A group of American boys goes on a safari trip in Africa. Their guide, Cecil, is an aging adventure-seeking ambitious man, who wants to be acknowledged by the Royal Geographic Society in London. One would think that this trip, just like any other, should be all about the customers' needs and demands, while the guide stays in the shadows. Here it`s not the case. Cecil is desperate, first, he ignores the dangers and keeps pushing forward until he gets a photo of the famous explorer's carved initials. Quickly it turns out to be simply not enough, so when he hears about the giant sable antelope being spotted hundreds of miles away, he doesn´t hesitate. No danger is too small for him, no ethics exists, and boys don´t count.
The story takes place in central Africa in 1975, which is when the troubles start. Many conflicts will turn into bloody mess, for example, Angola is about to drown in 27 years 27-year-long civil war.
The story is simple, the writing is ok. The book is short and it`s a good read for one evening. The most interesting parts are the observations regarding the racial, and cultural conflicts, historical and political tensions.

A compelling coming of age tale about an 18-year-old on a safari in Africa, who faces with his group a host of challenges as they try to photograph a rare antelope never caught on film. Thrilling!

"In Pursuit of the Giant Sable Antelope" follows eighteen-year-old American Walker Scoville, who embarks on an African safari with his four friends and English wildlife photographer Cecil Covington. Upon their arrival in Cape Town, the group encounters the harsh realities of apartheid. They enlist the help of a local driver, Patrick Hangula, and begin their journey across South West Africa, starting from Victoria Falls. Along the way, they encounter various exotic animals and face numerous dangers. As the Angolan Civil War looms, Cecil remains determined to capture the first photograph of the giant sable antelope near the border.

John Manuel takes readers on an exhilarating African safari set in the mid-1970s, featuring a diverse group of characters. This is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Angolan Civil War. Manuel seamlessly incorporates real historical events into a thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged. Walker and his friends form a lively and dynamic group, constantly facing the threat of wild animal attacks and the dangers of being caught in the conflict during one of the most unstable periods in South West African history. Cecil is portrayed as a flawed yet determined character, evoking sympathy by the story's end. This book is perfect for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories or realistic adventure tales.