When traveling overland, pack no more equipment than is essential.
We often see 4x4's overloaded with their roof racks so heavily loaded that they are swaying all over the road. Not only is this dangerous but a major road hazard at best. Rather buy or rent a decent off-road trailer and do away with roof racks.
Concentrate on being reasonably comfortable with enough equipment than too much. Sleeping bags are a bad option in "big game" country if you have to move quickly. Plan and pack correctly. Take 30% more FOOD AND WATER than you need, preferably in cans.
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| A long term camp
site 1964 - "home from home" |
An
3 day camp in the Mwapula Valley, Zambia 1963 |
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| Overnighting
on the back of a vehicle is OK also - at mBaruma's Ruins where the Chakwenga joins the Zambezi - 1964 |
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What do you need?
| Tent with built in "mozzie" net | Bush shower or use a stream |
| Groundsheets x 2 are nice to have | Awning for shade - essential in some areas |
| Strip light/s - low amp hour demand | Water bags & Containers |
| Gas cooker & lights | Chair per person |
| Table - ours fits to spare wheel carrier | Cotton or wool clothing - avoid textiles |
| Eating irons, pot, pan & mess tins etc | Bed or blow-up mattress, pillows, bedding |
| "Poep" stool if you can't squat | Canvas Basin |
| Water filter unit | "Zambia" type axe |
| Panga | Long & Short type tent pegs |
| Cleaning kit/s | Fishing gear etc (if you can use it). |
| Food - 2 GOOD meals a day are NECESSARY to KEEP FIT | Shovel |
| Water if you don't know how to find it | Decent torch, strong beam |
| Enough toilet paper is a great help | Top class knife/knives |
What not to do! - When setting up camp do not pitch your tent where there are animal tracks e.g. Elephant paths. Try and find a nice protected site where you have reasonable visibility and don't make a mess or too much noise