Are you planning to visit South Africa and wondering which South African books to bring along? Or do you want to dive into South African stories or books about South Africa to better understand the country while travelling? This post is for you.
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Most travellers want to prepare properly before visiting a new country and travel guides are excellent for the practical side of your journey. Over the years, I've read countless guides for all sorts of trips, but Iβve found that pairing them with novels or non-fiction books brings a country to life in a way guides alone cannot.
Some of the books listed below are novels set in South Africa that I have enjoyed reading, while others provide fascinating insights into South Africa's history and culture. All of these make perfect companions for your travels.
Best books about South Africa
South Africa, often called 'The Rainbow Nation' for its rich multicultural diversity, is best discovered through its stories. Reading South African novels and non-fiction offers fascinating insights into both the countryβs history and modern life.
I particularly enjoy reading inspiring novels while travelling in South Africa. Whether fast paced, easy to read page turners with a great story line, or novels with vivid descriptions of the country and its history, both fiction and non-fiction, they make the travel experience even richer.
I've compiled a list of South African books to read that meet these criteria, books that I've read during my travels through South Africa and books that I've thoroughly enjoyed reading. I'd love to share these with you and hope you will like reading them as well. Most of these books are available for purchase in South African book stores and all can be purchased online from most countries.
Inspiring books to read before or while travelling through South Africa
Swahili For The Broken-Hearted - Peter Moore
This is a fun and at times hilarious book to read. After the author gets dumped by his girlfriend he decides to go on a crazy adventure without much preparation from Cape Town to Cairo. It's a great read to join Peter Moore on his crazy adventure and especially during the start of his journey (and the book), when he is still travelling through South Africa.
Tip: Buy this book on Amazon: Kindle Edition
Whatever You Do, Don't Run - Peter Allison
In 'Whatever You Do, Don't Run', Peter Allison tells about his time in Africa when he was working as a safari guide. It is a compilation of short stories about his life in the African bush, about all the things that can happen, in nature, while on safari, with complaining guests,...He tells it in such a funny and hilarious way you often start laughing out loud.
This is a great read for anyone going on a safari. It shows how hard but funny the life of a safari guide in the African bush can be. It's very easy reading, with lots of interesting facts, and somewhat educational. It's a great book on South Africa and some other African countries he has worked in, like Botswana.
Tip: Buy this book on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle Edition
When the lion feeds - Wilbur Smith
Wilbur Smith is probably one of the most well known South African novelists writing mainly about historical fiction. He has written about 35 novels and sold 120 million copies worldwide. He is one of those authors that cannot be left off a list of must read South African books. His books are real page turners, with all the necessary ingredients of romance, history, betrayal, murder, adventure and intrigue. Sean has read most of his books, I still have some catching up to do.
'When The Lion Feeds' was Smith's first novel and this story is the beginning of many subsequent books. It describes the lives of twin brothers Sean and Garrick Courtney and their adventures. Interesting fact: Sean is even named after Sean Courtney. When you are interested in the whole series, click on the image below to get all 4 books.
Tip: The Courtney Family novels are now a series of 24 books, following generations of the Courtney family across different historical periods and locations, including South Africa. If you enjoy epic family sagas, this series is a must read. You can find all the books listed on Amazon here.
Born A Crime: Stories From A South African Childhood - Trevor Noah
It is hard to deny thatΒ Trevor Noah is currently one of the most popular South African comedians. He also recently took over from John Stewart the hosting of The Daily Show. In his book he narrates via a collection of stories of growing up as a child of mixed race parents (Swiss dad and Xhosa mother) in South Africa (Johannesburg) during Apartheid, and he does that in his own unique Trevor Noah style.
Tip: Buy this book on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle Edition
Devil's Peak - Deon Meyer
For the lovers of mystery / thriller / detective books, I highly recommend the books of Deon Meyer. He is a South African novelist whose books have been translated in to over 20 languages. His South African novels are highly paced page turners, which grab you until the end, and they are all set in South Africa. The stories give the reader a great insight into modern everyday South African life, interspersed with great descriptions of places and landscapes in South Africa. He writes some of the best books on South Africa, in my humble opinion.
'Blood Safari' is great to read when going on a safari in The Kruger National Park. I also added one of his other books,
In 'Devil's Peak', the opening novel in the Bennyβ―Griessel series by Deon Meyer, the story is set in Cape Town. There are 8 main books in the Benny Griessel series by Deon Meyer and I really highly recommend reading them, especially when planning to visit Cape Town.
Both books are set in different locations and start with different protagonists, which appear again later in his sequels.
Tip: Check out all Deon Meyers books on Amazon.
A Beautiful Place To Die - Malla Nunn
I discovered the books of Malla Nunn in a library in Belgium. 'A Beautiful Place To Die' was her first published novel and tells the story of detective Emmanuel Cooper. The story is set in 1950's Apartheid South Africa when new Apartheid rules were being introduced. This book is the first of a series about the detective. The novel has a fast pace, the landscapes are beautifully written, and the characters complex. I enjoyed reading this book and also read the 2nd, 'Let The Dead Lie'.
Tip: Buy now on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle Edition.
Silent Predator - Tony Park
Tony Park is an Australian writer who got completely addicted to the African continent after visiting it multiple times. He now resides in Africa six months a year to get the inspiration for his books through the African wildlife, landscapes, countryside and people. I first discovered his books while travelling in South Africa and got completely hooked on his novels.
Through his stories, Tony Park takes you on a trip through various countries, while beautifully and very accurately describing the places you will visit and hopefully recognize. I can recommend all his books, but if you want to focus on South Africa, read 'Silent Predator'. The story is mainly set in South Africa, in a lodge in The Kruger National Park.
Tip: If you are interested in his stories of other African countries like Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Kenya and Botswana, I highly recommend to check out his other books as well
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Long Walk To Freedom - Nelson Mandela
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" ~ Nelson Mandela
Another very inspiring book to read while travelling South Africa is 'Long walk to freedom'. No trip to South Africa is complete without having read the autobiography of one of the countries greatest political leaders, Nelson Mandela. The Nobel peace prize winner and ex-president of South Africa describes his early life, his fight against racial oppression and his 27 years of imprisonment.
It's definitely a must read for everyone that's interested in the history of South Africa, the fall of Apartheid and the vision and life of one of the world's greatest leaders. I really enjoyed reading this book. And it is one of the better books to read before going to South Africa, since it gives a great insight about the country's history.
Tip: Buy now on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle Edition
Zulu - Caryl Ferey
Zulu is a dark thriller set in the aftermath of South Africa's Apartheid in the Cape Town area. Reading this book gave me goosebumps as it's a violent story, but it is narrated in an honest, emotional and intelligent way. If you read this book, don't let it put you off visiting this beautiful country. It's a story told about something a tourist will never come across but will nevertheless happen in many other countries.
The book has also been turned into a movie by the same name starring Forest Whitaker and Orlando Bloom. Check out more movies about South Africa.
Tip: Buy now on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle Edition
The Long Way Down - Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman
In 'The Long Way Down', actor Ewan McGregor and his friend Charley Boorman take up the challenge to ride from the top of Scotland all the way to Cape Town on motorbikes. It is an interesting story to follow their adventures through the African continent and their successful arrival in South Africa after a few months navigating some of the most difficult 'roads'.
It was a great opportunity for them to be able to take on this great road trip and to allow readers to enjoy their adventure as much as possible through the book. And on top of that, it will give you some great inspiration while travelling through South Africa.
Tip: Buy now on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle Edition
Spud - John van de Ruit
'Spud' is again one of those funny and hilarious books I highly recommend. This South African novel, which is written in the form of a diary, takes us through the first year adventures of John 'Spud' Milton, a 14 year old boy in a South African boarding school. The story is set in the year 1990, the year that Nelson Mandela was released from prison. It's a very amusing, entertaining and enjoyable book to read which should get you laughing out loud at times. The next 'Spud' books take you through the rest of the years of his boarding school adventure. Check them out as well.
Tip: Buy now on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle Edition
Recipes for love and murder - Sally Andrew
This charming novel is set in the town of Ladismith in the Little Karoo, where recipe columnist Tannie Maria finds herself solving a murder with a dash of cooking. It's a lovely mix of mystery, humour and South African flavour, filled with local sayings, colourful characters and delicious South African food.
It offers a real glimpse into rural South Africa and the recipes included in this book are absolutely delicious. I can assure you that you'll find yourself getting hungry while reading this book!
There are currently three books in the Tannie Maria series and all are equally worth reading.
Tip: Buy now on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle Edition
1000 Places To See Before You Die - Patricia Schultz
And last but not least, a must have for every avid traveller out there, '1000 Places To See Before You Die". I added this book because it can really give you some serious wanderlust. Not only for Africa, but also for the rest of the world, which will then allow you to continue ticking those things off that bucket list. This book has been (and still is) one of the worlds best selling travel books.
The above list of books are ones I really enjoyed and would highly recommend reading before or during a trip through South Africa. Most of them are pretty easy reading and will be good for long bus trips, flights and transfers (South Africa is big) or just to wind down the day before going to bed.
Tip: Buy now on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle Edition
South African travel books
Not only South African novels are interesting to get some background about the country. South African travel books also give cultural understanding in the country or describe a brief history of South Africa. Here are some guides that can be used for the preparation of your trip or to take with you to guide you through South Africa. Click on the book image to get more information about prices and availability or on the link below.
- The Rough Guide to South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland: The Rough Guide is great with information about sightseeings, history and cultural facts. As a bonus, they include Lesotho and Swaziland since most travellers tend to briefly pass through one or both countries while visiting South Africa.
