Our recommendations on the best travel books for going on safari

Venturing into the wild heart of Africa on safari is a transformative experience that ignites the senses and awakens the spirit of adventure. Picture yourself in an open-top Land Rover, traversing the vast Serengeti plains as golden sunlight bathes the savanna. Your expert guide points out a pride of lions lounging in the shade of an acacia tree, while nearby, a herd of elephants ambles toward a watering hole. For an intimate encounter with mountain gorillas, trek through the misty forests of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Alternatively, explore Botswana's Okavango Delta by traditional mokoro canoe, gliding silently past hippos and crocodiles as colorful birds flit overhead. Whether you choose a luxury tented camp in Kenya's Masai Mara or a walking safari in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, a safari offers unparalleled opportunities to witness nature's raw beauty and forge unforgettable memories.

Our Travel Book Recommendations - African Safaris

Our Travel Book Recommendations - African Safaris

Fodor’s Travel - The Complete Guide to African Safaris

For the ultimate resource in planning your African safari adventure, look no further than Fodor's The Complete Guide to Africa Safaris. This comprehensive guide is an indispensable companion for travelers seeking to experience the continent's most breathtaking wildlife encounters, from witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania to exploring Botswana's Okavango Delta or marveling at Victoria Falls. Packed with insider tips from local experts, detailed maps, customizable itineraries, and stunning color photographs, this travel guidebook offers everything you need to plan an unforgettable journey. Whether you're interested in tracking the "Big Five," learning about local cultures, or discovering hidden gems across South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, and Uganda, this guide provides honest recommendations, practical tips, and rich contextual insights to ensure your safari experience is nothing short of extraordinary.


Whatever You Do, Don’t Run, by Peter Allison

Whatever You Do, Don't Run is a genuinely funny safari through the mind of Peter Allison, an African guide who discovered that wrestling lions was child's play compared to wrangling entitled tourists. As he navigates the wilds of Botswana, Allison's greatest challenge isn't avoiding becoming a leopard's lunch—it's preventing his well-heeled clients from becoming the main course. He strives to drill one crucial lesson into their designer-clad heads: "Only food runs." (Spoiler alert: Some guests never quite grasp this concept, much to the amusement of local predators.) His stories not only are hilarious but also reveal a profound respect for the majestic creatures and delicate ecosystems he's sworn to protect—even if it means occasionally protecting them from his own clients.