Going on a self catering holiday – here is a basic grocery and packing list:
Do you always bring more stuff back, because you packed like you are never coming back? It may be because you don’t have a basic list to work from. Or maybe you have a Hummer or a bus, with a trailer to carry stuff to your holiday destination. We don’t have a large vehicle and hate traveling with a trailer. Therefor when I pack for holidays, I do not take a lot of stuff.
A friend recently asked me what is on my list, because we travel light and don’t bring much back. Yet, there is always enough of everything in our holiday house or at our holiday destination! Although I take a variety of things, I decant some stuff that usually lasts for months at home. The size of the containers will depend on how many people are going with, how long we are going and also how many guests we expect during our stay.
General:
Coffees, Tea, Rooibos (Smaller glass or plastic containers, depending on how much you use)
Sugar
Milk 3x500ml containers (I rather pack the smaller containers)
Margarine / butter
Oil (sunflower and olive – I decant this in smaller bottles)
Wine, beer, sodas (other liquor)
Salt / pepper / spices
Sauces: Mayonnaise / tomato sauce / chutney / mustard (I also decant in smaller bottles)
Small dishwasher soap, sponge and cloth / Handy Andy
Cling wrap / foil / refuge bag / plastic containers for left overs
Paper towel (and toilet roll – I also put an extra one in)
Braaitong / charcoal or wood / firelighters and matches (Francois prefers to take his own braai grid – rooster in a bag)
Pair of scissors and sharp knife to cut meat (We take our own)
Tooth pics
First aid kit – Headache pills / sun screen lotion / Gel packs for burns / Anti histamine pills and cream / Mosquito repellent / Insect Coils / Bandages and plasters, anti-septic like Dettol / Wet wipes / alcohol prep pads / small scissors / trachea pipe / cotton wool / pupil gauge / small torch/ ear drops/ eye drops, etc. Remember to always check expiry dates on everything in your first aid kit.
While working for Sanparks I packed most of the stuff in ridiculously small containers, because we often flew to Skukuza and rent a car to work in different camps. I had a whole kitchen grocery cupboard in a backpack! So, I can really go small when required.
Remember:
Entrance and reservation permits
Binoculars / torch / Camera
Mosquito repellent and citronella soap
Personal toilet ware (basics: toothbrush and paste, soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion last 4 in small holders – razor, cosmetics, etc)
Personal medication (prescription stuff)
Towel for swimming
Clothing – one full set for each day at your destination … plus one extra. Only one!
Pajamas and gown
Extra pair of shoes for walking / slippers when going to bed
Hat / something warm / Thin rain coat
Needle/ cotton thread / buttons / safety pin
Food:
Breakfast:
Bread, eggs, bacon (1 or 2 per person)
Mushrooms / Vienna sausages / cheese grillers / small holder of jam or honey
Rusks
Breakfast-cereals (pack portions in small plastic holders)
Muffins 2 each
Some people eat a huge breakfast or brunch and no lunch
Lunch:
Bread rolls
Cold meat / cheese (Enough cheese if you want to make braai broodjies)
Pasta and mince – These are items that constantly come back home with us as people prefer left overs from the braai!
Tin of tuna (It can serve as a salad meal or filling for bread or as a starter tonight)
Biscuits, Chips, dips / salty snacks
Dinner
Braai meat – per braai (You know how much your family or friends consume.)
If you plan to dine out for one or two nights during your stay. Don’t take food for those nights. You can rather buy something extra at the shops, but there are probably plenty other food still left in you grocery container, from this list!
Salads – Beetroot / Curry carrots / Potato / Cole salad / Three beans or curry beans. (Some I make at home and bottle it myself, but you can buy all of it at grocery stores) Lettuce 4 tomatoes per person / 3 small onions / garlic
Tins: Beans in tomato sauce / creamed mealies / Tomato and onion sheba (I always take my own can opener.)
Potatoes / Mieliemeel / Sweet potatoes
Fruit and nuts
Marloth Park Patrons 