For those dreaming of an African hunting safari or captivated by the allure of the Dark Continent, reading about Africa can partially satisfy that yearning. Whether you’re a veteran of African safaris or dreaming of your first hunt, this list offers something for everyone.
An African Bush Elephant
Classic Tales and Legendary Hunters
No list of the best African hunting books would be complete without contributions from legendary figures like Ernest Hemingway and Theodore Roosevelt.
- Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway: Chronicling his 1933 safari in British East Africa, this book captured the imagination of American hunters like no other. Hemingway describes the beauty and ferocity of the continent in a unique way.
- African Game Trails by Theodore Roosevelt: The former president embarked on a year-long African hunting safari after his retirement in 1909, traveling through East Africa, the Belgian Congo, and Sudan. Many of the animals taken on this famous expedition are now on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.
- A Hunter’s Wandering in Africa by Frederick Courtney Selous: This book chronicles Selous' nine years of African adventure, exploring little-known sections of central and Southern Africa, hunting, collecting, and recording his interactions with native people, flora, and fauna. He was the very archetype of the white hunters of Africa and served as inspiration for the fictional Allan Quartermain character created by H. Rider Haggard.
- Bell of Africa by W.D.M. Bell: Walter Dalrymple Maitland Bell, better known as WDM Bell or Karamojo Bell, may well be the most famous elephant hunter to ever live. All told, Bell shot over 1,000 elephants over the course of his career as an African hunter. Furthermore, he was especially well known for shooting the vast majority of those elephants with smaller caliber cartridges. Well, Bell of Africa is the autobiography of this famous ivory hunter where he tells the gripping story of his adventures all over the world, but especially in Africa.
Expert Guides and Technical Insights
For hunters seeking practical knowledge and technical expertise, these books offer invaluable insights into animal anatomy, ballistics, and cartridge selection.
- The Perfect Shot II by Kevin Robertson: Long-time professional hunter and veterinarian Kevin “Doctari” Robertson is renowned for his expertise on animal anatomy and terminal ballistics. The Perfect Shot is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive books on shot placement for African game, with excellent information on bullet and cartridge selection.
- Africa’s Most Dangerous by Kevin Robertson: If you are planning on hunting Cape Buffalo, then you need to read Kevin Robertson’s book Africa’s Most Dangerous.
- African Rifles and Cartridges by John Taylor: Few writers have as much real-world hunting experience in Africa as John Taylor. He was not only a fantastic writer and storyteller but also a technical expert on how rifles and cartridges performed on major African game species.
Thrilling Adventures and True Stories
These books offer gripping tales of encounters with dangerous game and the realities of life in the African bush.
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- Death In The Long Grass by Peter Hathaway Capstick: This book recounts true stories of deadly encounters with animals like lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo, as experienced by Peter Capstick and his colleagues.
- The Man Eaters of Tsavo by Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Patterson: This chronicles the true story of how these lions killed dozens of workers building the British Uganda Railway in the late 1890s and how Lieutenant Colonel John H. Patterson eventually killed both lions.
Conservation and Cultural Perspectives
Some books offer unique perspectives on conservation efforts and the lives of native people living alongside wildlife.
- Bringing Back The Lions by Mike Arnold: This book shares the incredible story of Mozambique’s Coutada 11, a poached-out wasteland restored to its former glory through the efforts of hunting outfitter Mark Haldane and his partners.
- Cries of the Savanna by Sue Tidwell: Sue Tidwell tells her story from the perspective of a non-hunter accompanying her husband on safari in Tanzania. She weaves the untold story of the native people in Africa and how well-regulated and sustainable hunting helps both wildlife conservation and the average person living there.
Here's a summary table of some of the recommended books:
| Book Title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Green Hills of Africa | Ernest Hemingway | Chronicles a 1933 safari in British East Africa. |
| African Game Trails | Theodore Roosevelt | Recounts Roosevelt's year-long hunting safari in Africa. |
| The Perfect Shot II | Kevin Robertson | Comprehensive guide on shot placement for African game. |
| Death In The Long Grass | Peter Hathaway Capstick | True stories of deadly encounters with African wildlife. |
| Bringing Back The Lions | Mike Arnold | Story of conservation success in Mozambique's Coutada 11. |
Exploring Lesser-Known Destinations
For readers interested in hunting in Africa's lesser-known destinations, Tracks Across Africa by Craig Boddington offers stories about hunts in places like Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Cameroon.
Craig Boddington
Additional Recommendations
Here are a few more noteworthy African hunting books to consider:
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- The Horn of the Hunter by Robert Ruark: This book made Harry Selby and his .416 Rigby famous and contributed to the surge of American hunters flocking to Africa.
- Something of Value by Robert Ruark: A novel based on real events during the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya, where hunting plays a significant role.
These books offer a wide range of perspectives and experiences, making them valuable additions to any hunter's or Africa enthusiast's library.
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