New Memoir 'Mbazo' Offers Experiences of Park Ranger

Pretoria, South Africa

Established in June 1926, the Kruger National Park boasts a wide variety of species. Author Lynn van Rooyen aims to share his experiences amongst this diverse flora and fauna in his new book, "Mbazo: Footprints through the Kruger National Park" (published by Trafford Publishing).

The title "Mbazo," derived from the isiZulu word for hatchet, comes from a nickname van Rooyen earned in his early days as a ranger when he would often lead field patrols armed with only a hatchet. Van Rooyen would share this title with an elephant named in his honor.

"Only 'Mbazo,' the elephant," van Rooyen writes, "will know what the Kruger National Park has meant to me. He has the privilege of spending his entire life within the boundaries of the Kruger National Park; a privilege that has eluded me, despite the fact that it was a life-long ambition."

Van Rooyen's book opens the gates of Kruger National Park to outsiders. It allows for an intimate view of the inner workings of those who devote their lives to protecting and preserving nature. Readers will quickly learn of the dangers inherent in working with species such as lions, baboons and rhinoceroses.

An excerpt from "Mbazo":

"The Black rhino swayed its head very slightly from left to right, then looked at me with its left eye and then with its right eye. There was no false note in the revving motorbike and my shouting. This was a little too much for the Black rhino. It took a slight step backwards and turned its backside towards me. 'Now,' I thought to myself and took the gap. As I rushed past, the rhino took a swipe at the motorbike with its horn. It missed, and I picked up speed, with the Black rhino in hot pursuit."

"Mbazo"
By Lynn van Rooyen
Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 206 pages | ISBN 9781490721316
Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 206 pages | ISBN 9781490721323
E-Book | 206 pages | ISBN 9781490721330
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Lynn van Rooyen started his career as a ranger and game capturer in Skukuza. Upon completing his studies at Stellenbosch University, van Rooyen began working at Kruger National Park as a section ranger. He served in conservation for SANParks for 39 years. "Mbazo" is his first book.

Trafford Publishing, an Author Solutions, Inc. author services imprint, was the first publisher in the world to offer an "on-demand publishing service," and has led the independent publishing revolution since its establishment in 1995. Trafford was also one of the earliest publishers to utilize the Internet for selling books. More than 10,000 authors from over 120 countries have utilized Trafford's experience for self publishing their books. For more information about Trafford Publishing, or to publish your book today, call 1-888-232-4444 or visit trafford.com.

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