Learn Any Time. Anywhere. Get the MySSI App
Unforgettable aquatic adventures for kids – Go underwater and discover the wonder of Snorkel, Scuba, Mermaid, and Freediving Explorer programs
The SSI Classified Diving program has been created to enable persons with disabilities who might not be able to earn full certifications the ability to dive and get certified with different safety parameters. Learn to work with disabled divers.
Planning a dive trip to Kenya or just looking for some underwater inspiration? This curated reading guide offers a mix of practical and biographical diving books, thrilling scuba-themed novels, and a selection of works about Kenya’s rich history and landscapes. This is a small personal selection chosen by Mark — there are many more excellent titles out there, so be sure to explore further!
Under Pressure by Gareth Lock MSc
This essential read on human factors in diving explores how decision-making, teamwork, and communication affect safety underwater. Gareth Lock uses real case studies to highlight how even experienced divers can make critical errors and how to mitigate them. [1]
Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson
A gripping true story about two wreck divers who discover a mysterious German U-boat off the coast of New Jersey. Their dangerous quest to identify the submarine becomes an obsession, filled with deep dives, hazards, and personal sacrifice. [2]
The Last Dive by Bernie Chowdhury
This tragic account follows a father-son team who pushed the limits of deep wreck diving. It details their journey into technical diving, culminating in a fatal dive, and examines the powerful lure of deep exploration. [3]
AJ Bailey Series by Nicholas Harvey
Set in the Cayman Islands, this series follows AJ Bailey, a dive boat operator and reluctant heroine. The books blend thrilling underwater mysteries with rich Caribbean settings and fast-paced action. [4]
Fin Fleming Scuba Diving Series by Sharon Ward
Fin Fleming is a marine institute VP and dive shop operator who finds herself in the middle of mysteries and crimes. The series combines diving adventures with murder investigations, offering plenty of twists and excitement. [5]
Dirk Pitt Series by Clive Cussler
These classic adventure novels feature Dirk Pitt, an underwater explorer and marine engineer, as he uncovers lost treasures and faces global threats. The books are famous for their blend of diving action and larger-than-life plots. [6]
Kurt Austin Series by Clive Cussler
A spin-off from the Dirk Pitt adventures, Kurt Austin leads NUMA’s Special Assignments Team. The stories deliver high-seas action and daring underwater missions, perfect for fans of maritime thrillers. [7]
Africa Action Series by Steve Braker
Set along Africa’s east coast, these action thrillers follow William Brody, a former special forces operative, as he confronts poachers and pirates. While not strictly diving-focused, they offer great insights into life and adventure on the African coast. [8]
The Man-eaters of Tsavo by John Patterson
A first-hand account of the infamous lions that terrorized railway workers in 1898 Kenya. Patterson’s narrative captures the drama and danger of colonial-era Africa. [9]
Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen)
A beautifully written memoir about life on a Kenyan coffee plantation in the early 20th century. Blixen’s reflections on the land and people became a classic portrait of colonial Kenya. [10]
Born Free by Joy Adamson
The heartwarming true story of Elsa the lioness, raised and returned to the wild in Kenya. This book sparked global interest in wildlife conservation. [11]
Born Wild by Tony Fitzjohn
A memoir from George Adamson’s protégé, detailing decades spent rehabilitating big cats and battling poachers. It’s a raw, inspiring look at conservation work in Kenya. [12]
White Mischief by James Fox
A true-crime account of a 1941 murder among Kenya’s colonial elite. The book explores the decadent lives and scandals of the Happy Valley set. [13]
The Life and Death of Lord Erroll by Errol Trzebinski
A detailed investigation into the same 1941 murder featured in White Mischief, offering new evidence and personal insights. [14]
West with the Night by Beryl Markham
Markham’s memoir about growing up in Kenya and her adventures as a bush pilot. Ernest Hemingway praised it as a masterpiece of adventure writing. [15]
Wildlife Wars by Richard Leakey
Leakey’s account of his battles against poaching and corruption as head of Kenya Wildlife Service. A candid look at conservation and politics in Kenya. [16]
The Flame Trees of Thika by Elspeth Huxley
A memoir of a British girl’s childhood on a pioneer farm in early 20th-century Kenya. It beautifully describes settler life and interactions with local communities. [17]
Assegai by Wilbur Smith
A historical adventure set before World War I, following a safari guide entangled in espionage and romance. It captures the wild spirit and tensions of colonial Kenya. [18]
The Constant Gardener by John le Carré
A modern thriller set partly in Kenya, focusing on a diplomat investigating his wife’s murder and uncovering a pharmaceutical conspiracy. It offers a gripping plot and sharp commentary on exploitation. [19]
Weep Not, Child by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
A powerful coming-of-age story set during the Mau Mau uprising. It explores the struggles of a young Kenyan boy and his family under colonial rule. [20]
This list is just a small personal selection by Mark, meant to inspire and introduce a few favorites. There are countless other fantastic reads waiting to be discovered. For more, check out the full Goodreads list of books set in Kenya: Books Set in Kenya.
Citations
[1] Under Pressure — Gareth Lock MSc
[2] Shadow Divers — Robert Kurson
[3] The Last Dive — Bernie Chowdhury
[4] AJ Bailey Series — Nicholas Harvey
[5] Fin Fleming Series — Sharon Ward
[6] Dirk Pitt Series — Clive Cussler
[7] Kurt Austin Series — Clive Cussler
[8] Africa Action Series — Steve Braker
[9] The Man-eaters of Tsavo — John Patterson
[10] Out of Africa — Isak Dinesen
[11] Born Free — Joy Adamson
[12] Born Wild — Tony Fitzjohn
[13] White Mischief — James Fox
[14] The Life and Death of Lord Erroll — Errol Trzebinski
[15] West with the Night — Beryl Markham
[16] Wildlife Wars — Richard Leakey
[17] The Flame Trees of Thika — Elspeth Huxley
[18] Assegai — Wilbur Smith
[19] The Constant Gardener — John le Carré
[20] Weep Not, Child — Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
Ocean Tribe Dive Team
I will be back soon
