Like many hunters, I’m a collector of books. My library leans heavily toward titles about hunting in Africa, featuring classics from writers such as Frederick Courteney Selous, W.D.M. “Karamojo” Bell, and John Taylor, as well as more recent publications from authors like Robert Ruark, J.A. Hunter, John Burger, and John Kingsley-Heath. I also own several books from Trophy Room Books, Amwell Press, and Safari Press, which include the writings of Robin Hurt, Hugo Seia, Bunny Allen, and others.
The following is a list of my favorite books on hunting in Africa:
- Hunting the Dangerous Game of Africa by John Kingsley-Heath
- Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway
- Hunter by J.A. Hunter
- Kambaku! by Harry Manners
- African Safari by Major G.H. “Andy” Anderson
- The Wanderings of an Elephant Hunter by W.D.M. “Karamojo” Bell
- Horn of the Hunter by Robert Ruark
- White Hunters by Brian Herne
- Adventures of an Elephant Hunter by James Sutherland
- African Hunter by Bror Blixen
While this list isn’t ranked by preference,
Hunting the Dangerous Game of Africa is my favorite African hunting book. If you haven’t had the chance to read it, do yourself a favor and pick it up. It's a comprehensive and detailed account of John Kingsley-Heath's experiences hunting big game, including elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros during what I consider the Golden Era of Safari Hunting—from 1947 to 1977. Kingsley-Heath began his career as a game warden before transitioning into a professional hunting guide. He became one of the most sought-after safari guides in East Africa, operating across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, and Sudan. Known for his ethical hunting practices and emphasis on conservation, he contributed to the development of sustainable hunting policies.
What African hunting books are on your favorites list?
