What do you think?
Rate this book
Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik: One Woman's Solo Misadventures Across Africa
Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik is a spirited African adventure of a solo woman traveler whose overland excursion across the continent includes challenges, inevitable mishaps, and more than a few debacles.
Author and world traveler Marie Javins is an unflappable narrator, who takes even the most bizarre and patience-trying situations with a dose of good humor. Javins fell in love with Africa when she traversed the continent in 2001 as part of a larger world tour. She later returned to spend half of 2005 revisiting the people and places that had so impacted her on her first trip. Javins was struck not by the desperation of Africa, but by its hope — the dignity of its people, the vibrancy of its cities, and the inherent adventure that is inherent it offered.
Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik is a funny and compassionate account of the sort of lively and heedless undertaking that could only happen in Africa. Javins's brushes with wildlife are punctuated with more serious dilemmas. Through it all, Javins's experience of Africa is life-altering, and her witty observations make for the best kind of travel literature which takes its readers into the heart and soul of the continent.
Author and world traveler Marie Javins is an unflappable narrator, who takes even the most bizarre and patience-trying situations with a dose of good humor. Javins fell in love with Africa when she traversed the continent in 2001 as part of a larger world tour. She later returned to spend half of 2005 revisiting the people and places that had so impacted her on her first trip. Javins was struck not by the desperation of Africa, but by its hope — the dignity of its people, the vibrancy of its cities, and the inherent adventure that is inherent it offered.
Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik is a funny and compassionate account of the sort of lively and heedless undertaking that could only happen in Africa. Javins's brushes with wildlife are punctuated with more serious dilemmas. Through it all, Javins's experience of Africa is life-altering, and her witty observations make for the best kind of travel literature which takes its readers into the heart and soul of the continent.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2014
6 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 19, 2008
I remember liking this pretty well when I read it. When I look back on it now, though, what I remember is that she started the book describing a terrible bout with diarrhea, which we all could do without hearing. I also remember she did a lot of really stupid things, always hooking up with guys she didn't really know so they'd take her where she wanted to go. I'll leave my original rating intact, because I did enjoy it at the time.
June 8, 2008
Couldn't really get into this book, only kept me interested in that the African continent interests me. Author complained about most of her traveling experiences. Not enough depth to any of the countries she visited. I'm not even sure why she was traveling, as she didn't seem to enjoy it. Somewhat informative, but discouraging to anyone wanting to visit Africa.
August 27, 2023
I have read quite a bit of travel literature, so I thought I'd like this book about one woman's experience traveling from south to north through Africa.
Right away, I noticed I wasn't really enjoying it much. The writing style just wasn't that good, and neither was the content.
This bothered me, since I couldn't put an exact finger on what I wasn't thrilled about, so I looked up some Goodreads reviews to see what other people thought.
Mostly, they agreed. Also, most of their reviews were only a very few lines long, which tells you the book wasn't worth the time to write much about.
I'd pass on this one, if I were you.
Right away, I noticed I wasn't really enjoying it much. The writing style just wasn't that good, and neither was the content.
This bothered me, since I couldn't put an exact finger on what I wasn't thrilled about, so I looked up some Goodreads reviews to see what other people thought.
Mostly, they agreed. Also, most of their reviews were only a very few lines long, which tells you the book wasn't worth the time to write much about.
I'd pass on this one, if I were you.
May 24, 2020
This recounts the author's four months overland trek from Cape Town to Egypt as part of a year-long around the world tour in 2001. Along the way she went on several safaris, saw various tourist destinations and survived the perils of land transport.
Enjoyable and I give her credit for what is often solo travel. In some places, it reads a bit like a diary but has some fun moments as well.
Enjoyable and I give her credit for what is often solo travel. In some places, it reads a bit like a diary but has some fun moments as well.
November 23, 2020
The story of a gal who travels from
Cape Town to Cairo. Read this one in about 8 hours (again, on the road).
It's made the rounds amongst volunteers and we all agree: if we'd read it
before coming to Africa we probably would've liked it more. This means, you
will probably enjoy it. The stories are mostly good; the writing is so-so.
It's a very very easy and quick read.
Cape Town to Cairo. Read this one in about 8 hours (again, on the road).
