Safari

by Tony Park

A volatile Zimbabwe and the jungles of the Congo are the battlefields for a deadly game of cat and mouse in Africa's wildlife wars. Canadian researcher Michelle Parker jumps at the chance to visit the famed mountain gorillas, but she is wary of the man offering it, a professional big game hunter, Fletcher Reynolds. He represents everything that she has fought against - the slaughter of animals for material gain - but she is reassured by his apparent support for the stamping out of poaching. Ex-SAS officer Shane Castle has been recruited by Fletcher to spearhead the anti-poaching campaign. Shane has seen what bullets can do to both man and animal. He makes Michelle start to doubt the choices she has made.

Genres: Africa, Fiction

576 pages, Paperback

Published March 3, 2016

About the author

Tony Park was born in 1964 and grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. He has worked as a newspaper reporter in Australia and England, a government press secretary, a public relations consultant, and a freelance writer.

He served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.

Tony and his wife, Nicola, split their time between Australia and Africa, where they own a house on the edge of of the Kruger National Park.

His 18th African novel, Last Survivor, went to number 1 in South Africa. His 19th novel, Blood Trail, will be released worldwide on August 1, 2021.

Praise for Tony Park


“Wilbur Smith...fans will not be disappointed to have found a spiritual heir,” The Times, London

“Tony Park is Australia’s premier adventure writer.” Canberra Weekly

“One of our best and most consistent thriller writers.” Sydney Morning Herald

“Since Wilbur Smith in his heyday, no one has written as well about southern Africa than Tony Park.” Crime Review (UK)

The Delta: “Break-neck in pace, with narrow escapes from death on every page, its charm is infectious.” Daily Mail, UK
“Tony Park exudes a love and deep knowledge of southern Africa in every line and character he creates in his books.” The Citizen, South Africa.
Far Horizon “Watch your back, Wilbur,” Qantas, The Australian Way

Zambezi: “a compulsive page turner” Sydney Morning Herald.

African Sky: “Rootin’ tootin reading” Sun-Herald

Safari: “He just gets better and better” Sun-Herald

Silent Predator: “Memorably exciting” Sydney Morning Herald

The Prey: “Another ripping yarn based on realistic scenarios,” Daily Telegraph

An Empty Coast: “Another winner which will keep you turning pages.” Crime Review UK

Red Earth: “One helluva fine thriller.” Booklist (US)

The Cull: “A fascinating insight into a life and death struggle.” Daily Telegraph

Captive: “A compelling and fascinating read.” Sunday Tribune

Scent of Fear: “A first-rate thriller.” Canberra Weekly

Ghosts of the Past: “A fabulous tale of betrayal, greed, intrigue and love.” Drum Magazine, South Africa

Last Survivor: “Sure-footed plotting and regular gunfire makes this one of Park’s best books. Recommended.” Canberra Weekly.

Reviews

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safari is the fourth novel by Australian author, Tony Park. Fletcher Reynolds is a white Zimbabwean who owns Isilwane Lodge, near the Hwange Game Reserve, and runs a game safari business. Despite the political situation in that country, the safaris are popular with overseas tourists, but poaching is a major problem, so he employs ex-SAS mercenary, Shane Castle as his head of security. For Zimbabwe-born, Australian-raised Castle, this comes at a good time as his actions in Iraq have put his future in doubt. For Canadian-born zoologist, Michelle Parker, her future as a researcher of African wild dogs is also in doubt when her funding is withdrawn. But Fletcher has had his eye on Michelle for a while, and with a windfall in safari income, offers her a position in his newly created Isilwane Wildlife Conservation Foundation. Michelle is, however, a woman of principles and hesitant to accept funding from a man who fairly obviously would like more than just friendship. Shane’s anti-poaching team notches up some successes, and one of Fletcher’s benefactors wants to expand operations to a concession near the Viruga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the mountains that form the home of endangered gorillas. But what, exactly, are these foreign hunters so eager to bag? In this novel, Park explores several topical issues: poaching and wildlife conservation; game hunting; the toll of AIDS/HIV in Africa; political unrest, corruption and poverty; and environmental damage. Park gives the reader complex characters who are often not what they first appear. His plot is original with a few twists and a dramatic climax (or two), and he deftly demonstrates how the lure of money can undermine principles and how disease and desperation can shift loyalties. Park’s own Army background, his extensive research and his first-hand knowledge of Africa are evident in every line of text and his love of the African landscape and many of her people is very obvious. This is, once again, a real page-turner.

