Post by MrsPotatohead on Jul 19, 2014 10:08:48 GMT -5
So I realized the other day that bringing our roller bags is probably not the best idea. I have no problem using something smaller since I always take a carryon, even for my decently long trips since I just think it's easier. However, I've never traveled with anything except a rolling carryon and while we live in the PNW, we are not hikers like everyone here so we don't own anything else
We aren't planning on hiking and backpacking around with all our stuff, just getting to and from places where we're staying etc. I'm not really sure what that means - how much do you think we'll need to carry all of our stuff? What kind of luggage/bag did you take to Africa or would you recommend? Thanks!
ETA: @sfgal530 I'm tagging you
ETA2: sorry, realized I never said where we are going - Malawi and probably South Africa
Post by phillyrunner on Jul 19, 2014 11:13:48 GMT -5
Where are you going in Africa? We brought two carry on roller bags and everything was perfectly fine. We were in South Africa for about 2 weeks, and stayed in 6 different hotels.
Where are you going in Africa? We brought two carry on roller bags and everything was perfectly fine. We were in South Africa for about 2 weeks, and stayed in 6 different hotels.
we're going to Malawi and probably also South Africa. Thanks for the input. I've had several people IRL also question whether we should bring rolling bags etc (although none have been) so then I was starting to wonder if that was a bad idea - I really have no idea what to expect!
Are you taking small planes? If so, duffel style so they can cram it into the cargo area. We went to South Africa and brought regular rollers, no problems.
Are you taking small planes? If so, duffel style so they can cram it into the cargo area. We went to South Africa and brought regular rollers, no problems.
no idea yet, haven't bought tickets (it's in a few months)
We took north face duffel bags. I bought the XL but it was too big so I am probably going to go but two mediums instead. They're just easier to manage.
Also a pro tip - if you have a long connecting layover somewhere, travel with a small bag of necessities as a carry on. We didn't realize that our 19-hour layover in Dubai meant we weren't getting our bags until Nairobi. Thankfully we had toiletries and a change of clothes but if we hadn't that would have sucked.
yeah, I'm not planning on checking anything really, I haven't in a long time and find it easier overall (unless they run out of room and *need* us to put the bag below). thanks for the rec!
yeah, I'm not planning on checking anything really, I haven't in a long time and find it easier overall (unless they run out of room and *need* us to put the bag below). thanks for the rec!
Double check the requirements for carry-ons with the international flights you book, then. Some airlines are really restrictive and so you could end up being forced to check, even if you don't intend to.
hm interesting - I was only forced to check one time because of weight, but I don't think that will be a problem this time since I have to be able to carry it if necessary but good reminder.
Post by sunshinedaydreams on Jul 19, 2014 14:12:33 GMT -5
Ditto everyone else who has said a soft-sided duffle. I took my Northface hiking pack. It was really easy to get around with and easier for me to carry than a duffel, but if you're not going to be hiking I'm not sure I'd buy one. Do you maybe have a friend you could borrow from? My H took an LL Bean duffel and it was equally as easy and roomy.
Also, keep in mind that if you take small planes, there may be a total luggage weight requirement. As in, not per bag, but per passenger. I think ours was something like 25lb per person for the smaller planes, but it's been a few years, so I'm not positive.
Post by sunnysally on Jul 19, 2014 14:56:12 GMT -5
We are taking small planes to our safari lodges and were told that only soft sided luggage sized 25 cm (10 inches) wide x 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long were allowed. The weight limit is 20kg/person inclusive of all hand luggage and camera equipment. I am taking an Eagle Creek duffel that is 24 x 12 x 11 in because that is the closest size I could find. I plan to not pack it full so that it can be squished into the compartment.
We are going to South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. I've read that East Africa has more restrictive weights/person.
yeah, I'm not planning on checking anything really, I haven't in a long time and find it easier overall (unless they run out of room and *need* us to put the bag below). thanks for the rec!
Double check the requirements for carry-ons with the international flights you book, then. Some airlines are really restrictive and so you could end up being forced to check, even if you don't intend to.
DITTO!!! I just booked a ticket on an LCC in India and the weight limit for a carry on is pretty restrictive (7kg). Also double check the weight limit on luggage if you will be flying from Malawi to SA; it can sometimes be really low (15kg total for all bags, not just one bag) depending on the airline and if you don't pay for extra weight when you buy a ticket it can get very expensive at the airport.
