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Walking the Nile Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 2,453 ratings

A major Channel 4 series and a Sunday Times bestseller

His journey is 4,250 miles long.
He is walking every step of the way, camping in the wild, foraging for food, fending for himself against multiple dangers.
He is passing through rainforest, savannah, swamp, desert and lush delta oasis.
He will cross seven, very different countries.
No one has ever made this journey on foot.

In this detailed, thoughtful, inspiring and dramatic book, recounting
Levison Wood's walk the length of the Nile, he will uncover the history of the Nile, yet through the people he meets and who will help him with his journey, he will come face-to-face with the great story of a modern Africa emerging out of the past.

Exploration and Africa are two of his great passions - they motivate his inquisitiveness and resolution not to fail, yet the
challenges of the terrain, the climate, the animals, the people and his own psychological resolution will throw at him are immense.

The dangers are very real, but so is the motivation for this ex-army officer. If he can overcome the
mental and physical challenges, he will be walking into history...
Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download

Product description

Review

Praise for Levison Wood and Walking the Nile:

An Amazon Best Book of the Year (Nonfiction)

"Wood's interest, as well as his talents as a writer, lie . . . in finding out 'what life was like in corners of the world that do not always make it into our headlines' and in capturing the character and foibles of the people who inhabit them . . . Mr. Wood has a good eye for detail and a better ear for dialogue . . . What's more, unlike many explorers who went before him, Mr. Wood seems to have remained composed and charming throughout."--Wall Street Journal

"Gripping . . . Collecting these stories--let alone doing so beautifully--requires a variety of lucky skills. Wood emerges as a dutiful and brave guide."--Los Angeles Times

"A brilliant book."--Financial Times

"Walking the Nile continues the illustrious tradition of travel adventures stretching from Marco Polo to Henry W. Longfellow to Bear Grylls . . . Wood's remarkable achievement is one each reader can savor vicariously . . . This worthy effort . . . should satisfy even the most jaded armchair adventurers."--Lincoln Journal Star

"A travelogue vivid enough to feel the burning sands in our soles."--John Sandford, Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Moments of sheer beauty and splendor are expertly juxtaposed with descriptions of the harshness of life for millions living in Africa, giving this account a depth and humbleness not often found in memoir/adventure writing. Wood has set a standard that will be hard to surpass."--Shelf Awareness

"Walking the Nile has enticed many explorers, but Wood provides an up-to-the-minute portrait of the nations and people that claim the world's longest river . . . Wood is a sharp observer and authoritative writer. He takes pains to describe the Rwandan conflict, the Egyptian revolution, the Sudanese civil war, and all the culture clashes in between . . . A bold travelogue, illuminating great swathes of modern Africa."--Kirkus Reviews

"[An] ambitious attempt . . . the opinions of the people [Wood] encounters . . . are dynamic and at times surprising . . . These voices, seen through the lens of Wood's words, make this memoir a success."--Publishers Weekly

"[Wood], in addition to being adventurous, determined, and rugged, is also very reflective . . . A collection of anecdotes that seem to be plucked from a Kipling adventure novel . . . From the terrifying to the exotic, Levison Wood has encountered just about everything imaginable, and then some . . . What comes through just as clearly as botany, geology, hydrology and zoology is the remarkable variety of cultures and people he meets along this unique expedition, presenting for us their lives, their work, their societies, and their history."--CentralJersey.com

"An immense feat of endurance, a magnificent journey and a great adventure."--Ranulph Fiennes

"Many have attempted this holy grail of an expedition--so I admire Lev's determination and courage to pull this off"--Bear Grylls

"Obsession, sacrifice, bravery, death--the themes of great expedition tales haven't changed since Odysseus set sail. The adventurer Levison Wood has accomplished a doubly impressive feat, not only walking the Nile but capturing that experience in this lovely, evocative book."--Mark Adams, New York Times bestselling author of Turn Right at Machu Pichu

"In the macho, adrenaline-fuelled arena of TV adventurers, Levison Wood is that rare beast: the real deal."--Radio Times (UK)

"Unlike a great many pretenders, [Wood] is the real deal: a former paratrooper, a major in the Army Reserve and as hard as nails."--Sunday Telegraph (UK)

"Wood is not most men . . . He has earned a reputation as a real-life action man."--Mirror (UK)

"Britain's best-loved adventurer."--Times (UK)

