Into Africa

The first of four books chronicling author Sam Manicom's eight year motorcycling odyssey across the globe, Into Africa is simultaneously a daring and adventurous two wheeled trek across that continent, and a deeply interpersonal journey filled with keen observations and some gorgeous and at times (when called for) detailed descriptive writing.

In full disclosure, I met Sam on this trip and we have maintained a warm relationship since, despite his nearly killing me in Tanzania (I'm John, the American bloke who was with him for the motorcycle accident in Tanzania, chronicled in the first chapter). That said, I would give Into Africa a five star review regardless of who was writing it, as it is quite simply a fantastic read and a stunning achievement.

Deciding to "live the dream", Sam Manicom chucks his retail job in the UK for the ride of a lifetime. An amateur motorcyclist at the beginning and filled with many of the doubts any of us might have had on undertaking a trip like this, Sam perseveres for a ride through Southern Europe, into Egypt, down through some of the most treacherous terrain in the world in Sudan, to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa. In some ways, it's a wonder he survived at all, as along the way he is shot at in Sudan, temporarily jailed in Tanzania, and thrown from his bike by a Namibian pothole in a terrifying accident that lands him in the hospital. For most, this would have been the end of the trip, but for Sam, this is all just the beginning, as the subsequent three books which detail his continuing travels around the world attest to.

The beauty of Into Africa however are not the accidents and adventures - exciting as those chapters are -- but the off the beaten path interactions with the locals. The chapter chronicling his journey to a remote village in Tanzania, where the curious villagers allow him to stay with them for several days -- Sam observing them while they observe him -- is one of the most beautiful and touching pieces of writing I've come across anywhere. Interactions with locals as well as fellow travelers of varied stripes (and of varying degrees of trustworthiness) are what makes this book different from other travelogues and so much more than just a book about a motorcycle adventure in Africa.

Readers who enjoy this book will also very much enjoy the rest of Sam's books which continue the journey. Into Africa is highly recommended not just for those who enjoy motorcycles, but for those who enjoy cross-cultural experiences, travel, and who are fascinated with the world and the people who inhabit it.

The first instalment of a four book series explores Sam's foray into motorcycling and traveling in third world countries. Sam's an everyday kind of guy, if not unusually positive, and his story demonstrates that anyone is capable of a motorcycle adventure, even if you don't know how to ride a motorcycle! He experiences many set backs, many of which would convince most people to go home, but Sam's humble but ridiculously happy-go-lucky attitude allow him to continue. Into Africa is my personal favourite, but once you start, you'll certainly have to read all four books to find out what happens. If you're into audio books, I'd recommend getting the first two as audiobooks because they're read by Sam himself and his bubbly personality seeps into your living room as you listen.

I came across this book purely by accident. I was due for a long road trip and needed a listen. I saw this on Audible and had a credit so I bought it about 30 minutes before hitting the road. A few miles into the trip I was interested, hours later I was engrossed in the story. That led me to buy this print version and I'm glad I did, not many better ways to while away quarantine than with a good book that takes you to new places. I have since bought all 4 of his books and I have traveled around the world during covid thanks to his great writing.

I haven't read a book since I was a child but I loved every minute of reading this. It's winter here in Nebraska but I this is so well written with such detail that it feels like I'm riding on the sunny dirt roads myself. Great job Sam can't wait to read Under Asian Skies!

Fun, adventure motorcycle stories. Enjoyed it very much

I really enjoyed this book. Well written and engaging stories of his travels across Africa. I liked it so much I'm ordering his second book in the three book series.
If you enjoy travel and not motorcycles so much, you will still enjoy the stories. Its not all about the motorbike. Much of it is about the people he meets along the way.

Really enjoyed hearing of Sam's adventures, but I would never put myself in situations he endured. Sitting at a border crossing for a day? Not my idea of adventure, more like torture. I felt this book needed more maps so we could follow along better. Having just one map of Africa is a little vague. Sorry if I offend any of my British friends, but there are some Brit phrases that I could just not understand the meaning. I just passed over the phrase, but it left me feeling I had missed something. It might have been a cute phrase to Sam, but the rest of the world probably didn't get it. I can feel Sam's disappointment of losing all those photos due to a film processing mistake, the book needed those photos to carry us along on his journey and truly show there are beautiful, helpful and kind people all over the world. I don't think anyone gets up each morning wishing to hurt someone, as the circumstances of our lives seem to change us somehow. I have read Sam's other book, "Tortillas to Totems" and would recommend it. Much easier to read. Enjoy

Sam is a fine story teller, and it was my pleasure to be brought along on his trip, if only by book. This book is full of wonderful stories and rich descriptions of the places Sam went and the people he met.

After meeting Sam I purchased ‘Into Africa’. His story telling matches his personality full of interesting anecdotes. You are invited along during his trek of East Africa. You feel as your riding along sharing some of his adventures. I will be purchasing and reading his next book in the series, ‘Under Asian Skies’ as well as the rest of the series.

This is what inspiration looks like! Sam tells about his jurney from being a typical working guy to being on an amazing adventure. You will quickly find yourself thinking "I can do this"