Please review the following checklist of essential and optional items. Ensuring that you have all items on this list will assist you in preparing for your stay at Quest Africa.

Sleeping Quarters

  • Towels for bathing, swimming & camping
  • Coat hangers

Electrical Appliances

  • Cell phone & camera charger

Laundry

  • Laundry bag
  • Soaking bucket & pegs
  • Hand wash powder to soak

Toiletries & First Aid

  • Personal firstaid kit including anti-diarrhoeal, eye and ear drops, analgesic, paraffin gauze, burn shields, deep heat.
  • Prescription drugs to be accompanied with a letter from doctor.
  • Mosquito repellent & coils
  • Sunblock, body lotion & moisturizers
  • Shampoo, conditioner & liquid soap preferable
  • Deodorant, toilet-spray & tissues
  • Toothpaste, floss & toothbrush
  • Nail & hair brush, body-sponge, nail kit & foot powder
  • Shaving kit

Personal Items

  • Camera - digital if possible
  • Binoculars
  • Protective cell phone pouch
  • Sun hat & sunglasses
  • Head light torch & spare batteries
  • Maglite torch or similar.
  • Pocket knife
  • Lockable trunk for under you bed (25 x 60 x 30)
  • Lock & key for your trunk
  • Laundry marker & permanent marking pen
  • Sewing kit with needles, pins, safety pins, cotton & scissors

General Clothing

  • Underwear, sleepwear & swimming costume
  • Socks for hiking, cycling, running & casual wear
  • Shirts & t-shirts
  • Jeans, chinos & shorts
  • Track suit,
  • Sweaters & jackets
  • Formal evening outfit (at least blazer or jacket, tie and dark chinos)
  • Shoes for all occasions, formal, casual, outdoor & sport
  • Protective overalls – preferably 2 piece work suit
  • Rain coat or poncho

Camping

  • Light weight hiking tent
  • High density field mattress
  • Light weight sleeping bag for cold weather
  • Protective bag or bevy to sleep in during bad weather
  • Wind & waterproof jacket
  • Camp cooker & suitable container to boil water
  • Water bottle or camel-pack with bladder for hiking & cycling
  • Melamine camping crockery - mug, plate & bowl (as unbreakable as possible)
  • Camping cutlery - knife, fork & spoon
  • Space blanket & waterproof lighter

Hiking Back Packs

You need two back packs, one for day use (+/- 15L)and one for multiple day hike’s (+/- 50L). Proper fit and the ratio of your size and build, versus size of the backpack is essential if you want to enjoy your hike. Your back pack should not exceed 15% of your body weight when fully loaded to make for a comfortable hike.

Mountain-Bike Gear

If you already own a mountain bike, it is important to get it serviced before arriving. It should be equipped with an odometer, light,mini pump and toolkit containing the following:

  • Puncture repair kit and ‘gel’ for punctures
  • Extra inner tube
  • Tyre lever & multi tool

(Quest can facilitate the purchase of good mountain bikes and equipment in Bulawayo if necessary.)

Sports Gear & Clothing

  • Bicycle helmet
  • Swimming costume / trunks
  • Running shoes (Try to get the best you can afford, you will be exercising on a regular basis. Cross-trainers are also good to opt for as we usually run off-road and often they double up on a, climbing or cycling trip.)
  • Hiking boots ( These should be bought well in advance and worn in before embarking on your first hike. Light, good quality, ankle protection and good socks are the key words. If they are leather, stock-up on wax.)

Academic, Stationery & Other

  • A set of Bicycle playing cards red & blue
  • A4 Exam pads with punched holes x4
  • A4 Ring binder x 2
  • A5 Page a day diary x1
  • Pens, pencils, glue, tape & scissors
  • Bird Book: Sasol, Newmans or Roberts.
  • Mammals; Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa (Stuarts) or similar
  • Safari Companion (Estes) or similar.

Medical Advice

Ensure that you do a comprehensive medical check-up. You will participate in exercise and outdoor activities and we should know of any health restrictions. Your medical check-up should include:

  • Heart, lungs and ear
  • Identification of blood group
  • History of operations
  • Anti malaria drugs
  • Any injuries or disabilities

Passport and ID

Check passport expiry date. Your passport should be valid for at least 10 months from the start date of the coures. Passports should be handed in for safe keeping at registration.

Please also bring your national ID and Driving Licence if applicable.

Optional

  • GPS
  • 1-litre thermos flask
  • Leatherman/similar knife
  • Toolset
  • General outdoor equipment.