An informative, well-researched retracing of a colonial-era African expedition that brings alive the preposterous “grab for Africa,” from the acclaimed author of The Lost Pianos of SiberiaIn 1879, King Leopold II of Belgium launched an ambitious plan to plunder Africa’s resources. The key to cracking open the continent, or so he thought, was its elephants — if only he could train them. And so he commissioned the charismatic Irish adventurer Frederick Carter to ship four tamed Asian elephants from India to the East African coast, where they were marched inland towards Congo. The ultimate aim was to establish a training school for African elephants.Following in the footsteps of the four elephants, Roberts pieces together the story of this long-forgotten expedition, in travels that take her to Belgium, Iraq, India, Tanzania and Congo. The storytelling brings to life a compelling cast of historic characters and modern voices, from ivory dealers to Catholic nuns, set against rich descriptions of the landscapes travelled. She digs deep into historic records to reckon with our broken relationship with anima­­ls, revealing an extraordinary — and enduring — story of colonial greed, ineptitude, hypocrisy, and folly. Read more

Travel to the wilds of Cameroon with the conservationist whose work inspired Masterpiece production The Durrells in Corfu on public television. In 1949, Gerald Durrell embarks with fellow zoologist Kenneth Smith on an expedition to collect rare animals in the British Cameroons in West Central Africa. There, he meets the Nero-like local ruler, the Fon of Bafut, who likes a man who can hold his liquor—will Durrell be able to get on his good side?   In this unique memoir, set off on a journey with the famed British naturalist’s group of hunters and his pack of motley hunting dogs as they encounter an array of exotic creatures, including flying mice, booming squirrels, a frog with a mysterious coat of hair, and teacup-size monkeys; and witness the joys and problems of collecting, keeping, and transporting wild animals from Africa to England.  This ebook features an illustrated biography of Gerald Durrell including rare photos from the author’s estate.   Read more

In the tradition of A Year in Provence and Under the Tuscan Sun, acclaimed English travel writer Tahir Shah shares a highly entertaining account of making an exotic dream come true. By turns hilarious and harrowing, here is the story of his family’s move from the gray skies of London to the sun-drenched city of Casablanca, where Islamic tradition and African folklore converge–and nothing is as easy as it seems….Inspired by the Moroccan vacations of his childhood, Tahir Shah dreamed of making a home in that astonishing country. At age thirty-six he got his chance. Investing what money he and his wife, Rachana, had, Tahir packed up his growing family and bought Dar Khalifa, a crumbling ruin of a mansion by the sea in Casablanca that once belonged to the city’s caliph, or spiritual leader.With its lush grounds, cool, secluded courtyards, and relaxed pace, life at Dar Khalifa seems sure to fulfill Tahir’s fantasy–until he discovers that in many ways he is farther from home than he imagined. For in Morocco an empty house is thought to attract jinns, invisible spirits unique to the Islamic world. The ardent belief in their presence greatly hampers sleep and renovation plans, but that is just the beginning. From elaborate exorcism rituals involving sacrificial goats to dealing with gangster neighbors intent on stealing their property, the Shahs must cope with a new culture and all that comes with it. Endlessly enthralling, The Caliph’s House charts a year in the life of one family who takes a tremendous gamble. As we follow Tahir on his travels throughout the kingdom, from Tangier to Marrakech to the Sahara, we discover a world of fierce contrasts that any true adventurer would be thrilled to call home. Read more

Lonely Planet's Morocco is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Explore the Marrakesh medina, wander the blue alleyways of Chefchaouen, and chill on a Mediterranean beach; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Morocco and begin your journey now!Inside Lonely Planet's MoroccoTravel Guide: Lonely Planet's Top Picks - a visually inspiring collection of the destination's best experiences and where to have themItineraries help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interestsLocal insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - whether it's history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, politicsEating and drinking - get the most out of your gastronomic experience as we reveal the regional dishes and drinks you have to tryToolkit - all of the planning tools for solo travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, family travellers and accessible travelColour maps and images throughoutLanguage - essential phrases and language tipsInsider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spotsCovers Marrakesh, Central Morocco, Northern Atlantic Coast, Casablanca, Mediterranean Coast and the Rip Mountains, Tangier, Fez, Meknes and the Middle Atlas, Southern Morocco and Western SaharaeBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones)Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data chargesEffortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviewsAdd notes to personalise your guidebook experienceSeamlessly flip between pagesBookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flashEmbedded links to recommendations' websitesZoom-in maps and imagesInbuilt dictionary for quick referencingAbout Lonely Planet:Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet).'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' Fairfax Media (Australia) Read more

