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When Eagles Roar: The Amazing Journey of an African Wildlife Adventurer
"One of the Best Wildlife Books of All Time" - BookAuthority
"One of the Best Books About or Featuring Birds" - BookScrolling
"Best Winter Trips - What to Read Before You Go" - National Geographic
"One of the Best Nature Books of 2014" - The Guardian
"Book of the Year" - Birder's Library
Follow the daring safari of James Currie as his love of birds, fascination with wildlife and craving for adventure lead him into humorous and life threatening situations. James captures the essence of what it means to be African today, facing everything from the Big Five to the vestiges of apartheid to the AIDS epidemic. He provides authoritative information on African wildlife and illustrates hair-raising encounters with lions, buffalo, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and snakes through exciting and humorous stories.
The book follows James’s journey from city boy to conservationist and shows what it takes to become an African game ranger. From his first graphic encounter with the brutality of nature on Table Mountain in South Africa to his disappearance as a boy on safari in Malawi to the rigorous training he underwent to become a game ranger at Phinda Private Game Reserve, this book will delight and educate anyone fascinated with nature, wildlife, travel and adventure. James provides wonderful insights into African conservation and a fascinating glimpse into the importance of cross-cultural relationships in Africa’s wildlife tourism environment. He details his own inner journey overcoming physical challenges and finding the balance between following passions and what’s important in life.
"One of the Best Books About or Featuring Birds" - BookScrolling
"Best Winter Trips - What to Read Before You Go" - National Geographic
"One of the Best Nature Books of 2014" - The Guardian
"Book of the Year" - Birder's Library
Follow the daring safari of James Currie as his love of birds, fascination with wildlife and craving for adventure lead him into humorous and life threatening situations. James captures the essence of what it means to be African today, facing everything from the Big Five to the vestiges of apartheid to the AIDS epidemic. He provides authoritative information on African wildlife and illustrates hair-raising encounters with lions, buffalo, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and snakes through exciting and humorous stories.
The book follows James’s journey from city boy to conservationist and shows what it takes to become an African game ranger. From his first graphic encounter with the brutality of nature on Table Mountain in South Africa to his disappearance as a boy on safari in Malawi to the rigorous training he underwent to become a game ranger at Phinda Private Game Reserve, this book will delight and educate anyone fascinated with nature, wildlife, travel and adventure. James provides wonderful insights into African conservation and a fascinating glimpse into the importance of cross-cultural relationships in Africa’s wildlife tourism environment. He details his own inner journey overcoming physical challenges and finding the balance between following passions and what’s important in life.
312 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 20, 2015
This auto biography of James Currie's life takes place mostly in So. Africa. As an adventurer, ranger and wildlife guide, he weaves his story around the many encounters with the animals, reptiles, birds, trackers, fellow rangers, and clients.
This book moves right along and keeps your attention. Any nature lover
would enjoy this book or, anyone going on safari in Africa.
This book moves right along and keeps your attention. Any nature lover
would enjoy this book or, anyone going on safari in Africa.
May 22, 2018
Quite nice!
I assigned this book as part of a travel course to South Africa for May term at Bridgewater College. I highly recommend as both a lovely summer read, and as a reflection on changing life goals/priorities. Enjoy! I know I did.
I assigned this book as part of a travel course to South Africa for May term at Bridgewater College. I highly recommend as both a lovely summer read, and as a reflection on changing life goals/priorities. Enjoy! I know I did.
July 10, 2015
I really liked this book. The title absolutely sucks though. I hate the title.
This book is a collection of stories mostly pertaining to the author's experience becoming a safari guide in Africa. There are a few stories about his childhood experiences in Africa, and some stories about people he met, and at the end, there are some sections that focus more on his experiences starting a birding tv show (with some funny parts of wilderness adventures gone wrong).
The book is not a birding book. There's some fun bird information disbursed throughout, but its much more general. There are sections that focus on elephants, leopards, cheetahs, snakes, and more (yes, more). He does a good job keeping the stories multi-faceted. The dryer information almost always couched in a little episodic adventure story (some life and death, others cutesy).
There is some mild dirty humor, but I like that, and I often re-read those parts.
There are also sad parts. Horribly sad parts.
I re-told several of the stories from this book to co-workers at lunch. On every such occasion I was rewarded with smiles, laughs, and a long-lasting feeling of togetherness and respect that I assume will resonate throughout eternity.
This book is a collection of stories mostly pertaining to the author's experience becoming a safari guide in Africa. There are a few stories about his childhood experiences in Africa, and some stories about people he met, and at the end, there are some sections that focus more on his experiences starting a birding tv show (with some funny parts of wilderness adventures gone wrong).
The book is not a birding book. There's some fun bird information disbursed throughout, but its much more general. There are sections that focus on elephants, leopards, cheetahs, snakes, and more (yes, more). He does a good job keeping the stories multi-faceted. The dryer information almost always couched in a little episodic adventure story (some life and death, others cutesy).
There is some mild dirty humor, but I like that, and I often re-read those parts.
There are also sad parts. Horribly sad parts.
I re-told several of the stories from this book to co-workers at lunch. On every such occasion I was rewarded with smiles, laughs, and a long-lasting feeling of togetherness and respect that I assume will resonate throughout eternity.
July 12, 2020
I was back on safari reading this amazing book. It Reflect my precious.iouks
Precious memories like no other written worlds. It brought
tears and smiles as well as a desire To onc.e more to return for a reprise of African Magic. Thank you for such a gift.
Virginia Meeker
Precious memories like no other written worlds. It brought
tears and smiles as well as a desire To onc.e more to return for a reprise of African Magic. Thank you for such a gift.
Virginia Meeker
October 31, 2018
So read this one for book club and while the pace of the book wasn’t my cup of tea, the ending felt rushed, the stories were interesting. Gave me a new understanding of wildlife in Africa.
May 2, 2015
Selected as "one of the best nature books of 2014" by The Guardian's science blogger, When Eagles Roar: The Amazing Journey of an African Wildlife Adventurer is a memoir of James Currie’s experiences as a game ranger and birder in Africa, in which he tells of many a narrow escape from the jaws of death, whether they be those a puff adder that literally catches him with his pants down, or those of a lioness charging him while out birding.
Each chapter in When Eagles Roar is prefaced by a few lines of poetry from the renowned Zulu poet, Mazisi Kunene, whose literary goal was the retelling of African history in a way that he believed would make it relevant and authentic to the non-African. In such a way does Currie, with the assistance of Bonnie Fladung, share the wonders of life in the bush (including a great deal more than just the Big Five) with those of us who have only limited awareness of what such a life entails.
Currie prides himself on his ability to tell stories well, which he certainly does. His acute awareness of both the dangers and the lyricism of the African bush comes alive in these pages, which are illustrated with many an artful line drawing by Margo Damian. The threats to which those living in Africa are subject not only come from the never-ending cycle of predator and prey, of which humans form an inevitable, and largely dominant, part, but also from the onslaught of one of the most deadly of modern-day scourges, AIDS. Currie’s solid bond with his trackers, who come from the local African communities, is made heartbreakingly real in his telling of how they and their families are affected by this dread disease. His ability to make close connections with them can, to a large extent, be attributed to his knowledge of their native isiZulu language. Although Currie does not dwell on politics, one is made aware of his opposition to the apartheid regime of yesteryear, which has left so much poverty in its wake, to which the country as a whole is still subject, in the form of its depredatory legacy.
This book is likely to have widespread appeal to both old and young, and should especially be made available to youngsters who are intent on choosing a worthwhile career path for themselves. However, those who are prurient of mind should be aware that they might find some of the wording in When Eagles Roar offensive, as this is a tale that does not pander to the euphemistically inclined, but which is rather one of nitty-gritty existence in the bush, despite much of it revolving around the trials and tribulations of a game ranger living on the five-star Phinda Game Reserve in the more rural areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
In short, this memoir roars with the pulsating life of Africa, which, although under threat, nevertheless has a magic all of its own. The humanitarian nature of this work gives it a power that transcends the individual magnetism of the author, with it having a transcontinental appeal that should prove a true draw card worldwide not only among conservationists, but also among all those who are intrigued by other life forms that hopefully will continue to share our planet for eons yet to come.
Each chapter in When Eagles Roar is prefaced by a few lines of poetry from the renowned Zulu poet, Mazisi Kunene, whose literary goal was the retelling of African history in a way that he believed would make it relevant and authentic to the non-African. In such a way does Currie, with the assistance of Bonnie Fladung, share the wonders of life in the bush (including a great deal more than just the Big Five) with those of us who have only limited awareness of what such a life entails.
