Читать книгу (101 things to know when you go) ON SAFARI IN AFRICA - Patrick Brakspear - Страница 16

There is such a great selection of luggage styles to choose from these days that I hesitate to make any strong recommendations other than to say that it is IMPORTANT that you use only soft-sided bags if you are making use of light aircraft charters for your inter-camp transfers. This means no hard suitcases or cases with frames (this includes soft bags with wheels if they have a frame for the retractable handle). In this situation you will also be restricted to as little as 15kgs (35lbs) – including your hand luggage and camera equipment *. Check with your travel agent to confirm the actual allowance as this will vary from country to country and from one air charter company to another. The pilot needs to squeeze your luggage into compartments only 25cms high. There is of course the safety issue (overall weight) and it is important that he/she gets it right. Such weight restrictions will present quite a challenge. Start packing well in advance of your departure date and use your bathroom scales to be sure to keep within the limit. Having to repack on arrival only causes embarrassment, is unfair on the pilot and results in delays. When you see your pilot trying to stuff the luggage into every available nook and cranny you will see why the need for restrictions!? Do try to work with them on this.

Please keep in mind that most safari camps/lodges provide basic toilet amenities - shampoo, conditioner, bug spray and even suntan lotion; that laundry can generally be done on a daily basis (and many camps provide this service free of charge); and finally, that only casual clothing is required.

One other thing to mention as regards inter-camp charter flights: if you weigh more than 100kgs you must advise your travel agent in advance as this may affect the overall carrying capacity of the aircraft, and its safety, and require that an additional seat be assigned.

If you are not making use of light aircraft on safari then I would strongly recommend that your luggage choice has wheels! Not that you will be required to lug your bags on safari, but more because the international airports seem to be getting bigger and the distances you need to walk longer and longer!

With regard to securing your luggage, I would strongly suggest using one or more combination locks to secure zips together if your suitcase does not have its own locking mechanism. I also swear by luggage ties! These are invaluable for those small outside pouches. Luggage tampering in airports does occur, unfortunately. Luggage straps that wrap around your suitcase can also deter, whilst shrink-wrapping facilities are available at some airports.

* Please note that should you NOT strictly adhere to the luggage restrictions on air charters you can incur additional charges arising out of the transportation of any excess luggage. One possibility is to leave any extra bags at the airport with the charter company and collect these on the way back through. This assumes that your itinerary routing is such that you return to the same airport – if in doubt, check with your travel agent.