"The Congo basin is the hunters' paradise...thither went William Stamps Cherry...in search of the biggest game he could find...for nearly two years he did little but hunt elephants. Then he returned to America with a large collection of tusks and a most interesting journal." -Butler County Democrat, Oct. 1, 1901"William Stamps Cherry, the young African explorer...is the young man from Chicago who has already spent three years in equatorial Africa. His exciting adventures on this trip are numerous...nearly losing his life." -St. Louis Globe-Democrat, March 06, 1898"An African traveler of whom the world has heard little...is William Stamps Cherry...went to the Congo with practically no money...for three years Cherry lived with the natives of the upper Sanga." -St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Feb. 3, 1901"William Stamps Cherry...since he has reached manhood...has spent most of his life in the depths of Africa...for many months at a time he has not seen a white face...very little has been published about Cherry's adventures and the really good work he has done...has never seemed to court publicity." -Washington Times, Dec. 26, 1900Surviving only by his wits and a double-barreled .50 caliber rifle, 20-year-old big game hunter William Stamps Cherry of Missouri traveled alone into the unexplored heart of Africa, a land of slaves, cannibals, and big-game beyond all of his wildest imaginations. The natives of this wild and dangerous region would later come to refer to this great white hunter as "Hula Macosy" which means "strong man."In 1901 and 1903, Cherry published several articles on his elephant hunting experiences in central Africa. The first of these articles, titled "Elephant Hunting in Africa" appeared in the October 1901 issue of McClure's. The second, titled "Hunting the Elephant" was published in Hearst's International, Volume 5, in 1903. It is these two articles, comprising about 30 pages, that have been compiled and republished here for the convenience of the interested reader.After arrival in the Congo and completion of a successful expedition for the French, Cherry purchased two 60-foot native canoes, hired a crew of natives, packed his rifles and camp outfit, and set out for the jungles above the equator. He followed the upper Mobangui and its tributaries, making numerous trips up the Kotto river above the rapids which had previously been a barrier to other white travelers. He lost almost everything he had through the capsizing of his canoes in the rapids three times. He would voyage several hundred miles further up the river open up an unexplored region equal in size to Illinois.As noted by Cherry, for a long time the natives of this region of Africa had been trying to kill a gigantic elephant who had killed 27 of their own, but due to his toughness and strength he always managed to escape, even though the beast's huge body was covered with spears like a pincushion.In introducing this jumbo sized elephant, Cherry relates that "I had come into contact with an enormous elephant about eleven feet high at the shoulders; he had the points of several spears sticking in his body, and was not in an amiable mood. He had killed twenty-seven natives and was thirsting for more. I felt that I was on the trail of perhaps the biggest elephant in Africa, and naturally I was determined to follow him to the bitter end...."This encounter proved one of the most dangerous and thrilling episodes in Cherry's life. Such is the beginning of but one of many of Cherry's adventures described in his famous magazine articles published on his return. Read more

Don't just see the sights—get to know the people. There are good reasons Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa. Beyond its ideal climate, abundant wildlife, and spectacular natural beauty, however, it is the friendly and good humored Ugandan people who make this country different. Drawn from more than twenty tribes, they represent a tapestry of traditions, ethnicities, and cultures. As a society they are devoutly religious and conservative; as individuals they are surprisingly laid back. English is widely spoken but there are many cultural pitfalls to be aware of differences in expectations, customs, and ways of behaving.Culture Smart! Uganda provides key insights into Ugandan life and offers practical tips on how best to meet the Ugandan people on their own terms vital information for travelers and businesspeople alike.Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas. Read more

