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Torn Trousers: A True Story of Courage and Adventure: How A Couple Sacrificed Everything To Escape to Paradise
A humorous romp through the African wilds . . .
Tired of mortgage and car payments, thirty-something Andrew and Gwynn, and their Siamese cat Woodie, did the proverbial vanishing act, ending up on a desert island in one of the most idyllic spots on Earth: the Okavango Delta in Botswana, southern Africa.
Woefully inexperienced, these two hapless escapees took control of a luxury lodge, where the rich and pampered went to spot big game while sipping G&Ts.
Trouble soon followed.
Amongst others, their guests included a famous Hollywood director, a group of French aristocrats, a Mafia lawyer, and a world-class cricketer. Their stays were punctuated by visits from bad-tempered elephants, malicious baboons, and a hyena
with a plastic fetish.
Only names have been changed to protect Andrew and Gwynn from inevitable lawsuits.
Tired of mortgage and car payments, thirty-something Andrew and Gwynn, and their Siamese cat Woodie, did the proverbial vanishing act, ending up on a desert island in one of the most idyllic spots on Earth: the Okavango Delta in Botswana, southern Africa.
Woefully inexperienced, these two hapless escapees took control of a luxury lodge, where the rich and pampered went to spot big game while sipping G&Ts.
Trouble soon followed.
Amongst others, their guests included a famous Hollywood director, a group of French aristocrats, a Mafia lawyer, and a world-class cricketer. Their stays were punctuated by visits from bad-tempered elephants, malicious baboons, and a hyena
with a plastic fetish.
Only names have been changed to protect Andrew and Gwynn from inevitable lawsuits.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2015
500 people are currently reading
1285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 6, 2015
The opening two sentence of this memoir grabbed my attention. “There was a place so tranquil that angels went there to rest. It was a place of such singular beauty, even the lilies dressed for dinner.” My first reaction was I want to go there right now.
"Torn Trousers" is a great book. The fact that it is a true story makes it even better. Andrew and Gwynne tell the story of the year they spent as managers of a remote safari camp in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. I have read a few books about the area including Alexander McCall Smith’s books. Smith’s and the White’s books paints such a beautiful picture of the animals, plants, people, culture and scenery of Botswana.
The White’s are great story tellers and they write with a humorous touch. They also have some edge of your seat suspense thrown in. The book goes back and forth between Gwynne and Andrew so you obtain both their perspectives. They are excellent writers and book flows along at an even pace. I loved the stories of the animals such as the hyena that came at night and tore up the kitchen. I enjoyed the stories of the hippos in the river, the elephants and baboons on the runway along with the stories about the birds, fish and snakes. The book allowed me all the pleasure of a trip to the camp without dealing with the mosquitoes. The book is 363 pages and was release February 20, 2015. I read it on my Kindle app for my iPad.
"Torn Trousers" is a great book. The fact that it is a true story makes it even better. Andrew and Gwynne tell the story of the year they spent as managers of a remote safari camp in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. I have read a few books about the area including Alexander McCall Smith’s books. Smith’s and the White’s books paints such a beautiful picture of the animals, plants, people, culture and scenery of Botswana.
The White’s are great story tellers and they write with a humorous touch. They also have some edge of your seat suspense thrown in. The book goes back and forth between Gwynne and Andrew so you obtain both their perspectives. They are excellent writers and book flows along at an even pace. I loved the stories of the animals such as the hyena that came at night and tore up the kitchen. I enjoyed the stories of the hippos in the river, the elephants and baboons on the runway along with the stories about the birds, fish and snakes. The book allowed me all the pleasure of a trip to the camp without dealing with the mosquitoes. The book is 363 pages and was release February 20, 2015. I read it on my Kindle app for my iPad.
