“Reading is like travel, allowing you to exit your own life for a bit, and to come back with a renewed, even inspired, perspective.” ― Laurie Helgoe
Africa is full of inspiration for writers – from its often violent history to its heroic transformations, and beautiful scenery. The continent provides a perfect backdrop to tales of struggle, triumph, and hope.
Unsurprisingly, there are countless African books to read before traveling through the continent – all featuring irresistible settings and protagonists (real and fictionalised). Be it a heart wrenching biography, immersive non-fiction or an eye-opening historical, there are plenty of literary page turners that will add a fresh perspective to your travels.
If you’re planning an African overland tour then getting to know the continent through the eyes of its storytellers will make your adventure more rewarding. A visit to Robben Island will be a much richer if you’ve read Nelson Mandela’s A Long Walk to Freedom. As would a Botswana Safari after reading Whatever You Do, Don’t Run by Peter Allison.
Africa has no shortage of inspiring books. But, here are our favorite books about Africa that you need to read before you travel:
8. The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild, by Lawrence Anthony
The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony is a must read for conservation travelers. Published in 2009, this heart-warming bestseller tells the story of a herd of rogue’ elephants in South Africa who were destined to be culled.
Set against the background of life on the Thula Thula game reserve, the Elephant Whisperer is an extraordinary book about a man’s battle to save the herd from execution. In the years that followed, Lawrence Anthony became a part of the herd and came to realise that the elephants had a lot to teach him about loyalty.
When he passed away in 2012 the elephants – two herds of them – came to mourn him. Walking for 12 hours through the bush to his house and standing vigil there for two days.
“But perhaps the most important lesson I learned is that there are no walls between humans and the elephants except those that we put up ourselves, and that until we allow not only elephants, but all living creatures their place in the sun, we can never be whole ourselves.” ― Lawrence Anthony, The Elephant Whisperer
7. Long Walk to Freedom, by Nelson Mandela
A list about inspiring African books would be incomplete without mentioning Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom – no matter how well known it is.
The story of Nelson Mandela’s life is a must-read before visiting South Africa. First published in 1994, the autobiography profiles his early life, coming of age, education, and the 27 years spent in prison. Since his release in 1990, Mandela had been at the center of the most compelling political drama in the world.
The world is no stranger to South Africa’s turbulent history. But, A Long Walk to Freedom gives travelers an intimate, first-hand account of the political atrocities and triumphs that took place in one of the darkest periods of African history.
“As I finally walked through those gates to enter a car on the other side, I felt — even at the age of seventy-one — that my life was beginning anew. My ten thousand days of imprisonment were over.” – Nelson Mandela
6. The River Between, by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s critically acclaimed novel opens onto a serene setting of two ridges separated by the valley of life. On the one side lived the members of Gikuyu who strongly believed in traditional practices. On the other side lived the members who had converted to Christianity.
As tension and struggle for power begins to arise, Waiyaki tries to unite the two villages. The River Between depicts Kenya in the eyes of a native, giving readers an intimate look into the cultural conflicts and confusion that rose as a result of colonisation.
“She had learnt the value of Christian submission, and she thought every other believer had the same attitude to life. Not that she questioned life. It had given her a man and in her own way she loved and cared for him. Her faith and belief in God were coupled with her fear for Joshua. But that was religion and it was the way things were ordered. However, one could still tell by her eyes that this was a religion learnt and accepted; inside the true Gikuyu woman was sleeping.” – Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, The River Between
5. Beasts of No Nation, by Uzodinma Iweala
Beasts of No Nation is the debut book by Nigerian-American writer and physician, Uzodinma Iweala. The critically acclaimed novel is a formation of his thesis work at Harvard, depicting the life of a child soldier in a war-torn African country.
The harrowing tale is told in first person by the child-protagonist, Agu who is caught up in an unnamed African war of relentless brutality. Agu, the child protagonist, tells the harrowing tale of an unnamed African war. Although his mother and sister are evacuated from his small village, Agu and his father are forced to join in the battle.
The novel was adapted to film in 2015 and went on to winning 32 awards. The film was shot in the jungles of Ghana during monsoon season and, although the book makes no reference to a specific country, sheds light on the struggles of child soldiers in West Africa.
