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Walking the Nile
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
27 posts | 15 read | 31 to read
The Nile, one of the worlds great rivers, has long been an object of fascination and obsession. From Alexander the Great and Nero, to Victorian adventurers David Livingstone, John Hanning Speke, and Henry Morton Stanley, the river has seduced men and led them into wild adventures. English writer, photographer, and explorer Levison Wood is just the latest. His Walking the Nile is a captivating account of a remarkable and unparalleled Nile journey. Starting in November 2013 in a forest in Rwanda, where a modest spring spouts a trickle of clear, cold water, Wood set forth on foot, aiming to become the first person to walk the entire length of the fabled river. He followed the Nile for nine months, over 4,000 miles, through six nationsRwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, the Republic of Sudan, and Egyptto the Mediterranean coast. Like his predecessors, Wood camped in the wild, foraged for food, and trudged through rainforest, swamp, savannah, and desert, enduring life-threatening conditions at every turn. He traversed sandstorms, flash floods, minefields, and more, becoming a local celebrity in Uganda, where a popular rap song was written about him, and a potential enemy of the state in South Sudan, where he found himself caught in a civil war and detained by the secret police. As well as recounting his triumphs, like escaping a charging hippo and staving off wild crocodiles, Woods gripping account recalls the loss of Matthew Power, a journalist who died suddenly from heat exhaustion during their trek. As Wood walks on, often joined by local guides who help him to navigate foreign languages and customs, Walking the Nile maps out African history and contemporary life. An inimitable tale of survival, resilience, and sheer willpower, Walking the Nile is an inspiring chronicle of an epic journey down the lifeline of civilization in northern Africa.
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Texreader
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick

Wood walked through some pretty serious terrain (the Sahara) and came this close to dying of thirst, dangerous lands (South Sudan), and paranoid lands (Egypt). What I loved most were his conversations with Boston, Wood‘s Congolese guide who lived in #Uganda, which consumed a lengthy part of his walk. Boston provided a unique perspective about so many things, but mostly from the experiences of the destitute who do what they can to survive, even ⬇️

Texreader if it means clearing forests to grow crops or catching and selling baby monkeys 😭 to feed their families. Climate change be damned when you have to feed your family. Such a horrible but enlightening truth—one we‘ve got to realize if we are to help create incentives NOT to clear habitats and kidnap baby animals. We‘ve got to listen & understand, or as my parents used to say, “walk a mile in their shoes.” I learned a lot. Highly recommended. ⬇️ 1y
Catsandbooks Wow! Sounds like a good one!! 🇺🇬👏🏼 1y
Aimeesue Great review! Stacked! 1y
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Texreader
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Still some detail to add and a few styles not pictured. But audiocrafting can be very productive. #Uganda #Foodandlit @Catsandbooks

BkClubCare Lovely! 💕💗 1y
Sapphire Those are gorgeous 1y
DinoMom Gorgeous 1y
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ShelleyBooksie Beautiful job. Love the color pallet. 1y
SilversReviews Beautiful!! 1y
Catsandbooks Love these!! 💕 1y
61 likes6 comments
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Texreader
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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I‘m making valentines while listening to this audiobook

#foodandlit #Uganda @Catsandbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 😍 1y
ShelleyBooksie So pretty!!! 1y
Catsandbooks So cute! ❤️ 1y
63 likes3 comments
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Texreader
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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My current book set in #Uganda is very slow, and I‘m in need of a new audiobook so this is it!! And it turns out it was free with my audible subscription. I have learned to check my various subscriptions for freebies before buying books now. So many are available free either on audible or kindle unlimited. #foodandlit @Catsandbooks

Catsandbooks I like how your little audiobook is holding hands with the guy! 😂❤️ 1y
Texreader @Catsandbooks I couldn‘t resist!! 1y
Bookwormjillk I read this last year and really liked it. 1y
Texreader @Bookwormjillk I listened to several hours today and I agree 1y
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squirrelbrain
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this but it wasn‘t my favourite book #aboutanexploration that I‘ve read. I prefer there to be a bit more about the people / communities that the explorer meets along the way, whereas this walk took place at a time of great political upheaval and civil war so it was more about that.