An “exciting” true account of battling the elephant poachers of Zambia by the author of Where the Crawdads Sing and her fellow biologist (The Boston Globe).   Intelligent, majestic, and loyal, with lifespans matching our own, elephants are among the greatest of the wonders gracing the African wilds. Yet, in the 1970s and 1980s, about a thousand of these captivating creatures were slaughtered in Zambia each year, killed for their valuable ivory tusks. When biologists Mark and Delia Owens, residing in Africa to study lions, found themselves in the middle of a poaching fray, they took the only side they morally could: that of the elephants.   From the authors of Secrets of the Savanna, The Eye of the Elephant is “part adventure story, part wildlife tale,” recounting the Owens’s struggle to save these innocent animals from decimation, a journey not only to supply the natives with ways of supporting their villages, but also to cultivate support around the globe for the protection of elephants (The Boston Globe). Filled with daring exploits among disgruntled hunters, arduous labor on the African plains, and vivid depictions of various wildlife, this remarkable tale is at once an adventure story, a travelogue, a preservationist call to action, and a fascinating examination of both human and animal nature. Read more

Uncover the previously untold stories of Barry's life in AfricaAccompany Barry, a fearless journalist whose six years on the continent of Africa unfolded like a tapestry of extraordinary moments. From the tumultuous days of Emperor Haile Selassie’s overthrow in Ethiopia to a roadside negotiation for a humble stalk of bananas in Uganda, Barry’s adventures are nothing short of captivating. Imagine the scenic beauty of northern Kenya, where two mothers share a spontaneous and heartwarming moment amid the wild surroundings of the bushland.In this enthralling narrative, Barry invites you to relive the exhilarating, dramatic, and often comical escapades that defined his years traversing Africa. If you’ve ever questioned your own audacity after pulling off something utterly fantastic, you’ll definitely relate as Barry unveils a world where courage knows no bounds. Read more

Unlock the Magic of Morocco: Maps, Gorgeous Photos, and Instant QR Codes for Stress-Free TravelFrom the bustling souks of Marrakech to the golden dunes of the Sahara, Morocco is a feast for the senses. This all-in-one travel guide is your key to unlocking it all. With maps, stunning photography, and scannable QR codes for instant access to tips, routes, and resources, you’ll explore Morocco with total confidence and ease.Whether you're sipping mint tea in a hidden riad, hiking the High Atlas Mountains, or getting lost in the blue alleys of Chefchaouen, this guide ensures every moment feels unforgettable.Here’s just a glimpse of what you’ll find inside:City & Region Spotlights – Dive into Marrakech, the Sahara, and beyond.Maps + Smart QR Codes – Navigate like a pro, wherever you are.Top Photography Spots – Snap your dream Moroccan shots.Foodie Hotspots & Dining Tips – Discover the food, and more.Survival Phrases in Moroccan Arabic – Connect with locals and feel at home.Cultural Do’s & Don’ts – Avoid awkward moments with customs and etiquette guides.And much, much more!Why Travelers Love This Guide:Smart Travel TipsPerfect for Any Travel StyleDigital Convenience with QR codes for directions and insider extrasCommon Travel Worries? Solved!Don’t Speak the Language? – Quick phrases help you get by instantly.Worried About Getting Around? – Insider tips on best transport options.First Time in Morocco? – Everything you need to stay safe, respectful, and informed.Perfect For:Solo Travelers – Confidently explore off-the-beaten-path.Couples & Families – Find romantic stays and family-friendly fun.Photographers & Foodies – Capture and taste the best of Morocco.Don’t Just Dream of Morocco. Live It.Click “Add to Cart” and start planning your unforgettable Moroccan adventure today! Read more

This work is an exploration of Jewishness, Judaism, Jewish texts, and the history of the Jewish people as it relates to the millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. It analyzes the phenomenon of Jewish connectedness using a wide-range of conflicting and religious discourses to bring a fresh perspective to this complex paradigm. Read more

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The Medina -- the Old City -- of Fez is the best-preserved, medieval walled city in the world. Inside this vibrant Moroccan community, internet cafes and mobile phones coexist with a maze of donkey-trod alleyways, thousand-year-old sewer systems, and Arab-style houses, gorgeous with intricate, if often shabby, mosaic work. While vacationing in Morocco, Suzanna Clarke and her husband, Sandy, are inspired to buy a dilapidated, centuries-old riad in Fez with the aim of restoring it to its original splendor, using only traditional craftsmen and handmade materials. So begins a remarkable adventure that is bewildering, at times hilarious, and ultimately immensely rewarding. A House in Fez chronicles their meticulous restoration, but it is also a journey into Moroccan customs and lore and a window into the lives of its people as friendships blossom. When the riad is finally returned to its former glory, Suzanna finds she has not just restored an old house, but also her soul. Read more