February 24, 2015
Beautiful. Funny. Poignant. This is a joint autobiographical account of a year by the authors (a married couple tired of the daily grind in Johannesburg, South Africa) spent managing a remote Safari Camp in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. What could possibly go wrong in Paradise? What couldn't? When they aren't salvaging the kitchen from a marauding fridge-chewing hyena they're attempting to work miracles with very little assistance from their employers (who appeared to work hard at being as unhelpful as possible). I don't think this could have been told as well from one point of view. The husband's view is woven with his wife's and you get this brilliant technicolor view of their lives. At the heart, this is a love story. The main love if for the Okavango Delta and its people and wild life, but underneath much more subtle is the love between the two people who sold up everything they owned and took a blind leap into an adventure that would prove more amazing, amusing and scarier then they could have imagined.
The title, "Torn Trousers" refers to the third main character, Matanta, who was head chef and Assistant Camp manager (Torn Trousers is the meaning of his name). The interplay between all the main characters (including Morgag, the best friend of the Safari Camp Owner's wife who is a poisonous snake in Paradise)...is so human. When I finished my only thought was...I wish there was another adventure of Gwynn and Andrew to read!
PS If you're really observant you may have noticed my only (as of yet) noted Good Reads friends is also named Gwynn White (I do have other friends who read - now if only I could figure out how to add them - minor details), but yes, Gwynn is Gwynn. About a year or so ago she told me she was working on this autobiography. She only told me the title (it's meaning) and that it was about a year spent managing a safari camp. So when I started the story I had no idea what was going to happen. I'm still recovering the shock and relief that they actually survived to write about it!!!
The title, "Torn Trousers" refers to the third main character, Matanta, who was head chef and Assistant Camp manager (Torn Trousers is the meaning of his name). The interplay between all the main characters (including Morgag, the best friend of the Safari Camp Owner's wife who is a poisonous snake in Paradise)...is so human. When I finished my only thought was...I wish there was another adventure of Gwynn and Andrew to read!
PS If you're really observant you may have noticed my only (as of yet) noted Good Reads friends is also named Gwynn White (I do have other friends who read - now if only I could figure out how to add them - minor details), but yes, Gwynn is Gwynn. About a year or so ago she told me she was working on this autobiography. She only told me the title (it's meaning) and that it was about a year spent managing a safari camp. So when I started the story I had no idea what was going to happen. I'm still recovering the shock and relief that they actually survived to write about it!!!
March 23, 2023
4.5. “Matanta means ‘Torn Trousers’?” I had 13 brothers and sisters, but I never met one of them. They died, all of them before I was born. When I came, my mother said, ‘No, this boy is just torn trousers, like all the rest. So, I’m not going to have him enough to give him a proper name.’ He paused, waving his rolling pin at me. ‘You understand that no one keeps torn trousers?’ ‘She was smart, your mother. By naming you that, she ensured that you lived.’ Matanta chuckled, nodding, ‘People have told me many times to change my name, but I never will. I’m Torn Trousers. The survivor.”
Andrew and Gwynn lived in Johannesburg, where each had a job that was stressful and ultimately unfulfilling. Their city was a world of crime and poverty, abundance and luxury that co-existed in discomfort. In nearby Botswana, they found an opportunity to manage a tourist lodge, and without any formal training, interviewed and secured the job at Tau Camp. The location was on a tiny island accessible only by boat or air in one of the remotest spots on Earth – the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Paradise by any description and yet fully challenging to manage in reality. Hyenas prey on the kitchen and its appliances on a regular basis, baboons taunt and intimidate the staff and guests, and in general, the camp is in a state of disrepair. This couple is not given any formal or informal training by the interim manager who is a curmudgeon in all interactions with them. Thankfully, the staff and guides are kinder in their interactions and assistance. Interesting groups of guests stream through the camp, some pompous elitists, some grateful and down-to-earth, some who were cajoled into more positive experiences. Supplies and guests are flown in via plane, but the lag time in actually receiving the supplies is taxing, but the staff and managers are resourceful in how they handle the situation. This is a documentation of their year’s stay at Tau Camp, lighthearted, humorous, and fun. As a reader, I was fully engaged in the details of this experience and the resilience shown in the face of insurmountable obstacles. A very wonderful read about surviving in the African bush.
