Always Lightly Tread by E. Cronje Wilmot is a remarkable memoir of adventure and survival in the untamed wilderness of post-World War II Botswana. Written by a veteran game ranger who dedicated his life to the African wilds, this classic work captures the raw beauty, danger and unpredictability of a land few have truly known. Richly illustrated by Astley Marberly, the book recounts Wilmot’s thrilling encounters with man-eating lions, charging buffaloes, elusive sitatunga and countless other wildlife species, offering an authentic glimpse into a bygone era of African game management.
Among its many memorable episodes, Always Lightly Tread includes a harrowing, first-hand account of a lion attack the author survived — a gripping reminder of the ever-present risks of life in the bush. One of the few books to chronicle hunting and conservation in Botswana immediately after the Second World War, it stands as a valuable piece of African wilderness history, reflecting both the adventure and harsh realities of the time.
This is an essential read for lovers of African wildlife memoirs, classic hunting tales and those fascinated by the continent’s untamed landscapes and early conservation stories.