Having learned to appreciate Muslim life while living in Pakistan, Peter Mayne settled down to live in the back streets of Marrakesh in the 1950s. Rather than watch from the shelter of a hotel terrace, he rented rooms, learned the language, made friends, and became embroiled in conspiratorial picni, hashish-laced dinners and in the enchantments and misunderstandings of the street, with its festivals, love affairs, potions and gossip. By turns used, abused and cherished by his neighbours, Mayne wrote their letters for them and captured the essence of their lives in this affectionate and hilarious acount. Read more

Dada Tales is a heartfelt and hilarious (in hindsight) collection of real life stories from my time as a single mum living and working in East Africa. Through the ups and downs of hiring house helps or 'dadas', I discovered lessons in culture, trust and the quiet power of grace.These tales are honest, messy and human. Have a laugh/heads up on me! Read more

JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER • Grandmothers from eight eastern African countries welcome you into their kitchens to share flavorful recipes and stories of family, love, and tradition in this transporting cookbook-meets-travelogue.“Their food is alive with the flavors of mangoes, cinnamon, dates, and plantains and rich with the history of the continent that had been a culinary unknown for much too long.”—Jessica B. Harris, food historian, journalist, and public speakerIACP AWARD FINALIST • LONGLISTED FOR THE ART OF EATING PRIZE • ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker, The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, Bon Appétit, NPR, San Francisco Chronicle, Food Network, Vogue, Delish, The Guardian, Smithsonian Magazine, Salon, Town & CountryIn this incredible volume, Somali chef Hawa Hassan and food writer Julia Turshen present 75 recipes and stories gathered from bibis (or grandmothers) from eight African nations: South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, and Eritrea. Most notably, these eight countries are at the backbone of the spice trade, many of them exporters of things like pepper and vanilla. We meet women such as Ma Shara, who helps tourists “see the real Zanzibar” by teaching them how to make her famous Ajemi Bread with Carrots and Green Pepper; Ma Vicky, who now lives in suburban New York and makes Matoke (Stewed Plantains with Beans and Beef) to bring the flavor of Tanzania to her American home; and Ma Gehennet from Eritrea who shares her recipes for Kicha (Eritrean Flatbread) and Shiro (Ground Chickpea Stew).Through Hawa’s writing—and her own personal story—the women, and the stories behind the recipes, come to life. With evocative photography shot on location by Khadija Farah, and food photography by Jennifer May, In Bibi's Kitchen uses food to teach us all about families, war, loss, migration, refuge, and sanctuary. Read more

Discover the destinations that have inspired the world’s greatest art, cinema, food, novels and music.Pure armchair travel, this book is for anyone with a sense of wanderlust and curiosity: immerse yourself in 100 places that have inspired a remarkable cultural environment.In Paris, visit the labyrinth streets of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables and the charming streets of Montmartre, the backdrop of Amélie; in New York visit Brooklyn, home of Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s stomping ground round the East Village. Split by continent, and with fascinating text and charming hand-drawn illustrations for each entry, this is the ultimate atlas of 100 cultural places every armchair traveler needs to know about. Read more

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This Warbler Classics Annotated Edition includes a detailed biographical timeline, In West with the Night Beryl Markham chronicles her unconventional, free-spirited girlhood in Kenya and her adventures as a rescue pilot, mail carrier, and bush pilot, scouting game for safaris all over Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The book earned high praise upon its publication in 1942 but fell out of print and into obscurity. When it was republished in 1983 the book became an international bestseller and is now considered both a classic of its genre and a significant literary achievement. National Geographic Adventure ranks it number 8 in a list of 100 best adventure books.BERYL MARKHAM (1902–1986) was a racehorse trainer and breeder, aviator, and author. She grew up on her father’s horse ranch in Kenya, learning Swahili, Nandi, and Masai, and spear hunting with the local Nandi Murani tribe. In 1933 she became the first woman in Kenya to become a commercial pilot. In 1936 Markham, who was already a well-known figure among in aviation circles, made international news when she became the first woman to make a non-stop solo transatlantic flight from Europe to North America. After a stint in Hollywood, Markham returned to Kenya and trained horses until her death in 1983.“Written so well, and marvelously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer. [Markham] can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves as writers...it really is a bloody wonderful book.”—Ernest Hemingway“Written with exceptional, simple beauty in a style that, without aiming at distinction, achieves it unquestionably.”—The New York Times“A real contribution to the literature of flight.” —Boston Globe Read more

