📖 Overview
Peter Allison is an Australian author and safari guide known for his memoirs about leading wildlife tours in Africa. His books draw from nearly two decades of experience conducting safaris across Botswana, South Africa, and other regions of the continent.
His most successful work, "Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide" (2007), established him as a prominent voice in adventure travel writing. The book details his encounters with wildlife, mishaps with tourists, and the daily challenges of leading safaris in the African bush.
Allison's subsequent books include "Don't Look Behind You: True Tales of a Safari Guide" and "Don't Run, Whatever You Do: My Adventures as a Safari Guide." These works continue to document his experiences while incorporating conservation themes and insights into African wildlife behavior.
Beyond his writing career, Allison has worked as a guide in South America and served as a special correspondent for various travel publications. He regularly speaks at wildlife conservation events and maintains connections to the safari tourism industry.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Allison's storytelling style for making African safaris accessible through humor and self-deprecation. Many reviews highlight his ability to balance entertaining stories with educational content about wildlife behavior and conservation.
What readers liked:
- Authentic first-hand accounts from the field
- Humorous writing style that doesn't overshadow serious moments
- Clear explanations of animal behavior and safari operations
- Personal growth stories from his early guiding mistakes
What readers disliked:
- Some stories feel repetitive across his books
- Occasional overuse of humor in serious situations
- Limited depth on conservation topics
Ratings:
Goodreads:
"Whatever You Do, Don't Run" - 4.2/5 (13,000+ ratings)
"Don't Look Behind You" - 4.1/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Amazon:
"Whatever You Do, Don't Run" - 4.6/5 (900+ reviews)
"Don't Run, Whatever You Do" - 4.5/5 (300+ reviews)
One reader noted: "His stories put you right there in the Land Rover with him - terrified, amazed, and laughing all at once."
📚 Books by Peter Allison
Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide (2007)
A collection of stories from Allison's experiences as a safari guide in the Okavango Delta, including encounters with wildlife and misadventures with tourists.
Don't Look Behind You: True Tales of a Safari Guide (2009) Chronicles more of Allison's experiences in Africa, focusing on dangerous animal encounters and challenging situations with guests in various game reserves.
How to Walk a Puma: And Other Things I Learned While Stumbling Through South America (2012) Recounts Allison's travels through South America, including his time working with pumas in Bolivia and exploring various wilderness areas across the continent.
Don't Look Behind You: True Tales of a Safari Guide (2009) Chronicles more of Allison's experiences in Africa, focusing on dangerous animal encounters and challenging situations with guests in various game reserves.
How to Walk a Puma: And Other Things I Learned While Stumbling Through South America (2012) Recounts Allison's travels through South America, including his time working with pumas in Bolivia and exploring various wilderness areas across the continent.
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Tony Park writes about his time as a safari guide and journalist in southern Africa, detailing encounters with wildlife and local communities. His work emphasizes the complex relationships between animals, conservation efforts, and human settlements.
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