Africa Bites: Scrapes and Escapes in the African Bush

6th February 2025

Author

Lloyd Camp

Book Overview

A gritty and intense collection of true stories from Lloyd Camp’s three decades as a professional safari guide in Southern Africa. This memoir delves into the heart-stopping moments when safaris went wrong, from charges by wounded buffalo to close encounters with angry elephants, offering a stark reminder that Africa’s wilderness remains genuinely wild and unpredictable.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Presents raw, adrenaline-filled accounts of real wildlife encounters without sugar-coating the dangers
  • Offers valuable lessons about bush survival drawn from actual near-fatal incidents
  • Provides unique insights into animal behaviour and psychology during confrontations with humans

Perfect For

Seasoned safari enthusiasts, adventure readers, and those who appreciate unfiltered accounts of wilderness experiences. Particularly compelling for readers interested in understanding the real risks and challenges of working in proximity to dangerous game.

Bring the Book to Life

Available at major bookstores and online retailers worldwide.

What Do Other Readers Think

Camp’s collection of hair-raising encounters has earned praise for its brutal honesty about the dangers inherent in safari work. Readers particularly value his detailed analysis of what went wrong in each situation and the lessons learned from these close calls.

The book stands out for its focus on the more challenging aspects of guide life, with many readers noting how it serves as a sobering counterpoint to the sanitised version of safaris often presented in tourism materials. His matter-of-fact recounting of potentially fatal incidents provides valuable insights into both animal behaviour and human psychology under extreme stress.

Experienced safari-goers appreciate Camp’s technical knowledge and his ability to break down complex situations into teachable moments. While some find the intensity of the encounters unsettling, most readers value the book’s contribution to their understanding of proper behaviour in the bush.

The combination of thrilling narratives and practical wisdom makes this an essential read for anyone serious about understanding the real risks and responsibilities of safari guiding in Africa’s most challenging environments.