Don't Look Behind You! A Safari Guide's Encounters with Ravenous Lions, Stampeding Elephants, and Lovesick Rhinos

by Peter Allison

Join Peter Allison for a riveting, rollicking, behind-the-scenes dose of everyone's dream experience—going on safari—and coming through amazed but, thankfully, without a scratch. In Don't Look Behind You, Allison recounts adventures few would live to tell.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Africa, Animals, Memoir, Humor, Nature

270 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Peter Allison is an Australian writer whose books have focused on his time as an African safari guide, as well as his time in South America. He grew up in Sydney. At the age of 16 won a scholarship to study in Japan. At 19 he travelled to Africa and became a guide for the Classic Safari Company.

He currently lives in Cape Town with his wife Pru, and their pet dog Mombo, where he works for Wilderness Safaris.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a little mixed up and read Don't Look Behind You!: A Safari Guide's Encounters with Ravenous Lions, Stampeding Elephants, and Lovesick Rhinos before Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide. But I get the sense it didn't matter very much which order you read them in, in much the same way it doesn't matter which order you read Tim Cahill's books in.

My first impression of this book was a bad one, due to someone monumentally clueless being in charge of designing the front cover. The cover is supposed to be a reference to one of the stories where an elephant charges Our Hero. However, whoever chose the photo for the front cover must not be very familiar with elephants. Perhaps it was the only photo they had rights to. Whatever, it drove me bananas. I've never seen an elephant in the wild, but even I know the cover elephant is relaxed, and not even thinking of charging. There is absolutely no reason Peter Allison should be looking that ludicrously panicked. More, he probably knows this, which is why he also looks a little embarrassed.

However, that's the worst thing I'm going to write about this book. Allison has a wonderful, vulnerable way of writing that makes him immediately accessible and very easy to identify with. You care about him for him, and not just because he's having these amazing adventures. At times, this comes off a bit forced, but I'm willing to overlook that because he was so good at capturing situations and personalities. I loved the stories of Kinky Tail the cheetah and Stompie the lion. His effortless empathy comes off the pages in waves and makes it difficult to put down (or even stop thinking about) the book.

I highly recommend this book. The only other caveat (other than the stupid cover) is there are a few essays that don't seem to fit. They're about things like suicide, depression, and minefields, and Allison obviously did his utmost to make them fit in, but to me they still felt like they didn't quite belong in this book.

Still, a highly recommended read, and travel writing at its best.

[Jesse Cozean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I give my review of Don't Look Behind You!, I have to make two confessions that may color my response to Peter Allison's work. First, it was the first book I ever purchased, completely on accident, from Lyons Press. Secondly, I've been to Africa eight times and counting, and dreamed of dropping everything and moving there to watch animals and sunsets. So Peter, with his good taste in publishers and lifestyle choices, was a hero of mine before I even started reading.

That being said, I absolutely loved this book. I've read it three times already, and recommended it to every friend I have who has visited Africa. His stories of being a safari guide offer a hilarious look behind the scenes at the opulent camps that bring tourists to the spectacular animals of Africa. His (mis)adventures and self-deprecating humor had me ranging from chuckles to outright laughter (which made my seatmate on the flight I was on think I was slightly deranged).

Throughout the stories, Peter's love of the animals he watches is apparent. His characterizations of tourists were spot-on. Effortlessly adding information on the different animals as he tells his stories, much like he would if he were behind the wheel, I finished the book with a much greater appreciation of the entire safari experience.

This book is a great summer read, and I never went more than a few pages without a laugh. If you're considering a safari, or recently returned from one, you'll be glad to read Peter's account and imagine, just for the course of 240 quick pages, what life would be like if you had dropped everything to become a safari guide. And then make you pretty happy that you're reading in a safe, air-conditioned and bug-free room.

Jesse Cozean
Author, My Grandfather's War

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this author's first book a little better simply because there was a stronger focus on animals. This second book is very good, but there are a lot more stories about mechanical things (land mines, automobiles) and situations involving other humans (tourists, local authorities). There are also good animal stories, just not as many. Still an interesting and amusing book. You get to learn a little bit about a whole lot of different things in Africa: the culture, people, language, politics, and landscape.

