Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide

I'm really into the humorous travel tales and this one is high on my list. Peter Allison followed his dream and wrote about his dream come true in short adventure stories that describe near fatal incidents quite often. His stories make you appreciate the work of a safari guide and their incredible responsibilities to tourists who are often quite stupid in their assumption that wild animals are there to be photographed. Well written and exciting, I loved this book

This is a book you are likely to read loudly--gasping, laughing and groaning at the antics of a safari guide whose love of the Okavango Delta and its wildlife consistently gets him into trouble of the "I-can't-believe-I-wasn't eaten" variety. I recommend reading this book with a laptop open to Google images so that you can search for pictures of the camps, parks and lesser known animals Allison mentions. The images will enhance your appreciation for this beautiful land and its wildlife.

Though Allison does not write with the elegance of a Theroux or a Bryson, his twenty-something style is part of what makes this book so much fun. It's a pleasure from start to finish, and a great way to learn more about Botswana's parks and wildlife, the safari experience, and all the things you shouldn't do while tracking big game in the Okavango Delta.

Having just returned from safari, I really enjoyed this great "insider" look at the joys, foibles and pure majesty of wildlife tracking and watching in Africa. I'd go with Peter on my next trip, except for his misadventures which I trust he has grown past. Wonderfully witty and shows his love of the continent and it's animal inhabitants.

This is a well written, and hilarious bok of the accounts of a young safari guide in Botswana. Anyone who has been on safari can relate to the experiences and will welcome the behind the scenes look at guiding. I enjoyed every minute of reading in this book as it took me back to my visit to the Okavango in '87 and '98. Those who have never been to Africa can enjoy this as well and perhaps you will be inspired to go on safari yourself!

Allison's description of life as a safari guide and his interaction with beast and man will put a smile on your face. While most of the book showcases Allison's sense of humor, I also enjoyed the chapters which showed his heart. His ability to poke fun at himself and others in good-humored fashion left me hoping that he will continue to share his journey in a sequel. As the owner of a travel agency, this will be a gift for all of my clients who travel to Africa. I have lots of fantastic images from my safari - http://thetravelsource.vacationport.net but Allison inspired images that I would never have imagined: the honey badger pet, the mouse plague, and Salvador, the elephant in labor. If you have been on a safari, this book will bring back memories; if you haven't, it will let you dream about what it will be like when you do go. Either way, you'll learn something about the animals that you didn't know before.