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Main image credits: Chantelle Melzer
There are many kinds of travellers in this world - some that throw a few things in a bag the night before, and some who spend weeks or even months preparing (there may or may not be spreadsheets involved) - and then there’s everyone in between. Whichever kind of traveller you are, reading about where you’re going can really enrich and deepen your experience. Getting a sense of place and context is possible even with lighter fiction reads - there's no need to delve into heavy history textbooks (unless you want to, of course).
We put our heads together and came up with a few must-read books to not only get you excited for your visit to South Africa, but to inspire, educate, and entertain.
Our Top Recommended Books To Read Before Coming to South Africa
These books are all available digitally for ebook readers, and might even be in a bookstore near you in case you prefer a hard copy.
Light & Entertaining Reads
These are perfect for readers looking for humour, character, and an easy introduction to life in southern Africa. They also make for great reading on the flight over!
Whatever You Do, Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide - Peter Allison
In this hilarious and heartfelt memoir, Australian ex-safari guide Peter Allison who seems to attract trouble, recounts the wild, unpredictable, and often ridiculous adventures he experienced while leading tourists through the bush in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
From unexpected animal encounters to clueless safari-goers, Allison's storytelling is sharp and entertaining.
But beneath the laughter, he displays a deep respect for the animals and ecosystems he worked in, painting a vivid picture of life on the front lines of wildlife tourism.
For prospective volunteers, this book serves as an important reminder that the bush is full of surprises, and that keeping your sense of humour is essential!
Spud – John van de Ruit
Most South Africans followed the escapades of John Milton, aka Spud, a fictionalised teenager, as he embarks on his high school career at a historic all-boys boarding school in South Africa.
The hijinks and misadventures of his group of hopelessly awkward, outlandish roommates are enough to make you laugh out loud, perhaps even taken back to your own misspent youth (though hopefully you never got up to half the stuff Spud does).
Set in the 1990s, the book allows readers a glimpse into the tail end of apartheid South Africa and incorporates subtle reflections on identity, class, and adolescence in a changing country. Fair warning, there are some heartrending moments as well as episodes that’ll make you wince (and perhaps gag).
The Spud series - which includes four books - deserve special mention on this list for capturing the unique South African sense of humour and providing insight into local culture and school life. The latest book in the series, Spud: The Reunion, pays homage to Wildlife ACT - be sure to look out for us in the dedication!
A Year in the Wild - James Hendry
A hilarious and sharply observed fictional account of life as a game ranger in a South African safari lodge. Between eccentric tourists, staff politics, and the unpredictability of bush life, protagonist Angus Hofmeyr tries to survive the wilderness - both natural and social - with his dignity intact.
Written by real-life guide and raconteur James Hendry, this satirical behind-the-scenes take on safari tourism blends outrageous humour with keen observations of wildlife, people, and everything in between.
Tony Park novels
Many of Australian author Tony Parks' fast-paced thrillers are set in southern Africa, particularly South Africa, and draw heavily on real-world issues like poaching, conservation, and political history. His novels blend action with rich descriptions of the landscape and often feature conservationists and rangers.
Though fictional, his stories provide an accessible, entertaining window into some of the very real issues affecting wildlife and communities across southern Africa, and will appeal particularly to readers who like to escape into books with extravagant, gripping plots. Some titles set primarily in southern Africa include The Delta, Silent Predator, and Last Survivor.
Excitingly, Wildlife ACT volunteer, Maya von Dach, has collaborated with Tony Park to translate his novels into German in a bid to raise funds for Wildlife ACT’s conservation work. Watch this space for more information on how to get your hands on a copy.
Books to Prepare You for Volunteering with Wildlife ACT
Delve into life in the African bush with these memoirs and real-life accounts from those who lived and worked with Africa’s iconic species. These books are great for getting a taste of the day-to-day realities of conservationists and are particularly useful for understanding fieldwork, species management, and conservation logistics, especially those directly aligned with Wildlife ACT’s work. You'll be well prepared for volunteering with endangered species in Zululand.
African Wild Dogs: On the Frontline – Brendan Whittington-Jones
This eye-opening book offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the complex efforts to conserve one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores - the African Wild Dog.
Written by South African field conservationist Brendan Whittington-Jones, it details the political, logistical, and emotional realities of working in species-specific conservation, particularly in areas where communities, cattle, and predators collide.
Drawing from over a decade of field experience, Whittington-Jones shares stories of darting operations, fence failures, roadblocks with authorities, and the delicate process of building community trust. It’s a story not just about saving a species, but about navigating conservation in a very real and human landscape.
If you're volunteering with Wildlife ACT or interested in predator conservation, this book is especially relevant. It shines a light on the species-specific strategies, setbacks, and small victories that define African field conservation work today. Be sure to keep an eye out for mentions of Wildlife ACT Founder, Chris Kelly, and other familiar names!