"A real story of adventure in unknown lands ...concerned principally with elephant and other hunting---sometimes with the author himself as quarry...fortunately he escaped at the worst with an arrow wound." -The Academy, June 13, 1914 "Cooper...tells us the story of his adventures among the cannibals and big game of East and Central Africa, North Eastern Congo...hairbreadth escape from cannibals on the banks of the Insa reads like a chapter from Rider Haggard." -Manchester Courier, April 24, 1914"Cooper...can set down his elephant-hunting exploits in a vivid fashion...to the big game hunter his book will be a continual delight...will make sportsmen envious of the author's life, hard and dangerous though it was." -Birmingham Post, June 26, 1914"Cooper is one of the band of world wanderers who have in their blood the craving for the wild...as a record of the hardships and difficulties experienced by these poorly equipped hunters in search of elephants and ivory in out-of-the-way districts of Central Africa, the book is of interest." - The Geographical Journal (1914)After several successful elephant hunts in the Congo, how did big game hunter Reginald Davey Cooper manage to narrowly survive after being wounded and hunted by cannibals who had killed several of his porters?In 1914, Reginald Davey Cooper writes of his narrow escape with his life from angry elephants and hostile tribes inhabiting the Congo in his book titled "Hunting and Hunted in the Belgian Congo." It is this book of 240 pages that has been republished here for the convenience of the interested reader.In introducing his book, Cooper writes: "I have been charged by elephants and wounded by cannibals in ambush....The life of a rolling stone, as I have known it, is always a glorious uncertainty, up one day and down the next; but I do not advise any one to try it, for in the long run the game is unprofitable financially, and you must be extremely versatile, able to adapt yourself to all grades of society, and willing to accept cheerfully whatever may come your way....Cannibals and so forth, they have all come true at last, lions, snakes, leopards, elephants, witch doctors, real bows and arrows, yes, it has all been very wonderful."In describing being attacked by elephants, Cooper writes: "I thought my last moment had come, for as I dropped down on my belly, the boy imitating my example, I saw the whole herd advance and rush headlong at us. It was like seeing a wall hurling itself down on one. Clouds of dust shot up, the earth trembled, branches were crunched up; this was no earth tremor such as I had experienced before, but a solid mass of maddened tossing life, great carcases, with gleaming tusks that reached within a foot of the ground, bore down upon us. I shut my eyes and waited motionless; every second I expected to be crushed to a pulp as the frenzied brutes tore past ... Can you imagine a more exciting sport than elephant hunting? Every other class of game hunting, even when the lion is the quarry, pales into insignificance besides such an experience as a stampede of elephants."About the author: After fighting in the Zulu wars in the British military in South Africa, big game hunter Reginald Davey Cooper would go on an adventure and danger-filled elephant hunting Safari in Belgian Congo. Read more

"Narrative of an Expedition to Explore the River Zaire, Usually Called the Congo" is a detailed account of Captain James Hingston Tuckey's 1816 expedition to explore the Congo River. Originally published in 1818, this is a republication of the original work. This seminal work provides an in-depth look at the geography, flora, fauna, and the indigenous peoples of the Congo region. Tuckey's narrative is not only a travelogue but also a scientific document, enriched with observations and data collected during the journey.James Hingston Tuckey's expedition was one of the early European attempts to explore the interior of Africa, particularly the Congo River, which was largely unknown to Europeans at the time. This expedition marked a significant moment in the history of African exploration, contributing valuable knowledge about the geography and the people of the Congo. Tuckey's work laid the groundwork for future explorations and increased European interest in the African continent.Critics and historians have praised Tuckey's narrative for its meticulous detail and scientific rigor. The book is considered a cornerstone in the literature of African exploration. Reviewers have highlighted Tuckey's dedication to documenting the expedition's findings, despite the numerous challenges faced. His work is lauded for its contribution to the understanding of the Congo River and its surrounding regions.About the author: James Hingston Tuckey (August 1776 - October 4, 1816) was an Irish-born British explorer and a captain in the Royal Navy. Tuckey had a distinguished naval career, participating in various expeditions, including those to the Red Sea and Australia. His most notable achievement was leading the 1816 expedition to explore the Congo River. Unfortunately, Tuckey succumbed to fever during the expedition and passed away on October 4, 1816, in Moanda, in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Read more

