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Safari Jema
Teresa O’Kane had always longed to see the world. She owned scads of travel books and maps to prove it and was about to buy yet another bookcase to hold the many Lonely Planet guides and travel essays that she had accumulated over the years when she turned to her husband and said, “I’m tired of storing our dreams. Let’s live them!” Within a month, they bought one-way tickets to Morocco, leased out their home, and set out on a journey of the African Continent top to bottom, from Casablanca to Cape Town. Transiting seventeen countries in 10 months, mostly by public transport, they explored wild, exotic, and historic locations they had only dreamed of and some they had never heard of. From sandy Timbuktu, to a tiny lemur populated island in Madagascar, the author embraces Africa. She strokes the manes of lions, contracts malaria, flies a micro light over Victoria Falls, earns a level one certification as a South African safari guide, discovers that an insect has turned her foot into a nursery for hundreds of eggs, grapples with the negative effects of foreign aid, and rubs elbows with European royalty deep within the Dogon in Mali. O’Kane offers an entertaining and enlightening look into overland travel on the African continent. Filled with helpful budget minded travel tips, this inspiring book may find you yearning to take a career break of your own.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2012
58 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Teresa O'Kane
3 books30 followersWinner of two Travelers' Tales Solas Awards for Best Writing and the Indie Book Award for Best Memoir, Teresa O'Kane writes from around the world and from her home in San Jose California. She has restored old homes, owned and operated a small business, sailed a catamaran to Hawaii, lived in Africa and traveled the seven continents all with her lover and husband (same person) Scott. She earned her degree in Economics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which is where she learned to see the humor in life and commerce and that experiences, not things, have the greatest value.
When she is not in Africa or out exploring new destinations, Teresa writes about travel and gives lectures on Africa, budget travel, and The Camino de Santiago, a 500 miles pilgrimage across Spain.
Safari Jema, A Journey of Love and Adventure from Casablanca to Cape Town, is her first book.
When she is not in Africa or out exploring new destinations, Teresa writes about travel and gives lectures on Africa, budget travel, and The Camino de Santiago, a 500 miles pilgrimage across Spain.
Safari Jema, A Journey of Love and Adventure from Casablanca to Cape Town, is her first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 8, 2016
4.25★
From Casablanca to Cape Town, Africa, they had a safari jema, a good journey.
I couldn’t do it at this time in my life, probably never, but they did and still do. I really enjoyed traveling vicariously with this couple. Every chapter was enjoyable, humorous, and the real deal. You can put it down and pick it up anytime without losing a sense of their story or confusion about time and place. I read it in sections in-between other reads. It was a refreshing palate cleanser of sorts in-between other books. Highly recommended for anyone who likes to travel or wants to experience the heart of the continent, its people, and wildlife. What an adventure!
From Casablanca to Cape Town, Africa, they had a safari jema, a good journey.
I couldn’t do it at this time in my life, probably never, but they did and still do. I really enjoyed traveling vicariously with this couple. Every chapter was enjoyable, humorous, and the real deal. You can put it down and pick it up anytime without losing a sense of their story or confusion about time and place. I read it in sections in-between other reads. It was a refreshing palate cleanser of sorts in-between other books. Highly recommended for anyone who likes to travel or wants to experience the heart of the continent, its people, and wildlife. What an adventure!
March 5, 2012
In 2004 I visited Africa for an epic seven month journey. It was for me the beginning of a new life as it opened up the possibiities of the vastness of the globe. Teresa was on that same journey, at least for part of the trip and writes honestly and with great enthusiasm about her love of adventure and new places. I had tears in my eyes as I recalled those moments of driving down the west African coast which she evokes so clearly. Even if you weren't on that "truck" you will enjoy following this amazing woman's journey and maybe absorb some of her love for Africa, its landscapes, it's peoples and especially its animals.
