Recommended reading for an African holiday and safari

If you're off on your holidays to Africa, here are some of our top reads to get you in the mood for your travels...

Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela

If you are visiting South Africa, we recommend you read Long Walk to Freedom. This autobiography delivers a personal account of Mandelas life, providing the reader with a true understanding of the times he has lived through and the war he waged for freedom.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 travellers 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.

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 travelled as a tourist to Africa then decided to leave her old life and live permanently in tumultuous Zimbabwe to work with elephants on land bordering Hwange National Park.

In the Kingdom of Gorillas: The Quest to Save Rwanda's Mountain Gorillas - Bill Weber

If you are visiting Rwanda, we recommend you read In the Kingdom of Gorillas: The Quest to Save Rwanda's Mountain Gorillas. This book introduces readers to entire families of gorillas, perfect if you are taking part in gorilla trekking in Rwanda.