The Story

This is the second half of Oskar Lenz's incredible journey. We join him deep in the Sahara, already far from any familiar comfort. The book follows his push across the desert towards the legendary city of Timbuktu in Sudan. It's a straight-up travel log of his daily grind: bargaining for camels, finding water holes, and interacting with the different tribes and communities he meets along the way. There's no single villain; the main conflict is between Lenz and the desert itself. Every day is a challenge against the landscape, the climate, and the sheer distance.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this special is its honesty. Lenz doesn't romanticize things. You feel his frustration with delays, his awe at a star-filled desert sky, and his careful observations about the cultures he encounters. It’s not written like a modern adventure story—it’s slower and packed with detail—but that’s what pulls you in. You’re not just reading about a place on a map; you're getting a real-time account of what it felt like to be one of the first Europeans to see it. It completely changes how you think about exploration.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love real-life adventure stories and armchair travelers with patience. If you enjoy first-hand accounts like those of Stanley or Livingstone, but want something focused purely on the travel experience itself, this is a fascinating find. It's not a fast-paced thriller, but a compelling, gritty slice of history that makes you appreciate every modern convenience you have.