Africa: Guides & Reading

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Read This First: Africa - Mary Fitzpatrick

in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Out of print - look for second hand copies. Great intro and break down of the 'where to go' question in a continent of over 50 countries. Great intro and break down to the 'where to go' question in a continent of over 50 countries. This book gives a detailed description of how to go about planning any trip (regardless of continent), then describes the joys and problems of Africa (culture, health, etc). And THEN it provides a few pages describing each country - what's good to see, visa requirements, and so on. It even provides suggested itineraries, highlights and a map. Basically, it's what you need to know about a country in order for you to decide whether you research a place in depth or consign it to the "not going there" pile. It doesn't try to put you off, it just tells it to you straight, and allows you to make your own mind up.

The Rough Guide to First-Time Africa - Jens Finke

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

New Rough Guide offering. Packed with essential information, this pre-trip guide makes the preparations easy. Practical tips and a comprehensive profiles of 41 countries, including details of the main attractions and when to go.

Published: July 2007 / Second edition due: February 2011, ISBN: 1848364814

Sahara Overland: A Route and Planning Guide - Chris Scott

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

If you are overlanding North Africa, buy this book. Pure and simple. The GPS references alone make it worth buying. Things have changed, but the web updates more than make up for this. There is also an extensive introductory part dealing with vehicle preparation, desert driving, etc, that provides a host of information for the saharan beginner. Of course it is advisable, driving on one of the described routes, to take information from other guidebooks and ask for the most up to date conditions, including security and mines in some sensitive areas.

Published: 2nd edition (November, 2004)

Africa Overland: 4x4· Motorbike· Bicycle· Truck - Sian Pritchard-Jones & Bob Gibbons

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

A Bradt book, this fifth edition gives updated information on each country's political and security situation (Angola, Sierra Leone and Liberia are on the up; since this guide's last edition, security in Western Sudan and Eastern Chad has turned sour); provide an expanded Route Outlines section including information on border crossings; and offer revised recommendations on vehicles including practical coverage on buying a vehicle, maintenance and driving. Not for everyone, but authors do a great job of presenting an overview to planning and undertaking an overland African trip. They assume the reader has a decent degree of common sense and independence and point the would-be traveller in all right directions without producing that 'hand-holding' feeling.

Published: 5th edition (April, 2009)

The Rough Guide to West Africa - Richard Trillo

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

At the moment, there are two main contenders on the market with comparable books on West Africa: Rough Guide and Lonely Planet. Neither is perfect. Rough Guide feels a bit more professionally-made, and has been made on a bigger budget too, but it suffers from terminally boring writing style. This RG does not offer the same level of self-righteous (and often annoying) rhetoric. However, on balance, the LP is maybe better researched and more accurate, and also less bulky. If you have plenty of luggage allowance and money's no object, buy both, otherwise, stick with Lonely Planet. 

Published: 5th edition (June, 2008)

Lonely Planet: West Africa - Alex Newton

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

New style LP for West Africa, as usual the LP is full of details from the best hotels in small towns to bus schedules. The only weak point is the limited amount of information on regional cultural differences or history (Rough Guide is better), which is probably caused by the number of countries covered. Unlike many other regions in the world where LP's down fall is its over use, in West Africa there are just not that many travellers.

Published: 6th edition (October, 2009)

Bradt Travel Guide: Ghana - Philip Briggs

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Not a particularly striking guidebook, but does the job more efficiently and comprehensively than the slim sections in West Africa guides, which are about the only alternative. This new third edition should be good. Of course, there are discrepancies and errors, plus the layout takes a while to get used to. But basically, a guidebook is a guidebook, and this one targets the independent and adventurous traveller, and gives them almost all the information they need to know - its recommendations are usually right on the nose. Also, the free e-mail update included is invaluable.

Published: 4th edition (August 2007)

Lonely Planet: Gambia and Senegal - Andrew Burke

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

This is a comprehensive summary of most of what the independent traveller will need. It is particularly good on the cultural history and ethnic makeup of The Gambia, but is also packed full of essential information, right down to the names and likely locations of individual money-changers. If only travelling to the Gambia, try the better Bradt guide ISBN 1841621374.

Published: 4th edition (September 2009)
 

Lonely Planet: Morocco - Bradley Mayhew

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

As usual with LP guides, their strength lies in detailing the essentials - where to go, how to get there, where to find a bed for the night etc. In these areas it's excellent. It's *not* so strong on the history and cultural details of places (something I personally think Rough Guides are much better at), so if you're not moving around much and want detailed histories of places, this might not be the best guide for you. If however you need to move around and 'live' in the country for more than a few days, you won't be disappointed. Found RG, found maps and other essentials to be inferior to this LP. 

