Discover Africa
Africa rewards travelers who arrive with curiosity. Across this vast and varied continent, ancient traditions, thriving cities, extraordinary wildlife, and dramatic landscapes exist side by side. Watch great herds move across Tanzania’s Serengeti, stand above Cape Town from the summit of Table Mountain, or drift through Botswana’s Okavango Delta as elephants gather along the water’s edge. Farther north, the Sahara stretches beyond the horizon, while the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela reveal centuries of faith and human ingenuity.
Yet Africa’s most memorable experiences are often found beyond its most famous sights. They emerge in the markets of Marrakech, in the music-filled streets of Dakar, over a shared meal in Ghana, or amid the restless energy of Lagos. Travelers might explore the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, feel the spray of Victoria Falls, or swim among coral reefs off Zanzibar. Every country offers its own histories, languages, flavors, and ways of seeing the world. Africa is not a single story or a single journey, but a continent of remarkable contrasts—one that invites deeper understanding and leaves travelers changed long after they return home.
South Africa
Morocco
On Safari
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Africa
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Africa
Out of Africa, by Karen Blixen
Out of Africa, a memoir by Danish author Karen Blixen (published under the pen name Isak Dinesen), vividly recounts her experiences on a Kenyan coffee plantation during the waning days of the British Empire. Praised for its lyrical prose and nuanced portrayal of African culture, the book offers a respectful and insightful view of the local people and celebrates the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. Blixen's evocative storytelling captivated readers worldwide, leading to a critically acclaimed film adaptation in 1985. Directed by Sydney Pollack, the movie starred Meryl Streep as Blixen and Robert Redford as her lover, Denys Finch Hatton, and went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Lonely Planet Africa
If travelers are planning a trip to Africa and feeling uncertain about logistics, Lonely Planet is the guidebook to be trusted. The continent presents unique challenges—from navigating shared taxi systems and understanding visa-on-arrival procedures to knowing which antimalarials to take and how to handle requests for bribes at checkpoints. What sets these guides apart is that their writers spend serious time on the ground, offering practical insights like which Nairobi neighborhoods are safe after dark, what a fair price is for a dhow trip in Zanzibar, or where to find the best jollof rice in Accra. They publish separate guides for most African countries, which means travelers get focused, relevant information rather than generic continent-wide advice.
Dark Star Safari, by Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux's masterful travelogue, Dark Star Safari, reflects his deep connection with Africa, rooted in his Peace Corps experience. Widely considered one of his best works, the book showcases Theroux's perceptive observations and engaging storytelling. His vivid descriptions and insightful reflections both enlighten and entertain, cementing his status as a top-tier travel writer. Dark Star Safari blends personal experience with cultural exploration, offering readers a rich, nuanced portrait of Africa that few others could capture. Click here to see our full review of Dark Star Safari.
Green Hills of Africa, by Ernest Hemingway
Green Hills of Africa, Ernest Hemingway's lesser-known travelogue, offers a vivid account of his big-game hunting safari in East Africa. While not as celebrated as his novels like The Sun Also Rises or The Old Man and the Sea, this work provides invaluable insight into the legendary author's psyche and the allure of trophy hunting. Hemingway's crisp prose, a hallmark of his contribution to travel writing, brings the savannah to life, allowing readers to experience the thrill of the hunt and the raw beauty of the African landscape. Through his unflinching observations and reflections, the book serves as a window into both Hemingway's complex personality and the controversial world of big game hunting.
Bradt Travel Guides
Another way to discover Africa's hidden wonders is with the unrivaled Bradt Travel Guide series. This gem among travel companions excels in illuminating lesser-known treasures. For intrepid souls exploring off-beaten paths, Bradt often provides the only comprehensive guide to enigmatic locales. Each page brims with insights from passionate experts. While this boutique publisher updates less frequently than larger rivals, its quality shines through. Remember to check your guide's publication date – even timeless Africa evolves.
A Long Way Down, by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman
Long Way Down chronicles the epic motorcycle odyssey of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, two friends better known for their work in film and television. In 2007, the pair traversed Europe and Africa, starting from the rugged landscapes of Scotland. This travelogue serves as a sequel to their 2004 adventure detailed in Long Way Round, where the duo covered over 20,000 miles from London to New York. Written in an engaging, conversational style, the book offers readers an entertaining blend of humor and excitement, giving fans a glimpse into their off-screen camaraderie and shared passion for adventure. See our full book review by clicking here.
Love your local bookstore? Buy through our Travelreads Bookshop.org store and help keep independent bookstores thriving in your community!
