Twenty Years. One Wilderness. One Story Worth Telling.

There are moments in life when you look back and realise that a journey which once seemed ordinary has become something extraordinary. For me, that journey began more than twenty years ago in a remote corner of southern Malawi known as Mpatamanga.

Today, I am proud to announce the publication of my new book, MPATAMANGA.

This is not just another book about Africa. It is the true story of a place that became my second home, a place that tested me physically, mentally, and emotionally, while teaching me lessons that only nature can provide.

Many readers know me through my first book, Memoirs of a Real Crocodile Hunter, which recounted my years as a licensed crocodile hunter protecting communities from dangerous crocodiles. That book told the story of my work on the rivers of Malawi. MPATAMANGA tells the story of what happened after I stepped away from crocodile hunting and dedicated myself to protecting something even larger—a unique wilderness and the hundreds of thousands of indigenous trees that call it home.

When I first arrived at Mpatamanga, I saw more than rugged cliffs, thick woodland and the magnificent Shire River flowing through one of Malawi’s most spectacular gorges. I saw potential. I saw an opportunity to preserve a landscape that many others overlooked.

What followed was more than two decades of conservation carried out without government funding, without NGO support, and often against overwhelming odds.

Conservation is often romanticised. People imagine beautiful sunsets, elephants wandering through pristine landscapes and peaceful days spent surrounded by nature. The reality can be very different.

Protecting wilderness means confronting illegal logging, dealing with poachers, extinguishing bush fires, preventing encroachment and sometimes putting yourself in dangerous situations to defend what cannot defend itself.

It also means celebrating the small victories.

Watching woodland regenerate after years of protection.

Seeing wildlife return to areas where it had disappeared.

Knowing that future generations may one day experience a landscape because someone chose not to give up.

During my years at Mpatamanga, there were countless moments that reminded me why the effort was worthwhile.

Some were exhilarating.

Others were terrifying.

Many were completely unexpected.

One chapter recounts how a simple theft of a water drum turned into a determined pursuit across villages and all the way to Mwanza. What began as a seemingly insignificant crime became a lesson that protecting a conservation area required more than caring for wildlife—it also demanded standing firm against those who believed they could act without consequence.

Another chapter tells the remarkable story of how a wandering goat led to the discovery of ancient clay pots hidden inside a cave, untouched for centuries. Sometimes history reveals itself in the most unexpected ways.

There are stories of confronting poachers under the cover of darkness, surviving devastating bush fires, navigating dangerous terrain and working alongside dedicated individuals like Thomas, whose loyalty and commitment became an essential part of the ranch’s success.

Yet perhaps the greatest challenge came not from nature, but from uncertainty.

After investing over twenty years protecting the land, I found myself facing the possibility that everything could disappear through the proposed Mpatamanga Hydropower Project. The emotional weight of seeing a lifetime of conservation placed under threat is something difficult to describe. It forced me to reflect on what conservation truly means and whether preserving something is worthwhile even if you may one day lose it.

I believe the answer is yes.

Every tree protected mattered.

Every fire stopped mattered.

Every animal given a safer place to live mattered.

Those achievements can never be erased.

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing this book has been revisiting those memories. Looking through old photographs, journals and countless experiences reminded me just how extraordinary the journey really was.

It also reminded me that none of it was achieved alone.

Many people helped shape the story—from local communities and traditional leaders to friends, scouts and everyone who believed that conserving Mpatamanga was worthwhile.

I hope this book also highlights the importance of protecting Africa’s remaining wild places.

Conservation is not simply about wildlife.

It is about people.

It is about water.

It is about forests.

It is about history.

It is about ensuring that future generations inherit something worth protecting.

Whether you are passionate about conservation, fascinated by Africa, enjoy true adventure stories or simply appreciate real-life journeys of perseverance, I believe you will find something meaningful within the pages of MPATAMANGA.

This book represents more than twenty years of my life.

It contains moments of joy, heartbreak, danger, discovery and hope.

It is the story of one wilderness—but it is also a story about determination, resilience and refusing to give up when the odds seem impossible.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. Every message, every encouraging word and every reader who chooses to spend time with my story means more than you may realise.

If you decide to read MPATAMANGA, I hope you will come away with a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by conservationists around the world and a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to protect wilderness.

The story of Mpatamanga is far from over.

Its legacy will continue through the people who remember it, those who fought for it, and those who are inspired by its story.

Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey.

MPATAMANGA

is available worldwide in paperback, hardcover, Kindle and Kindle Unlimited on Amazon.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQGQTB6J

Learn more about Mpatamanga Wildlife Ranch:
https://www.mpatamangawildliferanch.com

Ian Bartlett
The Real Crocodile Hunter®