Published: 7th edition (February 2009)

The Rough Guide to Egypt - Dan Richardson

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Seen many an Egypt guide and can say that this RG is by far the best, informative and succinct guide. The information is thorough, measured and as accurate as it possibly can be. The style of writing has an innate humour and could only have come from one who knows Egypt, its people and its quirks. This edition (5th) has improved on its detailing of places to stay.

Published: 7th edition (August 2010)

Footprint Egypt - Vanessa Betts

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

An excellent guide, but the RG will provide the most easy reading and down to earth guide. However is you want all and I mean ALL the details on everything then consider this Footprint.

Published: 5th edition (May 2009)

East & Southern Africa: The Backpacker's Manual - Philip Briggs

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Highly Recommended

It doesn't matter that this seems a little out of date. This is an excellent guide. Here, in one volume, are the countries most often visited by first-time Africa travellers: Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. No other guidebook writer knows these countries better than Philip. No one else so ably combines a personal "voice" with meticulous on-the-ground research to help backpackers on a tight budget enjoy their trip to the full. Forget all the rest, give this a try.

Lonely Planet: East Africa - Various

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Covers: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Not Ethiopia. New style LP, not too bad a guide and up-to-date over the 2002 Footprint, just very LP in style and not as comprehensive as the Footprint.

Published: 8th edition (June 2009)

Malawi: The Bradt Travel Guide - Philip Briggs

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Many will prefer the Lonely Planet: Malawi which is a more detailed guide in many respects, but I like Philip Briggs guides very much and are therefore recommending it here.

Published: 4th edition (September 2006)

Ethiopia: The Bradt Travel Guide - Philip Briggs

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Phil Briggs is one of the best guidebook writers out there and he know Ethiopia like few others. As good as a guide book you will come across for any country. Not only is it highly informative, dependable and up to date, as you would expect, but it is also very readable. Phillip Briggs' writing style demonstrates a real affection for the country and great commonsense lacking in other guides (LPs). This is the most comprehensive, thorough and reliable guide you will find.

Published: 5th edition (April 2009)

The Rough Guide South Africa - Various

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Highly Recommended

South Africa is one of our favourite countries and I have always thought this (and other Rough Guides) to be the best read, guide and planning tool rolled into one. If you are hiring a car it is perfect. If you are on the Baz Bus, the LP might be better. Covers Lesotho and Swaziland too. Currently the most up-to-date guide, now in its 4th edition, this Rough Guide has been fully updated and revised. Its 16-page full-colour section introduces the author's highlights, from the mysterious Drakensberg mountains to the wine lands of the western cape, to whale watching on the southern Cape Coast and pony trekking in Lesotho.

Published: 6th edition (January 2010)

Footprint South Africa 2010 - Lizzie Williams and Francisca Kellet

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Published: 10th edition (October 2009)

Lonely Planet South Africa - Francisca Kellett

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Published: (August 2009)

Not the best choices. Despite quality information, Footprint in particular seems poorly put together and scatty in places, but 2009 version is much better. RG still the favourite.

Lonely Planet: Southern Africa - Alan Murphy

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

This is better than other Lonely Planets for the region. Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe. The info is up to date and pretty accurate and the maps and accommodation very handy as always. I believe that the Namibia section has received a good overhaul of some very thorough research (lacking in other books).

Published: 5th edition (March 2010)

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight - Alexandra Fuller

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Highly Recommended

The vivid imagery makes you feel you can jump into the pages and become part of the story. You see, hear, smell and taste Africa. The Rhodesian/Zimbabwe War of Independence somehow seems more stark and chilling when seen through the perspective of a child, as does living under the dictatorship of Life President Dr. Hastings Banda in Malawi. It is also funny and sad and cannot be recommended highly enough.

'One of the best books ever is "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: an African Childhood" by Alexandra Fuller. It is an autobiographical account of an English girl growing up on various farms in Rhodesia, Zambia, Malawi in the 70s and 80s. Check it out and add it to your 'must read' list! - Bonnie

Cry, The Beloved Country - Alan Paton

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First published in 1948, Cry, The Beloved Country addresses the problem of race relations in South Africa with the scrupulousness of a historian and the sensitivity of a poet. It stands as the single most important novel in twentieth-century South African literature. Set in the city of Johannesburg, a father seeks his delinquent son. His search takes him through a labyrinth of murder, prostitution, racial hatred and, ultimately, reconciliation. The plot is awesome and the pace of the story is fast moving. Also a movie.

