Water Me

1 set of work clothes, bring a piece of cloth to wrap around you like a skirt (for women)

2 sets of traveling or everyday clothes-skirts and dresses are best for women

1 lightweight jacket for possible cool nights

any prescriptions-bring Dr. prescription with you, WHO card if you have one

shoes-flipflops, work shoes, travel shoes/nicer shoes

personal items (i.e. makeup, shaving kit, toothbrush, small vial of shampoo, etc.)

lightweightbackpack (if desired for carry-on)

gifts or donations for the orphanage (keep it small, pack it as if it is yours)

passport & plane ticket

money belt- Malawi is relatively safe, but there are thieves on the street and on public transportation.

Small suitcase-pack very lightly, you may have to carry it!

Small flashlight or headlamp, camp towel

Extra batteries for your:  camera, flashlight, travel alarm

Pictures of your family, home, state (they love to see pictures of us, the USA)

• Do not bring drugs w/o prescription, unwrapped food items (only bring a few), or CD’s electronic equipment, except for camera equipment.
• Wear a money belt to carry money, passport, credit cards.  Keep only enough money out for your daily needs
• Carry your passport and WHO card everywhere with you
• Do not bring a lot of money with you.  There are ATM machines in the larger cities and the airports
• Pack very lightly, bring only a few, small gifts.  Room is at a premium and you may have to carry everything yourself some places.
• Do not wear or bring anything valuable
• It may be warm during the day and cool at night.
• There are usually no stores out in the country, but there may be a small village market nearby with mostly fresh items
• Do not go anywhere by yourself and tell the trip organizers of your whereabouts at all times.  Dresses or skirts are recommended for everyday wear for women
• Do not give money or items to anyone other than the people in charge at the orphanage.  People in Africa view us as “fair game” when it comes to stealing, begging.  Be polite, but firm “I’m a volunteer, I have no money to give you”.
• Keep everything locked up at all times and do not leave anything unattended.
• Malawi is a very conservative country, women should always wear a skirt or dress