Today I set myself the challenge to write down the first 20 books I could either remember reading about Africa or other books that have had the most impact on me whilst growing up. This list by no means serves to summarize the best books about Africa as this is, of course, a highly subjective topic. I have also excluded some exceptional books which do not deal with Sub-Sahara Africa. My love for ‘Africana’ books is almost equal to my love of the bush and Africa herself – give me all three in one sitting and I am as happy as you will ever find me!

Please do share with us your favourite books on Africa – we would love to know which books had an impact on your life and love for Africa…

  1. Jock of the Bushveld – Sir Percy Fitzpatrick – 1907
  2. Herman Charles Bosman – particularly known for his short stories – from 1947
  3. Master Harold and the Boys – Athol Fugard – 1982
  4. Disgrace – J.M. Coetzee – 1999
  5. Long Walk to Freedom – Nelson Mandela – 1994
  6. Plains of Camdeboo – Eve Palmer – 1966
  7. Cry, The Beloved Country – Alan Paton – 1948
  8. When the Lion Feeds – Wilbur Smith – 1964
  9. White Mischief – James Fox – 1984
  10. The Flame Trees of Thika – Elspeth Huxley – 1959
  11. Zululand Wilderness: Shadow and Soul – Dr Ian Player – 1997
  12. Out of Africa – Karen Blixen – 1937
  13. King Solomon’s Mine – H. Rider Haggard – 1885
  14. The Story of an African Farm – Olive Schreiner – 1883
  15. Mukiwa – Peter Godwin – 1997
  16. The Elephant Whisperer – Lawrence Anthony – 2009
  17. The Power of One – Bryce Courtenay – 1989
  18. Dark Star Safari – Paul Theroux – 2002
  19. My Traitor’s Heart – Rian Malan – 1990
  20. Spud – John van de Ruit – 2005