Dive into the captivating narrative of the Central African Republic (CAR) with our text-only masterpiece, an immersive exploration of a land that has remained largely uncharted in the world of literature. In "The History of the Central African Republic," we invite you to embark on an extraordinary voyage through the heart of Africa, uncovering the secrets of this diverse and enchanting nation.+ Unveiling Ancient Origins: Delve into the depths of time as we unveil the prehistoric roots of the CAR, shedding light on its early inhabitants, including the Pygmies and Bantu people.+ Kingdoms and Empires: Journey through the annals of history as we traverse the realms of the Kanem-Bornu, Sao, and Gbaya kingdoms, and witness the rise and fall of the Central African Empire under Jean-Bédel Bokassa.+ Colonial Rule and Independence: Explore the impact of European colonialism on the CAR, the struggles for independence, and the transition to democracy amidst political turmoil.+ Natural Wonders: Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the CAR's rainforests, wildlife reserves, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve to the Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park.+ Culinary Adventures: Savor the flavors of Central African cuisine, from hearty stews to exotic delicacies, and discover the culinary traditions that define the region.+ Historic Cities and Cultural Gems: Uncover the hidden treasures of CAR's cities, including Bangui, Bambari, and Zemio, where cultures converge and history comes to life.This text-only book is a comprehensive and insightful journey through the CAR's past and present. With a wealth of historical facts, cultural insights, and vivid descriptions, it offers a unique perspective on a nation often overlooked by mainstream literature.If you're a history enthusiast, a culture aficionado, a nature lover, or simply someone with a thirst for knowledge, this book is your passport to the wonders of the Central African Republic. Join us on this literary expedition and discover a world of diversity, resilience, and untamed beauty that will leave you inspired and enlightened.Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your horizons and enrich your understanding of the CAR. Order your copy of "The History of the Central African Republic: A Tapestry of History, Culture, and Nature" today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa, one text at a time. Read more

Separated from the north in 2011, South Sudan is the world's newest country and has emerged from decades of inaccessibility as a vibrant and diverse destination. Nature lovers are drawn to the region to experience one of the world's largest wetlands, the many tropical forests and the second-largest wildlife migration on earth. The tribal peoples such as the Dinka, Bari and Zande preserve unique cultures thousands of years in the making. Authors Sophie Ibbotson and Max Lovell-Hoare provide practical information on getting around this new country where the travelling is rugged but the rewards are immense. This stand-alone guide outlines tour operators, hotels, restaurants, suggested itineraries, and how you can give back to the community. The chapter on Sudanese culture provides in-depth coverage of its languages, people and culture. Divided into geographical regions with photographs and maps, South Sudan enables the intrepid traveller to explore the length and breadth of the country. Read more

Embark on a remarkable literary adventure through the captivating landscapes and vibrant cultures of Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia with award-winning travel writer, Terry Lister. In "Let's Go To Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia," the third installment of his Travels with Terry series, Lister invites readers to join him on an extraordinary journey of exploration and cultural discovery.From the very first pages, you'll be transported to the heart of these remarkable African nations. With Lister as your guide, you'll climb towering sand dunes, explore dense foliage, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of life in remote villages as he shares his encounters in local communities and offers insight into their profound cultural heritage."Let's Go To Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia" is an invitation to experience the thrill of exploration and the joy of cultural immersion.Whether you dream of embarking on your own African adventure or seek to savor the beauty of these lands from the comfort of your armchair, this book is your passport to discovery. So, grab your backpack, prepare your senses, and get ready to embark on an extraordinary voyage of exploration, where every turn of the page unveils a new layer of beauty, discovery, and cultural immersion.Let's go on an unforgettable adventure together! Read more

