Ever wondered what it's like to guide wealthy tourists through the raw beauty of the African bush, where one wrong move could turn a dream safari into a nightmare? Peter Allison's Whatever You Do, Don't Run pulls back the curtain on that exhilarating world, sharing his uproarious experiences as a top Botswana safari guide.
Picture this: You're deep in the Kalahari, surrounded by lions, elephants, and hyenas that don't care about your itinerary. Allison recounts moments of heart-pounding tension, like staring down a territorial hippo or corralling a group of camera-toting visitors who mistake the wild for a theme park. But it's not just the animals that test his patience—it's the humans, with their endless demands and oblivious antics, that often push him to the brink.
What sets Allison's storytelling apart is his deadpan humor and unwavering admiration for the creatures he encounters. He describes the subtle cues of a pride of lions on the hunt or the quiet majesty of a giraffe at dawn, making you feel the dust on your skin and hear the rustle of the grass. Yet, he doesn't shy away from the absurd: tourists insisting on selfies with charging rhinos or guides improvising when plans go hilariously awry.
These essays aren't just entertaining reads; they highlight the delicate balance between human intrusion and the wild's sovereignty. Allison's approach—minimizing impact while maximizing wonder—resonates with anyone who loves nature but questions our place in it.
Whether you're curled up by the fire on a rainy evening or waiting at the airport for your own adventure, this book transports you to Botswana's vast landscapes. It's ideal for travel enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, or anyone needing a good laugh amid the chaos of daily life. Dive in, and you'll find yourself chuckling at the follies of safaris past, all while appreciating the profound lessons from the bush. Just remember: whatever you do, don't run—unless you're turning the page.
