Footsteps of the Maasai, kit list
The items listed below are purely recommendations but please pay careful attention to the ‘essential’ items. The list has been designed by the local Ground Handler however please take into account your personal preferences and common sense. We are open to further recommendations upon your return. See what you can borrow, and if you need to purchase any items, remember that you can get a 10% discount on equipment from Field & Trek, one of the UK’s leading retailers of specialist outdoor clothing & equipment (call 01268 494444, or visit www.fieldandtrek.com) or from Nomad Travel Stores (call 020 8889 7014, or visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk) with the vouchers enclosed. Nomad Travel Stores will also put together a first aid kit specifically for your expeditions. If you would prefer to hire kit, please contact Trek Hire (01732 865858 or visit www.trekhire.com).
Try to use your equipment before you go – particularly your rucksack, boots and sleeping bag – this will show up any manufacturing faults and whether they are comfortable enough. Good footwear and care of the feet is most important. Well broken-in walking boots should be worn. Trainers are too flimsy for wilderness treks. Sandals leave the feet exposed to sunburn, abrasions, thorns, insect and animal bites. Desert or Gortex boots are satisfactory.
Bring as little as possible but bring everything you need. Travelling light is much less of a hassle, so do not bring things you can do without. If you need to wear jewellery, keep it simple and inexpensive. The general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. Always keep your night clothes in a watertight bag to ensure they stay dry if there is a sudden downpour or if you are crossing water – you will have a much better night’s sleep in dry clothing. Bring clothes that wash and dry easily (jeans take forever to dry).
Your main bag should not weigh more than 15kg and you may be charged for excess luggage on internal flights or when entering National Parks also the porters have to carry and transport it. Your hand luggage should not exceed 5kg and maximum dimensions of 55x35x25cms. Please make sure you pack your rucksack/kit bag yourself, and do NOT under any circumstances take any items through customs that are not yours or that you have been asked to deliver for someone else. If possible, lock your bags before you check them through at the check-in desk. When packing, think carefully about what you are packing in your hold luggage as, once you have handed it over at check-in, you will not see it again until you arrive at the other end. Don’t pack things you will need again before or during the flight – such as medicine – and make sure you have an adequate supply. Keep extra cash, passports and house keys in your hand luggage. Also, if taking a long flight, it is sometimes a good idea to take toiletries such as toothbrush to freshen up on the long journey. Don’t pack valuables, cash, fragile or perishable items in your hold luggage. Airlines and insurance companies will not accept liability for them. When leaving the UK, we recommend that you wear your trekking boots and trekking gear, and take as much as possible in your hand luggage. This is to ensure that in the unlikely situation that your bags do not arrive at your final destination, you are still able to make a start on the expedition while we relocate any missing baggage.
Item | Essential | Optional |
Baggage and Sleeping |
|
|
| Large Rucksack (A Suitcase Is Not Appropriate) | Yes |
|
| Day Rucksack (For Suncream, Camera, Film, Water Bottles Etc) | Yes |
|
| Sleeping Bag (2 or 3 season) with cotton liner | Yes |
|
| Mosquito Net |
| Yes |
|
|
|
|
Clothing |
|
|
| Long-Sleeved Shirt | Yes |
|
| T-Shirts (Sweat wicking are best) | Yes |
|
| Sweatshirt | Yes | |
| Fleece / Jumper for Ngorongoro (depending on season it may be cool in the evenings) |
| Yes |
| Trousers (Such As Lightweight Cargo Trousers, Avoid Jeans) | Yes |
|
| Shorts | Yes | |
| Swimwear | Yes |
|
| Underwear (Light And Loose) Few pairs of sweat wicking socks as your feet will overheat | Yes |
|
| Dress/Skirt/Sarong |
| Yes |
| Lightweight Waterproofs (only very light weight required) |
| Yes |
| Boots that give some ankle support, and soles that can resist very tough acacia thorns and sharp rocks. They must be worn in. Gortex and really breathable material is important because it gets very, very hot on the trek. | Yes |
|
| Ankle Gaiters (For Stopping Grass Scratches And Rashes) | Yes | |
| Sandals/Trainers | Yes |
|
| Wide Brimmed Hat & Sun Protection for back of neck | Yes |
|
| Cotton Scarf / Bandana (Dust protection) | Yes |
|
|
|
|
|
Hygiene |
|
|
| Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Soap (Anti Bacterial Or Bio-Degradable), Shampoo/Conditioner | Yes |
|
| Razor & Cream, Sanitary Products, Shower Gel, Hairbrush/Comb, Nail brush (recommended), |
| Yes |
|
|
|
|
Health |
|
|
| Insect Repellent (Containing DEET) | Yes |
|
| Insect Killer |
| Yes |
| Vitamins |
| Yes |
| Malaria Tablets (Seek Advice From Your GP) | Yes |
|
| After Sun / Moisturiser | Yes |
|
| Sun Protection (Factor 20 Minimum) | Yes |
|
|
|
|
|
Documents |
|
|
| Passport | Yes |
|
| Visa for Tanzania (buy in advance) & for Kenya (buy on arrival and dept) pls see Fact File | Yes |
|
| Air Travel Tickets (you will receive these at the airport) | Yes |
|
| Cash USD$ | Yes |
|
| Travellers Cheques in USD$ - only changeable in lodge at the end | Yes | |
| Credit Card for emergencies |
| Yes |
| Travel Insurance | Yes |
|
| Vaccination Certificates – not a compulsory condition of entry but good in case of medical emergency |
| Yes |
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Camera & Film (bring plenty of film) |
| Yes |
| Binoculars (light weight) |
| Yes |
| Sunglasses (Good Quality With High 100% UV Protection | Yes |
|
| High Energy Snacks (Tracker Bars, Dried Fruit And Nuts) |
| Yes |
| Contact Lenses (Bring Spare Lenses, And Glasses In Case Of Dust) |
| Yes |
| Gaffa Tape (For Emergency Repairs) |
| Yes |
| Cord Or String for washing line and also for repairs |
| Yes |
| Sewing Kit |
| Yes |
| Walking Poles |
| Yes |
| Note Book And Pen(s) |
| Yes |
| Compass |
| Yes |
| Alarm Clock, Watch |
| Yes |
| Torch (With Spare Batteries And Bulb) Head Torch Recommended | Yes |
|
| Water Bottle (Two 1litre Bottles Minimum) | Yes |
|
| Small steel Thermos flask (ideal for hot drinks at night or cold on summit day) | Yes |
|
| Water Purification Tablets/Iodine Drops in case bottled water runs low & for brushing teeth | Yes |
|
| Ear Plugs |
| Yes |
| Re-Sealable Plastic Bags (For Dirty Washing & carrying out daytime rubbish) | Yes |
|
| Spare Boot Laces |
| Yes |
|
|
|
|
Small First Aid Kit |
|
|
| Pain Killers/Paracetamol | Yes |
|
| Adhesive Dressing (Plasters) & Compeed Blister Pads | Yes |
|
| Antiseptic Spray | Yes |
|
| Rehydration Salts and Diarrhoea Tablets | Yes |
|
| Any Medication You Normally Use | Yes |
|