The Power of One - Bryce Courtenay

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Highly Recommended

A masterful plot, which at times is heart wrenching. Based in South Africa, The Power of One tells the story of a young boy in the 1940s growing into adulthood with one focused ambition to become the world boxing champion. The Power of One is one of the best books ever written. You will fall in love with Peekay right from the beginning. His trials through life in the book will bring you both tears and laughter. A tale from the heart of sadness, courage and discrimination in the heart of South Africa -The Power of One is a great book.
 

Heart of Darkness: White Cargo Diary - Joseph Conrad

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Right from the opening paragraph it is obvious that this book is going to be special. Conrad's Russian background gives his use of language a robust economical style, and he often conjures powerful vivid images in two or three words. The world around the character, in particular the jungle, seems to be more than just a backdrop. People enter the jungle and are swallowed up as if it is a living malignant force, but as you progress you realise that it is the Europeans who are the real source of darkness. A must read for anyone interested in Africa.

Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe

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Highly Recommended

This is a social document, recounting the impact of colonialism and Christianity on the life of the Ibo tribe in turn-of-the-century Nigeria. A must have for anyone interested in Africa, it will help greatly in an understanding African culture and beliefs. It's also a masterpiece. If you like this also try: A Grain of Wheat by Ngugi wa Thiong'o.

Dark Star Safari : Overland from Cairo to Capetown - Paul Theroux

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

This had the potential to be an excellent book, but it's ruined by the attitude of the author. Theroux's primary aim seems to be to shock, painting a very dark picture of how messed up Africa is. It's a very cynical book; he is very critical of governments and especially aid agencies ("agents of virtue"). The only positive remarks he makes are those concerning the beauty of the African landscape. This may be accurate, if one sided, but Theroux is also pompous and pretentious. He belittles "tourists" (making it clear that he himself is a "traveller") and people who go on organised safaris in Kenya. At one point he says people who take short vacations (as opposed to months traversing entire continents I suppose) are doing it "to feel foreign", but there's an amusing irony when he has to fly from Cairo to Khartoum after saying that he dislikes the way people fly to places instead of travelling overland from A to B. I found all this really annoying, but it must be said that the book offers a fascinating and enjoyable account of the culture, history and the people of Africa, and there are many interesting and enlightening chats with local people giving an insight into life in Africa. If only it wasn't written by such an old-fashioned writer.

Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela

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This is big book, but once you start reading you may not be able to stop. It's a fascinating tale and what's more – it's real. Mandela takes us through the development of his political views, who he was influenced by and why he became so passionate about his cause. He explains how he and his colleagues came to be in the positions they were in, the personal sacrifices they made, and how they coped with seemingly unbearable circumstances forced upon them. He is an example to everyone, as a man who, like many other South Africans, fought endlessly for his cause every day of his life. And yet he writes without bitterness for his enemies and with sincerity. His story is told with excitement and is highly readable, and the end result is the current day South Africa – a country far from perfect but for once with a true democracy and a hope of moving forward. An excellent and insightful introduction for those interested in South African politics, or simply a fascinating and inspiring read for anyone.

Out of Africa - Karen Blixen

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

'Out Of Africa' is a marvelous account of Karen Blixen's time running a coffee plantation in Kenya. The enchanting prose in which this 'novel' is written laments the intense love for Africa, its places and people that through a woven, progressive and sometimes heart-rendering narrative, Blixen so beautifully portrays. Blixen's interaction with the Kikuyu tribe lends a unique perspective (in terms of the period in which this novel was written) of a young imperialist white woman and the way she deals with the natives of Africa. She genuinely wants to help them, wants to educate and employ them. This is probably one of the best works of travel writing, setting a precedent for authors such as Francis Mayes etc. ...Well worth a read. If you like this or travelogues, you might also like The Shadow of Kilimanjaro by Rick Ridgeway.
 

The Sheltering Sky - Paul Bowles

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Highly Recommended

The story of three travellers adrift in the cities and deserts of North Africa, The Sheltering Sky is merciless in its evocation of the emotional dislocation induced by a foreign setting. Without a doubt a beat classic, the book has a really strong start, but the pace and nature of the story changes in the last part. Although the prime characters are fundamentally unpleasant - at least for most of the book - the lasting impression is of an eerie, spectral beauty. It is a quiet masterpiece; there are few books that are more subtly teasing that more wisely poke at our arrogance in imagining that we know anything.