What to Pack for a Mission Trip to Kenya
As I prepare for my first mission trip, I’ve put a lot of thought into what I will pack. For me, the anticipation of a trip is part of the fun, and that includes packing!
After taking several trips to Europe, I’ve learned the importance of packing light. But traveling to Kenya is a whole new experience for me and there are some new and unique items making it into my carry-on bag!
Each mission trip is unique and so is each destination and each traveler. So your packing list may not look exactly the same as mine, but I hope this article gives you some ideas about the items you might consider packing if you find yourself embarking on a similar adventure.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Luggage
The first step in the packing process is to determine how many bags you will be taking and any size or weight limitations you need to consider.
For my mission trip, I’ll be bringing a carry-on suitcase (one that will fit in the overhead bin) as well as a personal bag (that needs to fit under the seat in front of me).
Our team will be taking some checked bags as well, but some of that space will be used for supplies, shoes, and other items for the people in the villages of Kenya that we will be visiting. I do plan to tuck in some extra liquids and a pillow into the group’s checked bags, but most of my items will be in the cabin of the plane with me.
Bug Protection
While I do plan to bring home a variety of cool souvenirs from Kenya, bug bites and the various diseases they carry are not something I want to bring home! So various forms of bug repellent are at the top of my packing list.
Clothing/Gear Spray
I won’t actually be bringing this item with me to Kenya, but prior to boarding my flight I plan to spray insect repellent on all my clothing and luggage.
This spray from Sawyer works great! There is no lingering odor or residue on your clothing and it lasts through several washes.
Bug Spray
Also from Sawyer, I purchased a twin pack of travel-sized Picaridin Insect Repellent. These are just 3 ounce bottles, which meets the carry-on requirements for liquids.
One will go in my carry-on and the spare will be in a checked bag for backup.
Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
To be on the safe side, I’m also taking some mosquito repellent bracelets. The mosquitos really seem to like me…so I’m not taking any chances!
Mosquito Netting
For one final bit of protection, I’m taking a mosquito net for my bed. Given the huge time difference and rustic accommodations, getting a good night’s sleep will be critical. So ensuring the bugs stay out of my bed is essential!
Given that I likely will get some mosquito bites, even with this arsenal of preventative measures, I think I will pack some After Bite as well!
Clothing
Moving on to clothing, I won’t list all the typical apparel I will be taking. But there are a few unique clothing pieces I need to pack to ensure I am appropriately attired for Kenya.
Long Skirts
During this mission trip, I will be traveling into several Maasai villages. In these villages it is customary for women to wear long skirts, so I am packing several. I already had a few, but found that Goodwill is a great place to stock up on long skirts at affordable prices.
Capri Pants
On the days when we are not in the local villages, skirts are not required. However, shorts are not generally worn by females in Kenya, so I’ll be packing several pairs of capri pants.
Kenya is located on the Equator so it can get quite warm during the day, so lightweight capris are the way to go. Again Goodwill is a great place to find these items at affordable prices.
Toiletries
Mission trips generally aren’t about being glamorous, yet there are still several items I want to have with me to stay clean and so I can look and feel my best.
Travel Liquids
No matter what kind of cleansing and beauty products you plan to take, when you fly it is critical that you adhere to the requirements for liquids in your carry-ons.
Check with your specific airline, but generally speaking, liquids must be less than 3 ounces each and all liquids should be in one see-through bag. Keep in mind liquids include lotions, creams, and pastes!
I plan to take sunscreen (a must!), moisturizer, hair spray, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, lotion, bug spray, shampoo, conditioner, and a bit of makeup. And if all that won’t fit in my see-through bag, I’ll stow a few items in our checked luggage.
Wet Wipes
Showers, especially warm ones, many not be a daily occurrence on this trip. But I will be prepared to freshen up with a sponge bath as needed using wet wipes.
Foam Curlers
This will be the first time I’m traveling without my trusty curling iron or a hairdryer. Electricity could be spotty at our accommodations, so It makes sense to leave these items at home.
Instead, I decided to go old school and picked up some foam curlers. Having beautifully coiffed hair is not a necessity on this trip, but if my hair needs a little extra lift, I figure this is a good option that won’t add much weight to my luggage.
Female Urination System
I’ll admit, my biggest concern about traveling to Kenya is when and where I will be using the restroom. At my age, I make frequent trips to the ladies’ room!
While our accommodations will have modest indoor plumbing, when we visit the villages we will be “taking care of business” in the wild. The idea of squatting in the dusty plains of Kenya in my long skirt is a bit daunting!
