Do I really need a sleeping bag?

Yes. Even in the desert, temperatures drop to near freezing at night. A 0°C to 5°C rated sleeping bag is the industry standard for overland trips.

How do I keep my electronics clean?

Bring a roll of gaffer tape and Ziploc bags. Seal all ports and vents on camera gear when not in use to prevent fine dust from ruining sensors.

Packing for an African Overland Expedition

Prioritize modular organization using soft-sided duffel bags rather than hard-shell suitcases, which are impossible to fit into truck lockers. Focus on layers for extreme temperature fluctuations and ensure your gear is contained within dust-proof dry bags.

Select the right luggage. Use a 70–90 liter soft-sided, water-resistant duffel bag with backpack straps. Hard cases do not compress and will be rejected by the crew for under-seat storage.
Implement a dry-bag system. Pack all clothing inside smaller 10–20 liter roll-top dry bags. This compresses your clothes to save space and acts as an insurance policy against red African dust and rainy season downpours.
Organize your tech and dust-sensitivity. Keep cameras, lenses, and power banks in a dedicated, padded hard-shell carry-on case. Never put lithium batteries in your main luggage; keep them in your daypack inside the cabin.
Curate your wardrobe. Follow the 'neutral-only' rule. Pack khaki, beige, or olive green to avoid attracting tsetse flies and to stay cool in the sun. Avoid dark blue and black, which attract insects.
Prep your footwear. Bring one pair of broken-in hiking boots for walking safaris and one pair of sturdy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos) for camp life. Leave white trainers at home; they will be ruined in the first 24 hours.

Do I really need a sleeping bag?: Yes. Even in the desert, temperatures drop to near freezing at night. A 0°C to 5°C rated sleeping bag is the industry standard for overland trips.
How do I keep my electronics clean?: Bring a roll of gaffer tape and Ziploc bags. Seal all ports and vents on camera gear when not in use to prevent fine dust from ruining sensors.