Best Books to Read Before Visiting

Best Books to Read Before Visiting Rwanda or Going on Safari

Reading before your trip to Rwanda—or embarking on a safari in general—not only deepens your understanding of the places you’ll visit but also enriches your experience on the ground. Here’s a curated list of the best books across genres: from gripping histories to inspiring conservation stories and safari field guides.

Books on Rwanda’s History and Culture

  1. “We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families” by Philip Gourevitch
    A powerful, investigative narrative that explores the 1994 genocide through personal stories and political analysis. It’s deeply moving and essential for understanding Rwanda’s past and its remarkable journey toward recovery.
  2. “Shake Hands with the Devil” by Roméo Dallaire
    Written by the Canadian general who led the UN peacekeeping mission during the genocide, this memoir is a firsthand account of moral courage, failure, and the realities of international politics.
  3. “A Thousand Hills: Rwanda’s Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It” by Stephen Kinzer
    A biography of President Paul Kagame and a look at Rwanda’s dramatic transformation post-genocide. It provides political insight and highlights the country’s bold steps in economic reform and national reconciliation.

Wildlife & Conservation Books

  1. “Gorillas in the Mist” by Dian Fossey
    A classic and moving account of Fossey’s work with mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This book is a must-read for anyone planning a gorilla trek—it captures both the animals and the pioneering spirit of conservation.
  2. “The Eye of the Elephant” by Delia and Mark Owens
    Although based in Zambia, this story of fighting poaching and protecting elephants offers powerful insights into African wildlife conservation challenges and triumphs.
  3. “In the Kingdom of Gorillas” by Bill Weber and Amy Vedder
    Written by two of the earliest conservationists in Rwanda, this book weaves together science, adventure, and personal experience to tell the story of saving mountain gorillas.

Safari & Nature Field Guides

  1. “Bradt Guide to Rwanda” (latest edition)
    Not a novel, but an indispensable travel companion. It includes detailed information on parks, cultural etiquette, and local history. Perfect for planning and referencing on the go.
  2. “Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa” by Chris and Tilde Stuart
    A beautifully illustrated and accessible guide to help you identify wildlife on safari—from elephants to antelopes.
  3. “Birds of East Africa” by Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe
    For birdwatching enthusiasts, this guide covers over 1,300 species found across Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Fiction Set in East Africa

  1. “Running the Rift” by Naomi Benaron
    A novel following a Rwandan boy with Olympic dreams against the backdrop of national conflict and recovery. Poetic and insightful, it captures both personal and national journeys.
  2. “The Shadow of the Sun” by Ryszard Kapuściński
    A literary masterpiece of travel journalism that reflects on decades of life across Africa, including Rwanda, through the eyes of a Polish reporter.

Whether you’re trekking gorillas, driving through savannahs, or reflecting at memorials, these books will help you see deeper, feel more, and understand better the complex beauty of Rwanda and the safari experience.