New Kingsley Holgate epic on sale

The book details the events of the Afrika Outside Edge expedition, a 63 327-km expedition, which saw Kingsley and his family circumnavigate the African coastline. The journey took the Holgate family into 33 African countries where they distributed malaria nets to save the lives of women and children from a disease that is estimated to kill two children in Africa every minute. Also linked to the expedition is the Right To Sight campaign, which donates spectacles to poorly sighted people across the continent.

Inspiration from Africa and her people

“Our book draws inspiration from Africa and her people, the continent's vast and picturesque landscapes, beautiful sunsets and unforgettable hospitality and nature. There were more than a few hairy moments along on the expedition, some of which we didn't think we would get through, and although we certainly weren't laughing at the time, we had a good giggle when putting the stories together for the book,” said Holgate.

“When the exciting odyssey began at the Cape of Good Hope we knew we were up for perhaps the biggest and most exciting challenge of our lives, but anything is possible when you have the support of family, a dedicated crew, the ever-helpful villagers that we met along the route and, of course, that secret stash of Cappies in our hidden tanks on the underside of the Landies,” continued Holgate.

The book is written in journal format and records experiences, both good and bad, from the 33 countries along the expedition route.

Fighting malaria and landmines

Day 449 of the journey, the day that the expedition team arrived back in South Africa, is perhaps the most emotional of the more than one year spent fighting malaria, driving through landmine-infested areas and negotiating some of Africa's most rugged terrain. Holgate recounts the elation of having made it back to South Africa in one piece. The day of their arrival coincided with Nelson Mandela's birthday and emptying the calabash into the Atlantic Ocean to mark their return was, as expected, a very happy and emotional experience.

Afrika Dispatches from the Outside Edge is Kingsley Holgate's fourth novel; it's a book about hope, survival and the author's relationship with the continent to which he has devoted to the lives of women and children of Africa. The book is now available at all leading book stores across the country.

Give-away

Captain Morgan Black Label is giving away a limited edition autographed copy of Holgate's book. To qualify, become a Captain's Mate at www.captainmorgan.co.za - you will also receive information about Kingsley's forthcoming expeditions.