* ‘Memoirs of a Real Crocodile Hunter’ blend adrenaline, humour, and raw survival — capturing the untamed spirit of the wild
* Available internationally through Amazon, Waterstones, Blackwell’s, and ThriftBooks, which “has been well-received in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia
* Over the years, I have honed my skills tracking dangerous game, from the cunning crocodiles of the Shire River to the formidable buffalo lurking in the bush
* For over 10 years, Bartlett has worked closely with the Department of National Parks & Wildlife to help rural communities deal with problem animals
By Duncan Mlanjira
Malawian wild game hunter, Ian Bartlett, has written a book entitled; ‘Memoirs of a Real Crocodile Hunter’, in which he chronicles his experiences he has in dealing with problem animals that threaten people’s livelihoods.
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In an interview, Bartlet, who had been posting his crocodile hunting on his Facebook account, decided to put his experiences in the wild in book form having worked closely with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for over 10 years to help rural communities deal with problem animals — from crocodiles and hyenas to buffaloes that threatened lives and livelihoods.
Now based in the United Kingdom, the seasoned professional crocodile hunter, adventurer, and storyteller with a lifetime of experience in the African wilderness, says he developed a deep connection with nature and hunting from an early age.
“Over the years, I have honed my skills tracking dangerous game, from the cunning crocodiles of the Shire River to the formidable buffalo lurking in the bush,” he says. “My stories blend adrenaline, humour, and raw survival, capturing the untamed spirit of the wild.
He emphasises that his adventures in ‘Memoirs of a Real Crocodile Hunter’ are “filled with thrilling encounters, hard-earned wisdom, and the untold realities of life as a hunter in Africa”.
“I responded whenever National Parks called for help,” Bartlett recalls. “Sometimes it was a man-eating crocodile in the Shire River, sometimes hyenas attacking livestock, or buffaloes that had become aggressive — it was dangerous work, but it had to be done.”
When the hunter became the hunted; a decade of problem animal control
He recalls one incident in his the stories when one of a morning, he nearly lost his life to a crocodile along the Shire River whilst on duty assigned by Department of National Parks.
He has also worked alongside local community members to track the problematic crocodiles along the Lower Shire and other regions, tracking the removing problem animals that had attacked people or livestock.
“Hyenas were particularly challenging because they operated at night and learned quickly to avoid traps” he explains. “Buffaloes were powerful and unpredictable, capable of charging without warning. And crocodiles, silent and patient, often struck where villagers fetched water or washed clothes.
“You learn to read the bush. It’s not just about shooting — it’s about knowing when to act and when to stay back. Respect is key — for the people and for the animals.”
Telling Malawi’s story for the world
After years in the field, Bartlett said he decided to record his experiences through ‘Memoirs of a Real Crocodile Hunter’, which captures the challenges, the teamwork, and the quiet courage of the Malawian communities who live side by side with dangerous wildlife.
He says the book is now available internationally through Amazon, Waterstones, Blackwell’s, and ThriftBooks, which “has been well-received in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.
“Readers abroad have praised it for its honesty, vivid storytelling and insight into Malawi’s wildlife and culture. I’m humbled by how many people abroad are interested in Malawi’s story.
“The book is not just about me — it’s about the courage of our people and the beauty of our country,” says Bartlett, while encouraging a culture of storytelling on Malawian culture and experiences to market the country’s tourism industry.
He hopes his work will encourage more Malawians to write about their own experiences, saying: “Our stories are valuable. When Malawians write about Malawi, the world listens differently. We need to keep telling our own stories, in our own voices.”
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A life of service and gratitude
Looking back, Bartlett describes his years in the field as a time of purpose and learning, saying: “Working with the Department of National Parks taught me discipline and respect. Every operation was about protecting lives and helping people live safely alongside nature. I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity.”
Today, through his writing, Bartlett continues that service — bringing Malawi’s story to a global audience and reminding readers everywhere that the Warm Heart of Africa beats strongest in its people.
To discover more on his book, interested enthusiasts of nature and storytelling are encouraged to visit his website: www.therealcrocodilehunter.com to “step into the untamed world of Africa’s rivers and marshes [and] to discover true stories of survival, danger, and adventure — where humans and crocodiles meet in a clash as old as time”.
“’Memoirs of a Real Crocodile Hunter’ is available in print and audiobook. Join me as I share my rare journey in one of the world’s most dangerous and extraordinary professions.”
On his part, former Licensing & Permits Officer, Alphius Lupiya said during his four decades as an employee for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), he had engagements with many people of diverse backgrounds and interests and among them were individuals who, in one way or another, became involved in his duty as a supervisor for problem animal control.
“It was in this role that I came to know Ian Bartlett,” he said. “The DNPW has long established laws and regulations governing both the sustainable use of wildlife and the control of problem animals.
“In particular, the National Parks and Wildlife Act (Cap. 66:07, as amended in 2004) provides the legal framework under which all forms of hunting are regulated. Professional crocodile hunting, during my tenure, was a recognised and licensed activity, carried out under strict provisions of this Act and under direct supervision of DNPW officers.”
He added that as a Licensing & Permits Officer — alongside his responsibilities for supervising and training staff — he was directly responsible for administering this system and it was in this official capacity that he encountered Bartlett.
“From the outset, he impressed me with his seriousness of purpose, his preparedness, and his commitment to operating within the law. Over time, I came to regard him as one of the few hunters who could truly be called professional in both skill and conduct.
“Malawi, like much of Africa, has long faced serious conflicts between people and wildlife. Crocodiles in particular have attacked villagers, destroyed livestock, and disrupted lives along the riverbanks.
“While DNPW has the mandate to respond, the Department’s resources have always been limited — restricted budgets, lack of equipment, and the sheer scale of demand often outstripped our capacity. In those critical moments, we relied on professional crocodile hunters to step in as partners, taking on dangerous tasks that directly protected communities.”
“Today, such hunting is far less common, owing to habitat loss, overfishing, and the increasing presence of human settlements along rivers. Yet the importance of addressing human-wildlife conflict remains as urgent as ever.
“My own career has since moved into a different field — I now work as a consultant in carbon markets and climate finance — yet I will always look back on my years at DNPW, and my work with professional crocodile hunters, with a sense of pride. Among those experiences, my association with Ian Bartlett stands out.
“I strongly recommend this memoir as an authentic and invaluable record of a remarkable chapter in Malawi’s wildlife history, written by a man whose work was carried out under law, and in service of communities facing the daily realities of living alongside dangerous animals.
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