Best going away present for 6 months in Africa? 10 points.?

Question

One of my closest friends is going to work for engineers without borders in Africa. He's not sure exactly where he will be positioned. I'm looking for a very unique, but useful going away present for him, preferably under $50. He's 25, if that helps. He's also 6'7" with pretty long hair (past shoulders), if that helps.

I don't want to give him a lonely planet guide or anything quite so obvious, so practical objects, or strangely useful books (like Schott's Original Miscellany, for instance) would be great. I will vote up good suggestions that aren't chosen, and definitely will give 10 points for best answer.

Thanks in advance. And remember - any suggestion is a good one!

Answer 1

If it were me, i would LOVE to receive:

1. A Steripen - purifies water wherever you go! This is my favorite Africa gadget, personally. http://steripen.com/steripen_products.ht...

2. A good, light sun-hat with SPF in it. I actually hate hats, but with equitorial sun, you have to wear them.

3. a pair of walkie talkies. These are REMARKABLY useful on car or hiking trips in africa, especially where cell phone coverage is limited. Then you can talk between 2 or more vehicles.

4. A Primate's Memoir - excellent, excellent book.

5. A temperature gauge (even though sometimes you DON'T want to know when it's 114 degrees), a compas, a Swiss Army knife, a bottle opener, etc.

Answer 2

One of those bug screen body suites. Like a jump suit of net. Kind of like what bee keepers where but made for home use. I have seen them in the Harriet Carter catalogue. Or just alot of bug spray. Or mabye just one of those net things for over his bed. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate bugs, I just don't like them crawling on me.  :)

Answer 3

SMALL PORTABLE STANDARD AND SHORT WAVE RADIO....ABOUT 30.00....BUT IT CAN PICK UP EUROPE BROADCASTS AS WELL AS OTHERS

Answer 4

6 months worth of his favorite portable snack. Who knows what kinda bugs and leaves he will hafta eat.