Into Africa

When was the last time you thought of doing something for the first time? Into Africa: A Hunter's Safari was written about and for a first-time African safari adventurer, with the sense of wonder that only comes with first times. At the same time a personal memoir and how-to guide, it explores what professional hunter and author Peter Hathaway Capstick referred to as "the greatest adventure remaining on Earth."

When was the last time you thought of doing something for the first time? Into Africa: A Hunter's Safari was written about and for a first-time African safari adventurer, with the sense of wonder that only comes with first times. At the same time a personal memoir and how-to guide, it explores what professional hunter and author Peter Hathaway Capstick referred to as "the greatest adventure remaining on Earth." Why write a book about hunting Africa? After all, many hunters have done so over the last century: most notably Selous, Hemingway, Ruark and, more recently, Peter Hathaway Capstick, John "Pondoro" Taylor, and Craig Boddington. As history shows, each could handle a gun or pen with equal finesse. But for those who have dreamt of hunting Africa, it might seem an unachievable dream. This book, written by someone who faced the same uncertainties and asked the same questions about cost and other challenges, aims to lay bare the facts while sharing a priceless experience. Comprised of three parts, the book outlines how to get there, what will happen when you do, and what comes after you return home. It evolved out of the author's twelve-day experience and is not meant to compete with books featuring action-packed chapters covering a decade or more across Africa, nor does it contain harrowing tales of risky, high-adventure, dangerous game hunts. For such stories, the deeds and words of the author-hunters previously mentioned are a worthy read. But for those wanting an honest portrayal of what to expect from their first African safari, this book is the only one you'll need.

Wayne Johnson was born and raised in New Jersey. The area around his hometown of Woodbury included Revolutionary War battlefields, hardwood forests, lakes, streams, tidal estuaries, farmland and orchards where he learned to fish, hunt, explore and appreciate nature. Early on, he discovered a talent for sketching birds and other animals. His early interests in writing and photography were developed and honed as a freelance technical writer and photojournalist, where he illustrated and penned a series of articles entitled "At Speed" for amateur motorsports periodicals. In January 2000, he became a contributing photographer to the prestigious Road & Track magazine and AUTOCOURSE motor racing annuals, covering Formula 1 as well as the worldwide IndyCar and CART series for seven years. His work has been published internationally and his photographs are in the private collections of prominent motorsports drivers, owners, teams, and museums. A hunter since childhood, where he accompanied his father before he was old enough to obtain a hunting license or carry a gun, he has hunted big and small game on four continents. He is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and Safari Club International. He is a career soldier, drafted during Vietnam, and served in the infantry until discovering aviation. He has served many positions with the U.S. Army, in countries including the United States, Australia, Germany, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iraq, and Korea. A graduate of Texas A&M University and the Army's Command & General Staff College, he is a Master Army Aviator and Certified Flight Instructor in airplanes, gliders and helicopters. He is still flying and considers it a privilege to support the guys at the "tip of the spear" in the War on Terrorism. He makes his home in Alabama.