Andrew and Gwynn lived in Johannesburg, where each had a job that was stressful and ultimately unfulfilling. Their city was a world of crime and poverty, abundance and luxury that co-existed in discomfort. In nearby Botswana, they found an opportunity to manage a tourist lodge, and without any formal training, interviewed and secured the job at Tau Camp. The location was on a tiny island accessible only by boat or air in one of the remotest spots on Earth – the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Paradise by any description and yet fully challenging to manage in reality. Hyenas prey on the kitchen and its appliances on a regular basis, baboons taunt and intimidate the staff and guests, and in general, the camp is in a state of disrepair. This couple is not given any formal or informal training by the interim manager who is a curmudgeon in all interactions with them. Thankfully, the staff and guides are kinder in their interactions and assistance. Interesting groups of guests stream through the camp, some pompous elitists, some grateful and down-to-earth, some who were cajoled into more positive experiences. Supplies and guests are flown in via plane, but the lag time in actually receiving the supplies is taxing, but the staff and managers are resourceful in how they handle the situation. This is a documentation of their year’s stay at Tau Camp, lighthearted, humorous, and fun. As a reader, I was fully engaged in the details of this experience and the resilience shown in the face of insurmountable obstacles. A very wonderful read about surviving in the African bush.
August 15, 2016
One has to be at least a little crazy to live in Africa. But to willingly give up the comforts of the city of Johannesburg to go and live on an island in the Okavango Delta, well that reaches into the realms of lunacy…
Andrew and Gwynn feel the legendary call of the wild when they move to a small island in the middle of a delta in the middle of one of the rawest, most secluded places on Earth. They do this to escape the urbanism and crime of Johannesburg, selling or storing almost everything except their cat Woodie, and moving to rural Botswana to manage a luxury lodge.
“Torn Trousers” rollicks and romps as the couple are confronted with one ‘rural’ problem after another – from hyenas helping themselves to stocks to elephants paying a small visit to rebuilding luxury accomodation with, uh, stuff that grows in the ground, the Whites have their hands full.
Fortunately, however, they are welcomed with open arms by Morag and the other staff. Of course, this is only so Morag can reach around and stab Gwynn in the back, while flirting unsubtly (and infuriatingly) with Andrew. The other staff take sides in a conflict that is unforgiving and, luckily for business, largely unnoticed by the guests.
And the guests - from all corners of the world - include a former English cricket captain, a range of various aristocrats and a lawyer that seems to have unhealthy ties to crime…
While I would never want to endure what the Whites underwent, I am so glad that they did because, well, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy one of the funniest memoirs I have read in years.
Andrew and Gwynn feel the legendary call of the wild when they move to a small island in the middle of a delta in the middle of one of the rawest, most secluded places on Earth. They do this to escape the urbanism and crime of Johannesburg, selling or storing almost everything except their cat Woodie, and moving to rural Botswana to manage a luxury lodge.
“Torn Trousers” rollicks and romps as the couple are confronted with one ‘rural’ problem after another – from hyenas helping themselves to stocks to elephants paying a small visit to rebuilding luxury accomodation with, uh, stuff that grows in the ground, the Whites have their hands full.
Fortunately, however, they are welcomed with open arms by Morag and the other staff. Of course, this is only so Morag can reach around and stab Gwynn in the back, while flirting unsubtly (and infuriatingly) with Andrew. The other staff take sides in a conflict that is unforgiving and, luckily for business, largely unnoticed by the guests.
And the guests - from all corners of the world - include a former English cricket captain, a range of various aristocrats and a lawyer that seems to have unhealthy ties to crime…
While I would never want to endure what the Whites underwent, I am so glad that they did because, well, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy one of the funniest memoirs I have read in years.