(Photo is of sunset two nights ago at our campsite on the Norfolk coast)

#booked2022

Lizpixie That‘s a gorgeous sunset! I‘m a sucker for a beautiful sky🌅 2y
TrishB Lovely pic 😁 2y
Cinfhen Beautiful photo - sorry you didn‘t love this book - I really loved it and still think about Mama Fina and of course the tragedy 2y
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youneverarrived Stunning 😍 2y
squirrelbrain Yes, the tragedy @Cinfhen - I think that was my problem with this one - the whole book was very dark and he didn‘t really seem to want to be there at all. 2y
Cinfhen That‘s true!! I‘m looking forward to reading this one next- I think it might be a 2023 challenge 😁😉 2y
Hooked_on_books Gorgeous photo! 😍 2y
Megabooks Beautiful photo!!! 🤩🤩🤩 2y
Megabooks I hope Henry is enjoying camping! 2y
squirrelbrain He‘s thoroughly enjoying himself! @Megabooks He loves the beach and the sea, been on 3 bus trips and been to lots of cafes where he got dog treats! 2y
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BarbaraBB
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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#BookReport 33/22

I still am to busy (literally and mentally) to read much. I did finish those too though and I enjoyed both of them a lot so it‘s been a good week nevertheless!

TrishB Still reading though ♥️ hard it when life‘s that busy you can‘t read! 2y
Cinfhen So glad you enjoyed 2y
Cinfhen Sorry life is so hectic 😔but glad kids are healthy and happy 2y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen That is the most important and they both are! 2y
Cinfhen 💕💕💕💕💕 2y
60 likes5 comments
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BarbaraBB
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick

Another great travel book by Levison Wood. He is a great storyteller besides being a courageous and humble man who walks the Nile with respect for other people and culture.
This journey turned out to be even heavier than he had expected with unbearable heat in #Uganda, civil war in South Sudan, the desert in Sudan without water and police control everywhere in Egypt.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention @jenniferw88

#ReadingAfrica2022 🇺🇬

Bookwormjillk I liked this one too 2y
Librarybelle I do need to read his books! 2y
Megabooks I need to pick this up with my next audible credit! 2y
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BarbaraBB
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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#WeeklyForecast 33/22

I am reading Our Wives for #CampLitsy. Next will be the tagged (thanks to you Cindy!) for #ReadingAfrica2022 and if there‘s time, Marrow Thieves, a recommendation by @Reggie fits some prompts for the various challenges.

TheLudicReader The Marrow Thieves is so good. I need to read the sequel. 2y
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megnews
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Hooked_on_books
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick

Levison Wood decided to walk the Nile from its source in Rwanda to the Mediterranean Sea. He recounts his journey here, balancing the story well between his trek and information about each country. He also balances the story well emotionally, using humor at times and telling about awful things at others. I loved this! I didn‘t want to stop listening.

#ReadingAfrica2022 #SouthSudan

BarbaraBB I bought this one too. Looking forward to it 2y
Librarybelle I love seeing everyone‘s reviews about this book and his others! His books get so much appreciation. 2y
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Soubhiville
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick

In 2013 Lev Wood started at a deceptively small spring in Rwanda said by some to be the modest beginning of the great Nile, and set out to walk the entire length of the river.

There‘s a lot of history of the counties he crosses, along with stories about and told by the people he meets along the way, and of course he describes the amazing landscapes. It‘s not an easy trek, but I enjoyed taking the journey with him. #readingafrica2022

Soubhiville @Hooked_on_books this is the first of my birthday audiobooks from the #LibroFM birthday gift you sent me. Thank you, I really liked it! 2y
Hooked_on_books Hooray! You‘re so welcome, and clearly you chose wisely. 😉 I‘m planning to listen to this one for the challenge, too. 2y
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Bookwormjillk
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this travelogue about walking through Africa along the Nile. I truly knew very little about the path of the Nile, and since I had two small children in 2013-2014 when he walked I also appreciated the refresher on what was happening in Africa during those years. Thanks @Cinfhen for getting me to finally pull this one off my shelf. #ReadingAfrica2022 #SouthSudan

Cinfhen I‘m so happy you enjoyed 💜 I just love the way he writes about his experiences and the people he meets along the way. Like Mama Fina, Boston and Matt Power (💔) 2y
Bookwormjillk @Cinfhen yes, agree! And when he began to realize his actions were putting other people at risk. 2y
Librarybelle I had someone come into the library the other day saying how great this book is! @Cinfhen 2y
Cinfhen Really @Librarybelle !??? That‘s so random!! As this book was published almost 10 years ago!! Glad to see it‘s still in circulation 🥰 2y
Librarybelle I thought it was a very happy coincidence! 😂 I almost asked if the patron was on Litsy to see if they were doing the #ReadingAfrica2022 challenge! @Cinfhen (edited) 2y
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Bookwormjillk
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Good call @Cinfhen

I‘m loving this one so far!

