a WALK on the WILD side
Walking Wild
- A journey across Kruger’s wild heart: Follow José Neves as he walks 605 kilometres from Crooks’ Corner in the north to Malelane in the south — the full length of South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park.
- More than a hike — an odyssey: Six stages, three years, one unforgettable adventure through heat, storms, and the untamed beauty of the African wilderness.
- Life on foot, up close with nature: From elephant encounters to the tiniest antlion traps, Walking Wild captures the raw detail of what it means to truly live in the wild — one step at a time.
- Stories of grit, humour, and camaraderie: A diverse group of hikers learns about survival, trust, and the art of finding joy (and laughter) on the toughest of days.
- A celebration of wilderness and conservation: Equal parts travel memoir, adventure story, and love letter to Kruger, Walking Wild explores why protecting wild spaces still matters — and what they can teach us about ourselves.
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Walking Wild
Hiking the length of Kruger National Park
by José A Neves
Walking Wild is not your typical safari – no game drives, no cool sundowners and definitely no fences. Instead, it’s 605 km of dust, sweat and unforgettable moments as an unlikely group of strangers sets out to walk the entire length of Kruger National Park.
Over six stages and three years, they walked from Crooks’ Corner in the far north to Malelane in the south, averaging 20 km a day with heavy backpacks and only the wild for company. Led by two armed guides, they braved blistering heat and violent storms. At night, as hyenas nosed their tents and lionesses strolled right through camp, some slept soundly – others lay wide-eyed, waiting for dawn.
They drank from murky trickles in dry riverbeds, navigated thick riverine bush teeming with hippo, buffalo and crocodiles, and slowly learnt to read the bush – from the smallest antlion to the distant roar of a lion.
But Kruger’s wilderness is not without its challenges. Poachers – both criminal syndicates and those in search of bushmeat – move in the shadows, rivers bring pollution from beyond its borders, and conservation battles rage on.
Walking Wild captures the magic and the madness of life on foot in one of the world’s most iconic national parks. It’s a story of adventure, camaraderie and deep immersion in the wild – a journey that leaves no one unchanged.
Walking Wild is a testament to resilience, discovery and the deep connection between people and nature. If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing Kruger beyond the safari vehicle, this book is your ticket to the trail.
SANParks Honorary Rangers
The Kruger Trail exists thanks to the vision and dedication of the SANParks Honorary Rangers — a volunteer organisation supporting conservation across South Africa’s national parks.
Their tireless work helps keep Kruger’s wild spaces protected and its legacy alive, from anti-poaching initiatives to making wilderness experiences like The Kruger Trail possible.
In recognition of their vital role, José Neves has committed half the proceeds from Walking Wild (South African sales) to the SANParks Honorary Rangers — ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the magic of Kruger on foot.
A significant portion of the profit from Walking Wild sales goes to the SANParks Honorary Rangers.
Reviews
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About the Author
- José Neves is an accomplished corporate executive, sportsman and father. A Nomads golfer and endurance athlete, which includes completing 10 Ironman events.
- José heard about the opportunity to hike the length of the world-famous Kruger National Park, and he felt compelled to accept the challenge.
José worked for 22 years in leadership positions within the Coca-Cola system in three southern African countries. He now consults on supply chain and logistics in the public health sector.
- José is currently working on his memoir – you can read more about that here.
Upcoming Events
Click the events for more info (link to event).
December 2025
- Stay tuned for updates
February 2026
- 3rd Feb • Victoria Park High School
- 4th Feb • Grey High School
- 5th Feb • Woodridge College
Book Talks,
Wild Tales & Beyond
From intimate book clubs to large corporate gatherings, José is available for a variety of speaking engagements that bring Walking Wild and the spirit of adventure to life.
His talks weave together humour, insight, and personal stories from his 605 km journey through Kruger National Park — a powerful reflection on perseverance, teamwork, and our connection to the natural world.
Whether your audience is passionate about conservation, curious about Kruger, or simply loves a good story, José’s talks inspire, entertain, and remind us why the wild still matters.
Available for:
• Author talks and readings (bookshops, libraries, and festivals)
• Corporate keynotes and motivational sessions
• Conservation and environmental events
• Tourism and adventure expos
• School and university presentations
• Literary and travel conferences
• Panel discussions and Q&A sessions
• Private events and bespoke storytelling evenings
To enquire about availability or to tailor an event to your audience, please get in touch via the contact form.
NEW BOOK alert
WORKING TITLE: A COKE KIND OF LIFE
From a childhood shaped by the strict world of Jehovah’s Witnesses to boardrooms, warzones, and wild frontiers across Africa and beyond, José Neves’ life has been anything but predictable.
His upcoming memoir traces an extraordinary journey — from losing his family and rebuilding from nothing, to running major corporate operations in Mozambique and Eswatini, surviving multiple near-death encounters, and navigating the pain, humour, and hope that come with starting over again and again.
Spanning three countries, political upheaval, brushes with danger, unexpected friendships, and a long road back to family, this is a story of resilience, identity, and the courage to walk your own path… no matter the cost.
Expected published:
2nd Quarter 2026
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