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

Boat Cruise On Kazinga Channel at Queen Elizabeth National Park: Day 7 Of My 11 Day Tour Of Uganda

Lunching at Tembo Canteen was outstanding; there were scores of cheap, tasty cuisines and cool beers within spectacular lake view surroundings; but only a non Ugandan would stand the marabou stock being in close proximity.

A simple "go away" gesture wouldn't work; they were extremely determined to get a piece of the pie, especially the leftover food by the dump site.

Perfectly seasoned and fried Tilapia fish, rice with Kachumbali (raw, chopped onions and tomatoes) on the side were a perfect fit for lunch.

The next itinerary on the day's agenda was the "boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel."

After lunch, the group and I, led by the tour guide, headed for "Mweya safari lodge" where the boat cruise tickets were to be purchased.

The scenic view at Mweya safari lodge was breathtaking; surrounded by the Rwenzori mountains, to the East lay the great rift valley hills: spaced from the Rwenzori, by the rambling Kazinga Channel.

After gawking at the beautiful surrounding, the group and I arrived at "Mweya Information Center." Lots of dried up, preserved carcasses of birds and animals were on display.

The center was so busy and helpful; we acquired some maps and purchased tickets for the 10-seater "Sunbird" ferryboat; that came with experienced guides and crew, well equipped with necessary safety tools and above all comfortable.

I was rapturous, I had my binoculars set, the life vest on and so ready! My minimal aquaphobia, like everyone else! was of no issue; adventure was on my mind.

At first, it was convenient to presume that cruising on the Kazinga Channel waters was a smooth sail. But it was a windy evening and the waters were a bit wavy!

The wide Kazinga channel was 32 kilometers long, linking the 2000 sq km Lake Edward on the West, to the 250 sq km Lake George on the East.

Sailing on the wavy waters was a once in a life time safari experience. 

I wasn't sure why the area was dubbed the Crocodile hub until a bask of approximately 6 meters long, rough skinned Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the banks came into view.

Riparian vegetation along the Kazinga channel banks were perfect habitat for the over 100 water bird species, Like; 

The white headed; dark taloned, beaked, and eyed African Fish eagle. With wingspans of approximately 6 ft, and yellow faces, hunting for prey.

The white, long legged Spoonbill; swinging its bill from side to side in the waters in an effort to catch food.

A pair of Goliath herons that flew by; with their heads, faces, backs and neck sides of a medium reddish shade of brown and chins, throats, and upper breasts all white.

And lots more...

The Epic voyage had the group and I marveling at the bloat of hippos taking a dip in the cool Kazinga Waters.

Shortly after the hippos, the majestic elephants graced our view. As they took turns to sling mad all over their bodies using their long, flexible trunks.

When we made it to the other end, the experience was worthy the pay. 

In retrospection, the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel was one of a kind.

After the boat cruise, the group and I turned back and headed for "Simba Safari Camp for dinner. Along the channel tracks, all eyes were glued to the outside in hopes of sighting the over advertised "Tree Climbing Lions", the prize possessions of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

But had no luck that evening... 

I hoped it would be next on the trail...

Image Source: Pinterest

Through Kabatoro Gate On A Crater Lakes Tour, Queen Elizabeth National Park: Day 7 Of My 11 Day Ugandan Tour

The remnants of the violent volcanic activity at Queen Elizabeth National park, were astonishing.

Ferocious volcanic eruptions, some 8000 - 10,000 years ago, released massive amounts of ashes widely far from their vents; creating basin-like features referred to as "Craters."

Through Kabatoro gate, on a 27 kilometer drive to the Queen's Pavilion, was scattered 72 huge craters. Located in the north western region of Queen Elizabeth N.P, the gate was the starting point to the crater lakes tour.

The 3 hour drive exposed the group and I to the 3 main crater fields at Queen Elizabeth N.P, which were;

Katwe Explosion Craters:

These were in the northern part of the "Mweya Peninsula" with lake Katwe being the main one.

Lake Katwe, of approximately 3,270 feet depth, was a hub for a monolithic salt mining operation due to its saline waters.

During the dry seasons, evaporation led to the concentration of the salt solution forming salt rocks which were collected, filtered and made into "Table salt." From Pan-like compartments built on the edge of the lake.

The salt extraction process was spectacular to observe, some miners tirelessly cracking the sodium chloride rocks and others carrying sacks of the shattered rocks.

This experience was greatly amplified by the panorama of the flocks of the flame-colored, long legged flamingos, sorting out algae at the lake.

There were some wide mouth opening, hairless bodied and large sized hippos too.

Bunyaruguru Crater Field:

Recognized by the worldwide Volcano discovery, this was the next go to.

Also called the "Kichwamba Crater field", this area had up to 20 craters containing both saline and fresh waters.

They were located on the western side of Queen Elizabeth N.P in the Kichwamba escarpment of the western Rift valley. Most of these were filled with thickets of small trees and bushy grasslands, except for Lake Nkugute that was attractively filled with water and easily spotted if traveling along the Kasese - Mbarara highway.

Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field:

A foot trail was encouraged at this crater field. It was a 10 kilometre long stretch of closely packed craters.

A quick swim was discouraged as most of these craters contained toxic greenish waters and emitted smelly sulphuric fumes, which emanated from beneath.

Lakes like Nkuruba, Lyantonde, Nyabikere, among others constituted the crater field.

This mid morning tour climaxed at the Queen's Pavilion, a small thatched hut with a magnificent view of most the park's land.

Brunch was served...

Image Source: Pinterest 

Bird Watching at Katunguru Bridge Area In Queen Elizabeth National Park: Uganda Tour, Day 7

Katunguru bridge, connecting Lakes Edward and George on the Kazinga channel, the area below the bridge at Queen Elizabeth National park was a heavily swampy zone, and a stronghold of bird life.

Numerous bird species accorded this papyrus swamp their attention, with inhabitancy flight after flight. To seek sanctuary, countless birds flocked the swamp and nested.

They had no technology, just their ant-like capacity for hard work; their wings, spectacular eye sight and strong beaks.

How many sticks and straws they collected can never be calculated.

By 7 O'clock in the morning, I was already awake and having breakfast at Simba Safari camp. Readying myself for the morning itinerary, which comprised of a birding safari at the birds' renowned habitat in Queen Elizabeth N.P; the Katunguru area.

My group mates and I were psyched...

The ranger came, the others and I took up seats on the tour truck, and drove to the swamp.

Along the Katunguru channel tracks, lots of natural vegetation, of savannah grasslands and indigenous trees graced our views.

The surreal-ness of the area, when we finally got there, took my breath way. The papyrus and shrub dominated wetland housed innumerable birds and added to my human wonder of nature.

These included:

The Gull-billed tern: with a distinctive short, thick gull-like bill, broad wings and long legs. A whitish grey underparts and a black cap; black legs and bill.

The pink-backed Pelican: that had a whitish grey plumage and a pinkish hue on the back, as the name suggested; swallowing a fish.

The papyrus Gonolek: a medium sized bush-shrike with a dull yellow crown; the upper parts, wings, tail and head black, apart from a broad white bar on the wings. A crimson breast and upper belly while the lower belly whitish.

I could only hope it was scouting for insects like the beetles and flies, or snails as it singly lurked among the papyrus.

Many, many more bird species could be sighted.

The Katunguru bridge area was perfect for the birding safari experience; 

The day's trail had just started...

Image source: Pinterest

An Evening game drive through the Kisenyi Plains at Queen Elizabeth National Park: Day 6 Of My 11 Day Tour Of Uganda

An hour and half at Simba Safari Camp, after my arrival, was perfect rest; more so the heavy brunch I feasted on.

I settled in and decompressed perfectly well, on the comfy seats in the lounge area and was still posted when someone started calling out to the guests.

It was game drive time;

"It's time, sir." Said a deep voice. I stood up, slid on my green travel backpack and headed to the gathering of 3 outside.

The man had an army green uniform on;

"It's time for the evening game drive." Said the green clad game ranger.

"What's in store for us! I'm so pumped." Said one of the group members, now excited and organising herself.

"It's going to be a 2-3 hour drive through the Kasenyi plains, where we'll get a chance to see some of the wild life that we have."

"Sort of an orientation to Queen Elizabeth national park, so come on let's head out." Replied the officer.

"Are we all set, shall we!" The officer climbed abode the driver's seat of the 8-seater, four-wheel drive tour truck, and we all followed tout de suite.

Groups of 6 maximum are allowed, and there were at that time only 4 members. I made the fifth, but the number would go back to 4 the following day when one of us fell sick.

Kasenyi plains were a vast Savannah; perfect setting for a classic African Safari experience.

I descried some medium-sized black warthogs; with large heads adorned with a pair tusks each, a mane down the spine, sparse hairs covered their bodies and long tails that ended with tufts of hair, grazing on grasses and roots with their front feet bent backwards.

8 minutes, on constantly spinning wheels, a herd of Uganda kobs came in view. These were reddish brown in colour and sturdily built.

"Only the males have the lyre-shaped horns." Said the officer as he pointed out to the herd. 

They had a white patch on their throats, white muzzles, eye rings and  inner ears. The belly and inside of the legs also white, while the front legs were black. They calmed fed on grasses and reeds.

Yet so unbothered by their large numbers were a pair of Guinea fowls as they skittered through the grasslands; and so neatly packed were their grey spotted plumage.

These seed and sometimes insect eating had featherless heads and majestically foraged within the herds dung and the surrounding understory.

There were approximately 12 dark grey elephants in a herd that we came across after about 30 minute drive away from the kobs.

The small herd of these enormous elephants had 2 calves a few months old with them. 

The elephants had gigantic ears and concave backs, long trunks, massive legs and huge tusks; wrinkled skin and slopping abdomen.

Most used their trunks to grasp grass from the ground and bring it to their mouths.

About 2 and half hours driving through the Kasenyi plains, Queen Elizabeth national park had made a memorable first impression.

More of her jewels were to lust for on this Afro foot trail...

When the drive time was up, we drove back to Simba Safari Camp and called it a day. 

Image source: Pinterest

Traveling to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lodging At Simba Safari Camp: Day 6 Of My 11 Day Tour Of Uganda

There was no reason to end the trail at that, because I had experienced forest walks, Chimpanzee tracking and bird watching, but Uganda, and Africa at large, still had more, a lot more to offer.

The third time I took a bus, the Link Bus, from Fort Portal City heading to Kasese District, it was a fair experience compared to the first two times, mostly due to the shortness of the trip.

Kasese town, located North of Lake George in western region of Uganda, was only 1 hour and a minute away; a distance of approximately 93 kilometers.

On arrival to Kasese town, at the Bus terminal I followed a familiar routine;  I collected my travel bags from the Bus' luggage cabin, grabbed a quick refreshment juice from the traders and searched for the fastest mode of transport from the Town to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

I met a special hire taxi operator at their stage on one of the commercial streets in Kasese town, negotiated the transport fares and took the drive.

37 minutes later, I was at Simba Safari Camp which would go on to be my abode for the next couple of days while traversing Queen Elizabeth national park.

The general presumption was that I would relive the moments I had while I lodged at the Kyaninga lodge; I was wrong!

None of the reviews that I perused through, had clearly expressed the beauty of "Simba Safari Camp"

At the camp, one side faced the scenic crater lakes and plains of Queen Elizabeth national park while the other, the peaks of the Rwenzori mountain ranges stood out against the skyline.

Circling around the gorgeous terrain, there was an extensive lounge, a restaurant serving excellent continental dishes and a well stocked bar.

When I finally came around to making conversation, after several minutes of gaping at the surrounding beauty, one of the staff invited me to plant a tree that would be nourished and, would carry my name forever.

This was mainly done for conservation purposes and to foster a nature loving mentality in the guests.

"We have several rooms available." Said the beautiful lady at the reception when I approached the desk.

Going through the brochure, guest accommodation comprised of double rooms, all ensuite.

Below beyond the first segment, dormitory rooms where listed, of 3, 5 and 10 occupance; with double decker beds and all with shared bathroom facilities.

Traveling on a budget, I moved in for a 3 occupant dormitory room and adjacent to the room, was a common shower and toilet block.

The room had a whitish grey wall fan, wood brown lounge seat, a veranda with canvas seats and a clothing rack. A mosquito net fitted bed.

At Simba Safari camp, the 3-star restaurant was to offer delicious and affordable meals with open air rest. The modern well stocked bar offered refreshment of cold sodas and beer.

A tea wake up call was arranged between the restaurant staff and I, where a cup would be served at my veranda every morning throughout my stay at the camp, which would be a splendid start to my morning drives.

This was the closest lodge in to Queen Elizabeth national park's jewels...

Image Source: Pinterest