I know that Virgin Atlantic can be a total PITA with regards to carry ons. I have had them weigh my carry on luggage at LAX and LHR and they tried to force XH to check his CPAP machine because it was too heavy.
Post by MrsPotatohead on Jul 19, 2014 19:37:53 GMT -5
thanks for all the info guys! We haven't booked anything at all since we're not going until Oct/Nov and H is still working out the details with his work (he's going for a month before I come, which complicates it a little for him since I guess he's going to have a hard time with those weight limits and packing for that long of a trip).
sunshinedaydreams and RockNVoll - ugh, I know a backpack probably is easier (I use one for school every day because it's easier than being cute and carrying a tote, so I can be practical!) but they are just so expensive and won't get used much I think in the future I've thought about borrowing one since I know lots of people who hike, but I guess I don't know if that's something people are 'nervous' about lending since they are nice/expensive pieces. Or maybe I should just think about changing my travel style and use a backpack from here on out!
sunnysally - super helpful thanks, glad to know about this and will check more once we book those. Those size/weight requirements for the safari are tiny - is that all you're packing for the whole trip? Do you have more luggage you are leaving somewhere else? My H is going to be there for a month before we do the safari and he's tall, so that would only fit like, a pair of pants and one shirt, lol. Or at least that just sounds really small. If that's all you are taking, what are you packing?
alleinesein - thanks, yeah I have traveled a lot overseas, but I guess I haven't really taken small planes for the most part, so I'll make sure to pay attention to that!
Cicero - just asked H and I guess he's going to Blantyre, which seems to actually be a ways outside of Lilongwe... so maybe a backpack is better?
Blantyre is the historic major town in Malawi. Getting between Lilongwe and Blantyre you'll probably drive so anything would be ok for that journey.
thanks! H's work kept changing where he was going in Africa and it just got finalized recently (plus until the above post I didn't even know where in Malawi he was going!) so I pretty much haven't researched anything yet for this trip... Sounds really interesting, I'm excited to go!
sunnysally - super helpful thanks, glad to know about this and will check more once we book those. Those size/weight requirements for the safari are tiny - is that all you're packing for the whole trip? Do you have more luggage you are leaving somewhere else? My H is going to be there for a month before we do the safari and he's tall, so that would only fit like, a pair of pants and one shirt, lol. Or at least that just sounds really small. If that's all you are taking, what are you packing?
Yes, that is all we are taking for the entire trip and we are going for three weeks! I tend to pack light and the lodges will do laundry. I'm bringing mostly hiking type clothes, so they are lightweight and will dry quickly. What makes it more complicated is that we are starting in Cape Town where it will be in the 60s and going to Botswana where it will be 90s and above. I'm still working on my packing list. I already own hiking pants that zip into shorts; I know they aren't fashionable but they are so convenient and functional. I'll probably wear a maxi skirt on the plane and then if I'm cold in Cape Town, I can put a pair of leggings on underneath but it will still be fine if we go to a nicer restaurant. I'm debating if my hiking boots are needed. We plan to do a few hikes but I don't know if the weight is worth it. Probably not.
My DH is also really tall and is always envious of how much clothing I can fit into a small space. I usually end up trading some space in my bag for space in his liquids bag. lol
I'm pretty sure many airports have left luggage facilities, but the way our route is configured ithey would be difficult for us to use. If you are flying into and out of the same airport you should check into that possibility.
I did reread the info our travel agent sent us and it specified no wheels of any kind are allowed on luggage and no framed backpacks. That may be specific to the planes we are flying on, but double check just to be safe.
sunnysally - super helpful thanks, glad to know about this and will check more once we book those. Those size/weight requirements for the safari are tiny - is that all you're packing for the whole trip? Do you have more luggage you are leaving somewhere else? My H is going to be there for a month before we do the safari and he's tall, so that would only fit like, a pair of pants and one shirt, lol. Or at least that just sounds really small. If that's all you are taking, what are you packing?
Yes, that is all we are taking for the entire trip and we are going for three weeks! I tend to pack light and the lodges will do laundry. I'm bringing mostly hiking type clothes, so they are lightweight and will dry quickly. What makes it more complicated is that we are starting in Cape Town where it will be in the 60s and going to Botswana where it will be 90s and above. I'm still working on my packing list. I already own hiking pants that zip into shorts; I know they aren't fashionable but they are so convenient and functional. I'll probably wear a maxi skirt on the plane and then if I'm cold in Cape Town, I can put a pair of leggings on underneath but it will still be fine if we go to a nicer restaurant. I'm debating if my hiking boots are needed. We plan to do a few hikes but I don't know if the weight is worth it. Probably not.