[James Hartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Tony Park Africa book I´ve read and slots in nicely with Wilbur Smith and even Willard Price. It´s a modern, knowing, fast-moving take on the tried and tested African adventure novel tropes but still manages to be fresh in places. The author obviously loves the countries and countrysides he is writing about and you really get the feeling, from the telling, observer´s-eye details Parks includes, that you are there on the veld or in the tents with the characters. But it´s the characters and stories which slightly bore me now - it´s all a wee bit macho and tiresome for me - but if you like to know exactly what guns people are using and are into to soliders of fortune and panting, sweaty savannah sex - look no further!

[David Goodhand · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Tony Park book and I really enjoyed it. As someone who’s in love with African wildlife, culture and the landscape, though also aware of the challenges and the issues faced by the locals, this had everything. Monitoring and conservation of Lycaon Pictus (painted wolf - African wild dog), mountain gorillas, chimpanzee, plus superb description of the challenges facing the underfunded under-provisioned rangers, the corruption and the evil of rich men who think money can buy anything made this the perfect book for me. Yes, some of it was a little “Clive Cussler-ish” in descriptive and breathless action, but it was an easy reading and gripping story. I’ll be back for more Mr Park’s African stories now!!

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I found myself in Kruger Park in South Africa, I decided that I wanted to be reading something about a safari in Africa. The gift shop of our lodge had several books by Tony Park, all set in Africa. I asked the girl in the shop if she was familiar with the books and if she could recommend her favorite. She told me yes and that Safari was her favorite. I bought it, started reading and was immediately hooked. This is about poaching on reserves in Zimbabwae, and about some big game hunting still going on, and about uncovering an unspeakable crimes in the midst of the safaris. I am now looking for more Tony Park Africa books.

[Danie Botha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having grown up in Southern Africa, it was refreshing to experience how Park had captured the essence of Africa.
He paints an alarming and vivid picture of poaching - depiction of the ongoing wildlife war. From present day Zimbabwe through the steaming jungles of the Congo, the reader is swept along on a non-stop roller coaster ride of hunting, wildlife conservation, greed, betrayal, brutal violence, of friendship, and of loyalty. Wilbur Smith has found a worthy successor. One thing could make the novel stronger, though - compact it from 570 to 470 pages.

[Durinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again another excellent read. Tony Park is by far one of the best authors depicting the real Southern Africa, its beauty, its conflict, wars, its wildlife, and tragic poaching of its wildlife and the ever present corruption. His books transports you to Africa, with all its beauty yet cruelty.

[Megan Kelosiwang · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a rare authenticity to Tony Parks writing. It's not just an abundance of research, the writing always feels real. I love the built up characters and storylines and lovingly crafted scenery. another cracker or a read!

[Nicolette · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad but true!

Intriguing, fascinating but so sad to read this about our beloved Africa! Brilliant plot drawing you in in every step of the way!

[Hans Wiegand · Rating 4 out of 5]

All that’s necessary to do the title of this rollercoaster story homage is there; I could sometimes even hear and smell Africa.

[Caroline Sautereau-Manowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was an absolute ripper of a tale, until the last 60 or so pages where it became jumbled and too complicated and brief in its description of events

[Roy Murry · Rating 4 out of 5]

SAFARI
Tony Park

Review by Author Roy Murry

SAFARI is the first novel that I have read with the background of Southern Africa (Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo.) Mr. Park's descriptions of lands, animals, and human traits bring you into the hunt.

The prey in the hunts will lead the reader into an alarming shock. However, the novel is a little wordy with an interwoven love story that changes with the new knowledge of the woman involved in the triangle.

Pouching and killing of rare African animals are the central themes of SAFARI and a county's dividing line as to who can hunt and what will die in those endeavors. The killing zone is theirs, and if you cross the line, the government or representatives will get revenge.

I wouldn't say SAFARI is a page-turner, but the author keeps the reader interested with sub-stories of two woman. One of them becomes an unknowing hero when the plot thickens at the end of a hunt—her love for a particular animal.

I purchased another of Mr. Park's books and am looking forward to reading it. You should add one to your library also for the thrill of learning a little about Africa.

[Димитър Тодоров · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eкшънът в този сафари трилър се развива наполовина в Зимбабве и наполовина точно около националния парк Вирунга в Конго (отвъд Буинди в Уганда), за където съм се запътил през декември. Разправя се за срещи с горили, за лов, за бракониери, за вражда между редовната армия и милициите на руандийските бежанци, също за водопада Виктория, за ферибота при Казнугула между Ботсвана и Замбия и прочие мили и хубави места. Протагонистите са подбрани по изпитаната схема - триъгълник от двама мъже и една жена. Единият държи сафари лодж, другият е наемник австралиец със зимбабвийски произход и опит от войната в Ирак, а тя е канадска зооложка, проучваща дивите кучета (за които вече съм обяснявал на живо колко са редки). Има и една белгийка-фанатичка горило-изследователка с по-малка роля. Отделно - американски ловци, рейнджъри по парковете, следотърсачи. И самите горили!

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable well paced light read with a plausible story and believable characters for the most part. The character of Marie and the overall writing in the Congo parts ot the book was jarring though and Fletcher becomes more evil as the book progresses but then almost changes for a brief second Michelle too then comes up with a ruse at the end slightly out of character.. The ending also has too many coincidences but interesting that the very final denouement is not shown just explained via a camera crew
I'd rate this at 3.5 and would be interested to read others as Africa and Zimbawbe are well drawn by an author who spends time there every year.

[Paul Street · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book. First exposure to Tony Park's African-themed novels. Surprisingly good yarn if a bit long. Characters had depth, the plot was well-constructed and Park's style of writing was very visual and highly educational. His description of places and life in modern day East Africa (Zimbabwe and DRC) came across as very authentic. Some very thought-provoking moral issues under consideration. Loved the up-close interaction with the mountain gorillas. Could do without the sex scenes - but that's just personal preference. Looking forward to seeing what else Park has on offer.

[Terrance Zepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite Tony Park novel. Anyone who loves Africa (like me) will love reading this book. I had never had of this author but came across this book while I was in South Africa. Bought it but didn't get around to reading it until I was back home. Reminded me of my great safari trip! Park does a good job describing people and places. Love the storyline and narrative. Good book! Great read...

[Graeme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safari will be remembered as on of my favourite books. Tony Park really captured my imagination with his writing of Africa and its culture with the added bonus of thrilling action and adventure on every page to such an extent, I found it difficult to put this book down.

[Ita · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is popular book but the genre just isn't for me, too blokey. I listened to it for an author talk and Tony is a great speaker, the audience loved his talk and a lot of them were fans of his books.

[Naomi]

Xmas 2007

[Amy Lovas · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it is fiction, it is has interesting insight into the uphill battle to save and protect the wildlife of Africa....and the people who live there, too.

[Annica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tony Parker doesn't disappoint and brought me right out of the cold and rain into the mysteries of the African jungle.

[A. Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read 3/4 of it. That's about all I could stomach...and the only reason I read as much because my spouse told me it "picks up"-which it didn't, and because of the setting.

[Sheila Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. You could smell and taste the African land. Tony Park weaves a wonderful story with political and geographical facts. Highly recommended.

[Morag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!!!

[Nicola Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am slowly working my way through Tony Park's back list and as with those I've read before it - I loved it. Well worth the read if you're into African Action!

[patricia lapage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This was the first book by Tony Park that I read and since then have read almost every one of them!

[Voytek Zarebski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable:::::::

Ended too quickly. Story was good and characters well described but the hero was the winner. However the story line was well written.