Description
In 1901, 14-year-old Cornelius Engelbrecht and his coloured friend trekked on a wagon train from Lydenburg, South Africa, to Gatooma, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). The events of that journey were thrilling, sometimes horrifying. His memories are vivid and he shares them with his son, Jan, under the family’s large mango tree.
While growing up, Jan forms a deep and lasting friendship with Runako, whose father, Wilson, works on the small farm where he teaches both boys bush lore. They enjoy many adventures together, and Jan is drawn increasingly to his life’s purpose — to protect animals from poachers and villagers from rogue animals, while Runako moves towards the liberation of Rhodesia.
Jan and his legendary dog, Spike, along with his faithful companion Humpy, accompany him on expeditions throughout the Zambezi Valley that are both exciting and often life-threatening.