Whatever you do don't run - Peter Allison

In Africa "only food runs...and there's nothing you can outrun!" Peter Allison works as a top safari guide in the Okavango Delta. In this oasis of wetland in the middle of the Kalahari desert, rich with wildlife, he caters to the whims of his wealthy clients, he often has to overcome the impulse to run as far away from them as he can, as these tourists are sometimes more dangerous than a pride of lions! Full of outrageous-but-true tales of the people and animals he has encountered - the half-naked missing member of the British royal family; the squirrel that overdosed on malaria pills; the monkeys with an underwear fetish; and last, but by no means least, "Spielberg" the video-obsessed Japanese tourist

Allison's hilarious stories reveal his good-natured scorn for himself, as well as others. Allison's humour is exceeded only by his love and respect for the animals, and his goal is to limit any negative exposure by planning trips that are minimally invasive - unfortunately it doesn't always work out that way, as he and his clients discover to their cost when they find themselves up to their necks in a hippo-infested watering hole! Full of essential wisdom like "Don't run,whatever you do" and "never stand behind a frightened zebra" (they are prone to explosive flatulence when scared!), this is a wonderful and vivid portrait of what the life of a safari guide is really like.

I read books like this on my phone, to keep me going on a packed train. They are ideal to jump in and out of as they are short stories of Allison's life as a safari guide.  He is honest and truthful about his job, and its not always glamourous.  He tells us of the dangers he gets into (and it is a very dangerous job) and the tourists he encounters as well.

The book is written in chapters that each relate a different event that happened. Many of the events involved large beasts found on the African outback. There were some funny stories, as well as some serious stories. Am looking to go on a safari soon so gave me some insight into how it all works and what to expect. Allison paints a good picture of his life and his world in africa.

Allison is engaging to the reader and is interesting and in some parts humours. Its not the best writing style, but makes good for dipping in and out of. His stories are interesting and its nice to get a sense of 'behind the scenes' and stories from his view. I wouldn't recommend this book unless your into these short stories or you are looking for something to read on the train. However for what it was it was a great read and interesting.