ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Five great books to read to inspire you to travel Africa

Susan Veldman

Author: Susan Veldman

Published: 27 September 2016

Last Update: 30 January 2024

The continent of Africa really has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries and in turn this has given the world a wealth of literature to devour on the subject.

From extensive guide books to harrowing tales of tragedy, romance, fortune and misfortune. Africa really is a place of stark contrast and majestic beauty. Here are 5 books to inspire an African adventure.

Gorillas in the mist – Dian Fossey

This pivotal story based on research conducted in the remote jungles of Rwanda on the subject of gorillas has become one of the most famed and beloved story on Africa. Hence it was also turned into a popular feature film starring Sigourney Weaver.  

Today the book serves as a testament to the long running field study of gorillas in Rwanda and the life and times of the late Dian Fossey and her dedication to gorilla conservation in the region. Visit this website for more information.

Five great books to read to inspire you to travel Africa

Green hills of Africa – Ernest Hemingway

This poetic account of a month spent in East Africa hunting with none other than Ernest Hemingway is said to be a great record of what life was like exploring the continent in the 1930’s.

The book is an ode to Hemingway’s infatuation with big game hunting as well as a fascinating depiction of man’s meddling nature when it comes to wildlife and the outdoors.

Ernest Hemingway is widely considered to be one of the most well-known contemporary writers of that era. For a more extensive review of Green hills of Africa click here.

Five great books to read to inspire you to travel Africa

Tanzania Lonely Planet –   Mary Fitzpatrick

Tanzania has a world to explore from the bustling streets Dar es Salaam to the tranquil beaches of Zanzibar and the amazing world of wildlife in Serengeti, not to mention hiking up Africa’s biggest mountain range Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania really is a world to explore and Lonely Planet has you covered with what to miss and what to relish in. Visit this website here for more information.

Five great books to read to inspire you to travel Africa

Low way down -Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman

This book was inspired by the popular TV series with the same name where actor Ewan McGregor and travel writer and TV personality Charley Boorman travel on motorbikes from John o’ Groats in Scotland to Cape Town in South Africa.

It’s also a follow up to trip entitled the Long Way Round where the same pair travelled from London to New York traversing through Eurasia and North America. Visit this webpage for images from the trip.

Dark Star Safari – Paul Theroux

This trip which saw author Paul Theroux travel from Cairo to Cape Town overland via any means of transport possible was inspired by Theroux’s work he did in Africa as a member of the Peace Corps. This time round his trip was largely inspired by researching the impact aid has on Africa.

The book was published in 2003 and is believed to be a critical assessment of how aid is distributed to people in need on the African continent.  Read this webpage for a more extensive review.

Five great books to read to inspire you to travel Africa


What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
A dream trip to Africa
We thought we would only do this once, but their services proved...

15 Day Southern Africa Safari Trip Review

Mike B, United States
28 Aug 2024
Adelle Bell is a true professional!
Very efficient service to get us on safari in a wonderful reserve.

Eastern Cape Safari Review

David, United Kingdom
16 Mar 2018
Very nice Etosha holiday, thanks to Discover Africa Safaris!

Etosha National Park Safari Review

Wasén, Sweden
01 Dec 2017
Megan and Andre rocks! thank you so much.

Review of African Safari

Charlene and Ryan, United States
01 Jan 2013