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Living the Best Day Ever
“He preferred to assume that plenty was still unknown, and to accept that fear was the price you paid for paddling into Nature’s secrets.”
The Economist, Obituary, December 29, 2010
This is a true story of the greatest African explorer you have never heard of. Equipped with a core philosophy and a lot of luck, Hendri Coetzee embarks on a series of increasingly outrageous adventures in search of what he calls the best day ever. Through a series of harrowing and often hilarious experiences, he is subjected to grueling challenges in the most unique and compelling classroom on earth: the rivers and jungles of Africa.
Recognised for his unique approach to extreme adventures, Johannes Hendrik (Hendri) Coetzee was a true African explorer; a modern day incarnation of the nineteenth century mould of Livingston, Stanley, Baker, Burton and Speke. A South African, born in 1975, he ventured into the depths of Africa evoking the legacy of his predecessors when he jokingly referred to himself as a ‘Great White Explorer’. Coetzee spent more than a decade risking his life on the riverine veins that pulse thorough the heart of Africa, only to discover an intangible way to feel most alive.
The Economist, Obituary, December 29, 2010
This is a true story of the greatest African explorer you have never heard of. Equipped with a core philosophy and a lot of luck, Hendri Coetzee embarks on a series of increasingly outrageous adventures in search of what he calls the best day ever. Through a series of harrowing and often hilarious experiences, he is subjected to grueling challenges in the most unique and compelling classroom on earth: the rivers and jungles of Africa.
Recognised for his unique approach to extreme adventures, Johannes Hendrik (Hendri) Coetzee was a true African explorer; a modern day incarnation of the nineteenth century mould of Livingston, Stanley, Baker, Burton and Speke. A South African, born in 1975, he ventured into the depths of Africa evoking the legacy of his predecessors when he jokingly referred to himself as a ‘Great White Explorer’. Coetzee spent more than a decade risking his life on the riverine veins that pulse thorough the heart of Africa, only to discover an intangible way to feel most alive.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2013
112 people are currently reading
9142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 23, 2017
"Africa is a land of opportunity, a wild frontier where you can, with guts and determination, do just about anything and, as most governments in the world daily demonstrate in their collective rape of the continent, morals are optional."
Like most great adventurers, Hendri used kayaks as a means to an end - barges, rafts, bicycles, and feet would all also do. He lived every day as the BEST DAY EVER and so it was. His raw truth is obvious as it stabs home page after page through his careful scripting of the events as they were, even when he looked like an asshole. The Dylan Thomas quote springs to mind - "He who seeks rest will find boredom. He who seeks work will find rest." - he found rest through constant hardship. When 'make it harder' is the mantra the Congo surely becomes hell and, his psychological maturity is a testament to that fact. He was well-read but did not brag, well-qualified but made no mention of the fact, but most of all he lived the BEST DAY EVER, day in, day out.
Like most great adventurers, Hendri used kayaks as a means to an end - barges, rafts, bicycles, and feet would all also do. He lived every day as the BEST DAY EVER and so it was. His raw truth is obvious as it stabs home page after page through his careful scripting of the events as they were, even when he looked like an asshole. The Dylan Thomas quote springs to mind - "He who seeks rest will find boredom. He who seeks work will find rest." - he found rest through constant hardship. When 'make it harder' is the mantra the Congo surely becomes hell and, his psychological maturity is a testament to that fact. He was well-read but did not brag, well-qualified but made no mention of the fact, but most of all he lived the BEST DAY EVER, day in, day out.
August 17, 2021
Amazing collection of epic and beautiful journal entries that helped me to understand my own passion and raison d'etre. The closest thing to an adventure Bible I have come across. Hendri had an ego but he was also very self aware. One adjective to describe him: inspirational.
