What to pack

Luggage limitations on light aircraft

Typically, the light aircraft that will transfer you to Baines’ River Camp are limited to carrying a maximum of 15 kilograms of luggage per person, including hand luggage, and should be packed in soft bags (http://proflight-zambia.com/content/beforeyoufly/baggageallowances/).
“He who would travel happily must travel light” Antoine de Saint-Exupery 1900-1944

As Africa offers you beach, bush, mountains, winelands, cities, winter, summer and an array of activities, we understand that it will be a real push to limit your luggage to 15 kg if you are visiting a variety of African destinations. For that purpose, we suggest that you separate the items you wish to take to your safari destinations from the rest and pack it in a soft, locakble bag. On your arrival in Lusaka, we will securely store your other suitcase at our offices in Lusaka whilst you only take the items you require on your safari. On your return from Baines’ River Camp, one of our office staff members will meet you at Lusaka International Airport to hand your luggage back to you, prior to the check-in for your next flight.

Items and services provided at Baines’ River Camp

In our suites
For your personal use, we provide the following items in our Explorer Suite:

Bathroom amenities, including hand soaps, shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, insect repellant cream , a basic vanity kit and shower camp
Laundry powder for smalls
Hair dryer
Insect repellant spray (Peaceful Sleep)
Light cotton bathrobes

Torches
Torches are available in the main lodge building for your use. During the morning, the housekeeping team will retrieve the torches from your suite for re-charging purposes and will be ready for your collection on return from your afternoon activity.

Laundry Service
The Camp offers a same day laundry service and any clothing items placed in the laundry basket in your bathroom before 09h00 will be returned to your room that evening.

Electrical
In order to charge telephones, camera batteries, laptops etc, we have multi national plug points in the main lodge area that can accommodate UK square 3-pin (standard in Zambia), European 2-pin and South African round 3-pin plugs.

Library
Our library offers a selection of reference books and a large variety of field guides that you are welcome to use on activities during your stay at Baines’ River Camp, including books on birds, mammals, butterflies, insects, reptiles, trees and the stars. The library further offers a range of novels including some real classics like “Jock of the Bushveld”.

Activities
We keep a variety of sizes of rain suites, ponchos and life jackets (for those who prefer) and a limited range of basic angling tackle. Please note that use of angling tackle is included in our rates, however any loss or damage will be charged to your account.

Clothing and Climate

It is wise to always pack a comfortable pair of walking or running shoes and a pair of sandals when travelling to the Zambezi River. Rafter-style sandals with a firm sole are ideal (thorns often pierce soft soles). With average daily temperatures ranging between 20°C in June and July to 35°C in October and November, shorts and short sleeved shirts can be worn during the day throughout the year and swimwear is useful to bring at any time as well. A pair of light long trousers during the warm month are always usefull to keep mosquitoes at bay. Dinner at Baines’ River Camp is a casual affair, but you are more than welcome to dress more formal in the evenings. Particular clothing items are recommended for the different seasons:

End of Summer: March – May
Our operational season starts around the 1st of March annually, once the summer rains have subsided. During March and April, average temperatures are around 27°C, with highs up to 30°C and lows to a minimum of 21°C. Towards the end of May these drop to daily averages of 22°C and minimum temperatures as low as 16°C. We recommend you bring a light sweater or jacket for the cooler parts of the day and a light pair of long trousers for the evenings. You might still get the odd rain shower and although we have a range of ponchos and wet weather suits for guest use at the camp, don’t hesitate to bring a light rain jacket.

Winter: June – July
Our winters are extremely dry and temperatures can drop to about 12°C at night. With average highs of 25° during the day, the evenings may feel a lot cooler than they really are and although our fire places do a good job of keeping us warm, we recommend that you bring a warm jersey, jacket and long trousers. Especially if you are out on the river early in the morning, it will be cold and a fleece beanie and scarf work wonders. For activities, it is best to wear a few layers like a short sleeve t-shirt, a long sleeve shirt and a jacket, which are easy to “peel off” whilst the morning warms up.

Spring: August – September
It’s warming up! Minimum temperatures will not get below 16°C and highs over 30°C are not uncommon towards the end of September. There will be no danger of any rain, so you can leave your wet weather gear behind. August is a windy month and a windproof jacket is recommended for water-based activities during the morning. Bring a light fleece jacket or a track suit top for the evenings.

Summer: October – December
Yes, it is just plain hot… Temperatures can rise above 45°C during these months. Comfortable, light cotton clothing and swimwear are essential. On average, temperatures will not drop below 23°C. You may expect light, warm rains towards the end of November and thunder storms from December. We close around the 15th of December annually, when the heavy rains are setting in.

What else to pack in general

Pharmacies and retail stores are a good few hours drive away from Baines’ River Camp. Regardless of the time of the year that you will be visiting or your special interests, we recommend that you bring the following items:

Sun cream and after-sun lotion
Anti-hystamine cream and tablets
Other travel medication (Immodium, paracetamol, etc.)
Personal toiletries that are not provided in the Explorer Suites
A wide brimmed hat and/or cap
A good pair of sunglasses (essential on the river)
Binoculars
Camera with sufficient digital memory cards or film and extra batteries or a charger