Travel Tips

Books to Read Before You Go on an African Safari

By Liane Goldring Published July 10, 2013

From the rich history of South Africa to the mesmerizing wildlife of East Africa, these books are the perfect in-flight companions to set the mood for your African adventure. These hand-picked titles promise to whisk you away into the landscapes, history, and heartbeats of Africa.

Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela

If you are visiting South Africa, we recommend you read Long Walk to Freedom.

Delve into Mandela's personal account of his relentless struggle for freedom. From his imprisonment on Robben Island to his remarkable journey to freedom and inauguration as President.

Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela (Image courtesy of Abacus Publishing)

A Short History of South Africa - Gail Nattrass

If you are visiting South Africa, we recommend you read A Short History of South Africa.

This book provides a brief, general account of the history of the most complicated and fascinating country of South Africa as well as the prospects and challenges for the future.

A Short History of South Africa - Gail Nattrass (Image courtesy of Biteback Publishing)

Wildlife of East Africa - Martin Withers & David Hosking

If you are visiting East Africa (Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia or Zimbabwe), we recommend you read Wildlife of East Africa.

This is a concise yet informative and visually breathtaking field guide. It features full-colour photos of 475 common species of animals and flowers found in East Africa.

Wildlife of East Africa - Martin Withers & David Hosking (Image courtesy of Princeton University Press)

Love, Life, and Elephants - Dame Daphne Sheldrick

If you are visiting Kenya, we recommend you read Love, Life and Elephants.

A touching memoir of Dame Daphne Sheldrick, a renowned conservationist who dedicated her life to rescuing orphaned elephants in Kenya. Her story intertwines her journey with her passionate efforts to protect Africa's wildlife.

Cry of the Kalahari - Mark & Delia Owens

If you are visiting the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, we recommend you read Cry of the Kalahari.

This is a true story of two young Americans who lived in the Kalahari Desert for seven years in an unexplored area with no roads or people.

Cry of the Kalahari - Mark & Delia Owens (Image courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Publishing)

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - Bryan Mealer and William Kamkwamba

If you are visiting Malawi, we recommend you read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

This heartfelt story is about a young boy from Malawi who is thrown out of the school he loves when his family can no longer afford the fees. This is his story of how he found a way to make a difference and how he brought light to his family and village. This true story has also been made into a Netflix Original movie.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - Bryan Mealer and William Kamkwamba (Image courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers)

A Drink of Dry Land : Journeys through Namibia - Chris Marais

If you are visiting Namibia, we recommend you read A Drink of Dry Land: Journeys through Namibia.

This book follows the adventures of two journalists over a two-month 4x4 trip across Namibia from the Kalahari to the Skeleton Coast to Swakopmund, Etosha and beyond.

A Drink of Dry Land : Journeys through Namibia - Chris Marais (Image courtesy of Struik Travel & Heritage Publishers)

Into Africa - Frans Lanting

If you're going on a photographic safari, we recommend you read Into Africa.

Heading on a photographic safari? Take a look at "Into Africa" by renowned National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting. It's a masterclass in capturing Africa's landscapes and wildlife, offering both inspiration and technique. A must-read before your adventure.

Wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (Travellers Guide) - David Hosking and Martin Withers

If you are visiting Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda, we recommend you read Wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (Travellers Guide).

This traveler's guide is the perfect companion for the safari enthusiast. It is the ultimate guide to the wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda featuring 475 species of bird, mammal, snake, lizard, insect and tree. A must-have for all those visiting the game reserves in one of these East African countries.

Wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (Travellers Guide) - David Hosking and Martin Withers (Image courtesy of Collins Publishing)

The Elephants and I: Pursuing a Dream in Troubled Zimbabwe - Sharon Pincott

If you are visiting Zimbabwe, we recommend you read The Elephants and I: Pursuing a Dream in Troubled Zimbabwe.

This is a true story about an Australian woman who traveled as a tourist to Africa and then decided to leave her old life and live permanently in tumultuous Zimbabwe to work with elephants on land bordering Hwange National Park.