My DH is also really tall and is always envious of how much clothing I can fit into a small space. I usually end up trading some space in my bag for space in his liquids bag. lol
I'm pretty sure many airports have left luggage facilities, but the way our route is configured ithey would be difficult for us to use. If you are flying into and out of the same airport you should check into that possibility.
I did reread the info our travel agent sent us and it specified no wheels of any kind are allowed on luggage and no framed backpacks. That may be specific to the planes we are flying on, but double check just to be safe.
Enjoy your trip!
wow really good info, thanks so much! and lol @ the clothes vs. liquids, totally the same
I like that it has backpack straps but the inside is designed like a suitcase. I had used a hiking backpack before but it's usually a smaller opening to the main compartment so it's hard to find things. I have packing cubes that fit into it (from rick steves, but they work well). I've taken it on multiple 10-day international trips and fit everything I need. I've also carried the thing for hours and not had a problem with comfort. It was on sale for $60 when I bought it, but $99 isn't a bad price.
Post by definitelyO on Jul 21, 2014 9:43:17 GMT -5
we took soft sided rolling duffel bags. Like a lot of PP we had to be very careful with he weight due to internal flights. We did have one lodge do our laundry - but we stayed a bit rustic and pretty sure they dried DH's clothes by the fire - they smelled like smoke...
Post by sunnysally on Jul 21, 2014 18:47:29 GMT -5
We will start with 4 full days (5 nights)in Cape Town staying at the V&A Waterfront. We are doing a wine lands tour and a Cape tour and will have 2 days free. We plan on doing Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Robben Island. Then, we will spend 2 nights in Hermanus which has the best land based whale watching. We will do a great white shark dive. Then, Kruger (actually Sabi Sands) staying at the Arathusa Lodge for 5 nights. Then Livingston for 3 nights to see Victoria Falls and white water raft (class 5 rapids!). We aren't sure yet if we are going to go to the Zimbabwe side or not. Botswana and Chobe are next for 3 nights. We are staying at the Chobe Lodge which is the only lodge in the park. I'm really excited to do a boat safari. Lastly, Johannesburg for 2 nights.
I had to laugh when you said you aren't going until Oct/Nov. I'm not going until September, but I've been planning for nearly a year. It's what I do! Our travel agent (Cape Town based) is going to send us packing lists and information in a few weeks. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll let you know if I have any information. I love planning and talking about travel and am happy to share anything I've learned.
We will start with 4 full days (5 nights)in Cape Town staying at the V&A Waterfront. We are doing a wine lands tour and a Cape tour and will have 2 days free. We plan on doing Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Robben Island. Then, we will spend 2 nights in Hermanus which has the best land based whale watching. We will do a great white shark dive. Then, Kruger (actually Sabi Sands) staying at the Arathusa Lodge for 5 nights. Then Livingston for 3 nights to see Victoria Falls and white water raft (class 5 rapids!). We aren't sure yet if we are going to go to the Zimbabwe side or not. Botswana and Chobe are next for 3 nights. We are staying at the Chobe Lodge which is the only lodge in the park. I'm really excited to do a boat safari. Lastly, Johannesburg for 2 nights.
I had to laugh when you said you aren't going until Oct/Nov. I'm not going until September, but I've been planning for nearly a year. It's what I do! Our travel agent (Cape Town based) is going to send us packing lists and information in a few weeks. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll let you know if I have any information. I love planning and talking about travel and am happy to share anything I've learned.
thanks again for all the info, this sounds amazing!! I'm so excited. I'm also a planner and have the travel bug like crazy (but because of H's work we haven't been overseas for a couple years) so I would have loved to have been planning this for a year, but this has all depended on when/where H's work was sending him which kept changing a million times and only *just* got settled about 2 weeks ago. I'm driving him crazy with a bajillion emails/questions and trying to plan and he's just like "I don't know" or "we'll talk later" lol. I on the other hand am annoyed that he still doesn't have exact dates yet so we can't really firm up anything until that gets decided and I really want to get things planned asap. Oh well
really appreciate all the help - right now we don't have a travel agent or anything and were going to sort of plan it ourselves... the only advantage is that when H goes for the month before I come he'll be working with a current co-worker who is moving there for a year, so I'm also hoping they might be able to give us some tips at least for Malawi. And it will be nice that H will have gotten settled and know how to get around a little.