- The Rough Guide to Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route: A more detailed focus on Cape Town and the surrounding attractions including the Garden Route. Since there is so much to see and do in the Cape area, this guidebook will have all info available.
- Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland: For many people still the bible for travel planning. Also the Lonely Planet includes Lesotho and Swaziland.
- DK Eyewitness South Africa: A more visual guide with beautiful photos to guide you through South Africa.
Which book about South Africa did you really enjoy reading and should be added to our next list of South African must-reads?
Inspired? Pin these to your Pinterest boards:
I am leaving for South Africa for a month in late Feb, and early March. Some of that time will be as a volunteer at a elephant and rhino sanctuary. How fortuitous that I came across this list. Canβt wait to start enjoying my visit even before I leave home. This is my 78th birthday gift to myself. Sn
This list is based on the books I have read and that I think are inspiring to read while visiting South Africa. There are indeed a lot of other very interesting books about South Africa and they are on my to read list. Which books would you recommend to a visitor, based on what you have read?
Great list Sabine which I’ve only just now stumbled upon. I’ve managed to read four on the list, even if one of them (Wilbur Smith’s When the Lion Feeds) was more than 30 years ago! Loved both of the books from Moore and Allison, which are great, fun reads. I currently have McGregor & Boorman’s book on the shelves, so that will probably be my next Africa-based read, but the one that interests me the most is Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. Sounds like exactly the sort of book that I’d like, so thanks for the tip!
I must confess when I looked at the list I thought, you’d have The Power of One on there, which also is a good book (although maybe, quite obvious?). For a trans-Africa story (in same fashion as Swahili for the Broken-Hearted and The Long Way Down), you might also be interested in Paul Theroux’s Dark Star Safari. A very good read.
Thank you so much! Having read four of the list is already a great start with South African literature. Thanks as well for the recommendations. I’ll have a look at The Power of One and Dark Star Safari. The idea was to create a list with books about South Africa that I have read myself, so I could recommend the ones I liked. So in the future I can add additional books to this list.
I’ve only read three of those…. I am looking forward to reading the others ????
I started “Cry, the Beloved Country” before my trip and finished it while I was in South Africa. It was 14 years ago, and I still remember reading the last page on the tour bus and just sitting and staring out the window for half an hour collecting my thoughts.
That book is still on my to read list. Now I really need to get it and read it. Thanks for the tip π
This is such a useful list! I just ordered a copy of ‘Swahili For The Broken-Hearted’. Hope your recommendation turns out useful! Thanks a ton for sharing.
I really enjoyed the book and started reading his other books too. Great read and great humour. Let me know what you think π
I really enjoyed the book and started reading his other books too. Great read and great humour. Let me know what you think π
Wow! Thank you for these recommendations. I don’t read as much as i wish to!! But this will be an inspiration to read on my travels. Thanks.
It’s good to hear that I could inspire you to read more during your travels and maybe it will inspire you to visit South Africa one day π
This looks like an amazing list of books! I’ve been trying to read more and definitely can use some inspiration. I’ll let you know what I think of these suggestions!
I love these suggestions and just ordered whatever you do, don’t run. Not [planning an Africa trip soon, bvut reading these books will probably change that :).
Thanks π You’ll love this book. I’ve worked as a safari guide and could relate to what he was writing about. I should also read his 2nd book, it’s on my to read list. Let me know if you like it!
i love your list! i haven’t read them, but will surely look for them now at bookstores π indeed, reading about the place where you’re traveling to can be fun and it is extra intriguing if you read them from novels such as this. π
I went to South Africa last year and loved it. All these books look great, especially ‘Whatever you do, don’t run!’ I hope to read that soon!
Did you take a tour through South Africa? I’d love to hear about your experiences π
‘Whatever You Do, Don’t Run’ is hysterical, especially if you’ve been on safari. As you’re reading, your mind starts envisioning his storytelling with your own personal experiences. I couldn’t stop laughing. Great read!
Another book to add to the list: THIS Is Africa by Mat Dry. Again I couldn’t stop laughing.
Some fab suggestions here! & yet more to add to my reading pile. Have already heard Trevor Noah’s is fab xx
i love Trevor Noah and I also think this method is a good way of informing yourself before you travel. Most people don’t know much about the place or it’s darker history before getting there and doing for instance an intro or walking tour. I especially think people are lacking in INFORMATION about AFRICA the continent as a whole, and it’s history of violence and colonialism. Thanks for sharing. Noted some!!!
I love reading – would you say I could read them if i’m NOT in South Africa? I kinda wanna add them all to my reading list!
You can definitely read them all even if you are not in South Africa. They are all interesting reads and it will inspire your wanderlust to South Africa π
Love this list; I’ve already read a few of these but I’m going to add some of the others to my list. No trips on the radar yet for South Africa (one day!)
Maybe reading these books will inspire you wanderlust to South Africa one day π