Location, Climate & Kit
What to Bring . . .
Nights in Nairobi can be cool (14-18 C) so a light jumper is sensible.
November is during the short wet season and so big storms are possible when camping so bring a decent waterproof jacket in case.
The South Rift is about 2000 feet ASL and is hot, dusty and arid (if it’s not raining). Day time temperatures are often 30-35 C and it rarely gets below 20 C overnight so warm clothing is not needed here.
Heat illness and dehydration are definite risks so sensible hot weather clothing, long sleeved shirts, trousers, hats, and sunscreen are an absolute necessity. We will try to operate in the cool of the day.
Bring some comfortable and robust shoes that you are comfortable walking in for several hours on steep and rocky inclines. Trail running type shoes will be more than adequate and ankle boots are not a necessity. Open shoes for relaxing around camp.Walking poles if you find them useful.
A pair of walking gaiters can be useful to keep grass seeds and burrs from falling into your shoes and socks when walking.
Please all bring a travel towel and sleeping bag liner.
Please bring your own toiletries.
Please try to travel as light as possible as space in the vehicles is always at a premium. We will have facilities for hand washing clothes on location if needed.
Some DEET is prudent for biting insects. There are cases of malaria from this area as well as African tick bite fever. Malaria prophylaxis is prudent. Tsetse flies are present in certain areas but sleeping sickness is very rare. (Consult a Travel Clinic for Recommendations or visit the CDC)
We will have limited charging facilities for cameras and phones so bring your own storage units and solar chargers if you have them. We will not have wifi but there is mobile reception in the area.
Swimming wear and 2-3 litres capacity re-useable water storage bottles/containers for refilling daily for personal use to save on single use plastic.
A leatherman/pocket tool is very useful.
Please bring a head torch.
A cheap UV torch is fun for using to look for scorpions around camp at night. You'll be shocked and amazed to see what you find...
If you are into fishing then bring a light 2000-5000 class spinning reel and rod. The only terminal tackle you will need are some 2/0-4/0 sized circle hooks and some half ounce dropper weights as there is a river with lots of cat fish that we will likely visit. Alternatively just use a handline.