"James Sutherland...the world's mightiest elephant hunter." -Kingston Whig-Standard, Dec. 30, 1913"James Sutherland, the ivory hunter, who has a record bag of over 480 elephants...has more right than anybody else to be described as 'the Allan Quartermain of real life.'" -Birmingham Post Herald, Sept. 21, 1913"Thirteen years in the African jungle with a bag of 600 elephants to his credit, James Sutherland, the big game hunter, claims to have killed more bull elephants than any other hunter in the world." -Chicago Examiner, Aug. 24, 1913"Captain James Sutherland, world-famous elephant hunter...had been on the spoor of the elephant for 38 years, and he held the world-record bag---over 600 bull elephants...had a more extensive knowledge of Eastern and Central Africa than any other living man." -Hull Book of Days (2014)Why did Scottish adventurer James Sutherland decide to give up the stuffiness and constraint of a modern city life  and become an elephant hunter in the jungles of Africa---a life of weary days and restless nights, of fever, thirst, hunger, toil, and strife; but a life of wild, exhilarating excitement, of sunlight and air, vast spaces and solitude, of all things which seem to me to be so far removed from the restricting influences of a complex civilization?James Sutherland 1872-1932 was a Scottish born professional elephant hunter. His book "The Adventures of an Elephant Hunter" is a classic elephant-hunting tale regarded as one of the best elephant hunting titles ever written. He is widely considered to be among the most successful professional elephant ivory hunters of the early 20th century. Along the way he also hunted lions when the opportunity presented itself, such as when they attacked him. Sutherland came to Africa from England with a questionable background and while looking for a livelihood fell into ivory hunting as a way to make a fortune. It is said he killed over a thousand elephants in his long spanning life as an elephant hunter. While hunting with natives he formed close relationships and affection for these bush people. The book reveals much about the Sutherland as a person as well as the sport. This great hunting classic has been in demand for over a hundred years!In introducing his book, Sutherland writes: "I have shot 447 bull elephants, thereby creating a world's record. I do not make this statement in any spirit of boasting: I merely wish to convey to the reader that the stories which follow are not fiction, but facts gleaned from a long and unique experience in one of the most exciting and dangerous sports that the world offers, and jotted down actually as they happened within a day or two of their occurrence. I should like to add, moreover, that I have not gone on safari with a large and well-armed expedition to lessen the risks of my calling, but have always hunted alone, with one or two trusted boys as trackers, and carriers." Read more

Culture Smart! Rwanda gives you the tools for a successful visit to this beautiful land. It guides you through daily interactions, cultural dos and don'ts, traditions and cultural practices, etiquette, and the ways in which business is conducted. It provides a brief overview of Rwandan history, and practical suggestions for safety and travel. "The Land of a Thousand Hills," is known for its abundant natural beauty and iconic wildlife, from chimpanzees in the Nyungwe Forest to the returning lions and rhinoceros of Akagera National Park. This is a country of tea, coffee, and intricately woven baskets, of expressive drumming, and the subtle and artistic Intore dancers. It has a growing film industry, a world-class cycling team, a thriving contemporary music scene, and a burgeoning economy. The capital, Kigali, glimmers with new construction, and has become a home for investment and economic growth. Rwandans today remain a dignified, reserved, and welcoming people. They share a deep pride in their unique culture and history—demonstrated by their eagerness to showcase it to visitors—and they are dedicated to development. But to get the most from your stay, plunge in deeper and get to know them on their own terms, and you will find that you can make lifelong friends. Read more

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A young woman follows her fiancé to war-torn Congo to study extremely endangered bonobo apes-who teach her a new truth about love and belonging. In 2005, Vanessa Woods accepted a marriage proposal from a man she barely knew and agreed to join him on a research trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country reeling from a brutal decade-long war that had claimed the lives of millions. Settling in at a bonobo sanctuary in Congo's capital, Vanessa and her fiancé entered the world of a rare ape with whom we share 98.7 percent of our DNA. She soon discovered that many of the inhabitants of the sanctuary-ape and human alike-are refugees from unspeakable violence, yet bonobos live in a peaceful society in which females are in charge, war is nonexistent, and sex is as common and friendly as a handshake. A fascinating memoir of hope and adventure, Bonobo Handshake traces Vanessa's self-discovery as she finds herself falling deeply in love with her husband, the apes, and her new surroundings while probing life's greatest question: What ultimately makes us human? Courageous and extraordinary, this true story of revelation and transformation in a fragile corner of Africa is about looking past the differences between animals and ourselves, and finding in them the same extraordinary courage and will to survive. For Vanessa, it is about finding her own path as a writer and scientist, falling in love, and finding a home.Watch a Video Read more

