Writing An Adventure Travel E-book

Book Extract:

"I stumbled upon travel by accident... It had been quite some time since I had had a road trip. I went on one to the highlands of Kigezi. And it changed my life.

It was that rush of energy that got me hooked to the idea of adventure travel and escape the depressive rut I was accustomed to.

Adventure became a remedy to my depression, I found myself connecting with the slap-up alfresco.

I felt happier surrounded by the wide open spaces - whether in the forests, sailing on the waters or climbing hills - and seeing new places through exciting activities...

...

I aim to fundamentally inspire you to explore bold new ways to travel..."

From forest hiking to safaris on Savannah grasslands, to mountain climbing; to the best places to lodge, chimpanzee trekking and even what to wear while you are at it! 

This is a priceless conduct, not just to adventure safari, but to depression free eudaimonia; titled "The TRAVELING HUNTER'S Tales"

...

After nearly 2 weeks of touring Uganda, I published "The TRAVELING HUNTER'S tales" an eBook which is a compendium of my junketeering.

Not that its proceeds would lead me to that fine house in Bugolobi estates. I published the eBook, not for glamorization but as an inspiration for all the depressed souls out there, and an enticement to the idea that adventure travel could be the answer they're hunting down!

And hey, although not super lucrative, the eBook sales would go on to finance more of my Africa (Afro) travels.

This is how I went about writing, designing, publishing and promoting, "The TRAVELING HUNTER'S Tales"

This obviously isn't a consummate blueprint, but I hope you find it inspirational.

√ Writing it:

Firstly, you've got to write the damn thing. It took me 40 days to start and finish writing this eBook.

Secondly, on this topic I had many an experience to share. If the average nonfiction books runs between 50,000 - 70,000 words, an eBook is ordinarily shorter of about 20,000 words which usually gives you 80 - 100 pages of content. 

So I aimed at 18,000 words.

I indited the outline of the book in a Document, dumping all the travel tales, and then structuring the stories so the book followed a coherent flow.

Note: in terms of content, you don't have the same constraints you have with paper back!

I included some extras like an audio version of the books and some nature videos. I added a thank you page with all of the people who inspired me, or contributed in anyway to the creation of the book.

√ Packaging it:

I needed to make it look nice - I couldn't launch something ugly now, could I!

There are many ways to go about this; personally, I used canva but you could opt for Photoshop to design the cover.

Designing an eBook cover can be staggeringly hard sometimes, choosing something that's simple and eye-catching. So sourcing feedback from trusted comrades during the development phase is super helpful.

After several changes, I was happy with the cover, and I proceeded onto designing the inside of the book.

Page by page design is required for an eBook. I didn't have any of experience and hence decided to take a crack at it the way a true adventure would...

I utilized google Docs... Aye! Its actually superb what you can get done with such a simple tool.

I opted for a simple, common font, added a table of content and voila!

Or so I thought! Had I decided to just distribute the book as a PDF, I would have been through with design, but I wanted to offer it to kindle users.

After extensive research, I ended up using "Calibre." If you want to offer your eBook to people in other formats such as EPUB or MOBI, I recommend Calibre which is free and quite easy to use.

There I was, with different versions of my eBook: .PDF, .KPF (Kindle package format), .EPUB, and .MOBI

And onto pushing it live...

√ Publishing it:

Being new to this whole eBook thing, I aimed for the popular ones and there was one winner:

  => Gumroad:

Most people fervently support Amazon publishing, but here is why I opted for Gumroad;

Pros:

~ You own the customers!

Gumroad gives you access to the customers' email addresses so you can get in touch with them.

~ You can design the eBook as you want and sell whatever content you want; .ZIP, .mp3, e.t.c they accept all digital file types.

~ There is no review process: you can instantly publish your content.

~ Gumroad offers lower fees and you can price your content however you want, from $1 - $1000.

Con:

~ Quite uncommon in comparison to Amazon, some customers might feel more hesitant to feed in their credit card information.

I softly launched by posting the links on twitter and email my newsletter subscribers. The goal was to get a few sales and confirm that everything was functional.

And it did!

I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome.

Remember, whether you're working on a web app, or an eBook marketing is a daily effort where consistency pays off...

I hope this post gave you a good idea of how you could go about writing, and publishing your eBook if you so desired...

Image Source: Gumroad

A Walk Through History At The Uganda National Museum, Kampala: Day One of My 11 Day Tour Of Uganda

Being Ugandan, born and bred, I am well versed with my homeland's history; but a visit to the Uganda Museum brought it all to life.

All through Primary and Secondary schools I was taught of the times of the past, how Governor George Wilson called for "All articles of Interest" on Uganda to be procured.

Several collections were made and a Museum established... With a few hours left to the end of my one day tour of Kampala, Uganda Museum was my last destination choice.

Located in the Northern part of Kampala, on Kitante Hill, Kira road, a few kilometres away from the City center, the Uganda Museum housed some of the most informative and interesting exhibitions.

I discovered displays of ethnological,  natural/historical and traditional life collections of Uganda's cultural heritage.

On my way into the Museum, through the hall, three pathways led to different exhibits:

The Ethnological Gallery: that comprised more than 90,000 objects of historical value. Backcloth showcase, traditional wooden stools,  Gomesi and Kanzu traditional outfits of Uganda and many more.

Palaeontology Section: This section showcased fossils that are related to human evolution. The Uganda Pithecus, a fossil ape's skull aged between 19-20 million years that was discovered in Napak, was on display among others.

The Music Gallery: displayed a comprehensive collection of musical instruments from all parts of Uganda. Drums, Percussions, wind and string instruments and many more from differing locales.

The Information from the tour guide, on all exhibitions, was aphoristic and easy to digest. The highlight of my evening, however, was the "Cultural Village."

At the back of the Museum building was a collection of Huts depicting traditional lifestyles of the Ugandan.

Stuff of tales my granddad narrated to me about their earlier days... The cultural Village at the Museum provided an experience of the indigenous ways of Ugandans back in the days.

An array of cultural materials, the likes of wooden Milk pots, ceramics, leather work, basketry and many more were displayed.

Some of those huts that left an impression were:

Batooro hut: that had a wooden bed, backcloth blanket and Royal drums.

Bugisu hut: that housed circumcision tools of knives, the operator's headgear, e.t.c

Teso hut: with calabashes for brewing Malwa( a fermentated brew from Millet), mingling stones for grinding millet to Kalo( Millet bread) e.t.c

The Cultural Village was a much appreciated view into the history of Uganda, the life of my people before colonisation and modernisation; and was my favourite piece.

I took away so much, and a lot came into perspective on my life's trajectory from that visit to the Uganda Museum. 

A very informative and educative evening it was! A perfect ending to a day's tour of Kampala, the Capital city of Uganda.

The Foot-trail continued...

Image Source: Pinterest

Inspiration from Africa's Only Baha'i Temple (House of Worship), Kampala: Day One of My 11 Day Tour of Uganda

"Heaven and Hell aren't places but states of being reached when someone does something good or bad respectively..." 

- Abdul-Baha: founder of the Baha'i faith.

'Mashriqu-I-Adhkar' or "The dawning place of the praise of God," in Persian, is the Baha'i Temple (House of Worship).

The Baha'i House of Worship in Uganda was named the mother temple of Africa, and sat atop Kikaya Hill on the outskirts of Kampala.

A few minutes from Namugongo, Kikaya Hill on Gayaza road was my next destination on this Afro foot-trail.

A brief background on the Baha'i faith:

Abdul-Baha wrote a series of letters to the followers of religion in the United States, in 1916-1917.

Compiled into a book, these letters became the "tablets of divine plan." To be the divine guide for all the followers of the faith.

Africa was mentioned in the eighth and twelfth of the tablets which were written on 19th April 1916 and 15th February 1917, respectively.

On 3rd August, 1951 Mr. and Mrs. Mùsà Banàni and, their colleagues arrived in Kampala; Banàni was an adult convert to the religion during world war I from a Jewish background.

69 years later, spread over 1951 - 2020, the Baha'i faith managed to rack up more than 200,000 Baha'is in Uganda. Even though it went through some tough times during Idi Amin's reign, when the faith was banned.

In 1958, Joseph Mbogo, Erisha Kiwanuka, and Max Kanyerezi, Ugandan Baha'is had their names inscribed on the deed to the land for the Temple.

Built over 54 years ago, the Baha'i Temple wasn't only a marvel, it's sublime architectural design was based on a spiritual vision.

Like thousands in Uganda, I was enticed to check out its scenic view. Based on the fact that each continent has got only one Baha'i Temple, a visit was a must to Africa's spiritual heart for the Baha'i.

Gorgeous flower beds, perfectly located trees and, neatly kept lawns in columns of gardens surrounded the Temple; narrowing on your ascension from the foothill to the top. 

Atop the hill, sat the majestic Temple; open to all but only in accordance to Baha'i principles of NO loud music, flower picking, intoxication, e.t.c beckoning thousands, me inclused, to travel to Africa's only Baha'i temple.

It's 124.6 feet height and 44.2 feet width with a conical dome took into consideration the harmonic Baha'i principles, the kind of harmony I needed in my life so as to attain the Baha'i heavenly state of being on my Afro foot-trail.

9 Major pillars and 28 Minor ones keep the Temple upright; and It has 9 doors that are always open during prayers.

The Temple, in my opinion, was a unification symbol of God's divine uniting force; for it's comprised of parts from differing locales, Timber used to make furniture was from Ugandan trees, the coloured glass was brought from Germany.

Steel, window frames and fittings were Briton. The walls are of Ugandan quarried precast stone; and the green dome is made of tiny Italian glazed mosaic tiles, while the lower roof tiles are from Belgium.

January 1962, after four years of construction, the Temple was successfully open to the public, inspiring piety and at most respect to the almighty in all...

The trail continued...

Image Source: Pinterest

A Visit to Uganda Martyrs' Shrine And Museum - Namugongo, Kampala: Day One of My 11 Day Tour of Uganda

32 young men weren't born to be beaten and some burned to death; they were loyal subjects to Kabaka (King) Mwanga II, and it all went wrong because they believed in Jesus Christ (Christianity).

Back in 1885, young men and some boys by the names of John Mary Mzee, Charles Lwanga, Balikudembe, Kizito, just to mention, abandoned their traditional beliefs and accepted the teachings of the Missionaries that believed in Christ hence became Christians.

This displeased the Kabaka who ordered them to renounce their faith to which they refused.

On 3rd June 1886, Kabaka Mwanga decreed that they should be put to death for their insolence. 

These men were rounded up, beaten and dragged by their backs up to one of hills in the central region of the Kingdom.

To date that hill is called Namugongo which translates to "Mugongo" the back and "Namugongo" by the back, derived from the act of dragging the Uganda Martyrs by their backs.

Atop this hill seats the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, a majestic site that topped my list of Kampala's treasures to visit.

Started in 1967, the Uganda Martyrs Shrine was completed in 1975; since then it stands tall with the magnificence of an ancient Cathedral whose design derives inspiration from an African Hut structure.

With a seating capacity of 1000 people, the seats in this Basilica are arranged in circular form. 22 copper pillars of over 100 feet long keep the shrine upright.

A lake was excavated in honor of the Martyrs and bares a pavilion that takes the form of a boat.

That Pavilion has a deck-like feature which is used for Holy Mass as the Altar, and beneath that Altar, lies a Sacristy; a kitchen and bedroom which Pope Francis shortly occupied on his visit to Uganda in 2015.

Spectacular is this Site but deeper is the fact that it's the land upon which 15 of the Martyrs were burned alive for their refusal to denounce Christianity.

In 1920, during Pope Benedict XV 's reign, the Martyrs were canonized as Saints. Every 3rd day of June Uganda celebrates Martyrs day, and has been doing so for the past 99 years.

Pilgrims from within and out of Uganda make their way to this magnificent site; some travelling by car while others opting to walk barefooted from as far as Kenya, as a sacrifice in honor of the Martyrs.

Through Art and architecture, Ugandans pay tribute to these Martyrs; with the recent addition to the tribute being the construction of the Church of Uganda's "Uganda Martyrs Museum."

     "It's a one stop tourist attraction that will showcase the rich religious and cultural values of Uganda." 

- Daily Monitor

A visit to this Museum visually walked me through the life of the Martyrs and their death; some by slaughter, and others by a slow grueling holocaust.

Through sculpture and paintings... The young and imaginative minds have preserved Uganda's history for all future generations...

Inspirational it was, More of Kampala's treasures awaited.

Image Source: Pinterest

Lodging In Kampala, At Prestige Hotel Suites: Day One Of My 11 Day Tour Of Uganda

A few minutes later, I arrived at Prestige Hotel Suites, paid for my transportation and headed to the grand entrance of the hotel.

The door opened and there appeared one of the hotel staff. His uniform revealed his doorman position. He humbly gestured me in.

"Welcome to Prestige Hotel, may I hold your backpack." He uttered.

A beautiful, light skinned lady hauled herself upright at the Reception desk, a few feet from where I stood and invited me to come closer.

It was a quarter to 10 o'clock in the morning, Ms. Jane had already signed in 5 new clients and she would go on to check me in, happily departing with my US $ 85, approximately UGX 320,000.

Mr. George, the calm and collected doorman carried my luggage and led the way to my gorgeous abode. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I had the executive suite all to myself.

It was such an experience; coming from a humble background, such a life was always out of reach, prompting me to work so hard to make a saving so as to experience that life of the Haves.

For 8 months, I worked really hard at whatever I could lay my hands on; at the start of March 2018, when the rainy season rolled in, I managed to cultivate soya bean on 3 acres of land.

Masindi, my home district being of a country side setup, with the largest chunk of land being cultivatable, played to my favour.

During the 3 months of soya beans' maturation, I took up a part time job at Heaven carpentry shop, where we turned wood into some of the best wood works in the district which earned some more cash.

The harvest was blessed and the market was equally exceptional. By mid June that year, I had saved up enough from those 2 ventures to realize my dream.

The almighty indeed was good to me, my safe travel to the Capital of Uganda, Kampala, and the successful acquisition of a 3 star executive suite at Prestige Hotel Suite, located in the city center between the French and Danish Embassies with clean and spacious accommodations.

The single occupant suite was minimally decorated with modern furniture as they had advertised, had air conditioning and above all, it had the best view of City and Pool area from the Balcony.

The spectacular lodging rejuvenated me, relieved my early morning travel stress and tension. 

By the time I was through with a cold shower and freshening up, my room service request of a vegetarian breakfast was awaiting.

A table of plates full of eggs, spinach, mushrooms, home fries, beans, avocado, tomatoes and pancakes. A glass of cool mango juice, my favorite and another of coffee.

Having stuffed myself on a yummy breakfast, I turned my attention to the treasures Kampala harbored...

Image source: Pinterest

Arrival To Kampala, The Capital: Day One of My 11 Day Tour of Uganda

Outside on the dirty gray, square-shaped pavers of the busy Link bus terminal, two more green Link buses were in queue to be filled up next with passengers.

Inside the bus, the mood couldn't have been in greater contrast to the cool, rainy weather of the April wet season. The mood of the bus operators was about as low as it usually was and with good cause.

The bus number "070" had been in transit since 9:15 pm the previous night. On route from Kampala, only to make it to Masindi town, a quarter to midnight.

The Operators had had minimal rest; and bright and early resumed operations. They had to clean the bus, refuel it and give it a maintenance check before stationing it at the bus terminal for fill up. 

Anyone who has ever been in the transport business will know the prevailing adjective is " backbreaking".

Back at my place, in the western ward of the laid back town of Masindi district, two days before, I had successfully made a two day reservation at the gorgeous "Prestige Hotel Suite" as I sought to book before I set off, grabbing the cheapest deal possible from the hotel's website whose reviews were very enticing across all priorities I set for my accommodations whole in the Capital of Uganda, Kampala.

By the time we made it to the city at 9:00 am, everyone on board was exhausted. Two had honked due to motion sickness; 60 per cent of the passengers had at one point dozed off. We all yearned for a good stretch of the limbs.

Two red, Boda Boda motorcycles emerged from the bus terminal gate and parked right next to bus entrance. A man sat comfortably on each yelling,

"Boda, Boda... Egenda!"

Meaning: Motorcycle transport was available.

"Boda boda" is the cheapest, and most popular form of transportation in and areas around the Capital city Kampala.

Two and half hours seated in a tight space had left banged up, I slowly stepped out of the bus, and greeted one of the motorcyclists. We soon came to an agreement on the transport fares for the trip to the hotel.

I hoped on and off we went...

Image source: Pinterest