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

By Peter Allison

Book Overview

A hilarious, highly original collection of essays based on the Botswana truism: "only food runs "

In the tradition of Bill Bryson, a new writer brings us the lively adventures and biting wit of an African safari guide. Peter Allison gives us the guide's-eye view of living in the bush, confronting the world's fiercest terrain of wild animals and, most challenging of all, managing herds of gaping tourists. Passionate for the animals of the Kalahari, Allison works as a top safari guide in the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta. As he serves the whims of his wealthy clients, he often has to stop the impulse to run as far away from them as he can, as these tourists are sometimes more dangerous than a pride of lions.
No one could make up these outrageous-but-true tales: the young woman who rejected the recommended safari-friendly khaki to wear a more "fashionable" hot pink ensemble; the lost tourist who happened to be drunk, half-naked, and a member of the British royal family; establishing a real friendship with the continent's most vicious animal; the Japanese tourist who requested a repeat performance of Allison's being charged by a lion so he could videotape it; and spending a crazy night in the wild after blowing a tire on a tour bus, revealing that Allison has as much good-natured scorn for himself.
The author's humor is exceeded only by his love and respect for the animals, and his goal is to limit any negative exposure to humans by planning trips that are minimally invasive--unfortunately it doesn't always work out that way
Peter Allison is originally from Sydney, Australia. His safaris have been featured in National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, and on television programs such as Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures. He travels frequently to speaking appearances, and splits most of his time between Botswana, Sydney, and San Francisco.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0762745657
• ISBN13: 9780762745654
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Lyons Press
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Scratch the itch to travel

Entertaining easy read. In this time of limited travel, these stories were a welcome adventure to a distant place I hope to see with my own eyes someday.

Loved the Book

Perhaps its because i have been there but this was a very fun and funny book. I loved it. My husband loved it and our friends loved it.

Whatever You Do, Don't Run book review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, "Whatever You Do, Don't Run". I have been to Africa numerous times on safari and the stories told by this guide were all too real, in a wonderful sort of way. Each page took me back to being on safari and allowed me to reminisce about those wonderful adventures. They gave me insight into what occurs behind the scenes for the guides and the staff at the camps and let me relive those precious memories. Parts of the book are truly funny while parts express the inherent dangers involved in such a journey. I loved this book and for those who have been fortunate enough to have gone on safari in Africa, they will enjoy it immensely. Penny Adamson

I want more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really didn't want this book to end! And I would love to read more!!! As a past visitor to Botswana, this collection of stories gave a delightful look at the behind the scenes, everyday life of the folks who make tourist visits so delightful! Kudos to the author....it's light, fun reading and I want more!!!!

Good, quick read. Enjoyed it a lot.

While I haven't been on safari, I'm guessing that this book should be required reading for anyone who is able to make the trip. Peter Allison's book was a nice, quick read filled with lots of great stories about his experiences. All in all, I would recommend this book highly. Several stories made me laugh out loud. Enjoy.

nearly late for work!

I was a bit hesitant about this book at first because of the very different style. Not in-your-face, nor condescending, not pretensious. Peter Allison is very funny and refreshingly self effacing. Humble, to use an old fashioned word. But it was the adventure, the outrageous tourists, and the really unexpected turns of events that had me up way past midnight on a working day. So I was a bit out of it with clients. It was worth it! Superb!