Into Africa (Paperback)

Africa. To travel there? The dark continent of high risk or a land filled with fascination?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to chuck it all in and do something completely different? One night over a few beers, Sam Manicom decided to ride a motorcycle the length of Africa. A mad idea? A mid-life crisis? Or a world of opportunity opening up.

There was just one obstacle; he didn’t know how to ride a motorcycle, and if he was going to make it through the Sahara before the months of intense summer heat hit, he had just 3 months to learn, and get across Europe to Egypt.

Travelling southwards through fourteen African countries between Cairo and Cape Town, this is the story of an enlightening, yet demanding journey. You’ll feel the pain, sweat with him, but you’ll also laugh with him as he describes the many situations that Africa and its people place in front of him. Some countries were torn by civil war, with the politics of others placing challenges in his way. Bribery and corruption hit with additional tests but Sam soon found that these aspects did not drown out the joy and the beauty of the land.

He quickly finds that though Africa is as challenging a continent to travel as he’d expected, the ever-changing scenery, the historical surprises and the humour of the people are his strongest memories. Taking side turnings and dirt roads he gets off the beaten track through some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes, to places where little has changed for hundreds of years. His motorcycle gives him the freedom to explore that he’d hoped for and readers will soon find that this is a book filled with opportunities. The phrase ‘Every day an Adventure’ was coined for this 22,000 mile journey.

Sam lives in a remote village, escapes a bush fire, encounters animals in the wild, climbs a mountain, and whether he’s being shot at or knocked unconscious while riding across the Namibian desert, this eye-opening and uplifting tale catapults you into Africa. It’s a story that’s upfront with the mishaps, dust, heat and the thrill of overlanding. Sam’s perceptions of people, places and predicaments have real depth and texture, and their associated sights, smells and sounds are evoked with a natural ease. Woven between the descriptions are tips and suggestions for future Africa Overlanders.

The word-pictures that bring a good travel book to life are all here; you could be traveling with him. He's been described as 'One of the foremost and most readable adventure motorcyclists writing about their adventures on two wheels.’ In 2018 Sam was presented with the 'Spirit of Adventure' Award by Overland Magazine in recognition of his contribution to overlanding and long distance motorcycle travel.

This is the first book in the series of 4 books. Into Africa, Under Asian Skies, Distant Suns & Tortillas to Totems. 8 years around the world. 6 continents. 4 books. 2 wheels.

Johnnie Walker – BBC Radio ‘This is a great adventure and a really enjoyable read.

Adventure Rider Magazine USA ‘A skyscraper-high stack of experiences. Full of vivid detail of the terrain, people, food and circumstances.

ADVMoto Magazine ‘Manicom tells the story with rich detail of the terrain, the people, the food, and the circumstances, creating vivid imagery.’

Visor Down ‘The deep red of African earth glows under Manicom's pen.’

Overland Magazine ‘The word-pictures that bring a good travel book to life are all here; Sam’s perceptions of people, places and predicaments have real depth and texture, their associated sights, smells and sounds are evoked with a natural ease. Sam’s style is engaging and well-tuned. I found myself in the midst of action rather than a mere fly on the wall.’

Motorcycle Sport & Leisure 'His joy at being out on the road comes through strongly.'

'A captivating book for all, this is the story of an enlightening, yet daunting journey across fourteen African countries by motorcycle. Each chapter is filled with one great story after another.' --Aerostich.com

The word-pictures that bring a good travel book to life are all here; Sam's perceptions of people, places and predicaments have real depth and texture, their associated sights, smells and sounds are evoked with a natural ease. --The Road Magazine