Okavango Adventure by E. Cronje Wilmot is a classic African true adventure memoir set in the remote Okavango Delta, then part of the Bechuanaland Protectorate, during the mid-1940s. Falling under the genre of African memoir and nature writing, this remarkable book recounts Wilmot’s extraordinary experiences as a Tsetse Fly Control Officer and ranger in one of the wildest and least-known regions of southern Africa.
The book takes readers deep into a world where danger and beauty go hand in hand. From surviving a brutal lion attack and buffalo charges to hair-raising encounters with crocodiles and snakes, Wilmot’s tales of survival and exploration are both thrilling and humbling. Yet Okavango Adventure is not merely a collection of close calls — it is also a vivid tribute to the Okavango’s rich natural heritage. Wilmot’s keen observations of the Delta’s landscapes, wildlife, and shifting seasons offer a valuable glimpse into a wilderness that remains one of Africa’s last great sanctuaries. Originally published in 1956 as Always Lightly Tread, this best-selling memoir was later reissued as Okavango Memoirs, preserving its legacy for new generations.
This is a book for lovers of true-life African adventure, natural history enthusiasts, and readers who appreciate stories of resilience in untamed landscapes.