Suggested Packing List for Future Peace Corps Senegal Volunteers

So, I really wish I would have had a list of things to bring with me when I found out I was going to come to Senegal with Peace Corps.  Here is my list of things that I would have brought, or at least ideas, to get you started.  This list is mainly geared towards the female population and agriculture volunteers, but it can be useful for everyone. Here it is-

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Suggested Packing List (for Women)

T-shirts (think pocket T’s)

Tank tops (spaghetti straps, or shoulder covering tank tops) *see note below

Long sleeve shirts

Hoodie or Sweatshirt Jacket

Coat (think fleece or similar- it can get down to 40’s)

Shorts *see note below

Pants (jeans, sweatpants)

Skirts

Professional outfit (dress or nice pants and collared shirt)

Underwear (the more the better)

Bras

Swimming Suit

Leggings (you can’t show your knees here so these are used a lot by volunteers wearing shorter skirts, shorts, etc.) *see note below

Sleeping Bag (you can find these lightweight and compact- I would really recommend bringing one)

Flip flops/ Sandals

Tennis shoes

Hiking/work boots

Dressy shoes

Hat

Belt

DryWick Towel- bodysize or L (towels can be found here, but they take time to dry especially during rainy season)

Contact Solution- enough for 2 years

Toiletries- Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Razors are all expensive but available at “toubab” shops. Deodorant- is also hard to find and expensive.

Snacks

External Hard Drive-1 terabyte, bring it.

Computer- bring one and a good case because you will be traveling with it a lot. 

iPad, iPod, etc.

Nook/Kindles- lightweight and can hold loads of books in a compact space,batteries last a long time. 

Plug adapter and electricity converter- you can buy them in country if they break but I would encourage you to bring them so you have one upon arrival.
Memory sticks

Camera

Headlamp

Flashlight

Multi-tool- think Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife.  I use mine almost every day.

Water Bottle

Backpack

Makeup- you might actually want this at one point.

***Anything that will show your knees, is not appropriate outside of Dakar. Mid to upper shin is acceptable.  If you want to bring shorts or skirts that will show your knees be prepared to wear leggings beneath to cover yourself up. 

***During PST (Pre-Service Training) the training center will not want you to show your shoulders so t-shirts are good.

Things you will not need:

Mosquito net

Water purifier

Medicine- we are supplied with in our own Medical Kits and pharmacies are all over.

Fun things:

Games- cards, Bananagrams, etc.

Hammock

Cooking supplies

Tupperware

Pillow

Blanket

Earplugs or Noise Cancelling headphones

Yoga Mat

Exercise gear

Crayons, Markers, Colored Pencils, stuff for the kids

Rechargeable batteries and charger

Bike supplies- you will be given a Trek bicycle that you will either depend on or never use subject to your site and its paved road situation.  It will have a messenger rack on the back. Peace Corps provides us with a bike pump, tools for repair, tire patches, helmet, oil, and water bottle.

Handkerchiefs

Drink Mix Packets, tea, coffee

Dried Fruit, nuts, granola bars