Currie prides himself on his ability to tell stories well, which he certainly does. His acute awareness of both the dangers and the lyricism of the African bush comes alive in these pages, which are illustrated with many an artful line drawing by Margo Damian. The threats to which those living in Africa are subject not only come from the never-ending cycle of predator and prey, of which humans form an inevitable, and largely dominant, part, but also from the onslaught of one of the most deadly of modern-day scourges, AIDS. Currie’s solid bond with his trackers, who come from the local African communities, is made heartbreakingly real in his telling of how they and their families are affected by this dread disease. His ability to make close connections with them can, to a large extent, be attributed to his knowledge of their native isiZulu language. Although Currie does not dwell on politics, one is made aware of his opposition to the apartheid regime of yesteryear, which has left so much poverty in its wake, to which the country as a whole is still subject, in the form of its depredatory legacy.
This book is likely to have widespread appeal to both old and young, and should especially be made available to youngsters who are intent on choosing a worthwhile career path for themselves. However, those who are prurient of mind should be aware that they might find some of the wording in When Eagles Roar offensive, as this is a tale that does not pander to the euphemistically inclined, but which is rather one of nitty-gritty existence in the bush, despite much of it revolving around the trials and tribulations of a game ranger living on the five-star Phinda Game Reserve in the more rural areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
In short, this memoir roars with the pulsating life of Africa, which, although under threat, nevertheless has a magic all of its own. The humanitarian nature of this work gives it a power that transcends the individual magnetism of the author, with it having a transcontinental appeal that should prove a true draw card worldwide not only among conservationists, but also among all those who are intrigued by other life forms that hopefully will continue to share our planet for eons yet to come.
February 15, 2016
Some years ago I was lucky enough to win $10,000 to travel anywhere in the whole world and it didn't take even a second to decide where that would be as I'd dreamt of visiting African game parks since a small child watching David Attenborough shows and dreaming I was there. My daughter and I had the trip of our lifetime and it was even more amazing than I'd dreamt. I sobbed when I left, not a few tears, .... I sobbed. I didn't want it to end. This book brought back all the emotions and just like my trip of a lifetime I didn't want this book to end. It brought back the memories of the sounds of the waaaah waaaaah birds (as we called them), the grunts of the hippos in the pond, the rustling in the grasses at night walking back to our tent wondering if we'd be eaten along the way. Ahhh great memories and now I can re-read the book and live it all over. Thanks for sharing your journey and helping me re-live mine. I'm feeling blessed all over! :)
Ps .... please write another!
Ps .... please write another!
January 16, 2019
Internal beat of Africa
Having been to various countries in Africa, this book brought back pleasant memories of the wildlife and the remarkable people. I enjoyed learning how difficult it is to become a safari guide and appreciate their commitment to conservation.
Having been to various countries in Africa, this book brought back pleasant memories of the wildlife and the remarkable people. I enjoyed learning how difficult it is to become a safari guide and appreciate their commitment to conservation.
February 24, 2021
Really enjoyed reading this book, just got a tad bogged down in the last chapters with too many facts and figures thrown in regarding the Aids crisis in Africa and the various organizations. All in all, this author has led quite the adventurous life!
May 3, 2023
I met James Currie Oct 2021 when I went on a trip to Africa with the founders of Elephant Havens. After a couple years of pleading…they convinced James to lead a group of 12 as a “guide” of sorts. I was invited to be a part of the group & jumped at the chance. Safaris are once in a lifetime trips, but a safari with James Currie is over the top!
The safari would have been phenomenal experience at face value, but the experience was made even better by being with James. So much so that when offered the chance to do it again 18 months later…I jumped at the chance. I feel rather “greedy”’to admit I just returned from the 2nd safari with him as lead. It was just such a rare opportunity, I couldn’t say no.
It’s easy to fall under James spell…his enthusiasm, charisma and storytelling are at a level unsurpassed by anyone I’ve met in my lifetime. Not to mention…he is VERY easy on the eyes. He reminds me of a precocious little boy who wakes up each day with a passion, thirst and joy for what is out there to discover. I was struck by this when seeing his excitement every time we saw a mammal, bird or behavior that was “new” to our group while being aware that he’s seen nearly everything many times over.
Mr Currie is as charismatic as the books reveals. I could hear his voice in its pages, which made it more personal, although I would have enjoyed it had I never known the man. Reading this book gave me more insight into the people and wildlife that inhabit this part of Africa as well as the safari life from the perspective of those who make it their life’s work. In writing this review, I struggled with the right words to describe him and the nature of this book. Good thing I finally looked at the book cover because the sub-title gave me the most perfect description….an African Wildlife Adventurer!
In person, James would stand up and “take the stage” when telling us his captivating stories. He managed to transfer that same energy to this book. He shares some pretty harrowing near death experiences…if he were a cat…I’d say he has used up more lives than he has left.
Granted, I’m interested in the subject and was on a safari with James when I started this book, but I had a hard time putting it down. If you would be interested to learn more about this fascinating man’s life, why and how he became a safari guide/adventurer and conservationist, and/or what rangers go through to become
a guide (think Navy SEAL training with a PhD in all the “ology” science’s) or if learning more about this “world” floats your boat…I recommend “When Eagles Roar”.
The safari would have been phenomenal experience at face value, but the experience was made even better by being with James. So much so that when offered the chance to do it again 18 months later…I jumped at the chance. I feel rather “greedy”’to admit I just returned from the 2nd safari with him as lead. It was just such a rare opportunity, I couldn’t say no.
It’s easy to fall under James spell…his enthusiasm, charisma and storytelling are at a level unsurpassed by anyone I’ve met in my lifetime. Not to mention…he is VERY easy on the eyes. He reminds me of a precocious little boy who wakes up each day with a passion, thirst and joy for what is out there to discover. I was struck by this when seeing his excitement every time we saw a mammal, bird or behavior that was “new” to our group while being aware that he’s seen nearly everything many times over.
Mr Currie is as charismatic as the books reveals. I could hear his voice in its pages, which made it more personal, although I would have enjoyed it had I never known the man. Reading this book gave me more insight into the people and wildlife that inhabit this part of Africa as well as the safari life from the perspective of those who make it their life’s work. In writing this review, I struggled with the right words to describe him and the nature of this book. Good thing I finally looked at the book cover because the sub-title gave me the most perfect description….an African Wildlife Adventurer!
In person, James would stand up and “take the stage” when telling us his captivating stories. He managed to transfer that same energy to this book. He shares some pretty harrowing near death experiences…if he were a cat…I’d say he has used up more lives than he has left.
Granted, I’m interested in the subject and was on a safari with James when I started this book, but I had a hard time putting it down. If you would be interested to learn more about this fascinating man’s life, why and how he became a safari guide/adventurer and conservationist, and/or what rangers go through to become
a guide (think Navy SEAL training with a PhD in all the “ology” science’s) or if learning more about this “world” floats your boat…I recommend “When Eagles Roar”.
October 31, 2018
Lots of adventures of a South African game warden. Had me squirming at times but fascinating what he saw and experienced.
February 13, 2020
Lots of good facts
Appreciate all the detailed facts about the animals. The book lost me at the end with all the bird details.
Appreciate all the detailed facts about the animals. The book lost me at the end with all the bird details.
March 3, 2021
A great before bed read — nicely chopped up into chapters within chapters.
October 22, 2018
Engaging read about wildlife adventure. It is an autobiographical account and comes off a bit boastful and preachy, but I enjoyed reading it. There are a lot of interesting stories and details. It does have some explicit language scattered in it.
November 13, 2015
This is a lot more than the title indicates -- part memoir, part adventure story, part wildlife guide, all blended cleverly together to make it a compelling read. In each chapter, Mr. Currie finds (or gets) himself in trouble with one or another deadly species, and as we wait for the outcome, he manages to tell us fascinating stuff about the animals involved. Yes, the title is about eagles, but the book is about lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, cape buffalo, snakes, and yes, eagles. He also dives into the local Zulu culture, and recent South African history and its affect on the ecosystem. Currie is a great storyteller, with humor and impulsive attitude showing through in every story.
February 20, 2025
Beautifully written to capture the splendor and grandeur of wild Africa, this book feels like a documentary but more intimate, as it unfolds life through the eyes of a safari ranger. Africa is ruthless, and life is fleetingly precarious, with nature in its rawest form—untamed and unforgiving. It is home to some of the most powerful animals on the planet, which once coexisted in a delicate balance with human settlements. However, colonisation, rampant industrialisation, and cultivation have made them endangered and deeply distrustful of humans. The stories and anecdotes inspire awe and respect for Mother Nature, the local Zulu people, and other tribes—offering an experience far richer than a short safari trip ever could.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews