If you can’t get out to Africa soon, then armchair travel is the next best thing. Why not treat a loved one, friend, or yourself to a book this festive season about this awe-inspiring continent and be transported to Africa’s vibrant landscapes and captivating stories – all from the comfort of a favourite reading nook
And who better to ask for book recommendations about Africa than the people who go? We all love a good read, and the Expert Africa team have suggested some of our favourite books about Africa – from laugh-out-loud safari tales to heartwarming classics and breathtaking adventures.
Light and Fun Reads: Safari Adventures with a Side of Laughter
From hilarious safari mishaps to heartwarming encounters with local cultures, these books will make you feel like you’re sitting around the campfire listening to unbelievable but true stories from larger-than-life characters.
Shambolic: A Safari Life by Ben Forbes
Step into the unpredictable world of Ben Forbes, a safari guide with a knack for finding himself in hilarious predicaments.
This laugh-out-loud memoir brings the African bush to life, complete with chaotic adventures, quirky animals, and cultural misunderstandings.
Forbes’ wit and self-deprecating humour shine through as he navigates the unpredictable terrain of both the savannah and his own life choices.
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DON’T RUN, Whatever You Do: My Adventures as a Safari Guide by Peter Allison
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a safari guide (spoiler alert: it’s not all khaki shorts and binoculars), this book is the ticket.
Peter Allison’s collection of hair-raising and hilarious anecdotes from his time guiding in Botswana will have you laughing out loud and maybe reconsidering your career choices. His storytelling talents bring the African bush to life, complete with its sights, sounds, and (not always pleasant) smells.
Also known as “Whatever you do, don’t run”, Find it on:
Also check out Peter Allison’s companion to this book: “Don’t look behind you, but…: Tales from an African safari guide“
Botswana Time by Will Randall
Imagine “Eat, Pray, Love” but with elephants and dusty savannahs. Will Randall recounts his adventures teaching in Botswana with humour and heart in this charming fish-out-of-water tale.
Randall’s warm and witty observations about life in Botswana is a delightful armchair travel experience and will transport you to a world where time moves at its own pace.
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Swahili for the Broken-Hearted: Cape Town to Cairo by Any Means Possible by Peter Moore
How do you mend a broken heart? Well, travel across Africa of course! Peter Moore’s journey from Cape Town to Cairo is a lovely and laugh-out-loud thrill – part comedy, part adventure, and all heart.
His witty narrative takes you on a bumpy ride across the continent, using whatever transport he can find, from rickety buses to temperamental camels.
This book is more than just a travelogue; it’s a heartfelt exploration of African cultures, landscapes, and the healing power of travel, served with a generous splash of humour and mishaps.
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Africa is Not a Country: Breaking Stereotypes of Modern Africa by Dipo Faloyin
Dipo Faloyin’s insightful and often humorous book is a wonderful and light-hearted read to better understand modern Africa. Faloyin takes you on a journey through history, politics, and pop culture, revealing an Africa that’s far more complex and fascinating than many Western narratives suggest.
It’s an eye-opener, blending personal anecdotes, historical facts, and cultural insights to paint a vibrant picture of contemporary African life.
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Adventures and Expeditions: For the Armchair Explorer
Dreaming of wild places and thrilling journeys? These books offer awe-inspiring adventures and unforgettable encounters.
Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens
“Cry of the Kalahari” is a must-read for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Mark and Delia Owens’ passion for the natural world is infectious. Their account of their years studying wildlife in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert is a beautiful blend of scientific observation and personal adventure.
This book offers intimate portraits of African wildlife, from lions to brown hyenas, and highlights the challenges of conservation in one of the world’s last great wildernesses – and will inspire you to visit in person!
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A Primate’s Memoir: Love, Death and Baboons by Robert M. Sapolsky
“I had never planned to become a savanna baboon when I grew up; instead I had always assumed I would become a mountain gorilla…”
Sapolsky’s account of his years studying baboons in Kenya is filled with humour, insight, and poignant observations about both animal and human societies. His keen observations of both baboon and human behaviour make for fascinating reading, while his adventures – from a surreal kidnapping to navigating the complexities of Kenyan bureaucracy – keep pages turning.
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No Picnic on Mount Kenya by Felice Benuzzi
Forget “The Great Escape”. Here’s a World War 2 POW camp escape that sounds more fiction than fact.
This is the true story of how three Italian prisoners of war, interned in a camp in Kenya, chose to escape the boredom of camp life to climb Mt Kenya – with meagre provisions, no support and little idea of what was in store. More improbably, they survived, and then broke back into their POW camp, much to the surprise of the British camp commandant.
Gripping, engaging and full of dry humour, this story is a testament to the human spirit and the incredible allure of Africa’s landscapes.
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On a More Serious Note: Diving Deep into African History
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial to chew on, Africa has a rich history that is often little known and overlooked. Here are two books that do a great job of highlighting the continent’s incredible and complex history.
Africa: A Biography of the Continent by John Reader
John Reader’s “Africa: A Biography of the Continent” is a monumental work that offers a sweeping overview of African history from the dawn of human evolution to the challenges of the modern era.
Although originally published back in 1998, and not as current as some other books, this still provides a comprehensive look at the geological, climatological, and human forces that have shaped Africa over millions of years.
This isn’t a dry history text; Reader’s engaging writing brings to life millions of years of African history, weaving together science, anthropology, and storytelling, challenging many Western misconceptions about Africa and offering a nuanced and often surprising perspective on the continent’s role in world history.
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Into Africa: A Journey Through the Ancient Empires by Marq de Villiers and Sheila Hirtle
This remarkable book takes readers on a fascinating expedition through the heart of Africa, exploring its ancient empires and vibrant cultures – with a focus on Africa’s rich pre-colonial history.
From the Nile Valley civilisations to the grandeur of the Mali Empire, the authors vividly describe the diverse and dynamic history of this continent. De Villiers and Hirtle travel through time and across the continent, weaving together tales of emperors, traders, and explorers in a way that feels part travelogue, part historical epic.
Published in 1997 and now sadly out of print, it’s still worth a read if you can find a second-hand copy!
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The Classics: Timeless Tales of Africa
Some stories stand the test of time, and we’d be amiss not mentioning some here. These books have earned their place in the pantheon of great and inspiring literature about Africa, offering timeless insights into the continent’s beauty, challenges, and enduring spirit.
I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallmann
Kuki Gallmann’s memoir is a love letter to Kenya, chronicling her life from her arrival as a young Italian bride to her transformation into a passionate conservationist.
This deeply moving book captures the beauty and brutality of life in Africa, as Gallmann faces personal tragedies against the backdrop of Kenya’s wild landscapes. Her lovely writing style and deep connection to the land make this book a powerful read – and will make you feel the romance of Africa.
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Out of Africa by Karen Blixen
Karen Blixen’s classic memoir “Out of Africa” is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers nearly a century after its first publication. Writing under the pen name Isak Dinesen, Blixen recounts her years running a coffee plantation in Kenya in the early 20th century.
This isn’t just a story about farming in Africa; it’s a meditation on love, loss, and the complex relationship between European settlers and native Africans. Blixen’s elegant phrasing paints a vivid picture of colonial Kenya, from the majestic Ngong Hills to the colourful characters who populated her world.
And as a bonus, the movie adaptation is an excellent choice for a relaxing watch on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day.
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Born Free by Joy Adamson
Joy Adamson’s “Born Free” is a heartwarming tale that animal lovers of all ages will adore. This true story of Elsa the lioness, who Adamson and her husband raised and then released back into the wild, is a classic for good reason.
Adamson’s account of raising Elsa from a cub to a self-sufficient adult is entertaining and educational. Her descriptions of Elsa’s antics will have you chuckling, while her observations about lion behaviour offer fascinating insights into these magnificent creatures.
But “Born Free” is more than just a cute animal story. It’s a pioneering work of conservation literature that helped change how we think about wildlife. Adamson’s famous quote, “Since we humans have the better brain, isn’t it our responsibility to protect our fellow creatures from, oddly enough, ourselves?” captures the book’s message of respect and stewardship for the natural world.
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Crime and Fiction: Mysteries Under the African Sun
For those who like their festive reads with a side of intrigue, these African-set mysteries are just the ticket.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
The first in Alexander McCall Smith’s beloved series introduces us to Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s premier (and only) lady detective, whose wit is as sharp as her intuition. This fresh take on a classic genre makes for a wonderful read, blending gentle mystery with insights into Botswana’s people and culture, creating a world that’s both exotic and comfortingly familiar.
It’s the perfect read if who prefer your whodunits with a hefty dose of heart and humour, while you can almost feel the African sun on your skin when you’re in the thick of the action right alongside Precious.
And the best part is that there are 25 books in the series – so there are plenty of cosy adventures to enjoy!
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The Honey Guide by Richard Crompton
Taking a more serious tone, Richard Crompton’s “The Honey Guide” is a gripping thriller that will transport you to the bustling streets of Nairobi. Meet Mollel, a Maasai warrior turned detective, navigating a complex web of politics, tribalism, and murder.
If you like your mysteries dark, complex, and culturally rich, you’ll love this.
Crompton’s vivid descriptions of Kenya’s capital and its cast of characters makes this more than just a crime novel – it’s a window into contemporary Kenyan society. “The Honey Guide” is perfect if you’re ready to trade in your Scandi noir for something equally compelling but with a lot more sunshine.
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For the Kids: Igniting Young Imaginations
And there’s also some great options for younger readers. What better way to spark a child’s imagination than with stories that introduce them to the wonders of Africa? These books are perfect for cultivating curiosity about Africa’s cultures, wildlife, and landscapes.
The Ugly Five by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
From the creators of the classic children’s story The Gruffalo, step into the savannah with Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s delightful twist on African wildlife! “The Ugly Five” introduces young readers to some of Africa’s most under-appreciated animals: the wildebeest, warthog, vulture, hyena, and marabou stork.
With Donaldson’s signature rhyming text and Scheffler’s charming illustrations, this book celebrates the beauty of being different. Ideal for young readers aged 3 to 5, this is also a perfect bedtime story book for younger children – though be prepared to try and sing while making up voices for each animal!
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African Savannah (Expedition Diaries) by Simon Chapman
Embark on a thrilling journey through the African savannah with Simon Chapman’s “African Savannah”. This book, based on Chapman’s real-life diaries and experiences, is part of the Expedition Diaries series, and offers young readers a front-row seat to an exciting safari adventure – with a focus on Botswana and Namibia.
Through vivid descriptions and detailed illustrations, Chapman brings the sights, sounds, and even smells of the savannah to life, all while in search of a black rhino.
This is ideal for children aged 6 to 8, though don’t be surprised if it leads to an outbreak of wanderlust!
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Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country by Atinuke
Take a grand tour of the African continent with Atinuke. This book offers a colourful and engaging overview of Africa’s countries, celebrating the incredible diversity of the continent.
This is ideal for younger children of between 4 and 6 years old, with colourful illustrations and short, easy to read text.
And with just one country per page, it’s easy to pick just a few countries to read to the kids at a time!
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