Here are some of my recommended readings!

Whatever you do, don't run!

Peter Allison

A really fun story about an Australian who becomes a Safari Guide in Botswana. Humorous and light hearted, Peter Allison' story is the perfect read before going on an African Safari.
*Does contain adult language!

Out of africa: and shadows on the grass

Isak Dinesen

Isak Dinesen's - also known as Karen Blixen - book made famous by the Meryle Streep movie. A fascinating insight into early Kenyan colonial period. And, a great jumping off point to study the "Happy Valley Set." Also, part of Nairobi is still called "Karen" because of her influence on Kenya.

The Man Whom Women Loved: The Life of Bror Blixen

Ulf Aschan

This book is a bit harder to get ahold of, but is an excellent read to better understand Karen Blixen's life. Bror truly was "The Man Whom Women Loved" - just look at the cover photo! The book counterbalances "Out of Africa," giving deeper context for key players in the "Happy Valley Set."

West with the night

Beryl Markham

West With The Night are the memoirs of one of aviation's first female pilots. Beryl Markham grew up in Kenya. As Kenya's first Aviatrix, her memoirs tell of her challenges and adventures. October 4th, 2015 was the 100th anniversary of the first recorded flight in Kenya. Now is the perfect time to read about, and hopefully be inspired by, this remarkable woman.

Children’s Books

Jock of the Bushveld

Sir Percy Fitzpatrick

During a visit with Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, Rudyard Kipling heard Fitzpatrick telling bedtime stories of Jock to his children. First published in 1907, Jock of the bushveld is considered a South African Children’s Classic. With its honest look at life in 1880’s Southern Africa, I recommend this book to mature young people.

Just Nuisance AB, his full Story

Terence Sisson

During World War II, Just Nuisance began to ride the trains to Cape Town, with the Sailors on leave. With the threat of his being barred from the trains, the Commander-in-Chief intervened. Thus, it was decided that Just Nuisance would be enlisted into the Royal Navy as Able Seaman Just Nuisance, enabling his railway travels, for free, like other Sailors.

Written in 1984, on the fortieth anniversary of Just Nuisance’s death, Terence Sisson recounts his friendship and bond with Able Seaman Just Nuisance.

Ruby and Baby...an Unlikely Friendship

This wonderful children's book was written by my friend, Mary Jane O'Loughlin, following her life changing Safari in Kenya. Ruby and Baby tells of the unique friendship across the miles between an American housecat and her friend, a baby African elephant. Part of the proceeds from the book go to benefit the Amboseli Trust for Elephants in Kenya.

Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend

Christo Brand, is a former Prison Guard, who was responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela. He came to Robben Island, where Mandela was being held, in 1978, when Christo was 19 years old.

In 1982, he was transferred along with Mandela, to Pollsmoor Prison. Christo and Mandela developed a close friendship over the course of many years. He is the co-author of his book, Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend (updated 2nd edition edited by Andrew Russell, 2022) by Christo Brand with Barbara Jones.

My Articles (free!)

United on the RoK Magazine Sustainable Tourism Series:

Chef’s Garden: Sharing Kenya’s Culinary History Mar/Apr 2024

Wildlife Conservation, Sustainable Tourism & Friendship in Challenging Times June 2023

Who’s Really Sustainable? May 2023

How Do You Practice Sustainable Tourism? Supporting Local Nonprofits April 2023

Other Articles:

"Safari in Africa", Seoul International Women's Association’s Discovery Magazine 2015 Travel Issue ~ page 8.

"Gear up! 7 Essentials to Pack in Your Safari Kit", Seoul International Women's Association's Discovery Magazine, 2016 Travel Issue - page 12.

Videos

I have to suggest the series The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. I love it! While criticized as a "sanitized version of Africa", I think the series was well done and gives insight to Southern African cultures.

From the YouTube Channel, Drachinifel, comes Able Seaman Just Nuisance - A Great Doggo. This is a wonderful introduction to the story of AB Just Nuisance, whose statue you can visit in Simon’s Town, South Africa. The local museum also carries Just Nuisance souvenirs.

Another great series is the documentary,  Echo and Other Elephants, by renowned Wildlife Conservationist Sir David Attenborough and Cynthia Moss. This series plays on Animal Planet, and can be purchased on Amazon. 

If you are interested in the foods of South Africa, available on YouTube is the series The Taste Master SA. Here, “South Africa’s hottest culinary talent will be put to the test with a series of challenging tasks which will test their skills as they battle it out in the hopes of becoming the next South African baking sensation.” I believe this series shows the diversity and complexity of “The Rainbow Nation.”

Back from Safari and missing the Bush? There is an excellent YouTube Channel, WildEarth which features Daily Sunrise and Sunset Safaris!

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