Customer Reviews

Kayaks Down the Nile

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John Goddard is a remarkable person. As a boy, he decided to make a list of all the things he wanted to accomplish in his lifetime, after listening to adults lamenting the things they wanted to do, but never did. This book describes the accomplishment of just one of over 100 goals he set in his youth. Reading the book puts you right in the middle of this adventure. You can feel the sweat, and the mosquitoes. You feel the fear during dangerous escapes from rhino. You feel the tiredness in your arms from paddling the kayak. You also feel the exhiliaration of traversing rapids, or a bath and clean clothes. You really get the feel of the many different peoples that Dr. Goddard meets along his journey, and you get to know his companions that accompanied him. What a vacarious adventure.

I read this book years ago. It's a keeper to be reread anytime for sheer pleasure. This fascinating journey was begun on November 2, 1950. I doubt it could be done now. For hair-raising adventure on the Nile river from the true source at the headsprings of the Kagera River traveling by muscle power only, 4,145 miles to Rosetta,a port town, at the mouth of the Nile on the Mediterranean sea; this exciting exploration is so interesting you may be unable to put it down until finished. It's that riveting! John Goddard and his two traveling companions risked their lives on this great river with its variety of animals, weather, peoples, and terrain, in kayaks. They became known as the three Nileteers! They were also the first to document their journey from the true source of the river. The reader actually feels a part of the journey.

What a difference there must be within this long stretch of Africa along the great river today, a half century later.

This book is a true learning experience. Seldom does a reader chance upon a book so well written and documented that one will never forget. Descriptions of the peoples along the river are amazing.

This book transports you there! The 4100 mile journey is visible as you read. The fact that it happened 60 years ago just adds to the wonder. Awesome travel journal - it covers his experience but fills in with descriptions of the geography and the cultures he spanned. Even if you don't know who he is, and what his goals are, you will be inspired.

Over 20 years ago I read this book and I was inspired to be more adventuresome leading me to live in Africa and to try many new things. It is a great story and about as much as you would expect from such a tale down an African rive through bandit country. I took my 3 sons on a similar adventure here in America because I wanted them to experience river travel. It was all I dreamed of and more I bought the book so they could read it as well.

One of the most spectacular adventure stories ever written. John and his partners kayak and survive in the wild and dangerous jungles, deserts and river villages. I highly recommend if you enjoy reading about personal, life changing voyages.

Bought for a high school student who was struggling, thought it would fit and it did. He enjoyed the account of the adventures but it is definitely one that has to fit the reader.