The Cobra's Heart, by Ryszard Kapuscinski

This is another of the Penguin "Great Journeys" series that I have mentioned before, this time in Africa. Ryszard Kapuscinski was a correspondant for a Polish newspaper in the 1960's and spent many years travelling around Africa. This little book pulls together some of his more memorable experiences there, especially off the beaten track, and about the people: "Their life is endless toil, a torment they endure with astonishing patience and good humour." A quick, engaging read with some fascinating tales.