I get a kick out of the way Peter Allison always portrays himself as a bumbling, uncoordinated, talentless dork. Much of this is for effect, but when you read about the scrapes he gets into, you know it's at least partially true that he's a bit hapless.

There are 24 short pieces, taking place in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia.
My favorites:

1) "Two Mpondo"
Hahahahahahaha! A male rhino trying to get amorous with a Land Rover!

2)"Nuts"
A hilarious encounter between an elephant and a baboon.

3)"The Wrong Elephant"
An elephant chases a small boat full of tourists down a river. Scary!
I also learned from this one that an elephant poops up to 400 pounds of material per day!

[Rock Angel]

This feels like a bunch of essays that didn't make the cut for Allison's first book ... sorry, I'm just not that into it. Perhaps I didn't see how a difficult water pump, a shark dive on his off-duty days, or his being thrown in jail b/c he didn't get a license had anything to do with preparing me for a safari. Perhaps the author forgot what it is that draws people to pick up the memoir of a safari guide in the first place (more animals, more animals!!) IMHO these personal accounts are more appropriate for his future grandkids than for the general public.

Or perhaps, this work should simply be titled "Random anecdotes of an African safari guide". There.

What with the awkward writing that dotted these pages (more than in his first book), I doubt I will finish it.

[Sonia Almeida Dias (Peixinho de Prata) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that we are closed at home due to this pandemic, we can only travel in books, and I plan to do a lot of that.
Earlier this year I had read the first book from Peter Allison, and really liked, so I thought I should give it a go at the second one, in the hopes to explore a little more of Botswana. Actually, I ended up reading not only about Botswana, but also Namibia, which now is another place I would like to visit in the future.
This book was a little different from the previous, in the sense that had less animals animals and more anecdotes about a guide's life in Africa. It also had a few sad stories with not so fortunate cheetahs and lions, but it was still a great read, filled with insights about life in a glamorous safari camp. All told in a very funny and engaging way.
I recommend it to all nature lovers, and to everyone interested in doing a safari, as you will see it from a different perspective.

[Mitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book did give me some insight into the life of a safari guide, as I'd hoped it would, the author's sense of humor took it somewhat outside the realms of reality at times. If he's to be believed literally, it's beyond possibility that he survived all the known and unsuspected risks he ran with his impressive list of physical limitations. (Fear of heights, natural born clumsiness, migraines, messed up joints and so forth.) Granted, this book covers only certain adrenline-producing experiences, but still.

Nevertheless it's a fun, quick read if you're interested in the topic and enjoy his sense of humor.

[Adite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read both books in this series and enjoyed them immensely. Peter Allison writes about his adventures in a funny, interesting, self-effacing manner that puts the reader bang in the middle of all the action. He has an innate ability to laugh at himself and inject humour into the most deadly of situations. And of course, his love for the animals is paramount. I look forward to reading more from Peter Allison.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with his previous book, entertaining, informative, funny, and a page turner.

[Aspasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short quick read about a clumsy safari guide's adventures in Africa. Stories range from funny to sad. A nice read for a lazy weekend.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Allison was a young Australian looking for adventure when he took on the job of leading safaris in Africa. His book is filled with his humorous (and sometime scary!) real-life experiences on the job. Very interesting and entertaining.

[Maddy Estherby · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5 stars

This book was a really funny insight into the life of a safari guide in Africa - spanning across multiple years, there are lots of great and interesting moments as well as a lot of snorts of laughter.

My Thoughts:

This book was a really good one for people interested in the tourist world of Africa. I really enjoyed getting in to the world of a safari guide and as I am visiting South Africa next year and doing a safari, it really helped give some background in what to (or not to) expect!

There are 24 short stories in this book, all of which show different experiences that Allison had while touring. Some were hilarious, some disturbing, some heartwarming and some just down right unbelievable. The book is not the most well written, with some of the stories needing editing but it is easy enough to read.

The author didn't over exaggerate or embellish his stories which was great, they al sounded wonderful and crazy as they would be. The one thing I love about travel is that it is always unpredictable and it appears that travelling in Africa is no exception. This book was also wonderful because it didn't overly make fun or disparage tourists; instead it recognised that it's a key need in Africa.

