Hunting the Elephant in Africa: And Other Recollections of Thirteen Years' Wanderings

by Chauncy Hugh Stigand

Experience the raw realities of dangerous elephant hunts and men-at-work in East Africa, told with frank, firsthand detail.

In these recollections, the author shares years of bush travel, perilous treks, and hard-won lessons from the wilds of Africa. The narrative centers on elephant hunting, but it also offers vivid glimpses of terrain, weather, and the people who help or hinder a hunt. Readers will encounter close calls, practical field know-how, and a candid look at the courage and challenges faced in the African frontier.

Firsthand hunting episodes filled with suspense and practical bushcraft Close observations of elephants, terrain, and the dangers of the hunt Portraits of guides and porters, and the dynamics of expedition life Insights into the everyday realities of travel and survival in tropical Africa Ideal for readers who enjoy adventure, travel writing, and historical accounts of African exploration.

436 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Chauncey Hugh Stigand (1877–1919) was a British army officer, colonial administrator and big game hunter. He was killed in action while attempting to suppress a rebellion of Aliab Dinka.

Stigand was the son of William Stigand and Agnes Catherine Senior. His father was British vice-consul at Boulogne-sur-Mer when he was born there in 1877. He was educated at Radley and gazetted to the Royal West Kent Regiment in 1899. He served with them in Burma and British Somaliland, and then from 1901 in British East Africa with the King's African Rifles. He entered the Egyptian army in 1910 and was posted to the Upper White Nile, assuming control of the Lado Enclave from the Belgians in accordance with an agreement. He was placed in charge of the Kajo Kaji district.

In 1915 Stigand was promoted to major. In 1916 he served in the campaign against 'Ali Dinar in Darfur. From 1917 to 1918 he was governor of the Upper Nile province. Stigand was appointed governor of Mongalla Province in 1919. He was killed by tribesmen of the Aliyab Dinka at Pap, between the Lau River and the White Nile.

He married in 1913 Nancy Yulee Neff of Washington, D.C., and had one child, Florida Yulee Agnes, born 1917.

Reviews

[charles whitcomb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average

An average narrative of a white African hunter. Perhaps a little more anthropology than most. Also two chapters on insects.

[Craig Schlossin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing life of a soldier and hunter.