don2507
I recently read Levison Wood's book, "Walking the Nile", and enjoyed it so much that when I discovered that there was a video series on this amazing walk through six countries in Africa (apparently originally shown on the Animal Planet channel), I had to see it, and was not disappointed. I vote with the other positive review on this site; yes, it was not a polished video, but its very lack of smooth editing, etc. effectively dramatized, at least for me, the arduous nature of this adventure and the lack of resources Lev had to contend with. Moreover, his engaging personality, while not as apparent in the book, is much in evidence in the video series as he befriends the common people he meets on the way while remaining wary of the officials and secret police who do more to hinder him than provide him with the "security" they purport to provide. There appear to be several factual discrepancies between the book and the video, to my fallible memory, but they're no big deal.My favorites from the video: the witch doctor on Lake Victoria, Murchison Falls in central Uganda, crocodiles in the Nile in South Sudan, the sandstorms and search for water in the desert in Sudan, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt, and the final dive into the Mediterranean Sea at journey's end and the emotional reunion with Lev's parents. Who says there's no opportunity for adventurous travel in today's more crowded world?
ernestbuller
I really do think the two previous reviewers of this wonderful programme are a couple of armchair critics that never leave their bedroom. The whole programme we exhilarating from start to finish and had everything. Trying to suggest that somebody would watch a four part documentary of a river is complete nonsense..rather Levison Wood clearly tried to show what life exists beside the river including the animals and the different peoples that live and exist on what the Nile provides. My suggestion is they watch something less intellectually challenging. Simply these two cretins failed to understand what the programme was all about. Given that Mr Wood was for the most part entirely alone apart from a local guide he did all the filming himself and so the commentary wasn't polished (you try running from an angry croc up your backside and stick to a well written script). No it wasn't polished but then unlike Attenborough he didn't have a fifty team backup entourage helping him to walk the 4250 miles of the river (aka Joanna Lumley and Bear Grylls). Grow up guys get real and above all get a life and if you wish to be critical at least understand what you are talking about. for once we saw a programme that was for real (how can you describe the death of a colleague as trite). Frankly the stupid comments of some people simply amaze me. I suggest you watch the entire series again and learn what life on the road is all about. For anyone who has an interest in nature and existing by ones own instinct this is a must for survival in the wild... bring on Levison's next adventure
Roger
After watching the first episode of "Walking the Nile", I was genuinely surprised that it made it to mainstream television. The program was badly scripted and horribly edited. It managed to make what was (undeniably) a fantastic accomplishment - pretty boring. Despite traveling to some amazing locations with fantastic scenery, the photography was minimal and uncreative. The editing was appalling and some portions of the programme were comprised of a group of very short (>2s) scenes bashed together in a way that was truly jarring for the viewer. Even a tragedy associated with one of the walking party was poorly covered and seemed almost trite. Overall, a boring show about a fantastic achievement.
