A Tourist in Africa

"A Tourist in Africa" is Evelyn Waugh's 1960 travel diary chronicling his three-month journey through East Africa. Starting in Europe, Waugh travels by sea and air through various colonial territories including Kenya, Tanganyika, and Rhodesia. The narrative focuses on historical sites, colonial architecture, and the remnants of various civilizations - from Portuguese forts to Arab ruins. Waugh records his observations of places like Fort Jesus in Mombasa, the medieval town of Kilwa Kisiwani, and the abandoned British groundnut scheme in the Dodoma Region. Through detailed descriptions and historical commentary, Waugh documents both the grandeur and decline of various colonial projects in Africa. The book captures a specific moment in time, as many of the territories visited were on the cusp of independence from European rule. The work stands as both a personal travelogue and a record of Africa during a period of transition, examining the intersection of European influence and African heritage through the lens of architecture, culture, and politics.

Readers found this to be one of Waugh's weaker works, with many noting his apparent disinterest in both the places and people he encountered. The travel narrative comes across as detached and unfocused. Readers appreciated: - Waugh's sharp wit and occasional moments of humor - Historical perspective on 1950s colonial Africa - Brief glimpses of local culture and customs Common criticisms: - Superficial observations - Racist and colonialist attitudes - Lack of engagement with locations visited - Complaints about travel conditions rather than cultural insights One reader noted: "He seems to spend more time discussing his hotel accommodations than the countries themselves." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.3/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (12 ratings) The book receives significantly lower ratings than Waugh's novels and other travel writing. Multiple reviewers suggest reading his Remote People or Labels instead for better African travel narratives.

Out of Africa by Karen Blixen The memoir presents colonial-era Africa through a European settler's perspective with observations of landscapes, cultures, and relationships between natives and foreigners.

Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux The book chronicles travels from Cairo to Cape Town with encounters of post-colonial Africa's realities, political situations, and changing landscapes.

The Zanzibar Chest by Aidan Hartley The narrative combines personal history and journalism to document experiences across East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula during periods of political upheaval.

The Tree Where Man Was Born by Peter Matthiessen The text explores East Africa's wilderness, tribal peoples, and natural history through detailed observations from extended travels in the region.

Blood River by Tim Butcher The account follows a journalist's recreation of H.M. Stanley's expedition through the Congo, contrasting colonial-era Africa with contemporary conditions.

🌍 Waugh wrote this book at the age of 56, making it one of his final works before his death in 1966 🚢 The Rhodesia Castle, the ship Waugh traveled on, was a famous Union-Castle Line vessel that regularly transported passengers between Britain and East Africa from 1951-1967 📝 Despite being known primarily for satirical novels like "Brideshead Revisited," Waugh penned several travel books, including works about Mediterranean and South American journeys 🗺️ The book was published during a pivotal moment in African history - just as many colonies were gaining independence, with Tanzania achieving independence in 1961 and Zimbabwe in 1980 🎨 Waugh's observations were particularly noteworthy because he had previously visited the region in 1930, allowing him to document nearly 30 years of changes in East African society