Cinfhen Yay!!!!! I‘m so relieved 😅 thanks for letting me know 2y
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Cinfhen
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick

Lev Wood is the most delightful travel companion you‘ll ever come across!! This was my second time journeying with him and I LOVED every minute!!!! I learnt a ton about the places he visited and really felt like I was experiencing first hand all that he saw. Really fantastic!!! Using for #Uganda but works for #Rwanda #Tanzania #SouthSudan #Sudan #Egypt #ReadingAfrica22

BarbaraBB I have books for those countries already but I might read it anyway. I am now reading a travel book too for Congo by a journalist that‘s very good: 2y
BarbaraBB Have you heard anything about my parcel? It should have been delivered at May 5. I mailed it April 28, so May 5 seemed pretty ambitious to me but I haven‘t heard since 🤨 2y
Librarybelle I will really have to check this out! 2y
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Cinfhen Blood River sounds great @BarbaraBB no package yet but mail has been extremely slow 🥺I sent something your way too , but it will probably be at least another 7 to 14 days! 2y
Cinfhen Levison Wood is an ABSOLUTE MUST for me @Librarybelle @BarbaraBB I thought this one was even better than Arabia!!! I can‘t wait to read 2y
BarbaraBB Oh wow, I traveled all of the Americas too, I really really want to read that one!! 2y
BarbaraBB Ordered Walking the Nile 🙈 2y
Cinfhen I don‘t think you‘ll be disappointed @BarbaraBB 🐒🐘🦏🐊 2y
Megabooks Sounds really good ! Was this through scribd or hoopla? 2y
Cinfhen I read it through #scribd @Megabooks but it might be on #Hoopla 🤓it was so good! 2y
Bookwormjillk You talked me into it. Starting this tonight. 2y
Cinfhen I hope you enjoy @Bookwormjillk Now im feeling the pressure😅 2y
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Cinfhen
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Loving this one!!! You were right @jenniferw88 it‘s riveting!!!! I love the antics of Lev Wood and his buddy Boston
#ReadingAfrica22 So far I‘ve visited #Rwanda #Tanzania and #Uganda
Best type of travelogue - an adventurer who never complains or passes judgment

This is Mama Fina, the Ugandan witch doctor, Florence a baby vervet he rescues and a picture of Lake Victoria- the believed source of the Nile.

BarbaraBB Sounds great again! Just like Arabia! 2y
Cinfhen So good @BarbaraBB I hope he has a book for #SouthAmerica or #CentralAmerica 2y
Cinfhen Woohooo !!!! Thank you @jenniferw88 Yay!!!! I can‘t wait to read it 😁😘 2y
Librarybelle I love travelogues that encompass so much of the writer‘s experience! 2y
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Cinfhen
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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After traveling with Levison through the Arabian Desert, I‘m super psyched to be Walking The Nile with him for #ReadingAfrica22 😊

jenniferw88 It's a good one! 2y
squirrelbrain I have this on my shelf to read too..I think it fits a #booked2022 prompt - about an exploration,or similar? 2y
Librarybelle Hope you enjoy! 2y
Cinfhen He‘s such an engaging storyteller @jenniferw88 @squirrelbrain @Librarybelle @BarbaraBB and he has a fabulous sense of humor / which I really adore 2y
64 likes5 comments
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jenniferw88
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick
Clwojick Oooh! This sounds interesting! I love cross country walk/run books. Another favourite is from a guy that lived in my hometown in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and walked to New York City. 2y
Cinfhen I‘m planning on listening to this audio too!!! I loved his other travelogue that I read last year for #Asia 2y
Librarybelle Stacking this one! 2y
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BarbaraBB I loved his book Arabia top do I will certainly check this one out too! 2y
jenniferw88 @Clwojick It was! It takes place just after the Arab Spring - 2013/14. 2y
Cinfhen I have this queued/ I‘m looking forward 2y
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jenniferw88
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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⬇️ Tunisia - The Ardent Swarm
Zambia - The Old Drift

Egypt - The Kingdom of Copper, The Last Watchman of Old Cairo, Egyptian Mythology, River God, Sipping from the Nile
Ethiopia - Scoop, What We're Told Not to Talk About
Kenya - A Spear of Summer Grass, Whoever Fears the Sea
Morocco - The Lioness of Morocco, The Man Between, Two Serious Ladies
Nigeria - Freshwater, The Girl with the Louding Voice, Girl Woman Other, ⬇️

jenniferw88 ⬇️ Nigeria (cont'd) My Sister the Serial Killer, An Orchestra of Minorities 3y
jenniferw88 ⬇️ South Africa - Born a Crime, Plain Dealing 3y
jenniferw88 ⬇️ Zimbabwe - The Fifth Child, This Mournable Body 3y
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BarbaraBB This is incredible! I am super impressed and am going to copy your suggestions. Thanks 🤍🤍 3y
Readergrrl This book is one of my favorites! I have an annotated/illustrated version that is amazingly helpful in deepening my appreciation of it!! 3y
jenniferw88 @BarbaraBB thanks, it took a while 🤣! Tagged book will cover more countries than south sudan (it's by the same author as Arabia for #readingasia2021), and the first Egypt book I've listed is actually #2 as I've already read #1. I also have some books I'm looking into purchasing for other countries not listed here. 3y
BarbaraBB I still need to read Arabia but if it‘s as good as I expect it to be, your tagged book is an auto-buy for me! 3y
Graywacke Terrific list! 3y
Librarybelle This is so amazing!! 3y
rockpools Amazing! And I really liked 3y
52 likes11 comments
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HeathHof
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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#3books #thatmademewanttotravel Not always the cheeriest of circumstances for the people in these books but their descriptions of the scenery and culture made me want to hop right on a plane! ✈🌍🏞
@OriginalCyn620 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

OriginalCyn620 👍🏻📚👍🏻 4y
45 likes1 comment
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ReadingEnvy
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick

Book club book! Levison Woods *almost* walked the whole Nile but had to skip most of South Sudan due to what feels like civil war eternal. No explorer has made it completely through and most don't make it through Al-Sudd, pictured in the background. He started at one (contested) origin of the White Nile, in Rwanda. ⤵️

ReadingEnvy There are a few mentions of British people "discovering" parts of the region even though he mocks the "discovery" of the Rosetta Stone later in the book. He does have respect for the communities he passes through but understandably, he is treated with a wary surveillance, with frequent stallings due to bureacracy. ⤵️
4y
ReadingEnvy He can plan for some situations but loses a travel companion to heat stroke. It's not a region I will likely ever visit myself so I took my time and looked up more on the internet as I went. 4y
MariaW I saw the documentary, it was very and impressing. 👍 4y
ReadingEnvy @MariaW I'm glad I read the book as it has a lot more detail 4y
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Bookworm54
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Mehso-so

Overall I did enjoy this trip along the Nile. From it‘s contested beginnings in Rwanda to the Mediterranean Sea, Levison Wood had an extraordinary journey. This was a massive feat of endurance and truly inspirational.

My main issue with this (and why it is a so-so rather than a pick) is that you never got a big insight into any particular part of the journey or the communities he spent time with. But it is hard to fit a year into one book!

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Bookworm54
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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As I mostly read fiction, but have a reasonable number of non-fiction titles in my TBR, I need to try read some of them this year!

Each month I plan on picking 1 fiction book and 1 non-fiction book to read that month. For this month I have chosen my #LitsyAroundTheWorld book (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter) as my fiction book, and Walking the Nile as my non-fiction.

#Explorer #Travel #Egypt #MiniTBR #NonFiction #MatchingBookmark #ArmchairTraveller

LeahBergen This one sounds good! 👍🏻 5y
SphinxFeathers I‘m about to embark on a literary journey down the Nile as well! Hope we both enjoy! 5y
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HeathHof
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick

An extremely good book about Levison Woods often dangerous travels through Africa along the Nile River and the people and political obstacles he met along the way. Definitely recommend.

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Micron
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
Mehso-so

I finished an enjoyable read of average prose style. I would rate it B plus A minus. Author delves a bit much into the politics of Africa for me, without talking enough about the actual trip itself. Obviously the planning and the walking must have been onerous but we were not privy to too much of this. Certainly the politics issignificant in Africa but I suspect more to this Brit than to most natives.

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HeathHof
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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#seasonsreadings #bestofdecember picks🏞🐝🐠🐍

Melkyl The Secret Life of Bees ❤ 7y
Soubhiville Oh I'm stacking this, it sounds good! 7y
kspenmoll Loved Sue Monk Kidd's books; have Serpent King in TBR 7y
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HeathHof
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Happily reading about tropical 🌴 adventures by the fireside at my local library today because I can't handle that it's 34 degrees and snowing 🌨 again! 😬📚☀️

Texreader Fireplace in your library? That's awesome. 7y
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bblake24
Walking the Nile | Levison Wood
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Pickpick

This book is AMAZING. It's full of adventure and history and politics and heartbreak. 100% worth reading.

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