The Elephant Whisperer – Lawrence Anthony
This is a moving account of the late conservationist Lawrence Anthony’s mission to save a herd of wild elephants on Thula Thula Game Reserve in Zululand. When Anthony is asked to take in a group of so-called “rogue” elephants, he knows he is their last chance - if he refuses, they’ll be shot.
Traumatised and unpredictable, the elephants push boundaries from day one. They are serial escape artists, and it takes vast amounts of resources, energy, and manpower to keep them safely on the reserve.
Anthony's persistence is rewarded as he begins to form an extraordinary bond with the herd, one that has a significant impact on his life.
This is an emotional story filled with adventure, tension, and wild surprises around every corner. Readers get an intimate look at life on a wildlife reserve, with rich insights into species ranging from rhinos to snakes and insects, and an appreciation for Zulu culture that is deeply woven into Anthony's journey as the owner of a wildlife reserve.
Zulu Wilderness: Shadow and Soul – Ian Player
Zulu Wilderness is both a memoir and medidation on wild places, and chronicles the life and conservation legacy of Dr Ian Player, a pioneering South African conservationist best known for leading the successful operation to save the white Rhino from extinction.
Set in the iMfolozi wilderness, the book reflects not only on the beauty and biodiversity of the landscape but also on its profound spiritual and cultural significance. Dr Player’s writing is thoughtful and philosophical, drawing connections between nature, inner transformation, and the Zulu worldview. His respect for traditional knowledge, his mentorship under Zulu game guard Magqubu Ntombela, and his passion for wilderness preservation come through on every page.
Rewilding Africa - Grant Fowlds and Graham Spence
Part travelogue, part call to action, Rewilding Africa follows the compelling conservation journey of Grant Fowlds, a South African wildlife advocate working to restore ecosystems and protect endangered species across the continent.
Through a series of deeply personal reflections, the book explores Fowlds' efforts to build partnerships, halt poaching, and reintroduce wildlife to landscapes where it once thrived.
His work spans South Africa, Mozambique, Rwanda, and beyond, offering a frontline view of modern conservation in action. The narrative brings together gripping field accounts, insights into complex human-wildlife conflict, and an unwavering belief in the power of collaboration.
Fowlds writes with urgency and humility, guided by a strong moral compass and a profound respect for African communities and traditional knowledge. Rewilding Africa captures not only the ecological challenges we face, but also the hope and determination driving efforts to reverse environmental decline.
Saving the Last Rhinos by the same authors is another iconic title that is well worth the read.
Special Mentions & Broader Perspectives
If you’re hungry for more, each of these books offer something special. Dig deeper into South Africa’s story, or find inspiration through passionate changemakers who walked the path before us.
Unbowed: A Memoir – Wangari Maathai
In Unbowed, Professor Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, recounts her extraordinary life as a political activist and environmentalist in Kenya. The book addresses the political turbulence of post-colonial Kenya and the obstacles faced by women in leadership, while threaded throughout is Professor Maathai’s unwavering belief that caring for the land is a path to healing both people and planet.
Flowers for Elephants - Peter Martell
An uplifting look at community-led conservation in Kenya, this read is thoughtful, hopeful, and packed with lessons for anyone who believes in people-powered environmental change.
A Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela
We would be remiss not to include this famous autobiography by an incredibly important leader in South Africa's history. While not focused on wildlife, it is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of South Africa’s complex history.
Bonus: Books to Buy in South Africa
We’ve made a separate list of great reads that you probably might not be able to easily track down in your home country, so try to look out for them and pick up a copy while you’re in South Africa - perhaps at an airport bookshop, second-hand store, or a local bookshop.
Life of a Snake Rescuer - Nick Evans
A local legend in KwaZulu-Natal, Nick Evans shares real-life stories from his work rescuing snakes from backyards, ceilings, and braais across Durban. Packed with action, humour, and fascinating facts about South Africa’s most misunderstood reptiles, this book gives readers a close-up view of life on the scaly side of wildlife rescue.
African Ark: Mammals, Landscape and the Ecology of a Continent - Dr. Ara Monadjem & Mike Unwin
This is a beautifully illustrated guide to Africa’s wild landscapes and mammal species. It’s scientific yet still highly readable, ideal for volunteers, photographers, or anyone fascinated by biodiversity, and definitely worth seeking out a physical copy to cart home with you.
Happy reading...
Whether you’re preparing for your first conservation experience or returning to the bush with fresh eyes, we hope these reads offer new information and perspectives.
From light-hearted stories to deeper reflections on conservation ethics and community-led change, this reading list is intended to enrich your understanding of the landscapes, species, and people you’ll encounter, and to help you to stay connected to your experience here when you are back at home. Enjoy, and we'll see you in the wild!
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