Confessions of an African Safari Guide: Truths, Tales and Taboos of the Safari Life

by Lloyd Temple Camp

So, who is the jeep-jockey in the khaki uniform and the sweat-stained hat, this person you entrust your life to when you venture into the African wilderness? What’s his back-story, why is he even in this bush-guiding gig, really…and what does he think of you? What secrets does he keep, what chances does he take and what lies does he tell? And which colleagues and clients does he remember? And why?Lloyd Camp wrote about how thrilling and addictive African wildlife safaris are in his first book, Africa Bites. In Confessions, Lloyd’s thoughtful stories continue to intrigue, provoke and amuse. The enthralling and often bizarre world of safari guiding continually delivers evocative theatre; now, Lloyd reveals some of the truths and tricks that ensure a dazzling safari experience, while also underscoring the fervour, foibles and frailties of safari guides. His stories interrogate the actions of the people he has worked with, laugh at some fondly held safari legends told as inviolate truths, and question many of the casual life assumptions of the safari guests in his care. Lloyd is not afraid to lampoon himself…or to poke fun at anyone else! This is a refreshingly forthright view – edgy, heart-warming, personal, pointed, often hilarious, sometimes dark – of the strange and compelling people, ludicrous predicaments and harsh realities that he has encountered on his journeys through the African wilderness. And if you think you recognise yourself in this book, you’re right!

Genres: Africa, South Africa, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2020

Reviews

[Mrs Olga A Danes-Volkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A revelation

I loved this book even though, or perhaps because I have never at any time wanted to go on safari
This book confirms many of the things I suspected about game drives etc
This is a very honest, straight forward and indeed, funny book
I thoroughly recommend I.

[Tim Wester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes got long but some interesting stories

[Miné · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beach side or bedtime reading material. Funny and intriguing.
Chapter 35 was my favourite.

[Aly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got through most of the book and it started to get very repetitive and uninteresting. Most of the stories are too short to really develop any interest.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of vignettes from the life of a Safari guide hides a serious message inside its at times humorous and irreverent takes on the Safari trade in Southern Africa. Yes there are stories of animals in camps and dangerous encounters in the bush, kind and obnoxious travelers and guides, and the author's take on roads, airports, and rural bureaucracy. Yet of this is just the cover for the author's plea for guides who value conservation and know the animals, birds, and plants; visitors who come for more than seeing Africa's big 5, and finally for the preservation of the wild in the wilderness experience in Africa. The stories were amusing, but for this reader, the real value is understanding how to make my own trip to Africa richer and more considerate.

[Zhelana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting as an addition to my "books about the African bush" i've been reading because instead of talking about the animals, it talks about the actual business of guiding, and the secrets and stories that happen in camp more than in the bush. It was certainly interesting enough that I'll pick up the author's other book soon. It was pretty funny as well as informative and interestingly written.

[Shots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best story teller ever! Excellent humor. One is drawn into the story to the extent that you are living it. I highly recommend this book.

[Thomas J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories.

This is a wonderful book. It is a real-life discussion for those of us who have guided in Africa, Alaska, and Southeast Asia. Read it.