Listed below are some of the things to think about when packing your suitcase. The list is not exhaustive but hopefully helps give you some ideas: - Books: It is always nice to have your own mammal and/or bird book as well as other books to at last have time to read. Hluhluwe has no good book shops and so it is best to buy books at the airport or in the larger towns. Exclusive Books or CNA are the best places to buy books. Most books are in English. A good selection of magazines can be found in the Hluhluwe shops.

Bugs & creepie crawlies: Hluhluwe has its fair share but they are 99% of the time harmless. Ticks can be a pest when walking in the longer grass. It is always a good idea to put on some tick repellent (buy it in Hluhluwe pharmacy), before embarking on a walk in the bush. Otherwise, let the insects do what they want to do and they will leave you in peace.

Clothing: During summer months, light cotton shirts and shorts are great. Don’t forget the sun hat. It is also advisable to bring along a warm jacket for game drives – even in the summer months an open vehicle can be quite chilly at early start or late return. A light rainjacket is also useful during the summer months. In the winter months a fleece jacket will definitely be good to have in the early mornings and the evenings. Swimming costumes are a must for the beach lovers.

Cooking utensils: All lodges are fully equipped and there should not be any need to bring your own pots, pans or other cooking utensils. Dishcloths, washing up liquid etc is all provided, including the housekeeper to do the washing up for you!

Currency and Banking: Foreign currency is not accepted in South Africa as trading currency. Cash purchase must be done in Rand. Be sure to pack your credit cards, which are accepted in most shops and restaurants. ATM machines are located in all towns (including Hluhluwe), so it is easy enough to get cash once in country.

Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts: There is nothing like having your own trustworthy mask and snorkel. So, if you have room in your suitcase, bring it along. Masks, snorkels and flippers can be hired if you go out with an organised dive trip.

Electricity: 240V is the standard in South Africa using 3 pin (round pin) plugs. It may be a good idea to bring an adaptor with you. During windy weather and heavy rainfall and storms, the area is prone to power cuts. It may be a good idea to bring along a small torch. All lodges at Weavers Nature Park do provide torches or candles in the rooms but this may not be the case at other accommodations.

Food provisions: There are several well-stocked supermarkets in Hluhluwe town as well as liquor stores. Specialised items are not easily found but otherwise there is a good selection of meat, vegetables, bread and dairy produce. You may want to bring along your favourite snacks or treats, but otherwise, let Hluhluwe cater for your requirements. Good coffee – no! Bring your own if you are a coffee-holic.

Game viewing enthusiasts: Don’t expect the field guide to lend you his/her binoculars! Bring along your own. And, don’t forget the camera for those special pictures.

Linen & towels: All towels and linen are provided in the lodges. It is a good idea to bring your own beach towel though since the lodge towels are not to be taken out of the lodges. Malaria: The million dollar question! The Elephant Coast is considered a low risk malaria area and cases that do occur are very few indeed. It is really your choice whether to take anti-malarial tablets or not, so take advice from your doctor. All lodges at Weavers Nature Park provide mosquito sprays in the rooms, have mosquito nets or mosquito proofed windows.It may be a good idea to bring along a repellent for when you are sitting outside in the early evening.

Long sleeved shirts and long trousers are also sensible when mosquitoes are about.

Shoes: If you are keen on doing some walking, then a good pair of walking shoes will help keep out the thorns! Webbing sandals with nylon straps always go down well on the beach and for more leisurely strolls. Remember in high summer the sand and even the lodge decks can be too hot to walk on without shoes! In Hluhluwe and Weavers Nature Park, ladies are rarely seen in high heels – they get stuck in the sand or in the wooden deck ways!

Spectacles & contact lenses: Sunglasses are a must for all of us sensitive to the sun. Don’t forget your prescription spectacles. There is, however an optometrist in Hluhluwe if you forget or break them. It is best to bring along the contact lens solutions that you are used to. You can buy them in town but it is not always a good idea to change from what you are used to using. Bring along some spare contact lenses as well!

Suncreams and other lotions and potions: Hluhluwe has a good pharmacy where you can buy all the necessary toiletries, feminine hygiene and routine medicines. Obviously, bring your own special requirements with you.

Telephones: Now that mobile or cellular phones are so popular, fewer people make use of the public phones and they are often broken and inaccessible. It is a good idea to bring your own mobile or cell phone and upon arrival at the airport, buy a local SIM card so that you have a local rather than international number to call out on. Most supermarkets and other shops also sell SIM cards. The SIM cards are very cheap and will save you a lot of money, especially if you are making local phone calls to organise safaris, trips etc.

Weather: The Elephant Coast has a sub tropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. The summer temperatures are usually between 28ºC and 30ºC with December to February being the hottest and most humid months where temperatures can reach 40ºC in some areas. The winters are not really cold and temperatures are rarely below 17ºC during the day and 10ºC at night. The coolest winter months fall between June and August. March through to June offer super days when the days are warm and dry with low humidity and no wind.August and September are traditionally the windy months of the year. Rainfall occurs during the summer months.