March 8, 2015
Africa. A continent few of us will get to explore. And here is a young man, kayaking down rivers, through the Congo, through areas still unmapped and explored. Much more than a memoir, it addresses many questions about the continent, its peoples, the interactions and cultural nuances. Through it we can question our own attitudes toward what is life, how we enjoy ( or not) the events, the risks, and the possibilities that life presents
What exactly is it that makes a life worthwhile, that makes a life exhilarating? When is adventure something much more?
What exactly is it that makes a life worthwhile, that makes a life exhilarating? When is adventure something much more?
April 12, 2018
Zen and the art of white water kayaking on the Nile and Congo rivers. Hang on tight! It's going to be a bumpy and very enjoyable ride
July 18, 2020
One of the few books that I devoured over the years.
Perfect companion for lovers of travel and adventure, designed by a man who truly lived his life!
Perfect companion for lovers of travel and adventure, designed by a man who truly lived his life!
December 31, 2018
Wonderful book
In the comments section on a magazine tribute to Coetzee, someone wrote "Hendri you lived while the rest of us slept." That says it all.
In the comments section on a magazine tribute to Coetzee, someone wrote "Hendri you lived while the rest of us slept." That says it all.
December 28, 2019
One of my all-time favourite books.
Amazing author. Interesting African culture. Especially interesting for me as a paddler and adventure sports enthusiast.
Amazing author. Interesting African culture. Especially interesting for me as a paddler and adventure sports enthusiast.
May 29, 2021
Greatly enjoyed this book. Looked forward to evenings reading about Hendri’s journeys through the different African rivers and lakes.
“It is all about today. Today is the best day ever because tomorrow might not happen.”
“In the end, the only real freedom is from your own needs and expectations.”
“The closest to an answer I have found was in nature and there I have inhaled pure life. Fleeting and built on air, but it’s a lot better than nothing at all.”
“The thing about life is that we already know the ending is death. Personally I have tried to at least give bits in the middle every chance of surprising me.”
“It is all about today. Today is the best day ever because tomorrow might not happen.”
“In the end, the only real freedom is from your own needs and expectations.”
“The closest to an answer I have found was in nature and there I have inhaled pure life. Fleeting and built on air, but it’s a lot better than nothing at all.”
“The thing about life is that we already know the ending is death. Personally I have tried to at least give bits in the middle every chance of surprising me.”
January 18, 2023
‘Nature taught me to surrender in her presence’ - An eloquent tribute to living life fully
South African author/adventurer Hendri Coetzee (1975 - 2010), the self named Great White Explorer, opens this momentous chronicle of this inspiring life saying, ‘On our planet, and particularly in Africa, there are many places that exist like sci-fi movie frontiers on the edge of the known world, all with their own recycled, improvised technology and rules… I am made from the same odd pieces as this continent. For better or worse, Africa’s reality is mine. Life here is X-rated and in your face. It can swing from heartbreak to laughter in an instant, sad and hopeful, cruel and kind. It is not for the weak, yet inhabited by the meek. It is humanity simplified, raw and uncut…every day is a divine adventure into the unknown.’ So much of the chronicle of Henri’s brief but fascinating life and existential view of the universe is suggested in this overture.
The book proves both entertaining in the manner the author describes his challenging adventures with the land and the waterways of Africa - both scintillating and awe inspiring, graced with a keen wit and often hilarious overtones - but his words also offer challenges for all of us to live life to the fullest, ‘forever exploring, forever seeking and forever inquiring.’ Reading this book provides a true source of inspiration, Hendri’s legacy, accompanying him on thrilling adventures, and ultimately succumbing to nature’s foibles - falling into the water as a crocodile destroys his kayak and his life ends at age 35. In closing, he states ‘It is ironic that after a life of adventure, my greatest challenge holds no danger apart from relinquishing the ego. It is ironic that after fifteen years of traveling it will happen with my eyes closed. It is ironic that people world understand it more if I told them I was about to wrestle with a crocodile.’ This is simply one of the most inspiring books to share a phenomenal life. Very highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
South African author/adventurer Hendri Coetzee (1975 - 2010), the self named Great White Explorer, opens this momentous chronicle of this inspiring life saying, ‘On our planet, and particularly in Africa, there are many places that exist like sci-fi movie frontiers on the edge of the known world, all with their own recycled, improvised technology and rules… I am made from the same odd pieces as this continent. For better or worse, Africa’s reality is mine. Life here is X-rated and in your face. It can swing from heartbreak to laughter in an instant, sad and hopeful, cruel and kind. It is not for the weak, yet inhabited by the meek. It is humanity simplified, raw and uncut…every day is a divine adventure into the unknown.’ So much of the chronicle of Henri’s brief but fascinating life and existential view of the universe is suggested in this overture.
