What to take with you when you are traveling across Africa?

Have you ever asked yourself what someone traveling across Africa would pack?

Well probably not but look at me getting ready to tell you.

Packing for my trip across Africa was one of the hardest things EVER. I am naturally an over-packer because I like to have my options so having to carry just the one instead of the many variations of everything I have back home was an excruciating and extremely difficult task.

The Keziah Backpack

Keziah is made by Sandstorm Kenya and it is hands down one of my favorite Kenyan Brands. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I have been stopped at an Airport, Mall, Office just to be told I have a nice bag. Ps; I think Keziah got me upgraded to first class the last month.

Keziah is also roomy and somehow fits all my extra stuff.

Twiggy

Who and What is a Twiggy?

Twiggy is my water bottle and trusted travel companion. As I strive for #ABetterLife being attentive to the amount of water I drink each day is important for my optimal health. Who better to remind me of that everyday than Twiggy.

During the week you will find us at networking events where we advocate for the reduction of single use plastic water bottles which contribute to the largest percentage of waste at large gatherings. On the weekends we spend our time in nature at a nearby park.

I suggest you get yourself a Twiggy

My Safety Ninja

Did you know that at least 65% of solo female travelers worry about their personal safety. I’m definitely in that 65% percentile. I am a worrier, and now that I think about it.I probably got it from my Mama. I might not exactly show it because I like to act like i have everything together, but I am.

Do not let the cotton candy pink color fool you. It packs a mighty punch.

Thomas

Who takes all my pictures you ask?

Drum Rolls please; 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

Meet Thomas Photographer Effianado and travel Buddy. If you are anything like me and love to take pictures, please get yourself an adjustable and stable tripod stand.

I will usually set up my phone on the stand and then proceed to take pictures with my watch.

My Journal

I have been journaling for the longest time as part of my self-care routine. I usually sit on my balcony and write down my hopes, dreams, fears and prayers.

Listen!!!!!!! When life is coming at you real fast you need to take a timeout It seems selfish and trust me it really is, but in a world overrun by chaos you must strive for a moment of perfect peace unencumbered by worry, regret, expectation, ambition, fear and shame.

Tech Gadgets

I am lucky enough to work in places that support a digital nomad lifestyle i.e. I can work out of the office for 3-4 weeks. So here’s how I stay connected.

(Please don’t feel pressured to get only apple products.)

My Headwraps

You know it is said that men will only go to one barber for life. Well I’m sort of the same. If this one place doesn’t do my hair well then it’s not getting done.

Thank God for Head Wraps otherwise I would be out here looking like a mess.

My Passport

Like where are you even going without your passport?

The Ugandan passport ranks 141st in the world according to the Visa Guide Passport Index. This means that Ugandan citizens can travel visa-free to 38 countries in the world. Thankfully for this year most of the countries I chose to visit are Visa Free.

The AU has vowed to focus on the acceleration of the AfCFTA implementation. Which was signed in part *To facilitate the free movement of people.* Imagine for a second what it would be like, to land in Addis Ababa and not have to fork out $82 dollars for a visa, plus processing fees. 🥺🥺

My List of Emergency Contacts. (Obviously besides Mama)

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because we all need a little help sometimes. Part of living a better life is surrounding yourself with the right people. So when I am stuck and in trouble, need someone to talk to, or to just calm my irrational fears I am definitely calling the people on this list.

Don’t feel bad if your family does not make your emergency list. For example my baby brother Eddie was my emergency contact for the longest time. That poor child was on speed dial for everything and I mean everything but he has a young family now soooooo……..yeah…I think my sister Stacey would have also made the list but you only call her when you are in trouble, by trouble; (Like at the back of a police truck) and you have prepared yourself for a looooooooooooonnng unnecessary lecture. At the end of the day, find yourself a solid tribe.

Here are my other must have travel staples. I like to look fresh even when I’m traveling just because but there have also been instances when I have had to go straight from the airport to work. So My Lip Balm, Moisturizer, Travel size perfume and Wet wipes are a definite must have.