Around Madagascar On My Kayak

Product Description

In the last nine years Riaan Manser has re-written the definition of tenacity & become the epitome of determination. Riaan rose to prominence when he became the first person to cycle around the entire perimeter of Africa. For over two years he pedalled a mammoth 37 000kms through 34 countries; some of which rank as the most dangerous places on Earth. It was a feat that earned him the title Adventurer of the Year 2006 & made his resulting book Around Africa on my Bicycle a best-seller. In July 2009 Riaan again set another world first when he became the first person to circumnavigate the worlds fourth largest island of Madagascar by kayak; another expedition achieved alone & unaided. This incredible journey 5000km in eleven months was considerably more demanding both physically & mentally. Daily Riaan had to conquer extreme loneliness while ploughing through treacherous conditions such as cyclones pounding surf & an unrelenting sun that combined with up to ten hours in salt water was literally pickling his body. The perseverance of course brought memorable close encounters with Madagascars marine life humpback whales breaching metres away from his kayak giant leatherback turtles gliding alongside him & even having his boat rammed by sharks. Riaan travelled around Madagascar during a period of the countrys political turmoil which gave him unrivalled insight into the exotic islands psyche & even earned him two nights in prison on suspicion of carrying out mercenary activities. This book is packed with engaging stories & beautiful photographs.