September 27, 2018
DNF.(26%). I really struggled to read this book, but 26% of the way in, the negativing of the authors was too much. Not only were the non-African staff/owners cooking up a toxic work environment, the authors took every opportunity to soak this novel with their negativity. When the author mentioned wanted to kill another person on the staff, I had to stop.
One stars for good writing skills and the book was off to a good start. However, they could have done better to give a broad view of what was going on. Suddenly, we learn that they had been there for 3 months before the first guests had arrived.
Also, I wish they had spent a little time discussing their environment at the resort and maybe described their regular staff they mention in the book. I guess they were too busy being self-absorbed and basking in their one perfectness.
Maybe on day, when they are older and wiser, they may rewrite the book with a little different spin to it. I feel bad I didn't finish it, but it was too much of a burden due to the attitudes of the writers. Hopefully, I will come back to it later and be able to finish it.
One stars for good writing skills and the book was off to a good start. However, they could have done better to give a broad view of what was going on. Suddenly, we learn that they had been there for 3 months before the first guests had arrived.
Also, I wish they had spent a little time discussing their environment at the resort and maybe described their regular staff they mention in the book. I guess they were too busy being self-absorbed and basking in their one perfectness.
Maybe on day, when they are older and wiser, they may rewrite the book with a little different spin to it. I feel bad I didn't finish it, but it was too much of a burden due to the attitudes of the writers. Hopefully, I will come back to it later and be able to finish it.
November 2, 2017
A charming and often times funny story about a husband and wife who decide to trade-in their Johannesburg life to manage a safari camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta.Having no experience of managing a safari camp, this is a story full of humourous anecdotes of their adventures and. most especially, the matatas they had dealing with staff, wildlife and the occasional rogue tourist.
With alternating chapters written by each person, this is a book that focuses less on safari experiences and more on the wildlife office politics, which differentiates this story from others. Certainly, one to read for anyone with rose tinted glasses thinking that the grass is greener over in safari camp.
With alternating chapters written by each person, this is a book that focuses less on safari experiences and more on the wildlife office politics, which differentiates this story from others. Certainly, one to read for anyone with rose tinted glasses thinking that the grass is greener over in safari camp.
June 22, 2015
I enjoyed elements of the book due to my experiences in Africa and my memories of Botswana, but it's a light romp of a book in which you wonder if you really like the protagonists.
May 25, 2016
I LOVED this book!
This a true story, of a couple who quit their jobs in Johannesburg, to become the managers of an exclusive yet primitive Botswana bush island resort. The year is 1970-something. We are shown a glimpse of Africa that is no longer. The writing is excellent, and you will be immersed in the day-to-day life in a primitive/luxury African camp, where you never know what you will encounter: marauding baboons, palm-hungry elephants, a refrigerator-eating hyena, etc. In the era before cell phones (or even Satellite phones) the only connection with the 'outside world' is a radio powered by an early solar energy panel.
An unusual aspect of this book, is that it is told in the first person with chapters alternating between Gwynn and Andrew's POV. It adds depth of understanding to the overall experience.
No review of this book would be complete without mentioning that the 'Torn Trousers' of the title is the English translation of the Afrikaans name of one of the finest people they meet at the camp. You'll have to read the book to hear the story of why Matanta was given his unusual name.
After finishing the story tonight, I feel like I have some island sand in my shoes, and a touch of sunburn on my shoulders.
Loved This Story!
This a true story, of a couple who quit their jobs in Johannesburg, to become the managers of an exclusive yet primitive Botswana bush island resort. The year is 1970-something. We are shown a glimpse of Africa that is no longer. The writing is excellent, and you will be immersed in the day-to-day life in a primitive/luxury African camp, where you never know what you will encounter: marauding baboons, palm-hungry elephants, a refrigerator-eating hyena, etc. In the era before cell phones (or even Satellite phones) the only connection with the 'outside world' is a radio powered by an early solar energy panel.
An unusual aspect of this book, is that it is told in the first person with chapters alternating between Gwynn and Andrew's POV. It adds depth of understanding to the overall experience.
