DTWA Kenya-Tanzania Misc Q's

[jandk]

I am a little out of my comfort zone (enriching my life experiences) and have a few questions I would like answered.
1. Do I need to take a sleeping bag or is bedding supplied?
2. Do I need to take a sleeping bag cover anyway?
3. Where on the trip's duration can I recharge any batteries? My camera will need charging.
4. Is there a limit to the pack size we are permitted to take on the overland leg of the journey (I'm not talking about a small daytime pack but the larger 'luggage' pack?

If you have any other words of advise that we should consider for a first timer on this trip, please let me know (I have been reading the forum rather extensively).

I look forward to your reply!!

[ballu]

As camping is a part of this tour, you will need your own sleeping bag and pillow (I brought a little thermarest pillow...). It will get colder than you think it would in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, so I'd recommend a 3-season.

I would recommend bringing an extra battery...you likely will only have access to electricity for charging when you're staying at the hotel. For longer overland tours the overland truck has charging, but the overland trucks don't go to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro.

My pack is 70L, I can't remember if we had to downsize to our daypacks for those few days and leave our big packs in the big truck or not...hopefully someone else will answer that for you.

[markmol]

we left our main bags at the camp with the truck when we went to The crater & Serengeti, only took my daypack with a change of clothes, my sleeping bag & a few drinks to have with dinner. Nowhere there to charge batteries on these 3 days so as Ballu says if you can take a spare.

[jandk]

Thanks for your replies so far - very helpful.
OOh dear though, I am on a learning curve.
What size is a 70L pack in terms of cms or inches?
And, is the size restriction including the sleeping bag or is that extra added to the pack?
If I am worried about my back getting sore whilst camping, what should I take to help?
Please describe the product as I am no camper and am experiencing this for my young son's sake so really, really out of my normal comfort zone!!!!!!

[kateyb]

The 70 litre pack is about 4400 cubic inche, but I would suggest going to any outdoor store and talk to the sales staff about the different packs. I really like the Eagle Creek or Osprey travel backpacks. Well built and they have a great warranty. I also don't like how other backpacks are top loading and it makes it difficult to grab things from the pack.

Get a thermarest pillow, I prefer a barrel sleeping bag as I feel too confined in a mummy bag, head lamp is a necessity, I found the sleeping mats provided comfortable and I have problems with my lower back.

I would suggest going to an outdoor store though as you can zip yourself up in various sleeping bags to see which one suits you the most.

[jandk]

Thank you - you are so helpful!!! I have noticed tyhere are packs that are accessible from the bottom. When you say the padding is comfortable, is that what they have provided on the tour or do you need to take your own?

[kateyb]

They will supply you with the sleep mats.