Bridget Pitt

A memoir of a long-time wilderness trek leader and game preserve employee in South Africa that dwells on how much nature gives us. With some loose biographical events that have occurred through his career, Mbatha talks about how the natural world in his rural surroundings is valuable and valued. Recommended if you are looking for stories about the African flora, fauna, and climate, where there is a great deal of detail, and if you want to see a new perspective on respecting the gifts of nature.

I really struggled to get into this book. Its mostly a panegyric about the iMfolozi nature preserve and nothing really happens. The bits where Mbatha shares stories of his own life are interesting but there's not enough of them to push the narrative along. I agree with the author that nature's awesome and I would much rather enjoy it first-hand than read about it.

Thank you to the publisher who sent me a free copy for review.

This is an autobiography of a Zulu man who became a wilderness guide and the many life lessons he learned along the way. He wants everyone to understand that they need to connect with nature in order to heal and have peace of mind. There are fascinating stories of encounters with dangerous animals but it's the lessons he passes on that make this book worth the time to read.