It's made the rounds amongst volunteers and we all agree: if we'd read it
before coming to Africa we probably would've liked it more. This means, you
will probably enjoy it. The stories are mostly good; the writing is so-so.
It's a very very easy and quick read.
August 6, 2020
This book was filled with many different crazy adventures. Having been to Kenya, it was nice to read about Marie's adventures. It brought me back to my time there. Yes, there is some complaining in the beginning but when you have that many misadventures you would complain too.
December 1, 2018
Stories of a woman's travel through Africa, from Capetown to Egypt. Some potentially dangerous situations.
July 29, 2019
What a brave and crazy woman. Marie Javins traveled from Cape Town to Cairo, most of the way without flying. Her adventures are harrowing, frustrating and many times funny. I enjoyed her insights.
July 18, 2022
Written a bit like a lengthy blog post and I was confused on a few points but overall a fun read. I enjoy travel books and this one was full of adventure as well as reality.
July 1, 2020
This is another “Capetown to Cairo” account, told by a single woman travelling alone. It was fun to read, especially the parts about Namibia and Etosha National Park because we have been there. It is fairly light episodic reading and I enjoyed it.
January 30, 2015
My mother, a very seasoned, professional world traveler gave me this book years ago and thought I would enjoy it and I did. The author, who in her day job is a comic book illustrator and editor on the side loves to travel the globe as a solo woman, which is no small feat. On her blog, she lays out her goal to travel around the world without using an airplane, this entails going around continents via buses, trains and traversing water via ships.
This book centers on her travels tackling the African continent. She sets out alone in South Africa and via trains camels and on foot, traverses the eastern side of Africa up through Egypt. Along the way she has many adventures and miss adventures, comical moments and ones that break her down to tears.
The author is not particularly a talented writer, so I did find the writing to not flow smoothly at times but really the content was what was fun to read.
I did have one major complaint while reading the book; Though a map of the African continent was provided at the front of the book, often whilst reading her travels, I was really lost as to what country she was in. She would often start a chapter talking about being in some city, and she assumed that us, the reader, would naturally know what African country this particular city was in, but I most often than not didn't and she would not mention what country she was in. This meant that I had my iPhone right next to me and Google mapped her route along the way. What became very clear to me whilst reading this book is how horribly unfamiliar I am with the continent of Africa and the countries that lie within. I did learn a lot by reading this and gained some familiarity with the difference of those countries that she did travel in.
This book centers on her travels tackling the African continent. She sets out alone in South Africa and via trains camels and on foot, traverses the eastern side of Africa up through Egypt. Along the way she has many adventures and miss adventures, comical moments and ones that break her down to tears.
The author is not particularly a talented writer, so I did find the writing to not flow smoothly at times but really the content was what was fun to read.
I did have one major complaint while reading the book; Though a map of the African continent was provided at the front of the book, often whilst reading her travels, I was really lost as to what country she was in. She would often start a chapter talking about being in some city, and she assumed that us, the reader, would naturally know what African country this particular city was in, but I most often than not didn't and she would not mention what country she was in. This meant that I had my iPhone right next to me and Google mapped her route along the way. What became very clear to me whilst reading this book is how horribly unfamiliar I am with the continent of Africa and the countries that lie within. I did learn a lot by reading this and gained some familiarity with the difference of those countries that she did travel in.
September 3, 2013
In this humorous travel book, Marie Javins recounts her trek through Africa through a series of anecdotes and short stories. If you've ever thought about traveling through Africa, Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik provides helpful insight into how your experience might go (including tips on how to handle the tricks street vendors might pull in an effort to scam you).
I purchased Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik because I've got to admit - the title drew me in. I figured an author who wrote a book with words that sounded like "dick" in the title would have an amazing sense of humor. However, unlike my experience with many other travel memoirs, I did not find Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik quite as humorous.
Javins makes several attempts at being funny, but something about the way she writes her stories gives me the impression that she's grown bored with sharing them. I honestly expected more quirkiness from this book, so as a result, I was a bit let down.
Although I was disappointed in the book as a whole, I will admit that Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik becomes a bit more interesting during its second half, but perhaps only because Javins' (slight) enthusiasm and vivid geographical descriptions about Africa make it worthwhile.