There was a lot of laugh out loud moments and a lot of disbelieving and horrifying moments. This book was truly a joy to read and I loved that fact it makes the reader want to explore more of that beautiful country.

Recommended for: Travel lovers. This book made me even more excited about visiting Africa and it definitely ignites the wanderlust!

Quotes:

"Yet my proudest achievement was taking an aged lady with no common background, and making her a friend."

"But there is another thing Africa taught me. It's ok to look behind you. How else will you find your way home?"

[Jolene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with how to approach this review for the following reason. I think this is a very well thought out book and that it deserves some acknowledgement, but I honestly feel that I might have appreciated it more had I not enjoyed his first book so much, which is just frustrating. "Whatever You Do, Don't Run," gave this author a special place in my heart. When I read the first book, it was the perfect form of book therapy for what I was going through. He made me laugh at how ridiculous most things are in the scheme of life, and I loved finding out about his time as a safari guide. Admittedly, there were rather serious moments, but the author has no problem seeing the humor in people's behavior, especially his own. There are some humorous observations about citizens from many countries, of which my own was certainly not exempt, and he made me cringe-laugh (yes, this is possible) at some of the people he encountered. He is unapologetically in love with wildlife and has devoted his life to appreciating and preserving its beauty.

Okay, I realize that I have turned this into a review of another book, so back on track.

I believe this second book is equally engaging because it shows a different side of the author and gives an important perspective on his work. While filled with additional experiences from Allison's time as a safari guide, many rather humorous, the overall tone is poignant, as if the author is seeing all the things he can not change and is mourning his own inability to do more in the face of the corruption and carelessness of humans. I felt his grief, but also, his determination to continue caring about these animals. Then again, maybe I am in a contemplative mood, myself and maybe that is not such a bad thing.

[Graham Brownett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more or less a collection of short stories about the life of a safari guide, stories that could easily be told around a camp fire with a few beers at the end of a day. His style is self deprecating and amusing but I found it to be lacking in depth, the stories are quite interesting but some of them do tend to ramble on a bit.
He is an Australian who grew up wanting to be with and face the dangers of wild animals, he started in Kruger, South Africa moving on to the Okavango Delta in Botswana then the Skeleton Coast of Namibia.
I have not read his earlier book ‘Don’t Run Whatever You Do’ so perhaps I was looking for something more detailed or informative, while it is well written and an easy read I was left with the feeling it could have been so much better.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second book for him. I found it just as funny as the first, just a little more heartwarming. Great read!

[Terry Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter's experiences in the bush are amazing. This volume has a few very sad stories and a lot of tense situations. Very glad he shared his life w/us.

[Jacinta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Invaluable information as I train to be a Tour Guide at an Australian Safari Park.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, it was exactly what I needed to read. Every time I read about animals, it seems to be about their extinction, or habitat loss or cruel death at the hands of humans. So, this book about mostly positive wildlife encounters within a protected setting by a person who is not a moron was a breath of fresh air. I once read a book about a cat loving dude who moved to New Zealand & lived by the beach with 4 cats. New Zealand, land of the flightless bird. But I digress. Yes, there were sad tales in this book, such as Kinky Tail but they were in the minority & served to illustrate how much this guy actually loves animals. I also love animals & being in the city ways of showing it aren't always forthcoming, there is a site about to be demolished across the road from me & it is over run with weeds, enough to hear cicadas or grasshoppers chirp. I realised walking past this was the first time I'd heard cicadas for longer than I could remember & it actually brought tears to my eyes. The daily barrage of destroyed nature is heartbreaking, this book is a tonic.

[Lori Pulichino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book for many reasons:

1. If you are planning to go on safari it is a must read. Your fears will be lessened, and you will be reminded to not be too comfortable (which eventually happens if you are there long enough)
2. It reminded me of my time on safari and brought back wonderful memories
3. My late aunt gave me this book for Christmas one year as I had spoken about my bucket list item of wanting to go on safari.
4. The fantastic stories of learning to drive an off-road safari vehicle, who will come to visit if you leave your tent door open, lost lioness, angry elephants chasing boats, and so many more were fun to read

If you just want to know what a safari is like, this will give you the flavor but no book can give you the soul satisfying feeling of an elephant warning you to not come closer, or flying through rough terrain in an open land cruiser to see a hard to find rhino family out for a stroll miles away.

