Coastal East Africa
What’s In Your Backpack?
Philipp Goeltenboth
Managing Director, Coastal East Africa
"Adaptability is the most important thing to bring along, as the real switch isn’t from water to land, but from the field to the office."
We asked Philipp what he packs when he heads off for Coastal East Africa, where he must always be prepared for marine, terrestrial, or office mode. Check out Philipp’s essentials:
Philipp’s inventory:
- Raincoat
- Business suit
- Tropical wildlife identification books
- Wet/dry boots and rafting sandals
- Large drybag that holds everything, and a small drybag for daytrips
- First aid kit housed in a hard plastic case to keep it from being destroyed during transit
- Russian army-issue binoculars: these are light-enhancing, for dusk and dawn wildlife viewing (when critters are most active)
- Somali Kikoy: traditional clothing for men that can be used as mosquito net, blanket, formal dress, beach towel, etc.
- Snorkel and mask
- Mosquito net and bug repellent
- Anti-nausea wristbands
- Iodine to treat wounds and purify water - good wound care is crucial in the tropics, as even a mosquito bite can become very serious!
- Sunscreen
- Water-safe matches
- Journal
