‘My life in the Bush’ is a brand new publication from Kwarts Publishers. Retired field guide, Mark Penney spent 20 years working as a field guide and a tourist guide in various South African game parks and reserves, including the Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg. Over the years he had some interesting experiences and decided to write a book sharing some of the stories of encounters with the unpredictable wildlife of Southern Africa.

Mark was born in Wimbledon, London, and at an early age became devoted to animals of all shapes and sizes. Moving to South Africa at the age of 12 was a dream come true. After leaving school, he went into the commercial world, got married and only got into the bush for long weekends and holidays. Later, he left the commercial world, started studying again and completed a FGASA 2. By the end 1992, he was in the bush full time working at a number of lodges in various reserves and parks as a field guide. He also did conservation work with SANParks and the North West Parks and Tourism Board, which is where his true passion lies.

In 2002, he became a tour guide, and the studies started again. He worked full-time, alternating between field and tour guiding for the next 12 plus years. He is a fully qualified field and tour guide with over 20 years’ experience behind him. Mark still does tours, but he chooses the ones that he does. He studied under Peter Apps for a year, and he recalls that it was a tough year, but well worth all the late nights. Mark has also been involved in anti-rhino poaching patrols. “Giving back some of what nature has given to me.”

Self-publishing this book was quite a challenge, but thanks to the professional assistance he received from Kwarts Publishers, the end result is great and Mark can now proudly call himself an independent author.

Mark’s book contains interesting stories about his encounters with nature and also with the interesting species called ‘tourists’. It is well worth the read, and anyone who loves the bush will enjoy it. The book also contains photographs taken by Mark and other contributors.

My life in the Bush (ISBN: 978-1-77605-442-8)
For more information contact Anita Stander at [email protected]