The book proves both entertaining in the manner the author describes his challenging adventures with the land and the waterways of Africa - both scintillating and awe inspiring, graced with a keen wit and often hilarious overtones - but his words also offer challenges for all of us to live life to the fullest, ‘forever exploring, forever seeking and forever inquiring.’ Reading this book provides a true source of inspiration, Hendri’s legacy, accompanying him on thrilling adventures, and ultimately succumbing to nature’s foibles - falling into the water as a crocodile destroys his kayak and his life ends at age 35. In closing, he states ‘It is ironic that after a life of adventure, my greatest challenge holds no danger apart from relinquishing the ego. It is ironic that after fifteen years of traveling it will happen with my eyes closed. It is ironic that people world understand it more if I told them I was about to wrestle with a crocodile.’ This is simply one of the most inspiring books to share a phenomenal life. Very highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
February 6, 2025
This is an excellent, honest account of Africa. Living the Best Day Ever is a raw look into rugged journeys. This is a great book for someone who wants a better idea of Sub-Saharan culture.
I appreciated this book for the author’s meaningful introspection and his tendency to poke fun at his own ego.
Hendri writes with deep wisdom and a light heart.
I appreciated this book for the author’s meaningful introspection and his tendency to poke fun at his own ego.
Hendri writes with deep wisdom and a light heart.
July 3, 2024
Loved this so much. A book full of stories from his journal about living life to the fullest. Being afraid but not giving up. Educational and inspiring through his experiences. I heard of Henri’s story on a podcast and am so glad I took the time to read this. The pictures in the end were the cherries on top!
February 3, 2023
Living the Best Day Ever by Hendri Coetzee is a memoir of the most memorable moments of his life. Starting; when he had a fistfight with his stepfather. His dad picked him up with the understanding he would not be living with him. The next day his dad told the Army recruiting officer to assign Hendri to the most challenging unit. Hendri learned to love the discipline and structure of the army. When he got out, he needed challenges to fulfill his adrenaline cravings. His goal was to live every day like he was living the best day ever. He didn't wait for good things to happen; he was prepared, waiting, and seeking them out. This novel is bittersweet, knowing the author died before its completion. The nature he so loved was his passion and his destruction. I found it inspiring when he lived life like there was no tomorrow.
April 6, 2023
Hendri Coetzee's memoir "Living the Best Day Ever" recounts some of the most enduring moments of his life, starting with a fight with his stepfather that led to his exit from home. Despite this setback, Hendri's father made sure that he was placed in the toughest unit when he joined the army, where he found an appreciation for discipline and structure. After leaving the army, Hendri found new challenges to satisfy his thirst for adrenaline. He lived each day as if it were the best day of his life, actively seeking out opportunities instead of just waiting for them to happen. There's a lot going on in this book, with a level of detail that is hard to find. This uplifting book is made even more bittersweet by the fact that Hendri passed away before he could complete it. Despite the tragic end to his life, his passion for nature and his unwavering determination to make the most of every day serve as strong inspiration to all of us.
