The Africa Diaries: An Illustrated Memoir of Life in the Bush

Award-winning natural history filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert have lived in the wilds of Africa for twenty years, fiercely dedicated to understanding and protecting the majestic animals surrounding them. The Africa Diaries is a powerful first-person account of their extraordinary work as wildlife researchers and conservationists. The Jouberts document their odyssey through passages culled from the pages of their field journals and over 130 stunning full-color photographs, giving readers a rare insight into their extraordinary lives in the African bush.

For those familiar with their videos, this book provides a more personal look at the Jouberts and what their life was like in the Savuti, as well as providing some tidbits about what happened to some of the subjects of the videos after they were made. For those not familiar with the videos, it may still be an interesting look at what life can be like for dedicated naturalists in the parts of Africa that are not yet completely tamed.

Note that unlike their videos, which focus exclusively on wildlife, this book includes quite a bit of discussion of people - not only the Jouberts and their filmmaking, but also of hunters and of the human political issues that determine the fate of the animals. If you would prefer a book focused more exclusively on wildlife, you might try the Jouberts' earlier book, "Hunting With the Moon."


An Awesome Book!!!   January 1, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I LOVED this book. Anyone that likes animals, Africa or adventures will like this book. This book does a great job of expressing what it would be like to live in the wilds of Africa. It also has great photos!


An absorbing read packed with details   April 25, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The natural history filmmaker authors have lived in the African bush for over twenty years: their lifestyle and work with wildlife is profiled in a diary of their world documenting their work. Any with an interest in African life will find The Africa Diaries an absorbing read packed with details and a 'you are there' atmosphere. Color photos complete the effect.