What to pack for fieldwork in East Africa
When I was looking for packing lists for fieldwork in Africa I couldn't find much, thus, I decided to provide the lacking information right after coming back from my field trip.
This packing list can be suitable for most fieldworkers even though a couple of items are gender specific; the same list is adequate for neighbouring countries and not exclusive to Ethiopia. Bear in mind that I spent a few weeks in the Ethiopian countryside and that fieldwork in a big city (e.g., Addis Ababa) may carry its challenges. For some insights into my experience watch the YouTube video I made on the same topic.
There are a couple of affiliate links if you want to purchase the same items I packed to conduct research. If you click on these links you will not pay any extra costs but I will get a tiny compensation.
Research related
Microphone
Camera
Mobile phone
Tripod
Notebook
Pens and pencils
Headphones
Laptop
External hard drive (SSD)
Extra memory cards
Phone charger
Camera charger
Extra batteries
Essentials
Passport
Passport copies
Printed visa
Plastic envelopes, one for each printed document
Accommodation confirmation
Health/travel insurance
Reusable water bottle (possibly thermos-like)
Miscellaneous
Headlight or any torch
Insect repellent
Tape
Water purifier
Money belt
Flip flops
Zip-lock plastic bags
Clothesline drying (or a rope with clothespins)
Sewing kit
Sunglasses
Clothing
Scarf
Long trousers
T-shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Raincoat
Knee length/long skirt or dress
Jumper
Underwear
Water/dust-resistant shoes
Inexpensive accessories
Bonus tips
Bear in mind that refrigerators are not widespread, besides, power cuts can happen at all times and last several hours, thus a tiny and lightweight cooler bag might come in handy. I happened to have one with me because I had brought some chocolate bars to gift and the bag itself turned out useful during the trip as well as a much-appreciated gift along with the chocolate.
You might want to purchase a mosquito net if your accommodation does not provide any (either on the windows or on the bed). In my case, I had to improvise and use some rope with small hooks to hang a mosquito net in my bedroom.
Be prepared to take showers with bugs and spiders and if you have any insect-related allergy don't forget your anti-histamine.
What I wish I brought
power strip
umbrella (both for sunny and rainy days)
triple electrical socket
card reader
Swiss Army knife
extra notebooks
In conclusion, this fieldwork packing guide for East Africa is a firsthand account born from my experience in rural Ethiopia. Covering essentials for both research and travel, the guide is adaptable for neighbouring countries, with acknowledgement of potential urban variations.
Download the infographic for a visual summary and embark on your fieldwork well-prepared for the diverse challenges that lie ahead. Safe travels!