My 10 Favorite African Hunting Books

[BGGMKLR]

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?

My PHC limited editions... #1473. Peter personalized two if them for me over double-martini"s
Regards
Spike

 

[Raven]

I recently re read Ernest Hemingway's book "True at First Light". This is an unfinished work, subsequently published by his son. It tells about Hemingway's African safari in 1953-1954.

People are more familiar with his safari story "Green Hills of Africa." But this book also deserves serious attention. After all, it was written not only by a great hunter, but also by a great writer.

 

[steve white]

Ian Nyschens Either of his books are great--can't be beat for authenticity.

 

[Martyfarkle]

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?

TARZAN COPYCAT??
Back in 1974 I spent a year in Arusha Tanzania with our missionary friends who had been there since the later 50s. I picked up a book which I think was called great African white hunters, but I’m not sure about that name.
As I was reading the book there was one account with the Hunter and his group were pitching camp and a man came into their camp wearing only a loincloth with a knife at his waist. That night he slept in a nearby tree and by morning he was gone. That intrigued me because I’ve always been very interested in the Tarzan books, even being tempted myself to go ‘wild’ in the bush of Africa. I love Africa! I spent three years in Tanzania (1962-64, 1974) and four years in Botswana (1985-89).
Do you recall, or does anyone reading this, recall this account or this book with this scenario??

 

[steve white]

Am a bit surprised at no mention of James Mellon's "Africa Hunter".
About as comprehensive as imaginable with stunning photography. Also..."The Eyelids of Morning" by Alistair Graham and Peter Beard.
Both grail tomes for myself and many like-minded others back in the day...
"the times they are a-changin'
Spike

A well-tanned working man/avid hunter was in Billy Hodges gun emporium one day and commented on African Hunter...he said "I could have enjoyed it if it hadn't been written by some KID."
Mellon was young....and not at all the stereotype of the African hunter.

 

[BGGMKLR]

A well-tanned working man/avid hunter was in Billy Hodges gun emporium one day and commented on African Hunter...he said "I could have enjoyed it if it hadn't been written by some KID."
Mellon was young....and not at all the stereotype of the African hunter.

Well...that may well be the most shallow, vacuous, uninformed book review of all time. Not by you...but by your well- tanned acquaintance. I hate to jump to conclusions without knowing anything about Mr. well-tanned, but am willing to bet the ranch, the 401K, and the bourbon money, that he, in comparison, couldn't qualify to clean Mr Melon's rifles at end of day. Youth not withstanding, I will further gamble that

 

[BGGMKLR]

Well...that may well be the most shallow, vacuous, uninformed book review of all time. Not by you...but by your well- tanned acquaintance. I hate to jump to conclusions without knowing anything about Mr. well-tanned, but am willing to bet the ranch, the 401K, and the bourbon money, that he, in comparison, couldn't qualify to clean Mr Mellon's rifles at end of day. Youth not withstanding, I will further gamble that James Mellon, at 25, had successfully hunted far more of the most dangerous, remote parts of the World than Mr well-tanned had ever dreamed about.
Sorry for the rant...but...in my view... posers need to be called out, not quoted.
Best
Spike

 

[Zvikomborero Mudzamba]

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?

"The Shangani Song" by David Hulme....
"Into The Thorns " by Wayne Grant...
"Drums of the Morning " by Wayne Grant....

Still yet to read plenty books .......