USEFUL INFO - USEFUL - ITEMS
Mobile Phone
A mobile phone (unlocked or get it unlocked in any city) will be useful. You can buy a local SIM card for next to nothing and top-up cards are readily available and inexpensive. This also doubles as your alarm clock for any early starts.
Binoculars
Binoculars are essential for close-up views of wildlife, especially birds. Compact binoculars are more backpack-friendly, but their restricted field of vision as compared with traditional binoculars can make it difficult to pick up animals in thick bush. For most purposes, 7x magnification is fine, but birdwatchers might find a 10x magnification more useful.
Padlock
If you stay in local hotels, carry a padlock, as many places don’t supply them.
Toiletries
You should also carry a towel, soap, shampoo, toilet paper and any other toiletries you need (all of which are now available in major supermarkets).
Torch
A torch is essential as electricity is never a guarantee.
Swiss Army Knife
Another potential favourite is the Swiss knife or multi-purpose tool.
Books
Even in the cities you’ll find the range of fiction books is limited and very expensive, though some cheaper second-hand books are available in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu, but it’s a good idea to bring a few reading books with you.
Vehicle Accessories
If travelling in your own vehicle, make sure you have a good set of tools, a selection of wire, string and rope, your drivers licence and the vehicle’s registration papers (and a letter of permission to use the vehicle if it’s not registered in your name). Depending on how far, where and when you’re driving you might also consider spare engine oil, a Geri can for fuel, a fan belt, spare fuses and a fluorescent light that plugs into the cigarette lighter.
Contact Lenses
In some instances contact lens solution may not be available therefore ensure you bring glasses in case the intense sun and dry African climate irritates your eyes
