SUPPLIES!
Here are some of the supplies we took on our trip - internal and external.

Over a period of one and a half months prior to leaving we made three visits to Dr. C, a specialist in travel medicine. We got vaccinations against
Flu, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid,  Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis, Yellow Fever. Some of these are a series of three injections.

We also took enough Atovaquone-Proguanil (anti-malaria) pills to cover time in areas with malaria potential (one pill starting the day before reaching the area and each day while there and seven days thereafter). Also, some antibiotics, Ciprofloxicin-HCL and Amoxicillin for light situations and Azithromycin for heavy duty. , Bystolic to lower my blood pressure and something from the statin family to lower my cholesterol. Then there is standard stuff like Aspirin and Immodium and lotion for itching bites.

Insect Repellent containing 30% Deet in two forms, a cream made by 3M and individual impregnated wipes.

Sunscreen of course. For weight reasons I decided to leave behind the two silver, reflective umbrellas which could have done double duty in rain and sun.

Two ultra-violet-based water purification kits, the Steri-Pen which served us well in India and uses four AA batteries and the newer Camelbak which has a battery built in and charges from the wall or laptop. Both guarantee purifying water to make it safe to drink in 60 to 90 seconds, the former, a liter, the latter 750 ml. The water has to be clear, not murky, in order for the ultra-violet light to do its work.

Two lightweight but sturdy folding hiking poles which are also useful in defending oneself against attack by wild animals and humans.

Last but not least, electronic devices. Laptop, I-pod and cell phone with all their numerous power cords, connectors and foreign electric plug adaptors. Also, a small Canon camera with 20x zoom and binoculars. Plus batteries and appropriate chargers.

Oh, I forgot to mention a few types of small LED flashlights and a two powerful whistles of the type used by referees in basketball games. I have a theory that, if we are faced by a charging elephant, rhino or hippo, blowing the whistle will stop them in their tracks.

Snorkeling supplies will be bought in Singapore, after we have left the strict weight restrictions of our African safari flights. Maybe I'll find some silver umbrellas there.

THE NEXT POST WILL HAVE PHOTOS FROM OUR FIRST DRIVES AT NOTTEN'S CAMP IN SABI SANDS.