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Recommended reads An Epic book list
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Oh the places you'll read

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Books

written by: Simon Reeve 22 Feb 2024

Safaris and adventure travel usually involve pretty long flights to your eventual destination. In many ways it’s part of the adventure and there is absolutely no doubt in our minds that a good book can help make the process more enjoyable and productive. Between us all at Epic, we’ve ploughed through our fair share of books (and flights) across the years, so here are some that have left an impression on us. We will include some guide books here as well, if you’re someone who likes to drill down into the detail on your safari and identify birds, mammals, trees and tracks.

A mixture of history, achievement, observation, biography and more.

Books that have become films, authors who have become international bywords for wildlife and conservation.

Then there is politics of course, adventure, courage, some romance in there, the full range of emotions that Africa evokes in people. Those who have lived there and those who visit and return.

Some guide and wildlife book ideas below, of which there are a plethora on the market. However not all guide books are created equal. They’re beautiful items to have on your shelves at home as well. You might be a one time safari person, or like many of our clients, return many times. These books will always have a special place as they do for us.

There are also some wonderful artists and writers you might like to follow on social media. Just a sample of them below. Many of these talented people support organisations and charities and donate pieces to conservation causes.

https://www.instagram.com/richardsymondsartist/

https://www.instagram.com/fuzcaforio/

https://www.instagram.com/matthewbellart/

https://www.instagram.com/tonyparkauthor/

https://www.instagram.com/irvinearts/

https://www.instagram.com/libertyshuroart/

https://www.instagram.com/csillustrator/

Here are some Epic links to download with more comprehensive lists and suggestions for your travels.

Recommended Reading – Australia

Recommended Reading, Movies & Apps – Madagascar

Recommended Reading, Movies & Apps – Mt Kilimanjaro

Recommended Reading, Movies and Apps – Rwanda

Recommended Reading, Movies and Apps – Uganda

Recommended Reading, Videos & Apps – Botswana

Recommended Reading, Videos & Apps – Ethiopia

Recommended Reading, Videos & Apps – Southern Africa

Recommended Reading, Videos & Apps – Zambia

Recommended Reading, Videos & Apps – Zimbabwe & Zambia

Happy reading people.

The Epic team.

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Epic Private Journeys
Africa calling

Sample some Epic itineraries

Now you're in the mood for travel ... some fabulous safari ideas.

9 nights classic Tanzania

A fantastic mix of camps and lodges starting with stunning Rivertrees in Arusha to set up your safari. Kuro warm and inviting, is in the heart of elephant and lion country in the spectacular Tarangire NP with its signature baobab trees everywhere, while Entemanu stands alone and majestic in our favourite secluded spot on the Crater rim. And there is no more authentic Serengeti experience than Serian Lemai taking in the migration in season.

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Tanzania

Botswana+Zambia Premium 10 nights safari

Premium camps and lodges, iconic destinations. Victoria Falls in all its glory, the fabled Jack's camp and the Okavango Delta including a stunning water camp. Game viewing unequalled in Southern Africa. This is a magnificent safari for the connoisseur.

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Botswana+Zambia

16 days Ethiopian adventure

A safari to Ethiopia offers an intoxicating mix of the markets of the bustling capital Addis Ababa, to the ancient Coptic Christian rock hewn churches of the Tigre region, to the traditional pastoralists tribes of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia. The route takes you through dramatic scenery of the Simien Mountains to view Gelada Monkeys and Walia Ibex to the Bale Mountains to see the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf hunting mole rats on the high montane plateaus. Ethiopia offers a unique cuisine and is the original home of coffee. It offers plenty of opportunities to be active. Lodges and camps are comfortable and homely without being luxurious like those in South Africa, Botswana or Eastern Africa. This destination is suited to the well travelled, who seeks a unique and deeply rewarding experience to a comparatively rarely visited country.

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Ethiopia
Travel Tales

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Extraordinary Ethiopia
Jul 21 2021

A Helicopter Safari in Northern Kenya
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Kope Lion Project
LOK THE LEGEND
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Sep 11 2018

An epic journey to magical Madagascar
The Greatest of trackers
DAVID APIYE
Testimonial
what our clients say