February 26, 2016
I’m always leery when I pick up a memoir. I never know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised with Safari Jema. This story is extremely well written and keeps you coming back for more. Everything was laid out in such perfect clarity. It has a brilliant flow to it that makes for a very easy and enlightening read. I couldn’t put it down for a second.
O’Kane illustrates the cultural diversity found within the continent of Africa. She also illustrates the trials and rewards of traveling the continent. It was a real eye opener, especially since she made you feel like you were there with her. There were times when I was laughing so hard that I couldn’t see the words on the page. Honestly, laughing so hard that my dogs curled up with me trying to comfort me because they thought that something was wrong. The worst part? It would have been horrendous to live through some of these things, but absolutely hilarious to read about and would have created the memories of a lifetime.
This story made me laugh, it made me think, and it made me envious because the author was brave enough to live my bucket list and come back to write about it in a work more captivating than many fictional novels. I am so grateful that the author decided to share her adventures in this manner.
Please note that I won this book through Goodreads First Reads program.
O’Kane illustrates the cultural diversity found within the continent of Africa. She also illustrates the trials and rewards of traveling the continent. It was a real eye opener, especially since she made you feel like you were there with her. There were times when I was laughing so hard that I couldn’t see the words on the page. Honestly, laughing so hard that my dogs curled up with me trying to comfort me because they thought that something was wrong. The worst part? It would have been horrendous to live through some of these things, but absolutely hilarious to read about and would have created the memories of a lifetime.
This story made me laugh, it made me think, and it made me envious because the author was brave enough to live my bucket list and come back to write about it in a work more captivating than many fictional novels. I am so grateful that the author decided to share her adventures in this manner.
Please note that I won this book through Goodreads First Reads program.
January 22, 2022
2022 B1: Safari Jema By Teresa O Kane.
Teresa and her husband absolutely love travelling. They decide to sell their house and go on a year long trip across Africa from Morocco to South Africa. What they witness about Africa, it’s people, history, culture and wildlife is beautifully put together in this book. Fantastic travelogue to begin the year. Enjoyed several Wikipedia and Google maps look ups as I learnt more about Africa which is largely untold to us. Short and great read. 👌🏻👌🏻
Teresa and her husband absolutely love travelling. They decide to sell their house and go on a year long trip across Africa from Morocco to South Africa. What they witness about Africa, it’s people, history, culture and wildlife is beautifully put together in this book. Fantastic travelogue to begin the year. Enjoyed several Wikipedia and Google maps look ups as I learnt more about Africa which is largely untold to us. Short and great read. 👌🏻👌🏻
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May 29, 2012I won this book from GoodReads, and it turned out to be a fun read. The chapters are each a story in themselves, so it's easy to read in bite-sized chunks without worrying about losing track of where the story is going.
May 17, 2015
A fun read of adventure
An east to read, story of adventure and situations encountered in a most rewarding trip through Africa. I loved the way this amazing couple "flowed" through all of their situations and the beauty they found.
An east to read, story of adventure and situations encountered in a most rewarding trip through Africa. I loved the way this amazing couple "flowed" through all of their situations and the beauty they found.
June 22, 2015
One of the best travel narratives of Africa I've ever read. Entertaining, exciting, informative, humorous, and very well written.
February 27, 2020
I loved this book so much! I loved hearing about her and her husband and their one year journey through Africa. I wish they had the second book on Audible. I loved listening to it on Audible. The narrator was really good as well. I highly recommend this book.
May 12, 2019
What a great read! If you love to travel and have a passion for Africa, this is a must read. Easy and compelling reading where you feel and share the love for this beautiful continent with every page you turn. I finished it in 1,5 days.