“I’m walking walking walking to where the sun is setting. I’m looking at it and wanting to catch it in my hand and to be squeezing until color are dripping out from it forever. That way everywhere it is always dark and nobody is ever having to see any of the terrible thing that is happening in this world.” ― uzodinma iweala, Beasts of No Nation
From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From
Tour Length
43 days
Group Size
Max 28 - 30
Starts & Ends
Starts: Nairobi Ends: Cape Town
Countries
Kenya,
Tanzania,
Malawi,
Zambia,
Zimbabwe,
Botswana,
Namibia,
South Africa
Overview
An eclectic fusion of Eastern and Southern African highlights, this 42 day epic from Nairobi to Cape Town will offer you a taste of all things uniquely African! Your adventure kicks off in the North, watching thousands of wildebeest and zebra trample the plains of the Serengeti. Head to the coast as you bask on palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, camping beneath African skies. Let the road take you south as you experience the lush beauty of Botswana's waterways before reaching Namibia's desert dunes. Top it off by experiencing the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town and you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.
Nairobi to Cape Town Tour Epic Route (43 Days)
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Tour Length
20 days
Group Size
Max 20
Starts & Ends
Starts: Victoria Falls Ends: Nairobi
Countries
Zimbabwe,
Zambia,
Malawi,
Tanzania,
Kenya
Overview
Three weeks, five countries, one adventure. This rugged overland tour is your ticket to Africa’s most spectacular highlights. Feeling the heart-pounding thunder of Victoria Falls, the greatness of Lake Malawi, and the suspense of a nocturnal safari in the Serengeti, are all part of the itinerary. Top it off with three days of horizontal me-time on the paradise beaches of Zanzibar and now you’re really living.
Victoria Falls to Nairobi Tour (Comfort) (20 Days)
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Tour Length
14 days
Group Size
Max 20
Starts & Ends
Starts: Johannesburg Ends: Johannesburg
Countries
South Africa, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Mozambique
Overview
Bush breaks and beach escapes are at the front-and-centre on this 14-day trip across three countries - South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique.
The adventure kicks off with the chance to get your boots dirty on a three day Big Five escapade in the Kruger Park followed by a scenic drive through the legendary Panorama Route.
From then on, it’s all dense coconut plantations, ocean safaris, and bustling seaside villages in the Portuguese-influenced cities of Mozambique.
Mozambique & Kruger National Park Safari – 14 Days
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4. Nervous Conditions, by Tsitsi Dangarembga
This is probably my favorite book on this list and there are three reasons why. One, it was the first book published by a black woman from Zimbabwe in English. Two, It was one of the BBC’s top 100 books that changed the world in 2018. And, three, I just could not put it down.
Tsitsi Dangarembga’s debut novel is a semi-autobiographical coming of age story about a Shona woman growing up in colonial Rhodesia. The young protagonist, Tambu, struggles against the pervasiveness of gender inequality, colonialism, and the lack of opportunity that mark her world at the homestead.
“It’s bad enough . . . when a country gets colonized, but when the people do as well! That’s the end, really, that’s the end.” – Tsitsi Dangarembga, Nervous Conditions
From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From From
Tour Length
22 days
Group Size
Max 28 - 30
Starts & Ends
Starts: Cape Town Ends: Victoria Falls
Countries
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
Overview
Take a walk on the wild side with this 22-day journey that will introduce you to Southern Africa’s dramatic landscapes and legendary wildlife. Leave your footprints on the world's highest sand dunes in Namibia, wake up with elephants beside your tent in the Chobe wilderness, and seek out Africa’s most elusive predators in Etosha National Park. All this and more await you in the heart of Southern Africa.
Cape Town to Victoria Falls Tour Adventure (22 Days)
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Tour Length
20 days
Group Size
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Starts & Ends
Starts: Cape Town Ends: Victoria Falls
Countries
South Africa,
Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
Overview
Craving action and adventure? This 20 day expedition reads like a synopsis for the Amazing Race: scenic flights over the Okavango, white water rafting on the Zambezi, desert hikes, nights under a sprawling blanket of stars — and that’s just the start! We’ve also included wildlife safari drives in Etosha, San guided walks in Ghanzi, and a relaxing sunset river cruise on the Chobe River to give you the best chance of experiencing the diversity of Southern Africa.
