SOME ESSENTIALS TO BRING ALONG

(above: Campsite 24 at Moreswa. Great shade and a great view of the expansive pan. Let's hope we can get space here.)

We should try and avoid duplication of bulky, heavy items like camp tables and chairs, hi-lift jacks and so on. But it's always useful to have your own packing list for more personal things. I hope this is a helpful guide:

A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD
We don't know yet who will have roof-top tents or ground tents. Rest assured though you won't have to go out and buy these expensive items, as between us we have plenty of resources. Sleeping in the open is strictly out though - even if you are adventurous. We'd like everyone to come back in one piece!

BEDDING
Things like stretchers, inflatable matresses and safari mats can be expensive and are really only useful in ground tents of course. As we get closer to the time, we'll see who's got what to share. What you should have, of your own, is a pillow and a sleeping bag. Oddly enough, cold often comes from the bottom, so a fleece blanket (or somethhing similar) underneath you is quite a good idea.

FOR YOUR PERSONAL COMFORT
I expect the days to be mild but the nights to be cold (I've actually never been to Khutse at this time of year). I would bring a track suit, fleece trousers and a warm jacket, or something similiar, to wear at dinner time around the fire. Remember, it's not as though you can go and sit inside! If you have space, a scarf and beenie might also be a good idea. Shorts and a comfortable shirt will be the order of the day for daytime, I'm sure. There's no royalty coming with us on this trip so please be casual. It's even okay to wear the same pair of shorts two days in a row - we won't tell! This'll also help with your packing space.

I find it's useful to have a full sized towel, just in case a shower is in the offing. But a small hand towel is also useful for abluting in the morning.

As well as your daytime or ordinary sneakers/boots I would also bring strops or sandals.

DON'T FORGET A WIDE BRIMMED HAT. NOT AS "COOL" AS A CAP BUT MUCH BETTER FOR YOU!

LOTIONS AND POTIONS
Please bring a good sunblock and insect repellent (if not for mosquitoes, then for ticks etc!)
There's a range of camping soaps/gels available that are good for washing hair, faces and bodies all in one - so you only need to bring a single bottle instead of three. It contains citronella too, whch helps repel bugs. Check out your nearest Outdoor Warehouse.

Obviously, don't forget your usual toothpastes and anti-wrinkle creams etc, but remember that space is at a premium. If you can do without it, leave it behind. If you can decant your requirements into a smaller container, then do it.

ENTERTAINMENT
A good mix of magazines is usually at hand. It's also quite a good idea to bring along a compendium of games like Scrabble, dominoes, cards and so on. As with everything, we should try and plan so that we don't end up with 4 bulky boxes of Trivial Pursuit!

I have a peculiar and personal habit of suggesting that folks who enjoy their music should enjoy it on their own headphones! I know it sounds old fashioned and cliched but there's nothing better than the sound of the bush at night - and someone else's favourite CD can unintentionally - but easily - spoil the experience a little!

REMEMBER, A TRIP TO THE BUSH IS A PERSONAL AND VERY SPECIAL EXPERIENCE. PLEASE FEEL COMPLETELY AT EASE IF YOU WANT TO SIT QUIETLY ON YOUR OWN AND READ A BOOK OR WRITE POETRY OR WHATEVER! IT'S YOUR TIME - MAKE THE MOST OF THE QUIETNESS AND PEACE. THERE'S NO PRESSURE.....

SEEING AND REMEMBERING
If you have a good set of binoculars, bring them. There are always birds, animals, fellow adventurers and other interesting things to see. And don't forget your camera - AND SPARE BATTERIES! I've also taken along a mini voice recorder on previous trips, which is an easy and fun way to keep a diary. I also like to keep an informal log book in my vehicle; mostly because it gives us something to do!