On the Podcast: Jeff Williams & Pat Goodwin

Safari Stories & a New Book on Animal Behaviour

In this episode of Campfire Conversations, Brett celebrates good friends Jeff Williams’ and Patricia Goodwin’s brand new book - Dangerous Animals of Southern and Eastern Africa. This long-awaited conversation that details not only the entertaining stories and fascinating encounters that led to the content in their book, but also 15 years of shared experiences in special places that BHS has been a part of.

This brand new publication (get it here on Amazon) is summed up as an up-to-date evidence-based reference to Africa’s most dangerous animals - a book that was originally intended for guiding students, but that serves every person interested in the behavioural observations of the continent’s most renowned species.

This book provides a comprehensive, detailed, evidence-based review of the seven animals officially described as ‘dangerous’ by the professional association of Field Guides in South Africa. To this number the authors have added crocodiles. The text embraces the anatomical, physiological and behavioural aspects of the animals and aims to provide such up-to-date and evidence-based information as is available at the time of writing.

With the greatest of pleasures, Brett sat down with Jeff and Pat in Hoedspruit (featuring European bee-eaters, crested barbets, and a nyala bull passing by) and prompted some truly “campfire-worthy” stories as they recounted some of their shared experiences - some of which have contributed to a previously published book On Foot in the African Bush.

Thanks to Ukuthula Bush Lodge in Hoedspruit for having us during this recording!

Going back to 2008... Jeff, Brett, and Pat have got some serious safaris accumulated under their collective belts.

Wading through Delta waterways.

From frightening facts and figures to emotional tales - one particularly life-changing moment with Andreas Fox and a herd of 12 elephants in Amboseli, Kenya - the retelling of memories from Jeff and Pat detail their experiences with phenomenal guides in Botswana and elsewhere. The stories and memories covered in this podcast are about how a love of Africa begins, and the opportunities to explore that love that can change the course of a life.

Listen to Pat tell the emotional story of this unique experience in Amboseli, Kenya.

Where would you go if money and time were no object? This brings about discussions about Niassa, Niger, Ghana, and Mozambique... What a pleasure to have shared some of Pat and Jeff’s most memorable and informative trips to Africa, and to be on the receiving end of their brand new book!

Go have a listen to this conversation and get yourself a copy of Dangerous Animals of Southern & Eastern Africa.

Doing what they love. Thank you for sharing your safari stories, Jeff & Pat!