Sue Tidwell

I believe we can do better—for wildlife, for people, and for the land.
I'm the author of Cries of the Savanna, a true African safari adventure memoir. Part adventure, part awakening, this book shares my journey as a reluctant sidekick on a hunting safari—and the unexpected evolution of thought that changed everything. What began as curiosity became conviction. I now advocate passionately for sustainable use and ethical wildlife conservation in Africa—because understanding is the first step to protecting what matters most.

As an award-winning author, speaker, and advocate, I use storytelling to bridge the gap between modern conservation challenges and public understanding—especially regarding African wildlife, sustainable use, and the vital role of local communities. My debut book, Cries of the Savanna, offers a rare perspective: the journey of a non-hunter who came to support ethical hunting as a tool for conservation. It has earned multiple honors, including: Pinnacle Book Award – Professional Outdoor Media Association Gold Medal – Readers’ Favorite Awards (Animal Category) Conservation Education Award – The Wildlife Society I speak to diverse audiences—from hunters to skeptics—bringing a fresh voice to complex issues like human-wildlife conflict, economic equity in conservation, and the often-misunderstood role of sustainable use. My goal is to promote dialogue, shift perceptions, and help ensure that both wildlife and rural communities can thrive.

A non-hunter shares her eye-opening experiences on a hunting safari and invites readers to reconsider what it will take to save Africa’s wildlife. Waking to her husband’s alarmed whisper, “Honey, get ready to run” was never in Sue Tidwell’s 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 hunting’s role in American conservation. Still, the idea of hunting Africa’s exotic animals was deeply troubling. Aren’t many species endangered? Isn’t photo-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 Sue’s curiosity sheds light on the struggles and complexities facing the people and wildlife of rural Africa. Whether an animal lover, conservationist, wanderer, adventurer, or human rights advocate, her unexpected odyssey will arm readers with the awareness necessary to sustainably protect Africa’s spectacular animals. Only then will the beastly cries of the savanna forever remain a part of the wild.

Book Description: A non-hunters safari adventure awakens her to hard truths, inviting us to reconsider what it will take to save Africa’s wildlife. Waking to “Honey, get ready to run” and lying petrified as the cries of lions and hyenas cut through her tent walls was never in Sue Tidwell’s vision of Africa. Nor was staying in a primitive encampment in a remote stretch of the Tanzanian bush. Enchanted by African wildlife, she certainly never dreamt of being an observer on a hunting safari. Yet, that was where she found herself. Growing up in a family where venison was a part of her diet, she understood hunting’s role in American conservation. Still, she questioned the value of hunting some of the world’s most beloved animals. Aren’t many African species endangered? With poaching such an issue, does well-managed hunting make things worse? Isn’t photo-tourism a better way to protect lions and elephants? Her journey not only answered these questions and many more, it fueled a passion the opposite of what she expected: “Africa—its spectacular animals, humble people, and unforgiving lands—captured my soul and lit a fire in my gut. It was a journey. An awakening.” Through stories of laughter, tragedy, and wonder, readers will be immersed in adventures that shed light on the struggles facing the people and wildlife of bush Africa. Whether an animal lover, conservationist, wanderer, adventure enthusiast, or human rights advocate, the captivating journey will arm readers with the awareness necessary for Saving Africa’s Wildlife, Whatever It Takes. Only then will the beastly cries of Africa forever remain a part of the wild.