- It is cold. I know you have already been told that, and you are probably underestimating it because, let's get real...Lesotho is in Africa! But I beg you to not underestimate this warning. It gets freaking cold. Water freezes overnight inside homes. Bring long underwear, a fleece, and a warm coat. Don't worry so much about hats and scarves -- with so many bored handicraft volunteers around, you will no doubt score a custom-made set quickly.
- Regarding coats: I recommend a zippable set with water, fleece and warmth capabilities. It makes travel easier.
- Shoes: Hiking boots, flip flops (or something in which you can shower and walk around your cow dung floor hut), tennis shoes, Chocos or Birks.
- Synthetic socks...don't even think about white.
- Rain pants.
- Music. I brought a MP3 which is great but sucks up batteries. Consider something that has a long battery life. I ended up buying a car battery to charge my MP3, but this in itself is a pain (and gets expensive). A lot of people have mini-discs, making it easy to share music. And a number of people have computers with cd burners.
- Hammock. It's not a necessary bring, but I have one and love it. And you never know what kind of sleeping situation you will find yourself in.
- Seeds. Whether or not you have ever gardened, chances are you will here. Many are available here, but if you are particular and want to be creative, bring your own supply.
- 0 degree sleeping bag.
- Tent. Again, not necessary, but if you like to camp, it is nice to have the access. If you are not a gearhead or don't want to load the extra weight, there are plenty of volunteers willing to lend you their tent or you can buy a cheap one in RSA.
- A good, quality headlamp.
- A pair of sheets and a sleep sack.
- 2 towels.
- Nalgene bottles (a PCV trademark)
- Garlic press.
- Extra passport photos.
- Copy of resume and aspiration statement (they lost all of ours in training).
- Adapter and converter.
- Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife.
- Duct tape.
- Film -- it's expensive here.
- Batteries.
- Coffee press.
- Shortwave radio or satellite radio (best to buy satellite here to make sure it reaches Lesotho). I got a cheap shortwave on Amazon that works just fine.
- GPS - not necessary, but fun to have. And it makes finding people's sites in the middle of nowhere easier.
- Incense.
- Postcards/calendars as a gift to your host family...they love pictuers of America.
- H20-free soap.
- Singing Away the Hunger -- good read for before you leave.
- Let's Go Africa -- better than Lonely Planet.
- Alamanac -- I brought the only one in my group, and everyone has since sent home for one. It becomes your internet.
- Daypack.
- If you play music, bring your instrument...it's automatic bonding with your community, and fun entertainment at PCV gatherings.
- Alarm clock.
- Journals.
- Lighters.
Also, don't stress out about what luggage you bring. I spent a great deal of time considering what I would pack everything into, and the only time I did it was for the flight over. PC is good about delivering you to your site and such. I brought a giant backpack and a small backpack, and I should have been more particular about the small pack because that is the one I use on a daily basis.
Hope this helps!.