thought out to avoid having to stop the driver. Your cellphone in particular, should be charged and with you. If not you will have to come to grips with having it off for a while. Also, stay safe and stow all your expensive items in your hand luggage so you know it won’t be damaged or get lost.
Some essential items you might need in your hand luggage:
Identity and medical aid cards
Freshening up kit
Snacks and something to hydrate with
Money and credit cards
And finally if it’s important, make sure you keep it at the top in an easy to reach part of your hand luggage so you’re not acting out a scene from Gold Rush trying to dig for what you’re desperate to find. With the overland truck being stocked up on camping gear, one part of my trip was at least sorted.
The trouble with my other baggage however could’ve been extensive if I hadn’t received a very helpful packing guide from STA Travel. What you pack is largely dependent on where you are going – so know your destination and travel method. Do a quick weather check and google image hunt to get an idea of what you’re dealing with. Also know your luggage limitations and essentials from desirables.
Keep in mind there are various items in your bag affected by travel conditions, like:
Clothing, swimwear and comfortable hiking appropriate shoes
Weather protection gear and sunblock
You might have the tent but that won’t keep you protected from the elements or even guarantee you a good night’s sleep. My trip had me begging for mercy at the 41?C temperature mark which is why I recommend you prepare to make your camping experience easy.
Rain cover for your tent
Sleeping equipment: Camping pillow, Sleeping bag, Camping mattress
Torch and extra batteries
A tent (if necessary)
Travel Safety: Accidents and Emergency Kits
We had an amazingly skilled driver who managed to squeeze his Overland Truck through any and all spaces in order to reach our destination. Unfortunately safety isn’t dependent on you alone, which we soon found out as another car drove in front of us, bringing the driver to do an emergency stop.
For this reason always have your next of kin’s details and medical aid information available to your fellow travelers or tour manager in case they might to bail you out of a holiday tiff, or phone your loved ones. In the event of a minor incident you will want to be prepared with a small emergency first aid travel kit which you can purchase at your local pharmacy. Better safe than sorry!
Bug repellent and medication
Can you say mos-qui-to? Mosquito! Plenty of them too. We were spraying bug spray as if it’s the latest fashion accessory, strutting our sheer citronella glow! Whether you’re fending off the average cold or just taking preventative measures to make sure you’re guaranteed to arrive home well rested and not well infested, make sure you pack your medication and bug repellent. I do not regret packing mine!
If you do happen to forget some of these items, remember your trip doesn’t end where it starts and not all those who wander are lost. Find joy in your journey and make the most of what you’ve got to channel your inner happy camper!
Adapted from a press release for IOL