Have you considered doing bus/car/etc instead of flying between countries? I found this one website bootsnall (not sure if you guys have talked about it over here - I haven't really been on this board much, but would love to hang out more!) that let's you plan multi-leg plane trips on your own and you can also select if you want to do any part of it on the ground. They had some info about getting around between countries, but I don't know how reliable that is... although it's a ton cheaper. I'm sure I'll have lots more questions and appreciate the help!
Post by sunnysally on Jul 21, 2014 20:30:15 GMT -5
We did look into bus/car/etc, but the time involved was too much for us. I rarely use a travel agent, but when I started looking in to planning this trip, the distances were so great, and the flights to Livingston are so limited that I got overwhelmed. I've been very happy with our agent so far, the prices she got for us were lower than I was finding on my own and we even get two nights free lodging. Your situation is very different from ours since your husband will be there for so long prior to you joining him.
I'm going to check out bootsnall. Thanks for the tip!
We did look into bus/car/etc, but the time involved was too much for us. I rarely use a travel agent, but when I started looking in to planning this trip, the distances were so great, and the flights to Livingston are so limited that I got overwhelmed. I've been very happy with our agent so far, the prices she got for us were lower than I was finding on my own and we even get two nights free lodging. Your situation is very different from ours since your husband will be there for so long prior to you joining him.
I'm going to check out bootsnall. Thanks for the tip!
yeah this trip is definitely more complicated/overwhelming than any other trip I've planned... a travel agent would be nice, but I guess I don't know if the cost is worth it. thanks for all the help!
I'd hold off on luggage until you make your booking and get more info. I travel to Africa regularly, and take small planes (as small as 6 seaters) on occasion and have never had an issue with a 20 inch rolling carry on. Blantyre is a proper city and there's no need to plan for special luggage for that part.
Once you book the safari portion of your trip you'll receive more specific guidance.
One thing to consider--assuming your H has local colleages and is working out of a local office you may want to consider booking the safari portion locally. I've always done it that way and have never paid more than $250/day for my safari. If you want the top of the line luxury accommodations it pays to book ahead, but when it's more of a "we're already in Africa, let's go see some animals" thing booking in country typically pays off.
If I were you I'd fly between countries, but I've already had more than my share of long haul trips on African roads. I've witnessed too many horrid accidents to choose that route when traveling for pleasure.
thank you! very helpful. I hadn't really thought about booking things once he got there... man there are so many choices! Based on all this I did decide to wait on the luggage until after we've planned a little more.
Do you have a rec on which country/safari you would choose if you could pick only one? I wish we could do more, but he can only take one week off after he finishes working, so I don't know if it's reasonable to do more than one other country (and do multiple things within that area). There are so many amazing places/things to see, it's so hard to choose just one! My travel-loving self really wishes we cold do a lot more
I'd hold off on luggage until you make your booking and get more info. I travel to Africa regularly, and take small planes (as small as 6 seaters) on occasion and have never had an issue with a 20 inch rolling carry on. Blantyre is a proper city and there's no need to plan for special luggage for that part.
Once you book the safari portion of your trip you'll receive more specific guidance.
One thing to consider--assuming your H has local colleages and is working out of a local office you may want to consider booking the safari portion locally. I've always done it that way and have never paid more than $250/day for my safari. If you want the top of the line luxury accommodations it pays to book ahead, but when it's more of a "we're already in Africa, let's go see some animals" thing booking in country typically pays off.
If I were you I'd fly between countries, but I've already had more than my share of long haul trips on African roads. I've witnessed too many horrid accidents to choose that route when traveling for pleasure.
Do you have a rec on which country/safari you would choose if you could pick only one? I wish we could do more, but he can only take one week off after he finishes working, so I don't know if it's reasonable to do more than one other country (and do multiple things within that area). There are so many amazing places/things to see, it's so hard to choose just one! My travel-loving self really wishes we cold do a lot more
Is your main objective to do a safari or to visit a country? Obviously, you can do both, but I think my advice might vary based on your interests.
