5 BOOKS TO READ BEFORE YOU VISIT AFRICA

If you are going to visit Africa, books are a fantastic way to learn about the country. They tell the tales you long to hear when you are driving down the dusty roads of Kenya with nothing to see but distant warthogs outlining the golden sunset and short sunburnt trees that stand above the sandy grounds with not a paw-print in sight.

Together, these secret stories weave a beautiful picture of what the real Africa epitomizes. Its soul and its spirit.

Africa has been around for millions of years and with such an extravagant history, there are thousands of heart-capturing stories that conjure up this foreign land.

For many of us who live in the hustle bustle of busy cities, we dream of stories that envelope us in wild surroundings, enchanting cultures and that will take us to a place we’ve only ever dreamt of visiting.

Beneath the surface of safari expeditions and brief cultural visits, there is a whole world that is waiting for us to discover.

Books have stood the test of time for centuries, gifting us a way out of our day-to-day lives. Offering us pure escapism and leaving us longing for a land farther away from our own worlds. Stories of legends, heroes and heroines, mythical animals and game-changers making their mark on Africa.

As we love to visit Africa, we are recommending these 5 outstanding books that once inspired us to visit Africa. We hope they do the same for you……..

An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick

Daphne Sheldrick is a revolutionary woman and “An African Love Story” is one of her many acclaimed books. Daphne has led the way in rehabilitating orphaned wild animals, especially elephants in Africa for decades.

Within this book we learn about Daphne’s passion and love for Africa as well as the wildlife that live within these lands. We read how Daphne has devoted her life to protecting and rehabilitating orphaned elephants. She is also the only woman who has created a milk formula that is used to hand-rear baby orphaned elephants. If you visit Africa, you will be able to visit her incredible and very deserving wildlife trust within Kenya - which is named ‘The Wildlife Sheldrick Trust’.

Her story and life are not only spellbinding but poignant, a life we could only ever dream of living. Daphne is a truly remarkable woman who has transformed and saved the lives of hundreds of elephants and paved the way for generations to come. This book will not only inspire you to visit Africa but venture out to Kenya to see the wonderful work she has achieved as well as meet the orphaned elephants.

The Life In My Years by Virginia Mckenna

Virginnia Mckenna is a global icon in wildlife conservation, specifically lion conservation. She is the founder and trustee of groundbreaking organization Born Free. Amongst Born Free’s many achievements, their most famous work is rehoming numerous captive wild animals (many from zoos and circuses) and releasing them back to their home territory in Africa undisturbed by human interaction.

Her book is a truly wonderful read. Virginia writes about her life filled with passionate stories and incredible achievements. The sadness and triumphs that come with capturing captive animals and releasing them back into their wild surroundings are truly mesmerizing.

Virginia’s remarkable life going from an acclaimed actress to focusing on her personal mission and passion - wild animal conservation. Here, she recalls a lifetime of experiences, magical stories that will make you flick through the pages in awe, emotional experiences and the heartbreak of many failed attempts to bring wild animals to freedom. If you are in the mood for an touching adventure or planning to visit Africa - give this book a good read. You wont regret it.

A Lifetime with Lions by George Adamson

The legendary George Adamson, also known as the ‘Father of Lions’ put pen to highlight his extraordinary life. Even though George is now deceased, he remains an extraordinary global figure and his life’s work continues to ripple within the animal kingdom of Africa.

Within this magnificent book, you will learn about his life - where George was born, how he came to visit Africa as a young boy, moved to Africa and the amazing transition from being a white hunter / game warden to what made George Adamson famous - an ardent and tireless conservationist. Within this outstanding book, he recollects his life experiences and journeys within Africa as well as his most important life’s work - reintroducing lions back into the wild. Releasing captive lions back into the wild is something that has rarely been attempted before or ever successfully succeeded as well as George Adamson had. His tales of companionship and his true devotion and love for lions is evident throughout this book. He brings wonder to your eyes and heart as you read its pages and leaves you understanding why he is named ‘the father of lions’. If you ever come across a book that has been written by George Adamson, grab hold of it and plan your visit to Africa.

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The Man-Eaters of Tsavo by John Henry Patterson

Ever wondered why these two famous lions are in the Chicago Field Museum? This true story tells us how two maneless male lions killed over 130 men on a killing spree in 1898 in Kenya, Africa. The incidents written by John Henry Patterson are not only jaw dropping and spine tingling but tell the recollection of two male lions preying on men within the Kenyan/Ugandan region of Africa. These unfortunate men were there to construct a new Railway to connect the two regions. The construction spanned over 8 miles.

John Henry Patterson, who is the author but more importantly the Lieutenant-Colonel who was in charge of the project writes how a handful of train workers were mauled to death, which then led to daily killings. Patterson writes how the story unfolds and how he stepped in to save his men from getting slain by the lions. Patterson eventually triumphs and lived to tell the tale. His story is so famous that the two lions are exhibited in the Chicago Field Museum now. A wonderful story to read if you plan to visit Africa.

The True Story of Bella and Simba

This book is a truly inspiring and tear-jerking story that will make you want to read the book in one go. It's a heartfelt story of how a captive male and female lion, both living separate lives in the solitude of rusty iron cages in severely desperate circumstances, are captured and released back onto African soil in Malawi where they belong. The book tells us about their devastating conditions in captivity through the hardships and heartbreaks they suffered. The struggle to free them from captivity and the challenges they faced as their lives changed forever. Simba is the first lion to be introduced into his new African surroundings and he is joined by a captive lioness called Bella. Putting the two lions together would be an uncertain situation and one that could go either way. Both lions had lived their lives in complete solitude. The day has finally come when the two lions would be introduced. The story tells of how their lives unite and what happens when their lives change for the better…..

This book teaches us that animals who are born wild should live wild. A fantastic book to read when you visit Africa, in particular Malawi.

2 Bonus Books:

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

This magical story written by Rudyard Kipling is a fantasy adventure story which tells the tale of a man-cub called Mowgli. This feral boy grew up in the Pench area of India. He was too wild to live with other humans but too human to live with wolves. The story shows how Mowgli finds his own pack within the jungle and becomes friends with a bear named Baloo who teaches him the ways of the jungle. Through this story of survival, enchantment and wonder - we see Mowgli triumph and thrive living alongside the animals within the jungle.

The Life of Pi by Yann Martel

This truly beautiful read has taken the world by storm. If you are longing for a book that will encase you in wonder, dreams and provoking thoughts - give this book a read.

Set in a small vibrant town in India, young boy Pi lives with his family which owns a small zoo. Pi’s father decides to leave India for good and set sail to move to Canada. Taking all their animals from the zoo with them on this lengthy voyage, the ship sinks due to mechanical failure and Pi is thrown on a lifeboat. Unbeknown to him, he is accompanied by a tiger, orangutan and hyena. This magical story tells us how he defeats all odds and manages to coexist and create a true connection with the Tiger, who he named Richard Parker until they finally reach land after 227 days at sea.

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