I highly recommend this book, and I highly recommend you go to Africa.

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible true tales from a world-renowned safari guide and celebrated author
Romantic notions aside, being a safari guide isn’t always particularly enjoyable or glamorous. Quite often it is beset with challenges, like having to spend a night in a thorn tree with marauding hyenas below. But safari guide Peter Allison lives for such moments. Here, the author of the widely praised Whatever You Do, Don’t Run details his time spent in safari camps not only in Botswana but also in South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia―places he loves, despite how much it feels like they might just be trying to kill him.
In Don’t Look Behind You, Allison recounts adventures few would live to tell. Like the time he and a group of bored guides launched a makeshift raft into a foaming, flooded river teeming with hippos and crocodiles. Or the afternoon he heard monkeys telling him that a leopard was walking around the camp, and then realized the leopard was in his tent, with him in it.
In addition to relating his encounters with animals, Allison shares the stories of those tourists who have long been pushing him toward early retirement. Normally respectful of all his fellow creatures no matter how many feet they have, Allison fantasizes about leaving one in particular behind on the Skeleton Coast, a place that receives less than half an inch of rain a year, and is patrolled by lions and hyenas.
Join Peter Allison for another riveting, rollicking, behind-the-scenes dose of everyone’s dream experience―going on safari―and come through amazed but, thankfully, without a scratch.

[MR Paul A Cadmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

more anecdotes with heart felt humour

Another great outing from this author conveying his love for the continent and it's myriad of wildlife with the same humour and passion as the first. I read thieves travel companion on my an trip to Africa and it naturally came up in conversation loads with my family who were reading the first book. Fireside anecdotes with just the right embelishment....

[Terhi Tatjana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was on my reading list in preparation for a trip to Africa for a safari, and it's a good read. The author is hilarious with his stories, some are downright terrifying but somehow, he makes them hilarious. Who knew so much weird stuff can happen at safari camps?

Favorite Line ~ "But there is another thing Africa taught me. It's okay to look behind you. Sometimes it is the best way to get yourself home."

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable and sometimes hilarious read of the dangerous life in Africa as a tour guide. Though not as funny as the other book, this one offers more of an insight into the perils of animal life (from poaching and human encroachment), and the ridiculous situations he constantly finds himself in. It was both entertaining and educational.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, especially if you are someone like me who has always dreamed of going to Africa on a camera safari. Funny, exciting, informative and sometimes sad, Peter Allison takes you on his journey as a young safari guide in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. If this is not something on your bucket list, this might not be your book.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of hilarious, and at times and hair-raising yarns from Safari Guide, Peter Allison. These are based on his experiences as a guide in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia. He is a natural born story-teller, knowing how to build suspense and keep the reader hooked, he is funny and has an obvious affection for the wild-life.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read from Peter Allison. The first one was “Whatever you do, Don’t Run.” I have enjoyed both of them so much. The first book is great, and this one matches it and may be better. In this book we learn more about Peter and his life as a guide and beforehand. It’s a great book.

[Connie Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seldom laugh out loud when I'm reading, but Peter Allison is hilarious when he's relating his adventures in the African wilds.

I've never had a desire to go on a safari, and I still don't after reading this; but I loved reading about his life with his beloved animals.

[Melissa Denson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining!

Although not quite as good as his first book, it is still entertaining. His experiences are both humorous and slightly terrifying. It gives you a great appreciation for Africa and animals.

[L A GORMAN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories of Africa

Slightly disjointed, Peter nevertheless tell some good stories about the real bush in Botswana and Namibia and makes me want to return. He makes me remember why I feel so emotional about the place and hate leaving any camp. Thanks Peter.

[Liesje Leest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read! The story about Kinky Tail broke my heart. But most of the stories were funny and exciting stories. What made the book interesting to me is that the stories are from a few different camps in different countries, so they are all set in very distinct areas.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Absolutely loved this book. It is different from what I normally read. I found myself laughing a lot and loving the different stories and experiences that happened with the animals. Well worth the read.