No review of this book would be complete without mentioning that the 'Torn Trousers' of the title is the English translation of the Afrikaans name of one of the finest people they meet at the camp. You'll have to read the book to hear the story of why Matanta was given his unusual name.
After finishing the story tonight, I feel like I have some island sand in my shoes, and a touch of sunburn on my shoulders.
Loved This Story!
December 15, 2015
Well -- ready for this big announcement -- I think I'm going to sell everything and go run an adventure camp in Botswana. Sorry mom -- Just kidding -- but statements like that should demonstrate how much I loved this account of a couple's experiences doing that very thing. I enjoyed the descriptions of the people and place, as well as their frustrations with a poorly run business and entitled rich guests. As I was reading, I felt the stress of never having time away from camp and having to make do when supplies didn't arrive. But even within that stress, I felt the couple's joy of being close to the wilderness and living/working with the same people every single day. This book inspires me to take risks and to go after those things that I really want. If you are interested in knowing more the Okavango Delta or what it might be like to run a luxury adventure camp -- pick up this book.
July 23, 2015
An outstanding adventure.....
This is an exceptional recount of a fantastic life changing decision the author's made and saw through with heroic bravery. Andrew and Gwynn White one day decided they had had enough of the mundane, tedious lives. Throwing all caution to the wind. The sold nearly everything they had and embarked on the adventurous task of managing a South African Game Camp. From daily baboon raids, to elephant trespassers, to so much more...... They experience life like few will ever get to and walk away the better for it. I had a hard time putting this book down. I definitely recommend to those who enjoy reading about the wild and the perseverance of the human will to succeed. Really cool book and a great story.
This is an exceptional recount of a fantastic life changing decision the author's made and saw through with heroic bravery. Andrew and Gwynn White one day decided they had had enough of the mundane, tedious lives. Throwing all caution to the wind. The sold nearly everything they had and embarked on the adventurous task of managing a South African Game Camp. From daily baboon raids, to elephant trespassers, to so much more...... They experience life like few will ever get to and walk away the better for it. I had a hard time putting this book down. I definitely recommend to those who enjoy reading about the wild and the perseverance of the human will to succeed. Really cool book and a great story.
February 27, 2015
A delightful easy read that had me holding my breath many a time as to how the "matata" would be solved....without loss of life! A wonderful glimpse into the honest reality of the workings of a game lodge and the many facets of sharing the African Bush with the animals....it had me turning the pages quickly to see what the outcomes would be - often leaving me with no doubt that this was a story of courage and adventure! Highly recommended read for a few hours of escapism from the daily grind of city living...I could see the stars, smell the delta and wish I was there....sometimes!
September 26, 2016
This book instantly wants me to travel to Africa.
Loved the storey and with the understanding that it was a true story i can only imagine the personal courage that it must have taken to undergo such a journey.
Definitely putting the Delta on our to travel list.
Loved the storey and with the understanding that it was a true story i can only imagine the personal courage that it must have taken to undergo such a journey.
Definitely putting the Delta on our to travel list.
June 13, 2018
True story of a couple who chucked their former lives to manage a tourist camp in the Okavango Delta. Trials and tribulations abound, not so much with the wildlife, but with the staff and the camp itself. One can only hope they were exaggerating the food supply situation...
April 22, 2020
A light and entertaining read (or listen in our case, as we got the Audio Book version).
Andrew and Gwyn are a husband and wife who decide to up and leave their life in Johannesburg to manage a safari camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Despite having absolutely no experience in this area, they manage to get themselves a job as managers of a remote safari camp in the Okavango Delta (Botswana), owned by a boss with somewhat unusual business practices.
(Nowhere in the book does it actually say the owner guy is dodgy, but, reading between the lines, you do get a sense of this based on his haphazard approach to visa requirements, the unique way he seems to run his business and his absolute willingness to take on managers who have absolutely no experience to run what is supposed to be a high-end luxury resort - surely there are some good reasons he couldn't get anyone experienced?)
