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My Life in the Bush
“Could it happen to me?” This is a question that most, if not all field guides ask themselves sooner or later. Usually sooner. The short answer is “Yes, it could”, whether it is a charging lion or a rampaging elephant. It is inevitable that when working so close to these animals, something will happen. Mark Penney spent more than 20 years working as a field guide and a tourist guide in various South African game parks and reserves, including the Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg. Over the years he has had some interesting experiences and shares some of the stories of encounters with the unpredictable wildlife of Southern Africa.
- GenresNonfiction
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2017
145 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Mark Penney
11 books1 followerMark was born in Wimbledon, London, and at an early age became devoted to animals of all shapes and sizes. Moving to South Africa at the age of 12 was a dream come true. After leaving school, he went into the commercial world, got married and only got into the bush for long weekends and holidays. Later, he left the commercial world, started studying again and completed a FGASA 2.
By the end of 1992, he was in the bush full time working at a number of lodges in various reserves and parks as a field guide. He also did conservation work with SANParks and the North West Parks and Tourism Board, which is where his true passion lies.
By the end of 1992, he was in the bush full time working at a number of lodges in various reserves and parks as a field guide. He also did conservation work with SANParks and the North West Parks and Tourism Board, which is where his true passion lies.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 23, 2017
The African bush has an allure for many people – after all, who can fail to be impressed by the majesty of a lion in its natural habitat or the size of an elephant as it strides through the veld?
Mark Penney is one of those people who are so captivated by South Africa’s wildlife that he left his job in the business world and has spent the past 25 years working in many of the country’s major game parks and reserves. “My Life in the Bush” is a selection of his experiences with wild animals.
Penney is first and foremost a storyteller, and the reader can almost smell the woody smoke of an evening campfire and feel the chill of the evening as the sounds of wild creatures reclaiming the night echo between the tents.
The recollections between these covers are sorted into broad categories, according to various animals or other wildlife. The reader thus has the choice of dipping into this smorgasbord of wild Africa according to their preference for leopards or buffalos or another dozen creatures, or they can read “My Life in the Bush” from beginning to end. Either way, Penney shares his experiences and knowledge in an entertaining, informative and respectful manner which makes for a wonderful read.
And while Penney’s experiences may in turn be thrilling, terrifying or even funny, all are imbued with the mysteries of Africa. If you want to explore these mysteries and escape into the wildness of the African bush for a while, you could do worse than to read Mark Penney’s book.
Mark Penney is one of those people who are so captivated by South Africa’s wildlife that he left his job in the business world and has spent the past 25 years working in many of the country’s major game parks and reserves. “My Life in the Bush” is a selection of his experiences with wild animals.
Penney is first and foremost a storyteller, and the reader can almost smell the woody smoke of an evening campfire and feel the chill of the evening as the sounds of wild creatures reclaiming the night echo between the tents.
The recollections between these covers are sorted into broad categories, according to various animals or other wildlife. The reader thus has the choice of dipping into this smorgasbord of wild Africa according to their preference for leopards or buffalos or another dozen creatures, or they can read “My Life in the Bush” from beginning to end. Either way, Penney shares his experiences and knowledge in an entertaining, informative and respectful manner which makes for a wonderful read.
And while Penney’s experiences may in turn be thrilling, terrifying or even funny, all are imbued with the mysteries of Africa. If you want to explore these mysteries and escape into the wildness of the African bush for a while, you could do worse than to read Mark Penney’s book.
July 10, 2020
A collection of true stories from a retired field guide in Africa. While the stories are interesting, there is no continuity as they are grouped by animal type so the book does not show any progression in the life of this particular guide nor do you feel that you have any insight into the person when you finish. Also lots of grammatical and punctuation errors which I find bothersome in any book.
August 18, 2017
Really interesting stories by a retired field guide who has had many interesting experiences in the bush. I enjoyed the book because of the authenticity of the author who simply tells the stories as it happened. Mark Penney's love and respect for Africa and all its wild creatures is evident. As a South African who also loves the bush, I could relate.
January 9, 2020
FANTASTIC BOOK on Africa & Safaris. GREAT READ!!! If you love adventure, especially in 19th Century Africa this is a MUST READ!!!
It brings to life the daily happenings of living among the Wild & Wilderness. Wished I had been there!!! Maybe in my next life???
It brings to life the daily happenings of living among the Wild & Wilderness. Wished I had been there!!! Maybe in my next life???
September 2, 2020
Wonderful Reading
This book gave me a great inside to a African safari without ever going there. Some animals I never heard of and I enjoyed the pictures he included. The thing he did and what happened was interesting to read about. I don't think I will ever go on a safari the snakes and spiders are what I wouldn't care to meet. The other animals wouldn't bother me as much even though they are just as dangerous but you can spot them more easily that spiders or snakes. He seemed to be a great guide and well knowledgeable about the animals. I enjoyed this book very much.
This book gave me a great inside to a African safari without ever going there. Some animals I never heard of and I enjoyed the pictures he included. The thing he did and what happened was interesting to read about. I don't think I will ever go on a safari the snakes and spiders are what I wouldn't care to meet. The other animals wouldn't bother me as much even though they are just as dangerous but you can spot them more easily that spiders or snakes. He seemed to be a great guide and well knowledgeable about the animals. I enjoyed this book very much.
May 24, 2023
fascinating experiences all well told
This collection of adventures in the bush at Kruger National Park is captivating on every page. The lessons are detailed beautifully. It made me want to go there!
This collection of adventures in the bush at Kruger National Park is captivating on every page. The lessons are detailed beautifully. It made me want to go there!
June 18, 2020
An excellent African safari!
Loved all stories and experiences! Author takes us on an African safari covering many parks and different parts of Africa!
Loved all stories and experiences! Author takes us on an African safari covering many parks and different parts of Africa!
February 18, 2022
Good stories
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews