Whatever You Do, Don't Run

True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide

By: Peter Allison

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Whatever You Do, Don't Run is a hilarious collection of true tales from top ­safari guide Peter Allison. In a place where the wrong behavior could get you eaten, Allison has survived face-to-face encounters with big cats, angry ­elephants, and the world's most unpredictable animals: herds of untamed tourists and foolhardy guides whose outrageous antics sometimes make them even more dangerous than a pride of hungry lions!

Join Allison as he faces down charging lions (twice); searches for a drunk, half-naked tourist who happens to be a member of the British royal family; drives a Land Rover full of tourists into a lagoon full of hippos; and adopts the most ­vicious animal in Africa as his "pet". Full of lively humor and a genuine love and respect for Botswana and its rich wildlife, Whatever You Do, Don't Run takes you to where the wild things are and introduces you to a place where every day is a new adventure!

©2007 Peter Allison (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Allison's infectious enthusiasm for both the African bush and his job showing its wonders to tourists is readily apparent, making for a fast and very entertaining read." ( Booklist)

Great Story, not so Great Narrator

The story in itself was very enjoyable. However, for me the narration was not done very well. The method in which the narrator spoke and timed the sentences was choppy, un-tantalizing (if that’s a word), and just over all disengaging. I loved hearing about Botswana and the speaker pronounced words well, but the delivery wasn’t there for me. If given the chance I would return this, and get the paperback.

Fantastic book about safaris

Makes me want to go back on safari and enjoy the wonders of Africa. Very funny!

Funny and heart warming

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is entertaining and educational. It is also filled with hilarious stories about a young man with a love for animals who worked as a tour guide in Africa.You will not go wrong with this book. I hope Peter Allison will write more books in the future.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Whatever You Do, Don't Run?

Being sprayed by the honey badger that was trying to protect him from a fake leopard.

Which character – as performed by Antony Ferguson – was your favorite?

Peter Allison

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me laugh out loud!

Any additional comments?

I hope that Anthony Ferguson will narrate many books in the future. He is great at making the story come to life.

Fun!

Fun stories about Allison's experiences as a safari guide. Recommend for a few hours of intrigue.

So funny and amazing!

Absolutely loved it. Great story and narrator. Had me laughing so many times, highly recommend it.

Wonderfully entertaining!

Very enjoyable narration and humorous story telling! You can almost picture the events he shares.

Great stories of adventure

This was an easy read and held my attention with grest stories of behind the scenes look at Safari. I would love to go one day and have a guide as excited as the author.

Beating Around the Bush

Peter Allison spent many years as a guide in the Okavango Delta in Botswana and has the stories to prove it. Mostly about the animals, especially the big cats, plus one great tale about an elephant matriarch. But also about the people -- tourists, fellow guides, even the founding president of Botswana. And vehicles -- Allison never had much luck with vehicles.

The stories are mostly hit, occasionally miss. Allison seems to not have as much scientific knowledge of the animals and the land, or perhaps chose to forego that angle in favor of good campfire tales. Having been on safari in Botswana with a knowledgeable guide, I noticed that weakness. Allison on the other hand scored major points with me with his chapter on birding as well as the aforementioned elephant and President.

Great raconteur! Highly recommend!

Thank you algorithm for steering me to this book! I highly recommend you give a listen to the author’s adventures working as a safari guide in Botswana. It’s like spending time around a campfire with a great storyteller (and one who doesn’t take himself too seriously) his humor and enthusiasm will put a grin on your face.

So-so

This was an ok book so gets an ok rating. It seemed to be lacking in some area. I'm not even sure what. I think I was expecting it to be a different type of story than it was, but it fell short.
As said, it's ok. I wouldn't spend a full credit on it but would buy it on sale.