From our travellers

Anita and the whole Epic team did an outstanding job organizing, planning and executing our trip to Kenya. Their attention to detail, from assisting us with choosing our outstanding accommodations, to having a pre-trip preparatory call with a staff member on the ground - to having several people immediately waiting for us at the airport and helping every step of the way, made our vacation the best ever! When there was a flood in Kenya just a couple months before our departure date and our accommodations were closed for the year, Anita was able to find us superb last minute accommodations, which ended up being the favorites of our trip. We loved every minute of our incredible trip and are so grateful for working with Anita and Epic.
Danielewicz family
My husband and I recently returned from a trip to East Africa, arranged for us by Sam and Epic Private Journeys. We had the most wonderful time! Their expertise in laying out our itinerary, and arrangements was impeccable! Thanks to their knowledge and experience, we were thrilled with each location that we visited, enabling us to enjoy the wildlife, as well as the culture of these beautiful countries. The guides, accommodations and travel arrangements were all fabulous. We enjoyed a mix of canvas tents and lodges, each with their own unique personality and natural beauty. This involved several moves throughout Kenya and Tanzania, and all of our travel connections went flawlessly! Their communication with us in preparation, for the trip was so helpful. From completing visa applications, to packing lists to recommending unique stops along the way, they were immensely patient and generous with their time, answering all of our questions, and making us feel completely prepared to go. And they continued to be in touch with us along the way, always available to provide guidance. We are so grateful to the team for this fabulous experience, and cannot wait to get our next African journey planned!
Julie and Monty
Re-entry has taken longer than expected, but I'm finally taking a breath to respond.  Might also be due to Pisco Sours twice daily during our entire trip! THE TRIP WAS FABULOUS!!! Everything we hoped for and more from an Epic trip.  A gift of memories beyond measure!! Hotels? We would return to all! I am clearly spoiled!   Thank you again for another successful adventure.  Cindy & Jack – Amazon & Machu Picchu
Cindy and Jack
Our trip to Africa was a dream come true; everything we wished for was granted by the genies at Epic! From the onset they listened, responded, explained and supported. Advice and recommendations were spot on, there was no point in which we felt the experience wasn’t designed entirely around us. We would do it again in a heartbeat. Anna
Anderson family
Climbing Kilimanjaro with Epic was nothing short of a life-changing experience. Their commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for providing a transformative journey created moments our family will remember for the rest of our lives. From the early calls about training and health markers to the team helping us with the climb on the ground, Epic's meticulous planning, attention to detail, and unwavering support ensured that every step of the climb was not just a physical feat but a soul-stirring adventure. For us, the journey was not just about reaching the summit but about the transformative moments along the way—the camaraderie forged in the tents with the guides, porters, and cooks, the breathtaking landscapes that unfolded with each day, and the profound sense of accomplishment as the summit came into view. Every person on the expedition was willing to help and went above and beyond to create a memorable experience for all of us, and we genuinely felt they enjoyed our presence as well. Epic's commitment to sustainability and ethical tourism also allowed us to have peace of mind throughout the journey, knowing that we would leave as little of a footprint behind. Climbing Kilimanjaro was a project on our minds for a long time. Embarking on this adventure with Epic made it an even better experience than we thought possible. They truly gave our family an 'experience for the books,' and we look forward to creating more memories with them in the future.
Leonardo Abedum de Lima Hanzawa
Our Safari in Africa was a once in a lifetime experience for our family. Throughout the planning Bridgit and Rob carefully listened to and answered our questions and fully understood our expectations, needs and concerns as a family of 5 traveling in Africa. Anita’s attention to detail with the complicated logistics made the safari seamless from beginning to end. Kudos Anita! Trekking gorillas in Uganda was one of many highlights and truly an unforgettable experience. Our kids thanked us too many times to count for such an incredible trip. Thank you, Epic, for making this a magical family vacation where lifelong memories were created!!!
Shelly – Family of five
Just wanted to let you know we had a wonderful, successful climb/week on Kilimanjaro. We cannot begin to express how impressed we were with the crew/guides/cooks/porters and level of service and care. We had no idea we’d be taken such good care of and all agree it ”made” the trip. All of my friends thanked me again and again for finding Epic for our climb. We always felt safe and cared for. The connections we all made on the trail/at camp with these amazing souls will stay in our hearts and memories forever. What a beautiful group of people.
Lynne – Mt Kilimanjaro
I just wanted to thank you so much for everything you did to help put together our incredible Africa adventure. It truly was a trip of a lifetime, and I know how hard you worked behind the scenes to make it all happen. I also know how much effort it took in the eleventh hour when our flight got cancelled to make sure we would still be able to make our dream trip a reality. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We hope to embark on another adventure with Epic in the future, and in the meantime have been telling all of our friends to reach out to you to plan their next trip.
Dana
It was such a pleasure being with Epic and we had a fabulous trip. Thanks to your exquisite planning and extraordinary knowledge of the places we visited.
J. Rock – Botswana, Zambia
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