What to bring
and what to leave behind
HELPFUL HINTS:
These guidelines have been compiled by a variety of students over a number years. As you might imagine there is no consensus on the amount of clothes to bring so these are only general guidelines which hopefully provide very general suggestions
Check the South African Air Baggage allowance as it may have changed.
(As of now on flights from New York to Cape Town you are allowed to check 2 pieces at a maximum of 23 kg (50 lb) per piece)
(As of now on flights from New York to Cape Town you are allowed to check 2 pieces at a maximum of 23 kg (50 lb) per piece)
Pack lightly—nearly everything you need will be available in Cape Town
- Most people would suggest bringing 2 suitcases, and expect to fill one suitcase with things you’ve purchased on the return home.
- Do not bring anything that you would be devastated about losing. Be aware that any electronic items or valuables have the potential to be stolen (do not put cameras, computers, or other electronics in checked baggage).
- Weight requirements are generally adhered to, so you will be charged for weight over weight limit so check with airline to be certain. (
- Many students brought clothing to wear during the trip and then donate at the end, to conserve packing space and help the community at the same time.
- You can easily purchase bottles of familiar brands of heavier toiletries (shampoo, sunscreen) once in Cape Town, so you may want to bring travel sample size toiletries with you, in order to avoid the extra weight and potential for spilling
CLOTHING GUIDELINES
- Bathing suit
- Business casual outfits
- Cover-up for the beach
- Dresses (light
weight)
- Flip flops or sandals
- Hiking Boots
- Hooded sweatshirt
- Jeans
- Pajamas
- Rain Jacket
- Shoes (dressier)
- Shorts
- Sneakers
- Socks (lots)
- Sweaters
- Tee-shirts
- Tank Tops
- Underwear
- Workout outfits
Dresses (light weight)
Sandals/ Flip flops
Shorts
Tank tops/ Tee shirts
What you will wear in the end of March and April
- Jeans and shorts
- Lightweight sweaters
- Lightweight jacket
- Rain jacket (highly recommended)
- Shoes (as opposed to bare feet and sandals)
- Things to layer as it can get quite cool
What you will wear to work:
- Depends on your internship
- Scrubs for those working in hospital or clinics
- More professional for those working in schools, more casual in some NGOs
- Some people dressed up for work, dress pants and business casual outfits, and some wore jeans
- Work attire is generally a little less casual in South Africa than in the US
What you will wear if you go out at night:
- Women generally wear dresses, nice jeans/slacks and fancier tops, and heels but you can dress casually to most nightlife destinations, as well
- Guys may wear ties or a jacket at times (rarely) but must wear closed toed shoes or some clubs won’t let you in
What you will wear during hikes, outdoor activities:
- Clothes you can be comfortably active in
- Hiking boots recommended if you plan to hike
- Sneakers/running shoes are crucial
OTHER ITEMS:
- Backpack or tote bag
- Basic over the counter medicines
- Basic toiletries (small samples for your carry-on just in case of a luggage mishap
- Beach towel and hand towel (you can buy them at Mr. Price Home if you would prefer)
- Coin purse (small purse useful for carrying small amounts of money when out at night)
- Copies of all important documents
- Cross body bag with security straps (more difficult to steal)
- Digital camera and extra memory cards (they are expensive in South Africa)
- Drivers license
- Empty duffel bag for weekend or weeklong trips (can be purchased there for a good price)
- If you will be packing your lunch, a lunch bag (not as easy to find in South Africa)
- iPod—you are risking getting it stolen if you use it in public, so be vigilant if you bring one
- Laptop and all related accessories
- Limited amounts of jewelry—do not bring anything you would not want to lose/get stolen. There's plenty of beautiful jewelry available in Cape Town to buy from local vendors
- Makeup
- Nail clippers, tweezers
- Passport
- Pillowcases (all other bedding is provided)
- Prescriptions (in original bottles)
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
THINGS TO BUY ONCE YOU ARRIVE:
- Beach towel
- Heavy toiletries like shampoo, lotion and toothpaste
- Journal
- Pillows (available at Mr. Price Home if you want another one)
- School supplies, notebooks
- South African guidebooks (to share in house)
- South African power adapter for your computer plug
- Sunscreen (protect your skin—the African sun is REALLY hot!)
- Umbrella (cheap and easy to find—we rarely used them)
- Bedding
- Books (too much weight, and there's a library)
- Excessive amounts of clothing
- Irreplaceable keepsakes or jewelry
- Pillows (you can buy one there if you want a different one than what is provided)
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