Product Description
My First Wild Island Adventure
Author: Riaan Manser • Illustrator: Martinus van Tee
Format: Paperback
Recommended for ages 5–7
SA Book Awards: Children's Fiction and Non-Fiction 2024
In July 2009, Manser set another world first when he became the first person to circumnavigate the world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar, by kayak - also alone and unaided. This colossal journey, which saw him paddle 5000km in eleven months, was, he said, considerably more demanding, both physically and mentally.
Conquering extreme loneliness whilst enduring treacherous conditions like pounding seas, cyclones and an unrelenting sun which, combined with salt water, almost pickled him alive. During his circumnavigation he had many memorable close encounters with Madagascar’s marine life – humpback whales breaching metres away from his kayak, giant leatherback turtles gliding alongside him and even having his boat rammed by a shark.
Riaan travelled around Madagascar during a period of extreme political turmoil and he landed up in prison 5 times, the last time being 3 nights on suspicion of carrying out mercenary activities. In April 2010, Manser’s efforts were rewarded with his second accolade, “Out There Adventurer of the Year 2009” and “Around Madagascar on my Kayak”, his book recounting his amazing feat, also received acclaim.
About the Author
Riaan Manser het opslae gemaak toe hy die eerste een in die wêreld geword het om met ’n fiets reg rondom die Afrika-kontinent te ry. Dié reis het hom presies twee jaar, twee maande en vyftien dae geneem – sonder hulp en stoksielalleen.
Manser se prestasie het aan hom die titel “Out There Adventurer of the Year 2006” besorg. Jy kan alles oor sy ongelooflike avonture in sy boeke lees!
About the Illustrator
Martinus van Tee is ’n spotprenttekenaar, skilder en illustreerder. Hy spesialiseer in humoristiese illustrasie, en lewendige karikature, en werk in digitale en tradisionele media.
For custom orders and quotes: shop@schoolspace.co.za
This product description is the exclusive intellectual property of the publisher, protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use, adaption, or copying is strictly prohibited. © 2026 Schoolspace