If you're looking for humorous travel memoirs, I highly recommend reading There's No Toilet Paper...on the Road Less Traveled by Doug Lansky, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, Sand in My Bra and Other Misadventures: Funny Women Write From the Road by Jennifer Leo, and Plane Insanity by Elliott Hester.
Read more book reviews at http://dreamworldbooks.com.
I purchased Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik because I've got to admit - the title drew me in. I figured an author who wrote a book with words that sounded like "dick" in the title would have an amazing sense of humor. However, unlike my experience with many other travel memoirs, I did not find Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik quite as humorous.
Javins makes several attempts at being funny, but something about the way she writes her stories gives me the impression that she's grown bored with sharing them. I honestly expected more quirkiness from this book, so as a result, I was a bit let down.
Although I was disappointed in the book as a whole, I will admit that Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik becomes a bit more interesting during its second half, but perhaps only because Javins' (slight) enthusiasm and vivid geographical descriptions about Africa make it worthwhile.
If you're looking for humorous travel memoirs, I highly recommend reading There's No Toilet Paper...on the Road Less Traveled by Doug Lansky, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, Sand in My Bra and Other Misadventures: Funny Women Write From the Road by Jennifer Leo, and Plane Insanity by Elliott Hester.
Read more book reviews at http://dreamworldbooks.com.
January 21, 2012
THIS WAS AN INTERESTING BOOK.I ENJOYED IT AND IT WAS AN EASY READ. I ENJOY TRAVEL BOOKS AND THOUGH THIS WASN'T MY FAVORITE I ENJOYED IT WELL ENOUGH. IT WAS, HOWEVER, LACKING IN ANY REAL DEPTH..LIKE I NEVER REALLY GOT WHAT DROVE HER. WHAT WAS IT ABOUT TRAVELING TO DISTANT LAND, TO PLACES FEW GO? SHES NOT A PARTICULARLY SOCIAL PERSON/....KIND OF A LONER,ACTUALLY. SO I WAS CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT MADE HER GO. SHE NEVER REALLY DESCRIBES OR GOES ANY DEEPER THAT THE SURFACE OF EVENTS OR PEOPLES. IT LEFT ME KINDA WISHING FOR A LITTLE MORE....A LITTLE MORE SOMETHING. STILL SHE DID HAVE SOME INTERESTING ADVENTURES AND I LAUGHED OUT LOUD A FEW TIMES. ONE EXAMPLE OF 'WANTING MORE' WAS WHEN SHE BRIEFY TOUCH ON HOW SHE HAS TO SDEEK OUT BEAUTY SALONS WHERE EVER SHE GOES TO KEEP HER BLONDE HAIR BLONDE. SHES SAYS HOW INTERESTING IT IS SITTING IN A SALON WHERE NO ONE SPEAKS ENGLISH AND ALL THE WOMEN ARE THERE CHATTING AND DOING THEIR THING....WELLL, LIKE WHAT? I WANTED TO KNOW MORE.
FUN BOOK, JUST A LITTLE LACKING FOR ME
FUN BOOK, JUST A LITTLE LACKING FOR ME
March 6, 2011
A gutsy Marvel Comics worker takes off a year to see the world, not using airplanes except in dire emergencies. This is about the African leg, from Capetown to Cairo, and along the way, she encounters animals (and gets tired of them, eventually), colorful people (especially the touts who try to get her to their hotel, extract money, or cheat her in some way), and many stubborn machines. It seems Africa is tough on transport, causing her at one point to refer to the flat tire du jour.
She appreciates the people and the continent, eventually, falling in love with Africa in all its variations. I enjoyed the animal encounters the most, as when a hippo turns from looking like it's thinking, What good grass, to--- I'm gonna get you, tourist. And she climbs aboard a truck before it catches her. Adventure--that's what we want.
She appreciates the people and the continent, eventually, falling in love with Africa in all its variations. I enjoyed the animal encounters the most, as when a hippo turns from looking like it's thinking, What good grass, to--- I'm gonna get you, tourist. And she climbs aboard a truck before it catches her. Adventure--that's what we want.