January 23, 2013
"A Journey of the Heart" through Africa
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Teresa and her husband, Scott, do what I call "real travel" as opposed to "insulated travel" such as one does on organized group trips or from a cruise ship. This is the kind of travel I most admire even though I have more often taken the easier path. Everyone interested in Africa and in love with travel of any kind will enjoy Safari Jemi. Teresa's adventures and encounters with fellow travelers, Africans, and wildlife are exciting, heartwarming, and often very,very funny. Teresa writes very well and I had a difficult time putting this down. I look forward to reading more on her blog and, I hope, in a future book.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway but definitely look forward to buying her next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Teresa and her husband, Scott, do what I call "real travel" as opposed to "insulated travel" such as one does on organized group trips or from a cruise ship. This is the kind of travel I most admire even though I have more often taken the easier path. Everyone interested in Africa and in love with travel of any kind will enjoy Safari Jemi. Teresa's adventures and encounters with fellow travelers, Africans, and wildlife are exciting, heartwarming, and often very,very funny. Teresa writes very well and I had a difficult time putting this down. I look forward to reading more on her blog and, I hope, in a future book.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway but definitely look forward to buying her next book.
May 6, 2012
Safari Jema tells the true story of a husband and wife who traveled through Africa for ten months. It documents all of the funny and sometimes scary situations they found themselves in. It also gives tips about what places you cannot miss and the best and safest ways to travel. For the most part, I really enjoyed the book. Sometimes I felt the the author was a little harsh when she was describing some of the people she had met. Even so, after finishing the book, I felt eager to be able to travel around the world and experience ways of life and locations that are drastically different from what I am used to. This is exactly what the couple in the book did.
*I won this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
*I won this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
March 31, 2012
Safari Jema took me by surprise. I'm not really into these 'journal' type books, but I really did like this book.
At first, for me, the book started out a little slow but after the first few chapters I was hooked.
Unlike travel books, National Geographic magazine, or TV shows, I feel like this book gave you a true insiders look at Africa.
There are so many amusing stories in this book; and Teresa O'Kane makes sure to include wonderful details.
I should also add that, the way they afford to do the traveling is a lot of camping and public transportation-which makes for even more fun stories.
I am really glad I received this book for free through Goodreads First Read.
At first, for me, the book started out a little slow but after the first few chapters I was hooked.
Unlike travel books, National Geographic magazine, or TV shows, I feel like this book gave you a true insiders look at Africa.
There are so many amusing stories in this book; and Teresa O'Kane makes sure to include wonderful details.
I should also add that, the way they afford to do the traveling is a lot of camping and public transportation-which makes for even more fun stories.
I am really glad I received this book for free through Goodreads First Read.
August 25, 2015
I was enthralled. Though it took me a while to read, I couldn't wait to finish this book, but I was sad when it was done. I google image searched different things that were mentioned so I could "see" them, too. I have always wanted to take a short trip to Africa, and now that I've finished reading about their trip I want to leave tomorrow!
Alas, my family is unable to take off adventuring, maybe someday. Until them this book has opened my eyes to travel books for me to journey vicariously though.
I loved this book. Every single bit of it. Read it, you won't be disappointed!
Alas, my family is unable to take off adventuring, maybe someday. Until them this book has opened my eyes to travel books for me to journey vicariously though.
I loved this book. Every single bit of it. Read it, you won't be disappointed!
May 2, 2020
If you want to be inspired to travel or simply take a virtual journey to many amazing places in Africa, then Safari Jema is a must read and I highly recommend it.
While reading, it’s as if you’re on the journey alongside Teresa. The way she organizes her thoughts and shares her experiences in Africa is special and unique. She touches on Africa’s culture, people, children, hardships, diseases, animals and much more. It reminds us to be appreciative and happy.
Teresa truly delivers what she promises in the book’s title; it is truly a journey of love and adventure.
While reading, it’s as if you’re on the journey alongside Teresa. The way she organizes her thoughts and shares her experiences in Africa is special and unique. She touches on Africa’s culture, people, children, hardships, diseases, animals and much more. It reminds us to be appreciative and happy.
Teresa truly delivers what she promises in the book’s title; it is truly a journey of love and adventure.
January 15, 2015
This is a very well told story , excellent writing.
Having traveled to Africa myself I recommend this book to have a good understanding of travel ( both the joys and travails) in Africa.