The book alternates chapters between Gwyn and Andrew so you obtain both perspectives.
They tell stories of the animals in the area and how they affect life in the camp - eg. hyena's destroying the kitchen, the danger of the hippos in the river, baboons terrorising the camp.
They also tell of the challenges of managing a safari camp with a variety of unique and interesting staff, an apparent lack of physical resources much of the time and the different tourists that they had come through the camp.
It gives good insight into the way things are managed in a different culture and on how important navigating the politics of the region is.
We listened to this Audio Book while on a road trip and it certainly left us with an interest in seeing more of this area of the world (although also with a certain amount of nervousness about ever eating over there given some of the food hygiene practices revealed in the book - it seems they commonly were forced to serve up food that would most certainly have been thrown out at home for fear of food poisoning).
Andrew and Gwyn are a husband and wife who decide to up and leave their life in Johannesburg to manage a safari camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta. Despite having absolutely no experience in this area, they manage to get themselves a job as managers of a remote safari camp in the Okavango Delta (Botswana), owned by a boss with somewhat unusual business practices.
(Nowhere in the book does it actually say the owner guy is dodgy, but, reading between the lines, you do get a sense of this based on his haphazard approach to visa requirements, the unique way he seems to run his business and his absolute willingness to take on managers who have absolutely no experience to run what is supposed to be a high-end luxury resort - surely there are some good reasons he couldn't get anyone experienced?)
The book alternates chapters between Gwyn and Andrew so you obtain both perspectives.
They tell stories of the animals in the area and how they affect life in the camp - eg. hyena's destroying the kitchen, the danger of the hippos in the river, baboons terrorising the camp.
They also tell of the challenges of managing a safari camp with a variety of unique and interesting staff, an apparent lack of physical resources much of the time and the different tourists that they had come through the camp.
It gives good insight into the way things are managed in a different culture and on how important navigating the politics of the region is.
We listened to this Audio Book while on a road trip and it certainly left us with an interest in seeing more of this area of the world (although also with a certain amount of nervousness about ever eating over there given some of the food hygiene practices revealed in the book - it seems they commonly were forced to serve up food that would most certainly have been thrown out at home for fear of food poisoning).
May 18, 2020
Have you not thought, at some point of your life, about that yearning to realize your dream? The dream to be one with the wilderness, living every moment to enjoy the challenges of unknown?
How many of us have had the chance to realize that and live every moment the way we dreamt about, for atleast a finite amount of our lifetime?
Andrew and Gwynn were the pair who did that and have written about it with the same passion they had shown when experiencing it. And it shows, really does, in every page of the book where they share their voice in recreating the memory and making it a very enjoyable narration.
In a remote corner of Kalahari, at the Okavango Delta, they live their passion for about an year, landing in a game resort which they have signed up to manage, with little or no experience but with unlimited passion and zeal to learn. Almost about an year they live and make friends with the people, animal and the landscape. They experience a range of feelings starting with excitement and trepidation, moving on to compassion, harmony, happiness and extreme tiredness. During this time, they face extreme dangers, challenging work situations and enterprising wild animals. They face this with their undying spirit of optimism and keen sense of humour.
All this makes this memoir into a unforgettable experience for us.
How many of us have had the chance to realize that and live every moment the way we dreamt about, for atleast a finite amount of our lifetime?
Andrew and Gwynn were the pair who did that and have written about it with the same passion they had shown when experiencing it. And it shows, really does, in every page of the book where they share their voice in recreating the memory and making it a very enjoyable narration.
In a remote corner of Kalahari, at the Okavango Delta, they live their passion for about an year, landing in a game resort which they have signed up to manage, with little or no experience but with unlimited passion and zeal to learn. Almost about an year they live and make friends with the people, animal and the landscape. They experience a range of feelings starting with excitement and trepidation, moving on to compassion, harmony, happiness and extreme tiredness. During this time, they face extreme dangers, challenging work situations and enterprising wild animals. They face this with their undying spirit of optimism and keen sense of humour.
All this makes this memoir into a unforgettable experience for us.
November 9, 2018
Despite my low rating, if you are looking for an easy to read story about a couple experiencing a bucket list item, this is book may be for you. I kept finding myself thinking why is this memoir important. I guess in my mind the telling of a memoir should have meaning, a point. I couldn't find it here. It wasn't quite a cautionary tale, it wasn't quite a tale of mid-life crisis, it wasn't quite a tale of achieving a dream or goal, it wasn't an inspirational tale. There were elements of courage and adventure but not to the extent that the title lead me to expect. Not to the extent that made me admire the authors. There was some sacrifice, but again, I felt not to the extent that the title lead me to expect or that caused me to respect them for their "sacrifice". I also found the division of the voices unclear. I think as a writing technique that could be interesting but here it just felt like it was a random, "you write about this, I'll write about that".
May 19, 2019
Excellent read so well written.
Nicely told account of their 1 year running a bush camp - very honest and down to earth couple that were committed to running the camp well in spite of the difficulties.
Nicely told account of their 1 year running a bush camp - very honest and down to earth couple that were committed to running the camp well in spite of the difficulties.
August 15, 2023
This book was amazing. Despite having no previous experience of hosting guests at MAU travel lodge,
managing staff and guides, not to mention managing the expectations of the many and varied guests,
some of whom wanted to explore at the hottest time of the day, and having to face up to wild animals
such as baboons and a hyena determined to raid the kitchen fridge and cupboards at every opportunity, both Andrew and Gwyneth succeeded in running the camp and winning the respect of everyone who worked with them.
This adventure story is not to be missed and I would definitely say to expect the unexpected at every twist and turn of this true story.
managing staff and guides, not to mention managing the expectations of the many and varied guests,
some of whom wanted to explore at the hottest time of the day, and having to face up to wild animals
such as baboons and a hyena determined to raid the kitchen fridge and cupboards at every opportunity, both Andrew and Gwyneth succeeded in running the camp and winning the respect of everyone who worked with them.
This adventure story is not to be missed and I would definitely say to expect the unexpected at every twist and turn of this true story.
September 24, 2018
I started this book hoping for a leisurely read, but boy was I taken on an adventure. An adventure of a different kind from what i was expecting. Opened my eyes to a whole new view in to the hospitality trade. I'll summarise the whole thing with a line from the book, "If ever there was a woman whose outward appearance belied what went on in her heart, it was Joan.". Replace woman with "a book" and Joan with "Torn Trousers" and you'll get what i feel about this book, and all my feelings are of the good kind. Thank you Andrew and Gwynn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
Only made it to page 30
Where to start…sex talk…I didn’t need to know that he has sex on the brain all the time. I felt that was odd. BTW, what is a bino in regard to sex? I tried to google but only came up with binoculars. Then the complaining. I thought “I’ll get past the outgoing management and get into the story.” But, I wasn’t liking this couple and when they had to remind themselves not to snub the only guests during their first visit to the camp, my mood for the book really soured. Arrogant, judgmental people.
Where to start…sex talk…I didn’t need to know that he has sex on the brain all the time. I felt that was odd. BTW, what is a bino in regard to sex? I tried to google but only came up with binoculars. Then the complaining. I thought “I’ll get past the outgoing management and get into the story.” But, I wasn’t liking this couple and when they had to remind themselves not to snub the only guests during their first visit to the camp, my mood for the book really soured. Arrogant, judgmental people.
April 4, 2018
I don't usually write reviews of the books I finish, but I just loved this book, I couldn't put it down (I don't count dropping it when I fell asleep at silly O'clock still reading it!) It is a beautifully descriptive, funny look at a small part of Africa; a couple leaving everything (except their cat) to manage a tourist lodge in Botswana. A lovely and sad touch at the end to hear about when they visited years later... you will have to read it to find out why :)
September 24, 2025
As I’m going to Namibia and Botswana soon I was interested to read the book. It’s very easy to read but not deep and meaningful. I enjoyed the words in the local language peppered through the book and the relationship between Gwynn, Andrew and the local people who live and work at Tau camp. I found the descriptions of the attacks by the baboons quite disturbing. I’ll certainly not be swimming in any croc infested rivers!!!
August 22, 2017
Great story, written in a fun style. Good read
I was not sure what to expect from this books. It was an amazing surprise but I really enjoy. You could feel yourself there . Especially great since I just had a trip to Africa this summer nice to see how they feel and alll their hard work the people taking care of us. This book is definitely worth reading
I was not sure what to expect from this books. It was an amazing surprise but I really enjoy. You could feel yourself there . Especially great since I just had a trip to Africa this summer nice to see how they feel and alll their hard work the people taking care of us. This book is definitely worth reading
July 6, 2018
Interesting read, the writing improved after the first couple chapters. I was surprised at how unsafe this place was - not only rampaging wildlife but high risk of food poisoning too! Also, I didn't understand why they did not force an evacuation under unsafe conditions, and then called the tourists "idiots" for assuming they were safe.
March 2, 2018
I enjoyed this book about a couple who sells everything to go manage a tourist lodge in Botswana. The book is written with humor and a light heart, but it is clear that managing a camp on the Okavango Delta is not for the faint of heart. I am headed for Botswana later this year and this got me exited about the things I might see and do.
November 17, 2018
I think the book needed better editing. The couple had great adventures, but the flow of the book seemed endless, until the last 20 pages. I don't believe the book lived up to its title...both on the couple sacrificing everything and living in paradise. The writing seemed monotone, and more like a journal.
January 8, 2019
A great adventure story about following your dreams and
So many of us live the ‘normal’ life; good job, nice house, kids and a 2 week holiday each year. I love reading about those that have challenged the status quo and dates to be different. This book left me feeling like I was there experiencing the thrills and excitement of living on Noga island. I highly recommend it.
So many of us live the ‘normal’ life; good job, nice house, kids and a 2 week holiday each year. I love reading about those that have challenged the status quo and dates to be different. This book left me feeling like I was there experiencing the thrills and excitement of living on Noga island. I highly recommend it.
April 2, 2019
A great adventure, everyones dream job
A behind the scenes look at running a walking safari lodge. A great story following a couple with no experience in this line of work how, with luck and support from the locals, run and learn as they go, how a lodge works, the highs and lows of the wildlife, paying guests and just day to day life make good reading
A behind the scenes look at running a walking safari lodge. A great story following a couple with no experience in this line of work how, with luck and support from the locals, run and learn as they go, how a lodge works, the highs and lows of the wildlife, paying guests and just day to day life make good reading
June 3, 2021
Fun romp through the Okavango.
My husband and I visited the Okavango years ago. Not Tau however. Memories came flooding back; especially the sounds and bits about the runway. Staff had to run down the runway to rid it of birds and animals before each plane landed. I enjoyed going back there again through Gwen and Andrew.
My husband and I visited the Okavango years ago. Not Tau however. Memories came flooding back; especially the sounds and bits about the runway. Staff had to run down the runway to rid it of birds and animals before each plane landed. I enjoyed going back there again through Gwen and Andrew.
August 29, 2023
Enjoyable and Beautiful
This book was a wonderful and sweetly realistic story of Tau Camp. I don’t think I realized how incredibly hard the directors of safari camps work. It has inspired me to visit Botswana and the Okovango Delta, to experience the water and the animals and the skies that they do beautifully described. A nice fun read!
This book was a wonderful and sweetly realistic story of Tau Camp. I don’t think I realized how incredibly hard the directors of safari camps work. It has inspired me to visit Botswana and the Okovango Delta, to experience the water and the animals and the skies that they do beautifully described. A nice fun read!
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