🌍 Etes-vous prêt pour une aventure qui sort de l'ordinaire ? Vous rêvez d'explorer le cœur vibrant de l'Afrique, la métropole animée de Kinshasa ? si tel est le cas, le « guide de voyage Kinshasa 2024 » est votre solution ultime pour percer les secrets de cette ville dynamique !**🌟 êtes-vous confronté à des défis dans la planification de votre voyage, découvrir les joyaux cachés de la ville ou découvrir les meilleures opportunités d'affaires ? laissez ce guide vous servir de boussole, en vous proposant des solutions à trois dilemmes de voyage courants :1. dévoiler les mystères : Kinshasa est une ville avec une histoire et une tapisserie culturelle riches. vous êtes-vous déjà demandé comment vraiment vous connecter avec la culture locale et comprendre sa signification historique ? ce guide vous emmène au-delà de la surface, en vous plongeant dans l'histoire et les nuances culturelles de la ville.2. naviguer dans l'inexploré : planifier votre voyage implique bien plus que simplement réserver des vols et des hébergements. Êtes-vous à la recherche d'aventures hors des sentiers battus et de trésors cachés ? découvrez les coins les moins explorés de Kinshasa, où authenticité et aventure vous attendent.3. saisir les opportunités commerciales : pour les passionnés d’affaires, trouver les bons domaines dans lesquels investir peut être intimidant. Êtes-vous à la recherche des meilleurs domaines d’activité et des opportunités commerciales idéales ? ce guide dévoile les secrets du paysage commercial de Kinshasa, offrant un aperçu des entreprises potentielles et des idéaux commerciaux.📚 voici quatre raisons convaincantes pour lesquelles le guide de voyage Kinshasa 2024 est la solution parfaite à vos besoins de voyage et d'affaires :1. 🌐 informations complètes : ce guide est un trésor d'informations couvrant l'histoire, la culture, les principales attractions et les meilleurs quartiers d'affaires de Kinshasa. c'est votre ressource tout-en-un pour une compréhension complète de la ville.2. 💡 Informations privilégiées : découvrez les secrets de la ville grâce à des conseils privilégiés sur les trésors cachés et les expériences uniques. que vous soyez un aventurier ou un voyageur à l'esprit d'affaires, vous trouverez des informations inestimables pour tirer le meilleur parti de votre voyage.3. 📈 Sens des affaires : obtenez un avantage concurrentiel dans le monde des affaires grâce à des informations détaillées sur les meilleurs domaines d'activité et les entreprises potentielles. De la compréhension du marché local à la saisie des opportunités, ce guide est la clé de votre réussite.4. 📖 contenu à jour : avec les dernières informations pour 2024, vous pouvez être sûr que ce guide est votre compagnon actuel et fiable pour naviguer à Kinshasa.🚀 prêt se lancer dans un voyage de découverte et de réussite ? faites le premier pas vers une aventure inoubliable et une entreprise commerciale florissante. achetez dès maintenant votre exemplaire du « guide de voyage Kinshasa 2024 » et transformez vos rêves en réalité ! 📚✈️ Read more

With travel tips and culture in our guidebooks written by a local, it is never too late to visit Victoria Falls Zimbabwe . Greater Than a Tourist- Victoria Falls, Mashonaland, Zimbabwe by Vanessa Gowora offers first-hand and personal insight into the best ways to visit Victoria Falls. One of the seven wonders of the natural world and the largest falling sheet waterfall in the world. Though this book also contains information on how to enjoy your stay in Victoria Falls town and even a little about Harare. Most travel books tell you how to travel like a tourist. Although there is nothing wrong with that, as part of the ‘Greater Than a Tourist’ series, this book will give you candid travel tips from someone who has lived at your next travel destination. This guide book will not tell you exact addresses or store hours but instead gives you knowledge that you may not find in other smaller print travel books. Experience cultural, culinary delights, and attractions with the guidance of a Local. Slow down and get to know the people with this invaluable guide. By the time you finish this book, you will be eager and prepared to discover new activities at your next travel destination.Inside this travel guide book you will find: Visitor information from a Local Tour ideas and inspiration Valuable guidebook informationGreater Than a Tourist- A Travel Guidebook with 50 Travel Tips from a Local. Slow down, stay in one place, and get to know the people and culture. By the time you finish this book, you will be eager and prepared to travel to your next destination. Read more

