• Secrets of the Savanna

  • Twenty-Three Years in the African Wilderness Unraveling the Mysteries of Elephants and People
  • By: Mark Owens, Delia Owens
  • Narrated by: Donna Postel, Sean Runnette
  • Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (266 ratings)

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Secrets of the Savanna  By  cover art

Secrets of the Savanna

By: Mark Owens, Delia Owens
Narrated by: Donna Postel, Sean Runnette
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Publisher's summary

"Vividly written... Their story is thrilling - the kind of tale that wild-animal lovers won't easily forget." (People)

In this riveting real-life adventure, Mark and Delia Owens tell the dramatic story of their last years in Africa, fighting to save elephants, villagers, and - in the end - themselves. The award-winning zoologists and pioneering conservationists describe their work in the remote and ruggedly beautiful Luangwa Valley, in northeastern Zambia. There they studied the mysteries of the elephant population’s recovery after poaching, discovering remarkable similarities between humans and elephants. A young elephant named Gift provided the clue to help them crack the animals’ secret of survival. A stirring portrait of life in Africa, Secrets of the Savanna is a remarkable record of the Owenses's unique passions.

©2006 Mark Owens and Delia Owens (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Featured Article: Where the Crawdads Sing—Book vs. Movie


It seems that anyone who has indulged in Delia Owens's beautiful novel has been waiting for one thing—the chance see these characters come to life on-screen. The novel has sold more than 12 million copies and has returned to the top of The New York Times fiction bestseller list in both print and audio. The excitement that surrounds this novel remains high. But how does the film adaptation compare to the book? Read on to find out.

What listeners say about Secrets of the Savanna

Average customer ratings
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Very good

Left me wanting more this was very good I recommend it highly now to look for another

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A look at elephants,

A good insight into elephants and their habitats. We love hearing of Africa and it's animals.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous book!

Beautifully written and performed! I felt I was right beside them in Africa! I highly recommend this book. It will be a classic.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Luangwa

I enjoyed this so much. I grew up in Zambia and Thought I knew the bush. But they opened up a new world to me about elephants.
Beautiful poetic descriptions.
Plenty of excitement.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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great story

loved it. must listen. so neat and very interesting. I highly recommend this story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Dreamy

It was a nice getaway to take. Dreamy stories that matter. I recommend it to all!

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Hard to believe it was all real

Beautifully descriptive. At times I could close my eyes and imagine being in Africa and seeing the beauty of the landscape and wildlife. Hard to believer it was all a true story.

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3 people found this helpful

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Inspiring story

Wonderful to learn about successful programs to save both the wildlife from poaching and the peoples of Zambia from poverty. Saving nature is ultimately the only way to save our planet’s resources and the future of humans and animals alike. Beautifully presented story by real heroes: Mark and Delia Owens. And beautifully read by Audible.

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1 person found this helpful

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Inspiring

This is one of a few books I've read about Mark and Delia Owens and their work in Africa. This one had the strongest focus on the rank poaching industry, and led us through how they intelligently and successfully won the war for the benefit of the animals and humans alike. I'm always in awe of their determination and especially Delia's fearlessness out in the bush. They are both amazing and inspiring. I also think the narrators did a great job and allowed me to believe that I was listening to the actual couple themselves unfolding the story. Wonderful book.

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  • Overall
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True and meaningful afventure

Loved this book, and the work of the authors. great descriptions and explanations. Heart-warming and real.

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