So specifically purchased for this trip, I’m now the owner of a female urination system!
I had never even heard of this device. But after a quick Google search, I learned more than I ever wanted to know about devices that aid women when they need to “go” in less-than-ideal circumstances.
After practicing at home with my new female urination system, I have a bit more confidence that when nature calls, I’ll be able to manage this necessary task discreetly and with minimal issues!
Medicine
While Kenya currently does not require specific vaccinations to enter the country, I decided to play it safe by getting the following immunizations: meningitis, hepatitis A, COVID-19 booster, typhoid, and yellow fever.
With my vaccinations completed, there are still a few medications I plan to pack for extra protection.
Prescriptions
I’m fortunate that I don’t require any daily medications, but I did pick up two prescriptions just for this trip. To help prevent malaria my doctor prescribed Malarone. I will start these pills 2 days before my trip and continue taking them daily until 7 days post-trip.
My doctor also prescribed a few Azithromycin pills…just in case I fall victim to Traveler’s Diarrhea. Another souvenir I hope to avoid!
Sleep Aids
The 7 hour time difference is sure to mess with my sleep pattern, so I’ll be taking a few sleep aids along to help me get some Z’s. Melatonin and Acetaminophen PM are both great options that should do the trick.
To Capture the Memories
Traveling is all about creating unforgettable memories, and my first mission trip is no exception. I know this will be a transformative experience and I plan to capture all the big and minute details.
Journal
I am considering taking my laptop, given that my handwriting is atrocious! I plan to journal each evening so I will have a record of my experience, both to share with others and to be able to personally recall the details of my journey.
But with electricity not accessible everywhere, I will also carry a couple of travel journals. I’ve already started recording what I have been learning about Kenya as I’ve been researching and planning for my trip. And my daughter bought me a small floral journal that will be perfect to tuck in my backpack when we venture into the villages so I can jot down details about our encounters with the Kenyans we meet.
Camera
I plan to take LOTS of pictures! Most of the time I will use my smartphone to capture the Kenyan landscape, the amazing people we meet, and the wildlife. I’m so excited that our trip will include a half-day safari!
Just in case my phone dies, I’m also taking a disposable camera. I’m excited to snap some unique shots with this old school camera…and will cherish the anticipation of seeing how they turn out once I return home and get the photos developed. Just like the old days!
Devotional
Faith is a critical part of this mission trip, and I am excited to see how God works in and through me on this journey.
Our entire team will be working through the “Following Jesus on Mission Together” devotional. I’m really looking forward to doing daily devotionals and growing even closer to God as well as the other mission team members.
Important Documents
I do my best to stay organized when traveling, and that includes having print outs of key travel documents as well as photos of those documents. Then I email those photos to myself…just in case my phone gets lost or damaged, so I still have a way to access them.
Passport/Visa and Shot Records
For this trip, the most important travel documents include my passport and my recently acquired Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for Kenya.
The eTA was fairly easy to obtain once I knew all my travel details. After completing the online form and paying a little over $30, I received an email with my authorization paperwork. My eTA as well as my international certificate of vaccination are now tucked away with my passport…and I’m ready to fly!
Miscellaneous Items
There are just a few more items that I need to find room for in my luggage!
Electrical Adapters
I’ll need recharge my phone and computer and that will require electrical adapters.
Kenya uses the same kind of adapter used in England, referred to as Type G. This adapter has three rectangular pins in the shape of a triangle. I’ve got 3 adapters, so I should be all set!
Hydration Packets
Based on several recommendations, I purchased some hydration packets and opted for the variety pack. These hardly take up any room in my luggage and will give me an extra boost of hydration as I spend time near the equator.
My team plans to purchase bottled water throughout our trip (see notes above about Traveler’s Diarrhea!) and I will carry a refillable water bottle with me throughout the trip as staying hydrated will be essential.
Other Items You Might Not Have Considered
As you can see, I’ve got quite a lot to fit into my bags! But there are a few additional small items I plan to throw in my carry-on that just might come in handy:
- zip lock bags
- bandaids
- small tissue packs
- face masks
- latex gloves
- hair ties, brush, and pick
- snacks
- brimmed hat
- sturdy shoes
What am I missing? Let me know what else you would pack for a mission trip to Kenya. Then stay tuned for more details about my epic adventure to Africa!
Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya
Traveling Tanya is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
P.S. Subscribe to my email list (at the top of the screen) and never miss out on any of Traveling Tanya’s exciting excursions or travel tips!
Pin It For Later!