About the Author

Levison Wood is a writer, photographer, and explorer, who has travelled in over 80 countries, documenting the journeys of tribal peoples and minority groups. He served in Afghanistan as an officer in the British Army Parachute Regiment and is co-founder of Secret Compass, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and an International Fellow of the Explorers Club. His work has featured in international publications around the world including National Geographic, Discovery Channel Magazine, and on CNN, Channel 4, and the BBC. When not abroad, he lives in London.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00K8WYP6A
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster UK
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 Jan. 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ UK ed.
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 29.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 350 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1471135668
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 2,453 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,453 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a compelling read with excellent writing and historical information en route. They appreciate the author's journey through various African countries and cultures, describing it as a spellbinding adventure. The book receives positive feedback for its insightful content, with one customer noting how it frames the narrative with historical details. Customers praise the author's endurance and mental and physical strength throughout the journey.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

118 customers mention ‘Readability’118 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as compelling and interesting, with one customer noting it's a fantastic account of an amazing achievement.

"...I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account and I certainly wouldn't classify it as "man's book"...." Read more

"...But still worth a read but perhaps in paperback" Read more

"Lewiston Wood's books are all excellent. You're transported to his world of adventure and exploration and all the people he meets on the way." Read more

"...if not just impossible, so this epic journey, so well written, is a masterpiece. I just loved it... Thank you." Read more

77 customers mention ‘Adventure’77 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's adventure, describing it as a spellbinding and exciting modern-day journey with an excellent narrative.

"...book isn't just a narrative of just Lev’s journey, fascinating, funny, tragic and insightful though it is, it is much more than that...." Read more

"Lewiston Wood's books are all excellent. You're transported to his world of adventure and exploration and all the people he meets on the way." Read more

"Great story" Read more

"Great adventure book have read many of his books" Read more

46 customers mention ‘Writing quality’40 positive6 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it very well written and readable, with excellent descriptions of scenery and people.

"...It described in detail, the guides who accompanied him on his journey, their lifestyles and what they thought about the troubled past and present..." Read more

"...even more difficult if not just impossible, so this epic journey, so well written, is a masterpiece. I just loved it... Thank you." Read more

"...Stoic in the extreme and gritty in the telling, his usual descriptive, at times comedic & often visceral writing make this another hit!..." Read more

"...The author writes in a very readable style. Loved it." Read more

45 customers mention ‘Insight’45 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and informative, with one customer noting how it is nicely framed by historical information and provides a great mix of observations.

"...The book isn't just a narrative of just Lev’s journey, fascinating, funny, tragic and insightful though it is, it is much more than that...." Read more

"...It covers his journey, you get a good idea of it. He's open and honest about it all. I read it wanting to know more about the places...." Read more

"...commentary of the walk, environment description, history, and personal perspective...." Read more

"...So much research into the history of each country, his knowledge is spell binding...." Read more

28 customers mention ‘History’21 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the book's historical content, particularly the interesting information about the Nile and the places visited during the journey.

"...But that's not the point of the book. It covers his journey, you get a good idea of it. He's open and honest about it all...." Read more

"...he mentions the previous explorers of the Nile, and some history of the places he visits which give the reader a feel for what Africa is like and..." Read more

"...nice balance between commentary of the walk, environment description, history, and personal perspective...." Read more

"...There is too little about the journey, but lots about the shocking anecdotes which have very little to do with the title...." Read more

20 customers mention ‘Enlightened readers’20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enlightening, particularly appreciating its coverage of various African countries and cultures, with one customer noting its fascinating historical information.

"...book is a great testament to the resourcefulness, bravery, tenacity, humanity and sheer single-mindness of Levison Wood...." Read more

"...I was enthralled reading about places, people and cultures I’ll probably never experience. The author writes in a very readable style. Loved it." Read more

"...put in the series, so what the book did for me was to give me insight into each country, the people, problems of which there are many...." Read more

"...A great mix of observations, history, customs and personal feelings. A very readable book which held my attention all the way through...." Read more

17 customers mention ‘Endurance’17 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's portrayal of endurance, describing it as a tremendous feat of mental and physical strength and courage.

"This book is a great testament to the resourcefulness, bravery, tenacity, humanity and sheer single-mindness of Levison Wood...." Read more

"...There is no denying this was a feat of mental and physical strength and navigation of beauracacy...." Read more

"Having read a few of Levison’s books, this does not disappoint. Stoic in the extreme and gritty in the telling, his usual descriptive, at times..." Read more

"...The sheer persistence of the hero was astounding. Many would have given up, or taken the easy way out...." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Pacing’12 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, with one noting it never becomes dull or repetitive, while another mentions it's a quick and easy read.