April 7, 2023
Living the Best Day Ever by Hendri Coetzee is a travel biography/memoir, that fiercely details some of Hendri’s life experiences including his failures and thoughtful reflections. Whilst living his life as a thrill seeking adventurer , Hendri follows his dreams with an exceptional mindset that would enhance the life of anyone who could master it, as battling with the ego is not an easy task. You can tell through the cadence of the writing that the author is full of love and passion for life and everything/everyone in it.
This book is masterfully written and it’s easy to get lost in the pages, its also incredibly moving and completely inspirational too. We could all learn a lot from having such a free spirit and mindset.
This book is masterfully written and it’s easy to get lost in the pages, its also incredibly moving and completely inspirational too. We could all learn a lot from having such a free spirit and mindset.
April 28, 2023
Living the Best Day Ever by Hendri Coetzee
Journey through rough terrain and civil war to name a few obstacles in their way.
Rapids, flat rocks, hippos, tree roots under water, wartime with rapes, cannibalism threats…
Love that Ernest Shackleton is mentioned in this this, asking for others to join his expedition and he tells you the extremes of joining....
Like the others Hendri picks to go on the trek and what each brings to the team effort.
He puts everything he has into the expeditions and enjoys them right along with the others.
Liked this memoir of the Great White Explorer.
Life is chronicled at the end along with references and resources.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Journey through rough terrain and civil war to name a few obstacles in their way.
Rapids, flat rocks, hippos, tree roots under water, wartime with rapes, cannibalism threats…
Love that Ernest Shackleton is mentioned in this this, asking for others to join his expedition and he tells you the extremes of joining....
Like the others Hendri picks to go on the trek and what each brings to the team effort.
He puts everything he has into the expeditions and enjoys them right along with the others.
Liked this memoir of the Great White Explorer.
Life is chronicled at the end along with references and resources.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
July 12, 2023
The title of the book is explicitly revealing the awesomeness of this book. The book is about adventurous experience of Hendri who wanted to enjoy every moment of his life while being on trip.
The experiences are drafted in intresting way and would definitely make you feel intrested in getting a trip for yourself.
I enjoyed every chapter of this book and suggest to give it a try if you are an adventurous kind of person.
The experiences are drafted in intresting way and would definitely make you feel intrested in getting a trip for yourself.
I enjoyed every chapter of this book and suggest to give it a try if you are an adventurous kind of person.
August 2, 2023
I just finished this book and it is bar none one of the best books I’ve ever read. I genuinely feel like I wasn’t reading a book, but instead getting to have an intimate conversation with one of the greatest explorers of our generation.
September 28, 2025
Coetzee's journal of African river and coastline travels. These treks power his life force, as shown in his writings. His love for this majestic continent grows with each adventure, despite set backs, frustrations and challenges.
Read
June 21, 2023the book is very interesting and cute.
July 1, 2024
this book is good
January 30, 2025
Beautiful, terrifying, powerful. The ending… I hope I never forget this story. It has touched my soul
November 19, 2025
I’m mad I took the time to finish it.
January 31, 2016
The title of this books speaks for itself. Each day this guy lives as a guide is indeed the best day ever, since he survived it. The things he survives would be cause to celebrate, though much of those times were poorly thought out and poorly carried out. The thing that matters most to him is excitement, a thrill. Often on a suicidal level. I did ask myself if he was on a suicide mission. Some of the situations he found himself in leads the reader to think he is either suicidal or a full blown idiot. This is a seriously adventurous read, hang on to your seat!
August 31, 2016
Took me forever because I mostly read a few pages at a time, over lunch at work. The story is better than the book. Stories, not story. They're really good. They don't hang together as a book very well, but that doesn't matter a whole lot.
August 16, 2014
really enjoyed reading this book
a good read for kayakers and non kayakers alike
much of his commentary applies to everyday life and not just explorer-ing
a good read for kayakers and non kayakers alike
much of his commentary applies to everyday life and not just explorer-ing
December 26, 2013
Well worth the read, makes one consider your own motivations and preconceived ideas.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews