Camping / safari gear shops

[Cadmus]

I am going to Kenya and Tanzania in late January. Yay!

I have to get quite a bit of gear for it as we will be camping in the bush. I need a sleeping mat, water bottles and other goodies. I also need to get some trousers, good shoes, a couple of T-shirts, maybe a hat...would anybody know a good shop where I can not spend a fortune getting it all? Online stores preferred.

Also, any tips from people who've been appreciated!

 

[Dr Jon]

Go Outdoors?
To get decent prices you have to join their discount club, but they'll likely have everything you need.

 

[geminisnake]

You could try Blacks, hubby says the Technical stuff is good and I can recommend Craghoppers and Lowe Alpine trousers. Mine are years old now.
http://www.blacks.co.uk/category/clothing/men/trousers-and-shorts.html?sortBy=price-a

Sale stuff here
http://www.blacks.co.uk/category/clearance/mens-clothing.html?sortBy=price-a

They have mats in the camping section and some bottles in another bit but not a great range online. I'd go with a collapsible one as well as the aluminium ones. I got one in the local £ shop a few weeks ago

 

[moonsi til]

Who are you travelling with?....do you just need to take the essentials?...I'm assuming a tent & cooking equipment is provided?

If it's the basics I suggest:

a inflatable sleeping mat with the blow up pillow at the end
a pillow (comes in handy for the long drives and to aid sleep on the mat)
a lightweight sleeping bag
a head-torch
a hat
plenty of sunscreen
a few short sleeved T-shirts
a few long sleeved T-shirts
a fleece/hoodie
walking boots & sandals
those trousers that turn into shorts are good so maybe 2 pairs of them
maybe a cotton shirt
PJs
2 pairs of shades (or just one if you sure you won't lose a pair)
binoculars
camera
water bottle (one of those aluminium ones that keep water cool)
a small day pack
anti-malarials
piriton/pain-killers/general first aid stuff
maybe one of those quick dry travel towels

 

[Cadmus]

Thanks all, especially for the list. The tents are provided and I am trying to verufy whether they are also providing sleeping mats but even if they are, I might take one because I can survive without lots of things but not a comfortable night of sleep.

 

[mattie]

Would insect repellent be a good idea? I got eaten alive in Asia when mine ran out, and it's murder trying to sleep when you're itching all over (so anti-histamines might also be a plan).

 

[Cadmus]

Of course, I already have one with 50% deet (and antihistamines are my regular travel gear due to a sun allergy) although generally mosquitos hate me - when sleeping in a room with other people, they will get bitten to death while I usually wake up without a single mark.