A Game Ranger Remembers

by Bruce Bryden

This is a collection of stories about the life of a bushveld conservationist as it is lived at the ground level by that elite band of men and woman who guard the Kruger National Park - at the cost of much sweat and, not infrequently, quite a bit of blood. Bruce Bryden's tales of 27 years in the service of our most famous park make a gripping and entertaining read, abounding with encounters with elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino, whether darting for research, managing culling operations by helicopter or stalking on foot.

In the best tradition of bushveld stories, there is a great deal of shooting, and a fair amount of running away; there are meetings with extraordinary characters among the rangers; memorable gatherings; hilarious mishaps and narrow escapes; and throughout, a great love and respect for both the wilderness and the creatures that inhabit it.

Genres: Africa, South Africa, Nonfiction, Wildlife, Outdoors, Travel, Memoir

432 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

About the author

d. 2009 of malaria

Reviews

[Dayne Pattison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of wildlife books written by those involved directly in wildlife. Although the book had some interesting parts, the author came across a bit full of himself for me by the end. Yes, culling of animals is a huge part of conservation, but the culling stories were a bit excessive in a book written for the general public. A few too many stories about the author and banter with his mates whereas I was looking for more insights about the wildlife and conservation considering he must have so many based on his time at Kruger.

[Bronwync · Rating 1 out of 5]

Marking this as read so that I can review it - although I didn't get further than Chapter 1!! The stories always seem to end with an elephant getting a bullet in its head for doing it's very natural thing of eating and moving around in an area! Frankly I am horrified that this book has such a high rating. I sincerely hope that modern game ranging has moved on from shooting every problem animal in sight. What a disappointment - I can't read further for the tears in my eyes. #ripellies

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

Enjoyed the humor and all aspects of life in Kruger National Park. Elephant population still a major issue and a huge problem, now moving over to causing problems with tourist traffic Something must be done to reduce these huge numbers

[Freddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.

[Natalia Santana · Rating 3 out of 5]

El libro se me ha hecho bastante interminable, pero me apasiona el Kruger y Sudáfrica, este libro ha hecho que me guste un poco más ❤

[travisburne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read and a reminder of times gone by.

[Holly Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

He is not the best writer but his anecdotes on how crazy life is in Kruger speaks for themselves

[Buan Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My biggest dream is to be a game ranger and this book spoke right to my heart

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written account of life in the Kruger National Park. Bryden is not afraid to tackle issues such as the need for culling, poaching and some of the more idiotic actions of visitors. While conservation is the primary objective of a ranger, more dangerous tasks include seeking out injured animals for a swift clean end and tackling rogue animals who are a danger to humans. As an example it is not known how many lions turned man-eaters as increasing numbers of refugees crossed into the KNP from war torn Mozambique.

I found the chapter on the interpark transfer of animals between Malawi and KNP rang very true. One does not know whether to laugh or rage at the difficulties placed in the way of what should be a friendly act of co-operation to the advantage of every-one - tourists, conservationists and most of all the animals. As I have recently visited Malawi and had some experience of the frustrations, I laughed.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, but not only for Bryden's storytelling qualities, but for its honesty. Often, stories about African National Parks and their rangers are too romanticised and they take away from the hard-working and brave people whose job isn't all hunky-dory and bonfire romantic. I loved how Bryden told us everything, the good, the bad and the ugly. The tough decisions that need to be made, how political issues affect the rangers' work on the ground, conservation debates, ignorant tourists, daily family life in the park etc.
The book is therefore not only entertaining and interesting but also really informative, confronting and makes you wonder how some people get to sit on these high-level posts and get to make decisions about life and death, not only for the animals in the Krüger...
Can only recommend!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I am not one for autobiographies that are often so poorly written. Bruce Bryden is articulate and recounts his experiences at Kruger over the years with sensitivity and candour. His recollections range from brutal, poignant, romantic and political. He sensitively argues his views on conservation in Kruger National Park. The book is not only interesting, informative and confronting at times, it is really entertaining. Highly recommend, particularly if you are a lover of wildlife and South Africa.

[Leon Kock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Game Ranger Remembers
This book went down without touching sides, one of the best reads ever.
Entertaining, enlightening and very often screamingly funny. Makes you want to get out there and experience it for yourself.
Thanks Bruce Bryden for writing this.

[Joel Trout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always say that Jungle Man by P. J. Pretorius is the greatest true adventure story ever told. Well this book is like a modern day Jungle Man! The humble title of this book doesn't really convey the amount of adrenaline, humor, tragedy, and fascinating info found within its pages.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting inside look at the Kruger National Park in South Africa, written by the park's former director.

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful! As a regular visitor to one of the greatest wildlife areas in the world, this was like manna from heaven! Wonderful stories and a truly amazing memoir.