Travel documents, etc.:

• Passport (be sure to make 2 photocopies, one to take with you [carried separately from your passport] and one to leave at home with family or a friend)
• International Student ID card
• Vaccination record (yellow book) if you have been to a yellow fever area in Africa or South America. More information may be found on the CDC Website
• Health insurance documents
• Airline tickets
• Cash, ATM card, credit cards, AT&T calling card (rates are cheaper with American cards), etc.

To take out in the field each day:

• Day pack for carrying water, lunch, field journal, camera, etc. in the field
• Water bottle (1 liter)
• Folding knife
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 15 or better)
• Binoculars (optional, but highly recommended. Compact binocs if possible)
• Camera, film (optional)

Gear for Camp:

• Warm sleeping bag (nighttime temperatures will dip below freezing). Make sure the temperature rating on your bag is a comfort rating, not a survival rating
• Sleeping bag liner - depending on the warmth of your sleeping bag
• Towel (1)
• Flashlight and spare batteries (headlamps are great if you like to read in the evening)

Clothing:

• Think layers!!! Remember, it is winter in South Africa - pleasant days, cold nights. The best advice is to not bring anything you want to keep in good condition i.e. your favorite T-shirt.
• Sturdy (hiking) boots
• 2 pairs of field pants (convertible pants with zip-off legs are great for the warmer days)
• 2-3 short sleeve T-shirts
• 2-3 long sleeve shirts
• 1 pair pants and 1-2 shirts that will stay clean. Most of the time we will be in the bush, but you may want a slightly better pair of pants/shirt for occasional trips to town.
• Socks, underwear
• Sweatshirt or sweater (polartech-type fleece is great)
• Outerwear for warmth (jacket)
• Warm gloves/hat
• Light rain jacket

Toiletries:

• Shampoo, soap, etc. The winter air in South Africa is dry, so chapstick is a must, lotion can be nice
• Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medicines, even those that are only for occasional use (like an epi pen if you are allergic to bee stings), plus extra eyeglasses if necessary
• Imodium (the water is safe, but never travel to Africa without it, just in case)
• Mosquito repellent containing DEET

Academic items:

• Thin 3-ring binder or spiral bound notebook, pens, pencils
• Course books

Last updated by J. Rhodes 17 April, 2006