From the author of A Short History of Nearly Everything and The Body comes a travel diary documenting a visit to Kenya. All royalties and profits go to CARE International.   In the early fall of 2002, famed travel writer Bill Bryson journeyed to Kenya at the invitation of CARE International, the charity dedicated to working with local communities to eradicate poverty around the world. He arrived with a set of mental images of Africa gleaned from television broadcasts of low-budget Jungle Jim movies in his Iowa childhood and a single viewing of the film version of Out of Africa. (Also with some worries about tropical diseases, insects, and large predators.) But the vibrant reality of Kenya and its people took over the second he deplaned in Nairobi, and this diary records Bill Bryson’s impressions of his trip with his inimitable trademark style of wry observation and curious insight.   From the wrenching poverty of the Kibera slum in Nairobi to the meticulously manicured grounds of the Karen Blixen house and the human fossil riches of the National Museum, Bryson registers the striking contrasts of a postcolonial society in transition. He visits the astoundingly vast Great Rift Valley; undergoes the rigors of a teeth-rattling train journey to Mombasa and a hair-whitening flight through a vicious storm; and visits the refugee camps and the agricultural and economic projects where dedicated CARE professionals wage noble and dogged war against poverty, dislocation, and corruption.   Though brief in compass and duration, Bill Bryson’s African Diary is rich in irreverent, poignant, and morally instructive observation. Like all of this author’s work, it can make the reader laugh, think, and especially, feel all at the same time. Read more

In "The History of Tanzania," you will embark on a captivating exploration of this East African nation. From the prehistoric origins of humanity to the rise and fall of powerful trading cities along the Swahili Coast, the book unravels the intriguing tapestry of Tanzania's past. Discover the ancient civilizations, colonial encounters, and the struggle for independence that have shaped the nation's identity. Traverse the vast plains of the Serengeti, stand in awe before the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, and explore the captivating wildlife that roams the country's national parks. Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation and the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Indulge your taste buds with the mouthwatering descriptions of Tanzanian cuisine, a fusion of local and global flavors. From traditional dishes rooted in age-old culinary traditions to modern gastronomic innovations, experience the vibrant tapestry of flavors that make up the country's diverse culinary landscape."The History of Tanzania" is a captivating and informative book that offers a comprehensive exploration of Tanzania's past, present, and future. With its text-only format, the book provides a deep dive into the country's rich heritage, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the stories, facts, and cultural nuances that have shaped Tanzania into the vibrant nation it is today.Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of wildlife and nature, or simply curious about the diverse cultures and cuisines of the world, this book promises to be an enlightening and engaging read. Take a journey through time, culture, and breathtaking landscapes as you unravel the captivating history of Tanzania.Get your copy of "The History of Tanzania" today and embark on an unforgettable literary adventure that will leave you inspired, informed, and hungry for more knowledge about this fascinating nation. Read more

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa with an internal market of 150 million people and an economy growing at around 8 percent a year, is potentially Africa's next powerhouse. It is nearly one and a half times the size of Texas, with a landmass varying from sandy beaches and tropical jungles, to plains, mountains, and desert. This important West African nation is made up of 250 culturally distinct ethno-linguistic groups. The largest communities are the Hausa in the north, rooted in the Islamic city-states of the famed trans-Saharan trade routes; the Yoruba of the southwest, where ancient kingdoms nurtured some of Africa's best-known art forms; and the Igbo of the southeast, where decentralized, egalitarian communities have produced many of the country's most successful traders and businessmen. Nigeria has had a bad press: international reports of violence, corruption, and natural disasters completely overlook the vibrancy and artistic sophistication of its diverse cultural groups, most of whom live peacefully in mixed communities. Although Nigeria is the world's fifth-largest producer of oil, there is a huge disparity in income. The competition for scarce resources and the country's dense diversity have fostered ingenuity and perseverance on the part of its ambitious citizens. They are natural entrepreneurs, and intelligent and shrewd negotiators. They are also proud, and sensitive to criticism. Most are devout, gregarious, and hospitable, and disgusted by corruption. Now, in the twelfth consecutive year of democracy after years of military rule, major political and economic reforms are under way. Culture Smart! Nigeria is a unique introduction to life there today. Most of what is written about the country comes from the perspective of one or other tribe. There is nothing quite like this concise description of its major cultural traditions. The people most visitors will meet are well-educated, sophisticated, and well-versed in Western ways. Nonetheless, foreign businesspeople cannot hope to be successful without understanding the ancient and complex systems of behavior, values, and attitudes that underlie the country's vibrant social and business life. Read more

As the world counted down to the year 2000, an estranged father and son, tackled an epic journey from Austria to South Africa on temperamental, Ukrainian sidecar motorbikes. Their adventure was fueled by grit, determination, and courage to overcome the adversities that the roads, laws and climates of Europe, the Middle East and Africa presented.Throughout their journey, Hans and Marc grappled with the unspoken pain between them, with the past that separated them, and the desire for that reunion expedition, to heal them.A true story, that is at times harrowing but also life affirming.A road trip which never truly ended. Read more