Namibia Book Club | Best Books Based on Namibia

  • Bunnik Tours
  • 13 Oct 20

Short of physically going on a holiday, the next best way to be fully immersed in a far away place is through quality literature. As we yearn for an African getaway, what better place for an escape than Namibia, known for its incredible scenery and diverse wildlife. We have compiled our top books, so you can sit back, relax and be taken on a journey to Namibia.

Deadvlei, Namibia by Emily Fraser

Deadvlei, Namibia by Emily Fraser

1. Soul of a Lion: One Woman's Quest to Rescue Africa's Wildlife Refugees by Barbara Bennet, Mariete van der Merwe

Based in the Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia, this book is an African saga for those who love animals, nature and true stories. It follows the life of Mariete van der Merwe and her family who sold their land to care for vulnerable wildlife. From Sam a lion with AIDs to Boerjke a baboon with down syndrome, Mariete's inspiring story of how she shares her home with embattled wildlife is humorous, insightful, captivating and a must read for any Africa lover. 

Rated 4.23 stars on goodreads.com

2. The Old Way: A Story of the First People by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

This tale of Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, a highly influential anthropologist, is a self reflection of her career by returning to her earlier life where she arrived in Africa at the age of nineteen to live among the Kalahari San (bushmen) in 1950. In a contrast of the ancient hunter-gatherer ways of life to how society functions today, this book looks at the idea that it is "knowledge, not objects, that endure".   

Rated 4.22 stars on goodreads.com

3. The Sheltering Desert by Henno Martin

Set in the midst of World War II, this story follows two young German geologists Henno Martin and Marman Korn as they seek refuge in the incredible Namib Desert where they lived a Robinson Crusoe existence for over two years. It gives an insight into their thoughts, their story of survival and gives a great stillness in which the reader can escape. 

Rated 4.20 stars on goodreads.com

4. An Elephant's Life: An Intimate Portrait from Africa by Caitlin O'Connell

Filled with hundreds of colourful images, An Elephant's Life immerses itself in the fascinating lives of the African elephant through the guise of a leading biologist. Be taken into the day to day life of Elephants including their societal structures and social dramas, from the frustration of males who must leave their family to the matriachs who act as protectors to the family. 

Rated 4.19 stars on goodreads.com

5.  Skeleton Coast by Clive Cussler, Jack Du Brul

From the #1 New York Times-bestselling series of the Oregon files, the Skeleton Coast follows Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon combat ship with a story filled with action, power, a snake hunt and the search for treasure in the Skeleton Coast.

Rated 4.13 stars on goodreads.com

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