I lived in South Africa and did a lot of traveling, but safaris were never on the top of my priority list although I did go on several. I was more interested in seeing other things as well. I didn't make it to east Africa, but I've heard that Kenya has great safaris, so my next safari trip I plan to go to Kenya. So that would probably be my recommendation for a safari although I have no personal experience.
I'll ditto mx on the Okavango Delta. I loved my time in Botswana. And I did it on a budget, but still had an amazing time. I can still imagine myself floating down the delta in a makoro, very unique experience. Highly recommended.
I lived in Cape Town and I think anyone who has a chance should visit there. Beautiful city with a million things to do for a variety of interests. So if you aren't 100% dead set on spending your whole time on a safari, I'd recommend Cape Town. If you want to do a safari in South Africa then there are a lot of options, but they aren't near Cape Town and like I said above I've heard that Kenya safaris are "better/more exciting."
Lastly, Namibia is a very unique country that I'd also recommend. You can do a safari and the dunes in a week. We drove throughout the country, but if you have a larger budget you can obviously fly.
As far as luggage goes, I always used a hiking backpack, but that's because I was often traveling for longish periods of time and a backpack is easy. I don't think you'd have too much of a problem with a roller if it meets any size dimensions, but I'm sure you can hold off on ordering until you have your trip booked.
Post by MrsPotatohead on Jul 22, 2014 14:50:54 GMT -5
@mx I am definitely excited about doing a safari, but probably not for an entire week, so I would love to find a place that has several options close by (I especially enjoy historical sites/museums etc).
@wandering honestly I have no idea what the main objective is right now, lol. I'm just so excited to get out of the country after 2 years And H is just really focused right now on work so I haven't gotten much out of him yet as far as what he wants to do. Like I said above, safaris were really the first thing that came to mind because I would love to see all those animals, but I enjoy learning about the history of places I go to, so I would want that to be part of the trip.
At this point I guess I'm feeling a tiny bit restricted to something that's reasonably priced to get to from Malawi, but otherwise I haven't been planning this long enough to have done much research about all the different countries (this trip was originally going to be next year). I'm not super familiar with Africa as a whole and have more experience with Europe/Asia/Middle East, so this is a fun adventure I think you're right about the backpack and after all this, that's probably the route we'll go. Thanks for all the info, it sounds amazing!
I think it depends on budget and interest. If a safari is something you've dreamt of forever and you love wildlife, and you're willing to pay a lot for the amazing experience, I'd go to Okavango in Botswana.
I also hear really amazing things about some of the lodges and parks in the north of Mozambique--I think they are relatively inexpensive but getting there would be a bitch--you'd have to probably fly Lilongwe-Maputo-Beira or Pemba and internal flights in Moz are insanely expensive.
I really like Kruger and the Swaziland parks for a lower cost safari--you can self drive in both and there are a wide range of prices and accommodations and it would be an easy flight from Malawi.
I tend to have a different perspective on safaris than many--after 3 days I get pretty bored. I like outdoor vacations but I need them to be more active I guess. That's another reason I like the South Africa parks--there is great hiking to be had as well and unlike Moz you don't have to worry about mines.
Did you do any hiking in Kruger? I am doing a four day backpacking trip there soon and I am super excited!
You could spend a week in Malawi. If you are someone who travels a fair amount, then you could easily do other longer trips to South Africa/Namibia etc, but chances are you would never go to Malawi again!
The hiking up Mt Mulange is excellent - it's a hard hike to the top but you can also do day walks to springs etc. and I realize that it isn't on the same scale as the other safaris discussed, but I really enjoyed going on safari at Liwonde.
Well I don't know how his work schedule is, but I could definitely go earlier and we could fit some more things in there if he thinks he'll have time! Malawi hasn't come up as much in some of my initial searches, so I wasn't really sure where to start as far as what to do there, but I definitely want to make the most of being there since that's where we'll start! Plus I'm sure he'd like to have ideas of things to do on the weekends thanks!
We were told to take soft sided duffel bags. I used a small one which had rollers and it was the best of both worlds. This kinds of thing - link
This is what I was thinking, too. We use soft, rolling duffles for anything like this. They are rugged, but light. The ones we have have really good handles that we can use to hoist the bags as though they were backpacks. This works great on dirt, gravel, non-paved roads or for carrying them up/down stairs. If I have a carry-on, too, it's a small day-pack backpack that I can strap onto my front while carrying the duffle on my back.