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)

Laugh out loud funny

I’ve been on safari in Botswana and can attest to Mr Allison’s description of the animals and the area. But I never had any idea of what it would like to be a guide. He is a very good story teller and has some great stories to tell.

hilarious. kept us awake and alert on our drive.

a great book full of great stories and interesting facts told in a hilarious way.

By all means, do not run form the book.

If you could sum up Whatever You Do, Don't Run in three words, what would they be?

An interesting off the cuff experiences of a young man following his heart.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Peter Allison, summed up how he was able to crack open rare jobs in Africa's bush.

What does Antony Ferguson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Antony's narrative skills are easy on the ear, and spoken in such a manner that integrates the story, author and narrator.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Driving school was quite humourous in an odd fashion.

Any additional comments?

I am looking forward to Peter's second book, basically a continuation of his grand adventure.

Great book

I wish research had been done before trying to pronounce the Setswana words, places , and names. Great book though. The read was alright. But as one who currently lives in Botswana it hurt to hear the mispronounced words.

Great perspective from a sensitive safari guide

Great stories with much human touch and animal touch. Funny introspective and keen opservations on humans an animals. I only want Peter to be my guide for a safari.

So interesting! Loved it!

I loved these tales. I laughed out loud and even shed a few tears. I highly recommend this book!

Pleasant surprise

I got this book as part of one of those 2 for 1 deals. It was so entertaining. The stories manage to be meaningful without the intensity that can be exhausting. It’s worth full price.

Do what you love

It's obvious that Peter Allison loves his work. His descriptions of life as a guide made you feel as if you were there. He did not hesitate to describe his mistakes as well as his triumphs.

I LOVED It

I thought it was very insightful into living in Africa also it was VERY funny and very very enjoyable n

Drivers May Laugh Too Hard to Drive!

Where does Whatever You Do, Don't Run rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've listened to hundreds! This ranks as about an 8.5.

What other book might you compare Whatever You Do, Don't Run to and why?

I don't read non-fiction, but I'd rename this: Adventures of Han Solo on Safari

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

Peter Alison...I'd love to have him as a guide. He's funny!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The birth of the baby elephant actually brought tears to my eyes. He did such a good job describing the incredible beauty of that moment

Any additional comments?

I'm not a non-fiction reader, but this book kept me hooked. I played it in my car wherever I went, and I'd find myself sitting in parking lots just so I could hear what happened when Peter got charged by a lioness! This is a great listen for driving around doing errands. It's a series of short, self-contained tales, the verbal equivalent of a safari through Peter Alison's life as a guide. Very well done!