"...More like 3.5 for the book though. Quick easy reading book, nothing very taxing...." Read more

"Having read a few of Levison’s books, this does not disappoint...." Read more

"...A very readable book which held my attention all the way through...." Read more

"Fantastic book which complements the Channel 4 series. It made me rethink Africa and what it takes to travel across war-torn countries...." Read more

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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 August 2015
    This book is a great testament to the resourcefulness, bravery, tenacity, humanity and sheer single-mindness of Levison Wood. For someone to embark on a journey that would take nine months of his life and to stick at it thought all the highs and extreme lows is nothing short of amazing.

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account and I certainly wouldn't classify it as "man's book". I found it fascinating and would recommend it to either budding adventurers or for someone who wants to have a damn good read. I am not particularly adventurous either and don't think you have to be to read this book.

    The book isn't just a narrative of just Lev’s journey, fascinating, funny, tragic and insightful though it is, it is much more than that. It described in detail, the guides who accompanied him on his journey, their lifestyles and what they thought about the troubled past and present situations in their country. It was also interesting to see things from a westerner’s viewpoint too.

    There were definitely some real hairy moments during the journey, be it crocodiles, gunfire, landmines, and the heat. However it was also heart-warming to read about the kindness of strangers who fed him and his guides, welcomed them into their homes and even gave up their beds. I loved the bit about the monkey with the identity crisis !

    I also loved the TV series just wished there had been more episodes than just the four they made. I am really looking forward to seeing the programmes about the Himalayas and reading the accompanying book
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 February 2015
    5 for the journey and dedication to carry out this journey. There is no denying this was a feat of mental and physical strength and navigation of beauracacy.

    More like 3.5 for the book though.

    Quick easy reading book, nothing very taxing. Not one for in depth analysis or explanation of the countries Lev visits or the characters he meets.

    But that's not the point of the book. It covers his journey, you get a good idea of it. He's open and honest about it all.

    I read it wanting to know more about the places. It could have done with some decent maps.

    He's no Paul Theroux of travel writing and I thought Blood River was a better river story. But still worth a read but perhaps in paperback
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 January 2025
    Lewiston Wood's books are all excellent. You're transported to his world of adventure and exploration and all the people he meets on the way.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 January 2025
    This epic adventure is something many would like to do, but....
    When undertaken it was a huge gamble indeed, trying now is probably even more difficult if not just impossible, so this epic journey, so well written, is a masterpiece. I just loved it... Thank you.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 November 2024
    Great story
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 January 2025
    Having read a few of Levison’s books, this does not disappoint. Stoic in the extreme and gritty in the telling, his usual descriptive, at times comedic & often visceral writing make this another hit! Thinking on his feet, but not afraid of taking guide’s advice he stays as close to plan A as he can, despite the pressures of an often very broken continent. His recounting of genocide, civil war and corruption, but frequent tales of optimism, show what a feat this expedition was - and still would be ten years later. Superb photo’s accompany this.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 December 2024
    good read
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 May 2025
    I could not put the book down. As a biblophile, this was one of the best travel accounts ever. The sheer persistence of the hero was astounding. Many would have given up, or taken the easy way out. The awful police state of the region is an eye opener. I was in Egypt recently and found it o.k., so perhaps times have changed? Recommended!

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Mam
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interessant und spannend erzählt
    Reviewed in Germany on 3 April 2016
    Wood gelingt mit Walking the Nile ein großer Spagat. Einerseits erzählt er sein persönliches Abenteuer, andererseits berichtet er als reisender Journalist. Dabei wirkt die Geschichte weder protzig noch zu trivial. Der Leser hat stets das Gefühl, dass besonders die spannenden Reisebegegnungen und -Stationen hinreichend ausschmückend erzählt sind. Zeitgleich kommen in kurzen und überschaubaren Passagen wissenswerte Hintergründe zu diesen Reisestationen. Somit ist das Buch lehrreich und spannend gleichermaßen erzählt. Eine großartige Leistung (sein Projekt und sein Buch).
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  • Matt F.
    5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional read
    Reviewed in the United States on 10 November 2024
    Levison tells a story in a way that you feel as though you are walking alongside him. The historical context he provided sparked side research on my part throughout the book. Definitely a book I will read again.
  • Rich Chambers
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantasticread
    Reviewed in Canada on 31 January 2025
    Having never travelled here, Lev has provided enough insight into what to expect. I am glad I read this novel.
  • G. Hannan
    3.0 out of 5 stars Reasonable
    Reviewed in Spain on 4 July 2023
    No doubting his endurance, but the book itself is ok, passable, not as good as 'Walking The Himalayas' though.
  • Paul
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Australia on 14 July 2018
    Great read.

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