Anyway, here are a list of books, broken down into three categories, which we’ve either read, or heard great things about! You can find many of them on the bookshelves at Ololo (and feel free to take it) or you might like to read them before your trip, in which case you can also leave it on our bookshelf and take another book!
Travel and Safari Adventures:
“Whatever You Do, Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide” by Peter Allison
Entertaining and humorous stories from a safari guide, offering an insider’s perspective on life in the African bush.
“The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals” by Richard D. Estes
A comprehensive field guide that provides detailed insights into the behavior and habitats of African mammals, perfect for safari-goers.
“No Man’s Land: A Journey Through the Beautiful, Disappearing World of the Transkei, Wild Coast and Beyond” by Jason Elliot
A captivating travelogue that explores the lesser-known regions of Africa, blending adventure, history, and cultural insights.
“West with the Night” by Beryl Markham
The memoir of a pioneering aviator who flew solo across the Atlantic, with vivid descriptions of her life in Kenya and adventures in Africa.
“Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town” by Paul Theroux
A compelling account of the author’s journey across Africa, reflecting on the continent’s challenges and beauty.
“The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Other Stories” by Ernest Hemingway
A collection of short stories inspired by Hemingway’s experiences in East Africa, offering a glimpse into the safari life and the African landscape.
History and Culture:
“Out of Africa” by Karen Blixen
A classic memoir detailing Blixen’s experiences running a coffee plantation in Kenya, with beautiful descriptions of the landscape and culture.
“The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood” by Elspeth Huxley
A beautifully written account of Huxley’s childhood in Kenya, providing a vivid picture of colonial life in East Africa.
“Kenya: Between Hope and Despair, 1963-2011” by Daniel Branch
A detailed history of Kenya from independence to the present day, offering insights into the country’s political and social evolution.
“I Dreamed of Africa” by Kuki Gallmann
A memoir of a woman’s life in Kenya, capturing the beauty, challenges, and spirit of the country.
“The Shadow of the Sun” by Ryszard Kapuściński
A collection of essays by a Polish journalist, offering a deep and reflective exploration of Africa’s history and culture.
“Weep Not, Child” by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
A powerful novel set in Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising, exploring the impact of colonialism on the local population.
Wildlife and Conservation:
“Elephant Memories: Thirteen Years in the Life of an Elephant Family” by Cynthia Moss
A fascinating study of elephant behavior, based on years of research in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park.
“The Last Rhinos: My Battle to Save One of the World’s Greatest Creatures” by Lawrence Anthony
The compelling story of conservationist Lawrence Anthony’s efforts to save endangered rhinos in Africa.
“A Primate’s Memoir: A Neuroscientist’s Unconventional Life Among the Baboons” by Robert M. Sapolsky
A unique blend of memoir, science, and adventure, this book offers a vivid look at baboon behavior in Kenya and the life of a field researcher.
“Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds” by Joy Adamson
The classic story of Elsa the lioness, raised by Joy Adamson and her husband in Kenya, highlighting the challenges of wildlife conservation.
“Cry of the Kalahari” by Mark and Delia Owens
A gripping account of the authors’ years spent researching wildlife in the Kalahari Desert, providing insights into the lives of African animals and the harsh environment they inhabit.
“The Eye of the Elephant: An Epic Adventure in the African Wilderness” by Mark and Delia Owens
A sequel to “Cry of the Kalahari,” this book recounts the Owens’ fight to save elephants in Zambia, offering a thrilling narrative of conservation in action.
Additional Books:
“African Silences” by Peter Matthiessen
A poignant exploration of Africa’s disappearing wildlife and landscapes, blending travel, history, and natural history.
“Serengeti: A Kingdom of Predators” by Mitsuaki Iwago
A stunning photographic book that captures the beauty and drama of the Serengeti’s wildlife, perfect for inspiring a deeper connection with Africa’s natural world.