Cape Town to Victoria Falls Tour (Comfort)
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Tour Length
16 days
Group Size
Max 12
Starts & Ends
Starts: Johannesburg Ends: Johannesburg
Countries
Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa
Overview
16 days, three countries, one epic journey. Your comfort overland safari is the perfect answer to Africa’s coveted call of the wild. Relish game watching with morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Big Five in the famous Kruger National Park, before continuing your journey through Zimbabwe and Botswana. With tons to explore and plenty of time to stretch you legs while white-water rafting, taking guided tours of the Zimbabwe Ruins, or getting horizontal while drifting down the waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari Explorer (Comfort) (16 Days)
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3. The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah
Lawyer and author, Petina Gappah tells a gripping tale of a young woman convicted of murdering her adopted father, Lloyd Hendricks. She is the first woman in more than 20 years to be sentenced to death. As part of her appeal, her lawyer insists that she write down what happened as she remembers it – her notes form the novel.
A tale about family, passion, learning, love and the unreliability of memory. The Book of Memory moves between the townships of the poor and the well-heeled suburbs of the rich, giving readers an intimate glimpse into the hardships of life as an albino woman living in Harare in the 70s.
“When we talk of fate, when we talk of a fatalistic vision of human experience, what we mean is that the most important forces that shape human lives are out of human control.” Petina Gappah, The Book of Memory
2. Coconut, by Kopano Matlwa
Understanding the history of South Africa is crucial before traveling. But, perhaps even more so is understanding its present. “Coconut” tells the story of two very different young black girls living in modern-day Johannesburg.
While it may be an easy read, the book exposes racism, lost culture, and colonized consciousness that almost every South African person of color has faced. And if you can’t relate to the incidents in the novel, then it’s a good place to start to understand the truths of so many we share spaces with.
“You are the backstage crew in the drama of their lives. If they need you, they do not know it and do not care. Open your eyes.” ― Kopano Matlwa, Coconut
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Tour Length
20 days
Group Size
Max 20
Starts & Ends
Starts: Johannesburg Ends: Cape Town
Countries
South Africa,
Lesotho, Eswatini (Formerly Swaziland)
Overview
Tour of South Africa South (Comfort) (20 Days)
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Tour Length
14 days
Group Size
Max 12
Starts & Ends
Starts: Johannesburg Ends: Johannesburg
Countries
Mozambique, South Africa
Overview
This beach to bush safari ticks all the boxes of a dream African escape, including plenty of time spent on footprint-free shores and fantastic game viewing in the world-famous Kruger National Park. Leave the planning to the guides while you enjoy the undulating grasslands of the highveld, verdant mango and cashew nut plantations, and authentic local cuisine around blazing fireplaces. Get the best of both as you explore tropical waters while you snorkel, dive and fish and encounter the Big Five while exploring the African bush. This is how you travel Africa.
Mozambique & Kruger Safari Comfort/ Inclusive
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Tour Length
5 days
Group Size
Max 17
Starts & Ends
Starts: Johannesburg Ends: Johannesburg
Countries
South Africa
Overview
Calling all intrepid adventurers! If you’re looking for a hands-on African adventure, this is it. Wildlife, wilderness, and wow-worthy campouts are at the forefront of this classic safari. This trip takes you straight into the heart of Kruger where you’ll get to experience story-book Africa. Surreal nature walks and night time game drives introduce you to scenes that will blow your mind, as you pause at waterholes and stunning viewpoints, to catch a glimpse at Africa’s iconic species in action.
5 Day Kruger Safari on a Budget (Inclusive) Comfort
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1. The Cape Town Book: A Guide to the City’s History, People and Places, by Nechama Brodie
From geology and beaches to forced removals and hip-hop, The Cape Town book is an essential read before visiting the Mother City. Nechama Brodie walks readers through the 100 000-year history of South Africa’s oldest city, far beyond Jan van Riebeeck’s arrival in 1652.
Although it’s a slim read, The Cape Town Book traces the origins and expansion of Cape Town, providing a fresh perspective on marginalised communities.
On the travel front, the book also features advice and information on places to visit beyond Table Mountain.
African travel guide books
In today’s online world travel guides are compressed into 1000 word long articles. While these snippets of information are definitely helpful when planning your travels, they can feel impersonal and uninspiring.
If you’re the kind of person that loves the smells of ink on paper, here are a few African travel guidebooks will get you pumped for your overland adventure.
Africa Overland: 4×4 Motorbike, Bicycle, Truck – Sian Pritchard-Jones & Bob Gibbons
Sahara Overland: A Route and Planning Guide – Chris Scott
East & Southern Africa: The Backpacker’s Manual – Philip Briggs
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