Most of us have a wild travel story we like to dine out on but Anthony Ham, the author of The Last Lions of Africa, is what one might call “next level”.
“Travel adventures? Well, I’ve been nearly eaten by a lion in Botswana and knifed in Cameroon and then there was the time I was arrested in Iran,” Ham says, laughing. “I don’t put myself in danger deliberately, but if I think it’s a good story I’ll take a calculated risk.”
Pre-pandemic, Ham could often be found observing and writing about some of the world’s most vulnerable inhabitants from the Serengeti to Svalbard. These days, adventure lies a little closer to home.
“I could go back to Kakadu time and again but I’m dreaming about Cape York and the Kimberley.”Along with a few personal essentials – photos of his children, cheap reading glasses and paper maps for accurate directions – here’s what you will find in his luggage.
Remember all your greatest thoughts and ideas with a voice recorder.
1. Olympus pocket voice recorder
Critical for capturing interviews and great ideas but I’ll often turn it on to record the atmosphere of a place such as the slap of the paddle as I canoe the Amazon. Hearing it again really does create a sensory experience.
Pick up an Olympus WS-853 digital voice recorder, $139.
2. Beef jerky
Whenever I travel in Africa, I always carry a supply of what they call biltong or what we would call jerky. It’s dried meat that doesn’t need to be in the fridge and comes from everything from cow to kudu.
Keep your hunger at bay with some Woolworths beef jerky, $5.50.
Stay warm on even the coldest desert nights.
3. The North Face jacket
I’m a huge fan of their jackets. In some parts of Africa, especially the Kalahari or Sahara deserts, mornings can be close to freezing and these jackets help keep me toasty.
Try the North Face Cypress jacket, $380.
4. Notebook
There’s something about writing things down that makes moments – no matter how great or small – stick in your memory. That said, I also enjoy the tactile nature of putting pen to paper.
Pick up a notebook from Kmart, $3.
Stay safe while supporting wildlife conservation.
5. Great Plains Conservation face mask
The next time I travel, I’m planning on taking one of these face masks from Great Plains Conservation. I never imagined ever needing something like this.
Get your Great Plains Conservation face mask, $15.99.
6. Akubra hat
It might be cliche but I do take an Akubra with me whenever I’m on safari. The Aussie and African bush both have the same powerful sun and often provide very little shade.
Add a classic touch with an Akubra Rough Rider hat, $230.
Anthony Ham enjoys reading Peter Matthiessen’s work while travelling. Picture: Les Hallack
7. A Peter Matthiessen book
Rich and lyrical, Matthiessen’s work is a constant reminder about the importance of telling good stories, but also writing beautifully about important things. If you can choose only one book, I would recommend The Snow Leopard.
Get your copy of The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen, $29.35.
8. Satellite phone
I’m a terrible mechanic and I’m usually driving around places without phone signal. The one time I didn’t have one with me, I was in the Sahara and my car battery died. I had to walk 10 hours through the desert to get assistance.
Stay in touch with the Thuraya sat safety bundle, $959.
Never miss a detail with waterproof binoculars.
9. Olympus binoculars
It’s often dangerous to get too close to the things I want to see, such as a lion, cheetah or polar bear, so I rely on these – usually from the safety of my Jeep.
Never miss out with Olympus RC II WP binoculars, $61.99.
10. High-powered torch
In many places where I travel, it’s a good idea to be afraid of the dark. A small, military-style torch helps me identify animals quickly, long before they approach.
See in the dark with the Focus 1000 hand torch, $149.98.
The Last Lions of Africa ($32.99, Allen & Unwin) is out now.
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