The stories about areas that are less traveled such as Mali, Ethiopia and Madagascar give you a real sense of the people and place.
The little discussion between Teresa and Scott are priceless and will make you smile.
June 8, 2012
I won this book through Goodreads and it was exactly that a good read. There are some very comical bits to the book like when you are introduced to their travelling companions and some really fascinating bits such as when they get Timbuktu. Great book that i enjoyed reading!
October 13, 2012
A terrfic book! I loved the adventure of this book and how Teresa and Scott totally enjoy their experiences so matter what happens. They have an open mind and know how to enjoy and take in other cultures. If I was going on a trip, I'd want them with me!
February 28, 2013
I won this book from goodreads giveaways. It was a great read and was very entertaining. I have always wanted to visit Africa but know I will never get there the book gave me a taste of what I'll be missing. Maybe it will inspire me to follow my dreams a visit there as well
October 18, 2016
The author gave me a copy of this book at a writing conference last year and I just read it while on vacation in Tanzania and Kenya. It's a fantastic resource for anyone looking to travel in Africa--full of interesting insights and good tips about making an overland trip work.
November 9, 2017
Gave a good sense of the physical, cultural and sensory scope of Africa with a keen awareness of the variety of mishaps that can, and do, come down on all travellers. The highs were dreamlike. The lows were nightmarish, but in a remarkably matter of fact way.
December 31, 2013
would like to read this, but can't seem to get it in e-reader format! Got it on Kindle and loved it!
March 22, 2013
This was a Goodreads win and I absolutely enjoyed it! I wish I could pack up and go on an African Safari. Each chapter is like its own separate story. Quite the adventure.
April 18, 2013
Loved, loved, loved this book! I couldn't do what Teresa and Scott did but I felt as if I were in Africa along with them. Wonderful writing and subject!
June 29, 2013
A beautifully written book. Could not put this down and has inspired me and fuelled my dream to return to Africa for my 50th. This is a book I will read many times.
May 16, 2014
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved the author's "can do" attitude and sense of adventure.
June 11, 2015
San Jose couple leases out their home and spends 8 months traveling around Africa. I wouldn't do it,but loved her stories!
May 9, 2018
A couple travel through Africa for the best part of a year. Some interesting stories of their adventure.
November 13, 2021
An amazing journey! An Africa unveiled. I'm so inspired by this memoir. I want to pack my bags and head to Africa! As a bonus, I listened to the audiobook, read by my cousin :-) Delightful!
May 8, 2020
While her writing was good, I thought this book lacked any humor, though provoking insights, and in a word, I thought it was boring! Having lived in Africa myself for 2 years, I can tell you it goes far deeper than anything this couple experienced.
April 19, 2012
Teresa O’Kane had always longed to see the world. She owned scads of travel books and maps to prove it and was about to buy yet another bookcase to hold the many Lonely Planet guides and travel essays that she and her husband had accumulated over the years when she turned to her husband and said, “I’m tired of storing our dreams. Let’s live them!” Within a month, they bought one-way tickets to Morocco, leased out their home, and set out on a journey of the African Continent top to bottom, from Casablanca to Cape Town. Transiting seventeen countries in 10 months, mostly by public transport, they explored wild, exotic, and historic locations they had only dreamed of and some they had never heard of. From sandy Timbuktu, to a tiny lemur populated island in Madagascar, the author embraces Africa. She strokes the manes of lions, contracts malaria, flies a micro light over Victoria Falls, earns a level one certification as a South African safari guide, discovers that an insect has turned her foot into a nursery for hundreds of eggs, grapples with the negative effects of foreign aid, and rubs elbows with European royalty deep within the Dogon in Mali. O’Kane offers an entertaining and enlightening look into overland travel on the African continent. Filled with helpful budget minded travel tips, this inspiring book may find you yearning to take a career break of your own.
Also available as an e book on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Safari-Jema-ebo...
Also available as an e book on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Safari-Jema-ebo...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews