60 Africa Books Reading Challenge discussion

Maskarm Haile’s adventurous journey in Africa from Cape to Cairo is a fun story which is exciting and emotionally honest. Her travels were not always easy, but that’s kind of the point – testing your comfort zone and feeling and appreciating the rhythms of life on the move. Her journey over 16 countries in 9 months included driving, hitchhiking, bus, train, ferry, plane and motorbike – am I forgetting one?! Whether it was a baboon at Cape Point in South Africa, the looming economic crisis in Zimbabwe, or the numerous aggressive men she met, she faced many challenges, as one could expect. These challenges did not, however, take away from her appreciation of the natural beauty of the continent and its many friendly and welcoming people.

The natural beauty she encountered, included Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, Lake Malawi, the Great Migration, Zanzibar, and the Nile River; the cultural diversity included BBQs and drinks with locals, Ethiopia’s Mursi village, the strong Somali women, and meeting people from all walks and points in life through couch surfing. Haile was able to accomplish more on one journey than many will do in a lifetime. Not forgetting to mention her own personal struggles that challenged her during her travels, she was able to grow in so many different ways. Going out into the world and living, following her dreams, has provided her a confidence which only these type of experiences can provide. Waking up to welcome each day, and bringing one’s thoughts together at the end of the day to express gratitude for those life experiences.

I want to meet the author!! It was fascinating, exciting, and an educational journey through multiple countries in Africa from Cape to Cairo. It is truly a book you don't want to put down and I didn't want it to end. There was so much information and interesting facts about each country-one felt like they were taking the journey with Maskaram. She also let you be a part of her own personal life which made her travel stories even more special.

I took a literal notebook full of notes on all of the interesting facts and places in the book-so much that I could turn it into a book in itself. I loved reading about each adventure and how it impacted the author-one example was the labyrinth and the correct way to walk it (which I now do when I walk my own labyrinth). The universe must have been in sync with her to have made things come together in such a favorable manner. And probably, her guardian angel as well. A delightful read!

This book was fantastic. It brought me back to my most memorable travel moments. It also made me think about the graduation trip my best friend had planned for me this summer. Now, postponed a bit until COVID-19 passes.

We were, and still are, planning to do a driving tour of Southern Africa- so I could swim with the Penguins like Maski (as the author refers to herself). We must now also go to Hogsback, Eastern Cape and walk the great labyrinth as well. After our South African meander, we would cross into Namibia so I can see where ocean meets desert-among other great things. But now must include Fish River Canyon and Ai-Ais spa-we’ve never let venomous creatures scare us off!

Now we must add Botswana and the Okavango Delta-the authors trip in the mokoro-dug out canoe-only made me think of an unforgettable adventure in Cameroon.

I’ll insist we add Zambia for that view of Victoria falls-

While we are at it, why not Zimbabwe?

And Mozambique! Oh Mozambique how I have heard of your beautiful beaches and other-worldly serenity.

Tanzania-this book described an epic train ride ‘Tazara train from Mbeya to Dar es Salaam’. It has been 11 years since my own epic train ride across Asia. It feel like it is about time for another.

Zanzibar!! I need to go, the book tantalized me with the description of this spice island.

Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Jordan…how can you ever stop?

That is the problem with traveling, I never want to stop yet there seems like there is never enough time or money to continue on. In my mind I think oh a trip like this must go straight through or you can’t do it, but maybe this is what I learned most from the author. She had this journey in mind and heart, and even with interruptions, detours and deep personal loss she persevered through and felt the great satisfaction of achieving her dream! A great lesson for us all-especially in these homebound times.