415: 10 Best African Safari Book Recommendations For Hunters

415: 10 Best African Safari Book Recommendations For Hunters

Author: John McAdams March 19, 2026 Duration: 23:24

Today, I'm unveiling my definitive list of what I think are the 10 greatest African hunting books ever written. This list of African safari book recommendations includes works from people like Hemingway, Roosevelt, Ruark, Capstick, and other legendary writers.

These Africa hunting books have everything you could ask for: heart-pounding adventures, adrenaline soaked drama, close calls that will make your knuckles turn white and even a few deliciously scandalous tales of betrayal, courage, cowardice, possible murder, more than one love triangle, one very good dog, and lots of talk about rifles, bullets, and cartridges.

Links to where you can get all these Africa hunting safari books are below.

Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We just opened bookings for 2027 and still have a few spots remaining for May, October, and November 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus!

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The Man Eaters of Tsavo by John Henry Patterson

African Game Trails by Theodore Roosevelt

Out of Africa by Karen Blixen (aka Isak Dinesen)

Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway

The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway (including Snows of Kilimanjaro & The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber)

Horn of the Hunter by Robert Ruark

Death in the Long Grass by Peter Hathaway Capstick

African Rifles & Cartridges by John Taylor

Wanderings of an Elephant Hunter by W.D.M Bell

The Perfect Shot II by Kevin Robertson

Jock of the Bushveld by Percy Fitzpatrick


John McAdams hosts the Big Game Hunting Podcast, a conversation grounded in the realities of pursuing game across continents. Each episode feels like a detailed campfire talk, moving from the technical specifics of terminal ballistics and caliber selection to the raw, unforgettable narratives from the field in Africa, North America, and beyond. McAdams brings together a global community, with voices ranging from seasoned industry professionals to fellow hunters who call in with their own experiences. The focus is always on practical knowledge and authentic stories, stripping away any pretense to get to the heart of what hunters actually want to discuss. By sharing his own journey of learning and improvement, McAdams creates a space where curiosity and respect for the wilderness drive the dialogue. Tuning into this podcast means joining a serious yet accessible exchange where the complexities of the hunt are explored without filter. New conversations are released every Thursday, offering a consistent dose of insight and camaraderie for anyone passionate about the pursuit.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Podcast Episodes
370: 6.5 PRC vs 7mm PRC Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:39
John McAdams shares insights on the 6.5 vs 7mm PRC informed by real world data on obtained at the range, afield, and in ballistic gel in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance specif…
369: 7mm PRC vs 7mm Rem Mag Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:15
John McAdams shares insights on the 7mm PRC vs 7mm Remington Magnum informed by real world data on obtained at the range and field in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance specifica…
368: 300 H&H: The Original .30 Caliber Magnum With JvB [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:38
Joseph von Benedikt shares some insights on the 300 Holland & Holland Magnum in this podcast interview, focusing on the history of the cartridge, its performance specifications, and some fascinating stories involving hun…
367: Aoudad Hunting With Phil Massaro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:10
Phil Massaro shares insights on hunting aoudad out in west Texas in this podcast interview, focusing on the story of the hunt, bullet terminal performance on auodad, general tips, and equipment recommendations. Sponsor:…
366: Modern Cartridge Design-Why The 6.5 Creedmoor Is Better [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:36
John Snow of Outdoor Life shares insights on modern cartridge design in this podcast interview, explaining why rounds like the 6.5 Creedmoor have a crucial edge. Sponsor: Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up…
365: 338 Lapua Unleashed with Tyler Freel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:22
Tyler Freel shares insights on hunting big game with the 338 Lapua Magnum in this podcast interview, focusing on terminal performance, favorite loads, and recoil management. Sponsor: Go to https://BigGameHuntingPodcast.c…
364: 2025 Thompson/Center Update With Gregg Ritz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:19
I have Gregg Ritz on the show with me again today to talk about the latest updates from Thompson/Center. T/C is literally shipping guns out the door right now and Gregg and I discuss the stuff that's currently available,…
363: Bergara Crest Carbon Rifle Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:10
How would you like it if you could find a hunting rifle that shoots accurately without an extensive barrel break-in, is lightweight and easy to carry, contains a bunch of premium features, and comes in at under $2,000? W…
362: 45-70 vs 308 Winchester Caliber Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
Today we're going to talk about two completely different rounds: the 45-70 Government and the 308 Winchester. Comparing these two cartridges is a great example of how a person who doesn't know any better can get a wildly…
361: Wyoming Horseback Elk Hunt with Hunter McWaters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:32
I got the chance to sit down with Hunter McWaters from The Hunter's Quest in this episode. We discussed how he got interested in western hunting along with the story of a cool, horseback elk hunt he went on in Wyoming du…