Overview

Africa is a vast, exciting, varied - and at times, dangerous continent. It remains untamed in large parts and one of the few places left on Earth for those with an adventurous spirit. Richard Phillips, together with his wife Ann, has spent a lifetime in search of adventure across the continent. From the desert of the Namib to the delta of the Okavango, from seeking out the mystery of the giant kingfish that swim up the Mtentu River each year to perform their strange ritual, to becoming a millionaire and hitting the jackpot in Zimbabwe, Tails from the Bushveld is a book full of adventure. It is a story of charging elephants, being surrounded by monkeys, and seeing a 'UFO' - usually accompanied by a good glass of wine, and always with lots of friendship and humour. Tails from the Bushveld will excite, fascinate, and inspire the travel spirit inside you. But remember - there's always a twist in these tales.

Full Product Details

9781068518010

Table of Contents

Reviews

African Authors & Book Reviews Memoirs Tails from the bushveld Only those who have lived and loved in Africa would understand the African meaning of 'just now' which can mean anything between a few minutes to a few days. Richard Phillips, though born in England but moved with his parents to South Africa when only six years old, soon became a 'bushman', one who understood the meaning. Entertaining and amusing these tales from Africa by Richard Phillips are beautifully written with fun illustrations. Told with tongue in-cheek, and a self-deprecating sense of humour, Richards' tales range from scary episodes with charging elephants, fishing - or snoring? - on a houseboat on Kariba, imagined UFOs, and being a multimillionaire in Zimbabwe. The unique beauty of Namibia, the vastness of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi, with wildlife and adventure in different circumstances, are all told with passion and love of Africa. We travel with Richard to Egypt, the 'mad city' of Luanda, Angola, the icy-cold waters of the Mediterranean off Sicily. He re-tells well-known campfire stories, introduces us to some curious characters, and gives an insight in the ups and downs of discovering how best to tow a caravan on sandy bush roads. The bold and colourful illustrations capture the essence of the tales, while the use of the vernacular at times - ""rosti duckie with clanbelly sauseo' - add to the authenticity of what had been an interesting and varied life for Richard; and at times his every patient wife Ann. Newly published (October 2025) this delightful and well presented book will entertain for many years. A gift, or an addition to your own personal library, this is a book that will be delved into often.

Author Information

With a positive attitude and a sharp sense of humor, Phillips has spent over four decades writing, speaking, and navigating the extraordinary landscapes - both literal and human - of Southern Africa. Now 74, he's devoted much of his life to exploring the region's beauty and complexity, while also working in diverse roles related to crime prevention and security. He retired in 2019 as Joint CEO of South Africa's Connect Group, capping off a career defined by leadership, resilience, and purpose. His passion lies in capturing the lighter side of life - penning humorous anecdotes drawn from a lifetime of unforgettable encounters and curious adventures. He has two published works to his name, and in this book enjoys the support of renowned cartoonist Anton Deetlefs, who brings many of these 'tails' to life with his brilliant illustrations. BBC-trained and brimming with creative vision, Anton Deetlefs began his broadcasting journey in 1974 with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Twelve years later his talents were welcomed by M-Net, where he shaped the channel's on-air identity as presentation manager, crafting its visual and tonal signature.By 1992 Anton returned to the SABC - not to produce, but to empower - designing and delivering cutting-edge training courses for broadcast professionals. His expertise soon caught the attention of the South African Police Service, who in 1996 enlisted him to lead workshops on media interviewing and communication skills, bridging the gap between authority and audience.Beyond the screen, Anton is a gifted illustrator, bringing stories to life with pen and ink. Since 2013 he's carved out a niche as an image consultant, dedicating his time to research, scriptwriting, voice-over artistry, and the production of compelling film and television content.Anton's talent lies in interpreting the character and essence of the 'Tails from the Bushveld', elevating the stories to a completely different level.

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