Most anyone in African nations associated with safaris aren’t poor by their local standards. They have plenty of clothes. Who do you think you are? Princess Diana? Get a grip.

Be in touch with your Safari Guide if you actually want to do this. They can tell you what would be needed / helpful and if they can give your in kind goods to organizations that need them.

Another option is trying to buy from local artisans that benefit organizations.

If you're not going with a safari group that welcomes this kind of interaction then this effort will likely bring you ridicule and not help anyone.

Check Pack for a Purpose

Check with each place you are staying. Many of the safari camps I have stayed in work with a local school and have a wish list for things to bring from the US and UK. DON'T bring anything not on the list. I have taken things that are easy to find here but are quite expensive imports in many African countries-non-electric pencil sharpeners, rulers, protractors, solar calculators, blue/black ballpoint pens, etc.

Be sure to support local industries while you are there and appropriately tip the hospitality workers who rely on tips for income.

OP,

Imagine someone drove through your neighborhood with toys or candy, encouraging your children to run into traffic and maybe climb into their car.

If you would be grateful, then maybe this is a good idea.

Anonymous wrote:Pack up the White Man’s burden
Send forth your Boden tweeds
Go bind your clothes to exile,
To serve your #blessed needs

This made the whole thread worthwhile! Applause!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cringe. Just give them money, don't fly your junk half way around the world.

Anecdote: About 18 years ago my wife and I spent the winter in Kenya. We were based at an orphanage where we volunteered, and I also volunteered with an engineering NGO. After a few months we realized that ALL of the things we were doing at the orphanage could be done better by locals who needed jobs. So I asked the orphanage director point blank: Is it more effective for us to stay, or to just go and leave you the money we would otherwise spend to stay at the orphanage cottage, meals, etc. He squirmed a bit, but answered me honestly: the money would be more effective.

So we made a donation and went home. It is often selfish to do good in a way that feels good. It is much truer to do good in a way that IS good. Anonymous is best if you can.

This THIS THIS.

My grandfather drilled that into me: true charity is anonymous. Everything else is done for self.

From Bishop Hooker, 450 years ago: "The best things we do have somewhat in them to be pardoned."

And why Jesus counsels that we do our giving in secret.

+1

My favorite example is those who have to post how/when they volunteer. Talk about missing the point entirely.

Are you traveling with a company that gives back to the community? Hires locals, for example? You could start there.

OP, I’ve been on safari to the NPs you are going, and I’ve also lived and worked in Southern Africa.

A couple of thoughts.
On our safaris we did not stop in any villages like the ones you are describing and expecting. There were no children running up to our vans in or near any of the parks. We did have children running up to our van outside of bigger towns, outskirts of cities, but this was while navigating through large crowds, and it would not have been feasible to give out anything, much less open up a suitcase.

The safaris are supposed to be about the animals! Diverting from the itinerary, or purpose, of the safari would be a huge disservice to the group, unless it will be just you and your cousin on a private tour. Please don’t make it about your suitcases of used garage sale items, or as your cousin said;, “don’t give them your old crap”.

If you do stop with an indigenous tribe you need to be aware, that could be flat out offending them, unless you have substantial, nice gifts, but you should discuss this with your guide ahead of time.

There are some spots where people sell crafts, and other, often great items; buy some, or a lot(!) and you can make their day.

If you have used, but like new, very nice items, consider bringing some of them to give to people you make a connection with on your journey; your driver, your guide, someone at your hotel. Ask if they would like said item, explain that the item is/was meaningful to you, and likely that person will know someone who would like to have it.

If you want to put more effort into all this, connect ahead of time with (smaller) organizations who have “boots on the ground”. Whether this is a medical clinic or a someone connected with schools there. Ask around, often the schools have overseas partner schools. They know what is needed and desired.

Finally, kids in all corners of the world like pens/coloring/notebooks. These don’t take up a lot of space and you can take them out *when the situation is right*.

Anyways… that’s my two cents on this..

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cringe. Just give them money, don't fly your junk half way around the world.

Anecdote: About 18 years ago my wife and I spent the winter in Kenya. We were based at an orphanage where we volunteered, and I also volunteered with an engineering NGO. After a few months we realized that ALL of the things we were doing at the orphanage could be done better by locals who needed jobs. So I asked the orphanage director point blank: Is it more effective for us to stay, or to just go and leave you the money we would otherwise spend to stay at the orphanage cottage, meals, etc. He squirmed a bit, but answered me honestly: the money would be more effective.

So we made a donation and went home. It is often selfish to do good in a way that feels good. It is much truer to do good in a way that IS good. Anonymous is best if you can.

This THIS THIS.

My grandfather drilled that into me: true charity is anonymous. Everything else is done for self.

From Bishop Hooker, 450 years ago: "The best things we do have somewhat in them to be pardoned."

And why Jesus counsels that we do our giving in secret.

The only reason OP was talking about giving to the kids directly is because she couldn’t think of another way to get the items into the hands of people who need them. As soon as people have her alternative ideas for how to distribute (church, Facebook group, etc.), she was on board. She’s not looking for credit, she’s just trying to do something nice.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't bring clothing or toys. You could ask the safari company if there are any local schools in the area that could use supplies (like paper, folders, markers, crayons, sports equipment, etc.).

Better but as others have said, what they really need is $ so they can buy exactly what they need instead of random donations. The question is - do you want to help or do you want to feel good about yourself and get some recognition.

The part about throwing stuff from the car as kids come running does seem a little troll-y though.

I don't disagree with you, but I do feel like I have some expertise and knowledge about these issues. I have worked in the international development field my entire career and have lived in low resource countries. The reality is that there are institutions in these countries (especially in more rural areas) that can use in-kind goods. Schools and health clinics are two options. Will your in-kind goods get to people that actually need them rather than being sold/stolen (or just kept in a drawer because they are too nice), YMMV. Throwing cash at these local organizations may also not work out depending on who is in charge of said institution. There is a lot of corruption. It's possible that OP's safari company supports some local village institutions. I would start there and do some research. I would also tip generously for anybody that helps you do anything.

Have similar experience, and agree 100%.

Please do not do that. Have your safari guide find a church where you can donate the goods.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cringe. Just give them money, don't fly your junk half way around the world.

Anecdote: About 18 years ago my wife and I spent the winter in Kenya. We were based at an orphanage where we volunteered, and I also volunteered with an engineering NGO. After a few months we realized that ALL of the things we were doing at the orphanage could be done better by locals who needed jobs. So I asked the orphanage director point blank: Is it more effective for us to stay, or to just go and leave you the money we would otherwise spend to stay at the orphanage cottage, meals, etc. He squirmed a bit, but answered me honestly: the money would be more effective.

So we made a donation and went home. It is often selfish to do good in a way that feels good. It is much truer to do good in a way that IS good. Anonymous is best if you can.

This THIS THIS.

My grandfather drilled that into me: true charity is anonymous. Everything else is done for self.

From Bishop Hooker, 450 years ago: "The best things we do have somewhat in them to be pardoned."

And why Jesus counsels that we do our giving in secret.

Anonymous wrote:Pack up the White Man’s burden
Send forth your Boden tweeds
Go bind your clothes to exile,
To serve your #blessed needs

Well done