April 10, 2009
I randomly came across this book while browsing in Barnes & Noble and really looked forward to reading it as there are so few travel books on Africa. However, I was rather disappointed. The back cover and the intro claims that this is a wonderful insight into Africa by someone who really loves the continent but I saw very little of that in the text. Much of the book seemed to be complaining about the problems encountered while traveling and about the people harassing her to buy things. I understand the frustrations of traveling and how annoying touts can be but they are a small percentage of what makes up a trip. The joys and delights of traveling seemed to be missing from her book and I was left feeling rather empty and unsatisfied.
August 25, 2008
This travel narrative is light reading and Marie's attitude towards her misadventures makes them laugh-inducing. This book gave me some new insights into some of the more practical, day to day differences between the many countries Marie traveled through--rather than the socio-cultural-historical-economic analysis that I am used to. I like it. I liked her voice, but towards the end the story got kind of repetitive. There was an overarching story of Marie and her journey towards understanding herself and her relationships with others, but it got kind of lost and was a little disjointed. Nevertheless, a fun and interesting read that I would recommend.
August 28, 2007
Honestly, I only enjoyed (which might be a stretch) this book because I have experienced 95% of the things the author experienced in Africa. It worked for me, because it jogged my memories of Africa. Her telling of it was actually pretty boring. I wouldn't recommend this book unless you have traveled extensively in Africa.
Not to fret, though, the book we write about Africa someday will be much better.
Not to fret, though, the book we write about Africa someday will be much better.
April 14, 2010
I mostly enjoyed this book because it reminded me so much of our 2 trips to Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater was especially entertaining because she describes the scavanging Black Kites at a picnic area. I enjoyed watching the tourists who weren't warned about this as they got dive-bombed by the raptors. I think there could have been much more included in the book instead of the same old "public transportation" stories through each country. I will say, it did make me want to go back to Africa.
August 23, 2007
This book was boring, the story was this woman travelling alone through Africa, she tried to make it sound dangerous and exciting but she didn't do anything dangerous or exciting. Luckily for it, it was a quick read otherwise I probably wouldn't have finished it. MAYBE if you have never read a travel narrative, this book might be slightly interesting.
July 22, 2009
The author left her job as a comic book colorist at Marvel Comics to travel around the world by herself--right there, two things I always wanted to do ever since I was in high school (Three if you count leaving your job as a separate thing)! This book covers her trek from Capetown to Cairo. She's fearless, that's for sure! An interesting travel story, competently (not beautifully) written.
November 4, 2010
Great book! You really get a feel for the culture and people in Africa and find out what to watch out for if travelling! Funny, compassionate and honest Marie can keeps her sense of humor and even laugh at herself in a culture where men openly embarrass travelling women and bathrooms are often behind bushes. I had quite a few chuckles at her adventures and appreciated the clean language.
May 10, 2016
Cherry Valley Library Book Club....Travel log of a woman's solo trip to Africa....easy read, alot of details on the transportation, after a while it all sounded the same and was confusing (broken vehicles, bad roads, not reliable)..author at times was a loner who was more interested in the journey & sights, didn't seem interested in the people and or co travelers
August 19, 2007
This is a good example of a woman who is so dull that she can make an interesting trip seem boring. I particularly resented her focus on trying to save money, often at the expense of very poor Africans. Not recommended.
September 2, 2008
I enjoyed reading this book since we will be moving to Africa for a few years. It hit on a lot of different African countries and the similarities and differences between them. Is a slow read at times, especially towards the end, because it gets to be a little monotonous.
I'm glad I read it.
I'm glad I read it.
April 4, 2009
I enjoyed this but I would think that she would have something more interesting to talk about on an overland journey from Cape Town to Cairo. Instead, there was more whining about conditions than I expected. Just an okay read.
February 2, 2013
This book is somewhat interesting because of all the places visited but the bitterness and negativity of the writer takes away from the fun of the traveling. Also the author form of travel is so goal oriented that she loses the chance to really connect with these places and people.
August 20, 2007
Quick read but not very descriptive, more of a factual account of overland travel from South Africa to Cairo
Read
June 9, 2008March selection for the book club
March 2, 2008
Travel book meets chic lit -- in a good way. This book is filled with insights on people, relationships oh, and the countries she travels to as well. Brilliant. AND written by our friend, Marie.
June 17, 2017
Great read if you intend on visiting Africa
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews