The Road Chose Me Volume 2: Three years and 54,000 miles around Africa

by Dan Grec

Searching for even more wild places and new experiences, Dan became determined to explore 'off the map' in Africa. From the mighty Sahara Desert in the north to the dense equatorial jungles of the Congo and the open grasslands of Southern Africa, Dan turned his biggest dream into reality. Over the course of three years Dan's second major expedition spanned fifty-four thousand miles through thirty-five unique African countries.

THE ADVENTURE WAS A THOUSAND TIMES BIGGER THAN HE DREAMED POSSIBLE.

After exploring the Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Argentina Dan became hooked on the freedom of global overland travel, and he only wanted more. New languages, exotic foods, stunning landscapes and local people with an entirely different outlook became Dan's everyday life. As the months turned into years, through highlights and despair Dan gained a new appreciation for what it truly means to be alive.

Viewing our modern world through African eyes gave Dan a new perspective, and he was pulled in by the endless joy, laughter and kindness at every turn. While the landscapes and wildlife are undeniably breathtaking, it is the natural warmth of the African people that is truly unforgettable. All across the continent Dan was welcomed with love and generosity, and now he will never be the same.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Africa

383 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2020

About the author

Dan Grec of 'The Road Chose Me' is an adventurer, photographer and author. After growing up in rural Australia and working briefly as an engineer, Dan knew he wanted a more vibrant life. So he left it all behind to turn his dreams into reality. For his first major expedition Dan spent two years driving the length of the Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Argentina through 17 countries over two years. Needless to say he became addicted to life on the road.
After saving and planning for years, Dan then drove 54,000 miles around Africa through thirty-five separate African countries. On that expedition Dan contracted Malaria twice, rolled his Jeep in remote Uganda and had life changing adventures in the Congo, Nigeria, Sudan and many more seldom visited places. More recently Dan spent eighteen months exploring the wild corners of his homeland of Australia in a well prepared 4x4, and has just completed a 12 month adventure with his partner Katie and young daughter Aurora from Iceland to Tunisia in North Africa.
Dan and Katie and now saving and planning for the next major adventure.

Reviews

[Christopher Hachet · Rating 4 out of 5]

It isn't as much of an epic adventure story as his first book. A weak four stars. Personally, I would have like to have had more emphasis on the places Dan visited and less on his struggles on the trip.

Still a very thoughtful read. I have been reading about African history and politics for 40 plus years and my son traveled quite a bit in Africa.

Strongly reccomended....but also read his first book.

It's interesting to see a more mature and thoughtful version of Dan in the second book...a good reminder that we all change and grow over time.

The book is dedicated to Dan's mother, who dies of cancer rather sadly during the course of the book.

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic read, more than a travel journal as one may think at first glance. The author goes deeper than this, touching upon politics, philosophy, and the changes he himself goes through on the journey. Of course there are plenty of vivid stories from each country as well, from delightful encounters, to heart-tugging disasters, making this overall a very engaging read.

[Dave]

The author does an amazing job of describing his experiences and breaking some of the stereotypes about travel in Africa.

He is very honest about the joys and challenges he faced and how he dealt with them.

Hopefully he inspires some folks to get off the couch and explore. Preferably with an open mind.

[Richard]

Great book! Not only gives it a good idea of travelling by jeep through Africa with all adventure and challenges. It also gives an excellent view on what Africa is all about. The People! Great read and a eye opener as well.
Loved every minute of it.

[Kellen Cache · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book and thank the Author for sharing this information and connecting with Africa not as a tourist but as one who really connected to the people as much as possible. Take Notes on this book and get ready to travel as most of us nowadays are on lockdown.

[Teo smite · Rating 5 out of 5]

This eye-opening account of a 3 year drive around Africa kept me mesmerized. An adventure worth talking about. The book was well spaced with insights. Certainly not just a travel diary.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to review this directly to Dan. I read the last book and loved it. I love this one too. I hope you write one for your Australian adventure too. I will definitely read it! Keep doing what your doing and love your best life!

[Nic Stover · Rating 5 out of 5]

honest and sobering

An honest look at the ups and downs of travel in such a remote and unpredictable place. Inspiring but also sobering as I reflected on adventures I might not want to take.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great look at a different Africa that you usually don't hear about.

[Fred K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, vicarious travel in Africa, can’t always relate to author’s choices, etc

[Marietta S · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good read

The story was quite exciting at times. I mostly enjoyed the animal encounters the author had. A little too much rambling on about his philosophies about life for my taste but overall a good read.