18 Must-Read Books to Rediscover Your Love for South Africa

 

From the vibrant energy of Johannesburg to the serene beauty of the Garden Route, these books capture the heart and soul of South Africa. Discover the resilience of its people, savor the unique cuisine, and admire the breathtaking landscapes through these captivating reads.

Books that Capture South Africa’s Essence

 

Natural Splendour and Scenic Beauty

Hiking Cape Town by Evelyn John Holtzhausen Cape Town's mountains and forests offer a paradise for hikers. This guide covers 35 hikes ranging from easy to challenging, with detailed descriptions, directions, and estimated walking times.

Hidden Karoo by Alain Proust & Pat Kramer The vast plains and secluded valleys of the Karoo are depicted through words and pictures, offering a glimpse into the region's towns, farms, and landscapes.

 

The West Coast by Leon Nell This book divides the coastal stretch from Melkbosstrand to the Orange River into four regions, exploring local history, culture, and natural beauty, from moody seas to vibrant wildflowers.

History and Innovation

Palaces of Stone: Uncovering Ancient southern African Kingdoms by Mike Main & Tom Huffman Explore over 460 remarkable stone palaces, including Great Zimbabwe and Mapungubwe, uncovering the history and civilizations of ancient southern Africa.

 

History of South Africa by Thula Simpson This book covers South Africa's history from the aftermath of the Anglo-Boer War to the COVID-19 pandemic, documenting key figures and events that shaped the nation.

Johannesburg Then and Now by Marc Latilla Through photographic juxtapositions, this book chronicles Johannesburg’s transformation from a dusty mining camp to a modern metropolis, highlighting its economic growth driven by gold.

Place by Justin Fox A travelogue that explores the settings of Fox's favorite books, bringing to life the landscapes and characters from South Africa’s literary works.

Nature’s Diversity and Beauty

 

Newman’s Birds by Colour by Kenneth Newman A beginner's guide to identifying southern Africa's birds by color, with updated names, habitat information, and distribution maps.

Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna by Cliff Dorse & Suretha Dorse Covering over 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and frogs in South Africa’s Fynbos Biome, this guide is perfect for nature enthusiasts exploring the Cape region.

Decima by Eben Venter A creative blend of autofiction and scientific inquiry, this book is an urgent plea to save the black rhinoceros, told through the story of Decima and her crash of rhinos.

Cuisine Influenced by Diverse Cultures

 

 

Senidlile Kodwa? by Zanele Van Zyl Zanele van Zyl's third cookbook celebrates food with 100 simple yet delicious recipes, reflecting her love for cooking and sharing meals with loved ones.

Modern Cape Malay Cooking by Cariema Isaacs A contemporary take on Cape Malay cuisine, blending traditional recipes with modern ingredients and global influences.

Beer Country’s Blackouts & Boerewors by Karl Tessendorf & Greg Gilowey This cookbook turns load-shedding into an opportunity for family braais, featuring 40 great recipes for outdoor cooking.

Dinner at Matloha’s by Liziwe Matloha From savory mince to oxtail stew, this cookbook offers recipes for every meal and season, including traditional South African dishes and Asian-inspired feasts.

These books offer a deep dive into South Africa’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, inviting readers to reconnect with this remarkable country.

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