"S.L. Hinde's intensely interesting volume 'The Fall of the Congo Arabs'...describes the Belgian expedition into the Upper Congo Basin in 1892...some...observations are too horrible for quotation...the passion for cannibalism."-Chicago Tribune, March 11, 1897"Captain Hinde...entered the service of the Congo Free State...got his chance to distinguish himself in the remarkable campaign by which the Arab power was overthrown...soldiery on both sides were often largely composed of cannibals." -The Westminster Budget, Feb. 19, 1897"The Congo Arabs were Arab slavers who, coming from the east coast of Africa, carved out a domain of their own in the Congo...were overthrown by the Belgians after some hard fighting...Hinde served with the Belgians in this war." -Alabama Journal, Sept. 14, 1960What unspeakable horrors did Canadian born officer Captain Hinde witness in the heart of Africa when he helped drive Arab slave trader rulers out of Congo in 1892?Belgian Commandant Baron Dhanis was for three years engaged in hunting down the pseudo-Arab slave-traders on the west of Lake Tanganyika and of Stanley Falls, of whom Tippu Tib was the foremost leader. Tippu and his followers had set up a tyranny, which was on many grounds reprehensible. Captain Sidney Langford Hinde (1863 - 1930) in his 1897 book "Fall of the Congo Arabs" details his experiences as one of Baron Dhanis's lieutenants.Hinde's book deals with the Belgian Expedition to the Upper Congo, which developed into a war between the Belgian State forces and the Arab slave-raiders in Central Africa. Two white men only returned alive from the three years' war - Commandant Dhanis and the writer of this book, Captain Hinde.In introducing his book, Hinde writes:"The year 1892 marks the crisis of a struggle in Central Africa between the conflicting forces of the East and the West. Between these forces, represented on the one hand by the Arabs from Zanzibar, and on the other by the Europeans from the mouth of the Congo, a collision had long been pending; and since each was bent upon supremacy within the same area, it was evident that the extinction of one power or the other could alone solve the problem."A body of Arab traders, hunters of slaves and ivory, had long striven to gather to Zanzibar the entire trade of Central Africa; while the Belgians of the Congo Free State, later in the field, sought to divert the commerce of the Interior to the Congo mouth, and thence, ultimately, to Europe."About the author:Sidney Langford Hinde was born July 23, 1863 and died October 18, 1930. He was Medical Officer of the Interior, British East Africa; Late Captain, Congo Free State Forces; was a military medical officer involved in colonial operations in the Congo and East Africa in the 19th century. Hinde was credited with aiding the overthrow of the infamous African slave trader Tippu Tip, and his successor, Sefu. Read more

If someone out there is planning on going to Rwanda, I would highly recommend picking up this book. It's light in tone, often humorous, and entails almost everything you will meet in terms of challenges and general wonderment when embarking on a surreal journey to Rwanda. The practical advice here will really help on your trip. Some amazing interactions with locals and cultural experiences make the book interesting. For those of you who are obsessed with the sheer variety in the many types of Rwandese cuisine, this is your book. It is pretty entertaining, and also I would recommend this to historians as well as those with an interest in African culture. This book is a must read, especially while travelling to Rwanda with a desire to explore. Prof. András Szöllösi-Nagy DSc, PhD Rector of UNESCO-IHE, Delft, the Netherlands Read more

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A journey of a single mother as she embarks on a life-altering adventure. She imparts invaluable wisdom about the steps to take for a seamless transition. From the intricacies of local customs to the nitty-gritty of daily life, she provides an indispensable guide for anyone considering a similar adventure. Read more

Two Trips to Gorilla Land and the Cataracts of the Congo, Volume II by Richard F. Burton continues the renowned explorer's journey through Central Africa. This volume details Burton’s exploration of the Congo River and the surrounding regions, where he provides vivid accounts of the geography, wildlife, and indigenous cultures he encountered. The narrative begins with Burton’s departure from Fernando Po in 1863, aboard a British steamship, during the intense heat of the African summer. He reflects on the challenging conditions faced by Europeans in the region, including the threat of yellow fever. As the journey progresses, Burton describes the landscapes along the Congo, offering insights into the diverse flora and fauna he encountered. He also delves into the lives of the local tribes, documenting their customs, practices, and social structures. Burton’s writing blends adventure with ethnographic observation, providing a rich and detailed portrait of the uncharted regions of Africa. The book presents a fascinating glimpse into the natural world and cultures that were little known to Europeans at the time. Read more

