Suggested Packing List for
Think: simple and all things to leave behind. Rule of thumb for dressing: dress nicely but comfortably. Always be prepared to walk a long way in whatever you’re wearing that day. Kenyans dress very nicely and very modestly.
Plan on one checked bag and one carry-on backpack
Clothes – plan on leaving most in Kenya
- One pair of loose fitting pants for around the motel/travel
- One pair of capris for safari
- Two loose skirts below the knee
- One church outfit
- 3-4 shirts (short sleeve, no sleeveless)
- Underwear for a week (will do laundry)
- Comfortable sandals (need to be able to walk distances)
- Sneakers and comfortable socks
- Comfortable church shoes (optional, could just wear nice sandals)
- PJs (cool at night ~70 degrees)
- Jacket/sweater (cool and windy at night, travel)
- Men: sports coat and tie, dress pants, dress shoes, two pairs pants, 5-7 undershirts, 3 collared casual shirts or polo shirts, sandals/daily shoes (comfortable for walking distances).
Toiletries – are available to purchase in Kijabe if you forget something!
- Small shampoo/conditioner
- Small soap
- Small toothpaste, toothbrush
- Facial soap, washcloth
- Moisturizer with SPF
- Deodorant (don’t forget that!)
- Razor (in checked luggage)
- Nail clippers (optional - in checked luggage)
Accessories
- Broad rimed hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen at least SPF 30-40
- Mosquito spray/lotion (not aerosol due to plane travel)
- Camera (with lots of film or digital memory!) (put film in your carry-on, not checked luggage to preserve film integrity)
- Travel alarm clock
- Inflatable travel pillow
- Nalgene water bottle (pack in your checked luggage – European airports may not let you thru security with even empty container)
- Flashlight
- Pocket knife (optional - in checked luggage)
- A few snacks (granola bars, crackers, raisins)
Medical
- Tylenol
- Bandaids, triple antibiotic ointment
- Malaria meds
- Anti-diarrheal (immodium)
- Peptobismo
- Anti-diarrhea antibiotic (Cipro)
- Packet of Gatorade for rehydration
- Decongestant
Gifts
- Stickers for kids in VBS
- Balloons for kids in VBS
- One host/hostess gift with gift bag and tissue paper (each person bring one gift and we will take turns giving gift to our hosts – calendars, American foods, journals, etc.)
- We can purchase Bibles there in appropriate languages, so consider bringing money if that’s a gift you’d like to give to a Kenyan.
- $100 for gifts
- $30 for extra expenses (snack foods, airport snacks, etc.)
- $30 for local ministries/offerings
Important documents – recommend a money belt/bag to keep passport next to your body under your clothes during travel.
- Passport
- Money – divided into several different places throughout your luggage and person
- Vaccine record
In your carry-on, pack one entire change of clothes, your necessary medications, basic toiletries (all liquids <3oz style=""> I.e. any essentials if the checked luggage gets lost for a few days.
