About the Book A non-hunter shares her eye-opening experiences on a hunting safari and invites readers to reconsider what it will take to save Africas wildlife. Waking to her husbands alarmed whisper, Honey get ready to run was never in Sue Tidwells vision of Africa. Nor was skulking through the Tanzanian bush or lying terror-stricken as the cries of lions and hyenas cut through the walls of her tent. Enchanted by African wildlife, she certainly never expected to find herself a sidekick on a hunting safari. Growing up in a deer hunting family, she understood huntings role in America conservation. Still, the idea of hunting Africas exotic animals was deeply troubling. Arent many specie endangered? Isnt phot-tourism a better way to protect lions and elephants? Her boots-on-the-ground view answered these questions and many more; it captured her soul and lit a fire in her gut, fueling a passion the opposite of what she expected. Through stories of laughter, tragedy, and wonder, readers will be immersed in adventure as Sues curiosity sheds light on the struggles and complexities facing the people and wildlife of rural Africa. Whether an animal lover, soncervationist, wanderer, adventurer, or human rights advocate, her unexpected odyssey will arm readers with the awareness necessary to sustainably protect Africas spectacular animals.-- Book Synopsis Her first night in a Tanzanian tent began with a prowling lions roar. Will the savage terrors open her eyes to an unseen world? Sue Tidwell lived in awe of Africas extraordinary wildlife. After years spent appreciating the animals in her imagination, the tenderhearted American hated the idea of joining her husband on a big game hunt. And getting attacked by blood-sucking tsetse flies the moment she stepped off the plane gave no hint of the mind-blowing change of perspective in her future... With her initial animosity turning into curiosity as they breathlessly tracked dangerous beasts, Sue formed a surprising bond with their young, female, government-assigned game scout. And as she became entranced by the tales and wisdom from the Masimba Camp crew, she was humbled by the mystery of the vilified safari and the people who relied on it for survival. Supplementing her own experiences on the elephant-rutted roads with local insights and scientific research into conservation efforts, Tidwell explores how her preconceived beliefs sluiced away under the deluge of reality. And with an evocative narrative peppered with self-deprecating humor, vivid imagery, and over ninety photos and illustrations, youll emerge forever changed by the truths this greenhorn found buried in a rugged and romantic landscape. Cries of the Savanna is an unflinching and passionate memoir. If you like awe-inspiring adventures, truth revealed through laughter, and life being stranger than fiction, then youll adore Sue Tidwells brush with the wild. Review Quotes *Readers Favorite 2022 Gold Medal (Animal Category)* *The Wildlife Societys 2022 Conservation Education Award* *Professional Outdoor Media Associations 2022 Pinnacle Award* *Kindle Book Review 2022 Non-fiction Semi-finalist* ...incredibly fun, addictive read...Its as entertaining as a thrilling adventure movie yet brimming with enough information to be a documentary film. - Readers Favorite Book Awards ... Not only is Cries of the Savanna an engaging adventure story, it is a well-researched and well-written book that opens the door to a full appreciation of the present and future conservation realities of a complex and captivating continent....I highly recommend this book to hunters and non-hunters alike- Diana Rupp, Editor-in-Chief, Sports Afield Magazine ...Tidwell captures the magic of safari and the wonder of Africas wildlife and people...- Craig Boddington , Author, Journalist ...She will make you laugh out loud, scare you more than once and probably coax a tear or two along the way... --Dwight Van Brunt, Author ...an unflinching, and eye-opening, account of the realities of life on a continent many imagine but few ever really spend the time to get to know.--Dr. Adam Hart, Biologist, Author ...Move over Mr. Ruark. While your words are as compelling as ever, Cries of the Savanna offers something that Ruark simply cannot - a contemporary commentary on the African hunting experience and all its touchpoints in a world that is concurrently becoming both smaller, yet more complicated. - Ken Bailey, African Hunting Gazette ...Her excellent eye for landscape and wildlife brings the reader into Africa on every page, sharing in her exhausting joy... - Chris Camuto, Grays Sporting Journal Mesmerizing, captivating, raw... - Gabriella Hoffman, District of Conservation Podcast