A spectacular modern-day adventure along the Nile River from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea With news of tenuous peace in Sudan, foreign correspondent Dan Morrison bought a plank-board boat, summoned a childhood friend who'd never been off American soil and set out from Uganda, paddling the White Nile on a quest to reach Cairo-a trip that tyranny and war had made impossible for decades. Morrison's chronicle is a mashup of travel narrative and reportage, packed with flights into the frightful and the absurd. Through river mud that engulfs him and burning marshlands that darken the sky, he tracks the snarl of commonalities and conflicts that bleed across the Nile valley, bringing to life the waters that connect the hardscrabble fishing villages of Lake Victoria to the floating Cairo nightclubs where headscarved mothers are entertained by gyrating male dancers. In between are places and lives invisible to cable news and opinion blogs: a hidden oil war that has erased entire towns, secret dams that will flood still more and contested borderlands where acts of compassion and ingenuity defy appalling hardship and waste of life. As Morrison dodges every imaginable hazard, from militia gunfire to squalls of sand, his mishaps unfold in strange harmony with the breathtaking range of individuals he meets along the way. Relaying the voices of Sudanese freedom fighters and escaped Ugandan sex slaves, desert tribesmen and Egyptian tomb raiders, The Black Nile culminates in a visceral understanding of one of the world's most elusive hotspots, where millions strive to claw their way from war and poverty to something better-if only they could agree what that something is, whom to share it with, and how to get there. With the propulsive force of a thriller, The Black Nile is rife with humor, humanity and fervid insight-an unparalleled portrait of a complex territory in profound transition. Read more

"A survivor's adventure of the highest order, it makes a compelling plea for saving one of the last watery treasures on earth. A page-turner.. . ."“Steve Chapple has the curiosity of a 19th-century member of the Royal Geographical Society, uses language like a bard, and has assembled an intrepid mosaic of a book drawn from his own explorations of the river that thwarted David Livingstone when seeking God’s Highway to the interior of Africa. Steve possesses a novelist’s eye for the telling details, and a reporter’s knack for the revealing quote. In Last Days, there is no hiding under the hull. Instead, we list and lunge and purl along, drenched in a magical coil of water, rock, sky and empyrean domains. In a way these journeys are like Chopin’s nocturnes: timeless, transcendent, universal. One does not so much read the accounts of Steve’s unquenchable quest as fall under his bravura spell.”-Richard Bangs, co-founder of the world's leading adventure company, MT-SOBEK, the author of many award-winning books, and a producer for American Public Broadcasting. He made the first descent of the Zambezi (after David Livingstone.)Hold on to ride the biggest whitewater on the planet. Learn why hippos are the most dangerous animals in Africa, not crocodiles, and how to warn them with the slap of a paddle. Glide by the camps of elephant poachers in silent mode. Find out up close what real lions sound like when they gather the pride at night (not like the MGM lion.) Make it to the headwaters of the Zambezi along the horrendous Old Slave Trail, and back down-river through war-torn Mozambique where the cocaine-fueled proxy-armies of Russia and America not so long ago fought pitiless battles in the savannah, butchering what were once endless herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest for meat. LAST DAYS is a survivor's adventure of the highest order, and at bottom it makes a compelling plea for saving one of the last watery treasures on earth. A page-turner."Adventurer and author Steve Chapple takes readers on a wild and wet ride from the Zambezi's source through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique where the river meets the Indian Ocean. The people, the cultures, the history, the dangers and triumphs of the journey are explored with an environmentalist's eye to the spectacular African wildlife that Chapple--a writer for National Geographic and the New York Times--encounters."CHAPPLE is the author of KAYAKING THE FULL MOON: A Journey Down the Yellowstone River to the Soul of Montana (New York Times Notable,) LET THE MOUNTAINS TALK, LET THE RIVERS RUN: A Call to Those Who Would Save the Earth by David Brower with Steve Chapple, OUTLAWS IN BABYLON: The Origin Story of American Cannabis, and BREAKPOINT: Reckoning with America's Environmental Crises (co-author Jeremy B.C. Jackson, Yale Univ. Press.) He is a Visiting Scholar at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, a Senior Fellow at the Samuel Lawrence Foundation and writes the popular Substack column, HOT GLOBE by Steve Chapple. Read more