What to Pack:

Clothing: Pack as you would for any month-long trip, but keep it to a minimum! Every thing you take is your responsibility. Take 2 suitcases, the empty one is for bringing back things. When packing, keep in mind the following:

Climate: May and June are some of the coolest months in Kenya, but rarely will the temperature fall into the 50's at night (bring a light jacket or sweater). The daytime temperature will average in the mid to high 70's with very intense sunlight and cool shade. If the rains come, they will be intense, typical of tropical convectional downpours but of rather short duration. At high altitudes, hail and frost are not uncommon. Bring along a small umbrella. Mombasa is as hot and humid as Atlanta in the summer. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Laundry: More than likely you will not lay eyes on a washing machine or dryer during your stay. You therefore have the following options: pay to have your clothes hand-washed by locals (people are more than happy for the opportunity to make some money for their children's school fees and they are very honest) or hand-wash your own clothes. Usually, drying is a matter of a few hours. You will probably employ both methods by the end of the trip. However, Kenyans do not generally wash other peoples underwear. Bring a travel-size container of laundry soap and some plastic bags for your dirty clothes. Neither option will be convenient at all the times, so some people may need to increase their threshold for what they consider dirty.

Jewelry: Do not take any jewelry that you would want to lose. Do not flaunt wealth. A watch is enough, but also know that African time is when something happens. Kenyans do not generally allow time to control their lives. Socializing and personal relationships are much more important.

Local Customs: For the purpose of respecting cultural traditions and beliefs, women will wear long skirts/dresses in public and avoid wearing anything considered "skimpy" or too revealing. You may want to wear pants or shorts in the game parks but always travel with a wrap around. In public, except for the Coast, men wear trousers.

Customary practices: Shaking hands is an important social custom in Kenya, and you will be meeting a lot of people.

Toiletries: In addition to the usual, be sure to bring a month's supply of shampoo, hand-sanitizer or towellettes (best), and high rated sun block lotions. Note that the use of a hairdryer, electric razor, or anything else using power will require an adapter and are best done without, if possible. Because most of Kenya is at high altitudes and the sun is perpetually vertical, exposure to UV light is high. Kenya can be very warm in direct sunlight (83oF with low humidity), but in the shade, on cloudy days, and at night, it can be quite cool (55oF). In some areas, mosquitoes may be present (there are several hundred species) and if you are sensitive to bites you may want to bring a repellent with 20-30% DEET.

Equipment: We have 5 video cameras available for your use on the journey. A high quality camera with filter will prove quite useful; especially one with a good "zoom," X300+ (film speed ASA 800) will make you a 'wildlife' photographer. A close-up option is even better for insects and flowers. Remember, all wildlife is wild. You are their guests in their habitats. But, they, too, have limits to courtesy. You will be closer to lions, rhinos, elephants, and monkeys than you have ever imagined. During filming episodes, be quiet, courteous to your colleagues, and ­ BE PATIENT. The animals are doing what they do; they do not perform or come out because they have heard more people are coming to see them. With respect to film, you may surprise yourself with the number of pictures you take (instances of 20+ rolls being used are not uncommon). Film is expensive in Kenya, so bring lots of it. ASA speeds of 800 are best for telephoto lenses, however these high speeds are sensitive to X-rays used in airport security so all rolls of film must be taken as "carry on" and placed in containers with keys, etc. so they are open for inspection, but not exposed to X-rays. Be patient for the right picture and be creative in your angles. Many Kenyan ethnic groups feel that tourists are exploiting their cultural differences in a negative manner or pictures are being taken for commercial purposes. The Maasai are especially sensitive. Always check and get permission before taking pictures of individuals. The Kenyan government also has strict rules concerning taking pictures at the airport, immigration, and military installations. Also, do not take photos at security points or police road checks (licensing, tax collection). DO NOT TAKE UNWELCOMED PICTURES IN SENSITIVE AREAS. Binoculars may also be handy, but are not essential. Sunglasses are useful. Kenya has a wealth of books available: cultural, field guides, local stories, and textbooks. Generally, they are cheaper than a purchase made in the United States.