Our clients often seek journeys that reveal the connections between land, water and wildlife.
Their reading lists therefore reflect a keen interest in the natural world and the forces shaping it.
The five books below come recommended by those who have travelled with us and share a curiosity for how science and storytelling can change our understanding of a place.
The Song of the Dodo by David Quammen
Quammen traces the history and science of island biogeography in The Song of the Dodo, exploring how species come to thrive or disappear in isolated places. From the vanished dodo of Mauritius to giant tortoises in the Galapagos, his travels and research reveal how islands become microcosms of extinction, adaptation and survival. This is essential reading for anyone travelling to remote or wildlife-rich regions.
Pair with: Galapagos Islands by Land
Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez
Lopez brings the Arctic to life through a blend of natural history, field observation and personal reflection. He writes about the behaviour of animals, the quality of light and the bonds people form with ice and landscape. Arctic Dreams deepens our understanding of the far north and its importance, both as a place and as an idea. Ideal for those drawn to polar expeditions or Arctic cruises.
Pair with: Dog Sledding in Svalbard
The Secret Lives of Glaciers by M. Jackson
Glaciers, Jackson writes, are more than frozen scenery: they are dynamic, storied features that shape both landscapes and communities. Drawing on research and fieldwork in Iceland and beyond, The Secret Lives of Glaciers describes how the ice holds memory and identity for those living alongside it, and what’s lost as it disappears. Recommended for travellers interested in climate or local cultures.
Pair with: Iceland – Land of Fire and Ice
Dispersals by Jessica J. Lee
Lee explores the quiet movements that connect landscapes, tracing the journeys of seeds, spores, stories and families. Dispersals weaves natural science with personal history, offering insight into how the movement of plants and people shapes both land and identity. This thoughtful book suits those interested in migration, forests or slow travel.
Pair with: Northern Tanzania including The Great Migration
How to Speak Whale by Tom Mustill
After a close encounter with a whale, Mustill sets out to understand how humans and whales might communicate. Blending his personal story with up-to-date science, he explores animal behaviour, new research in bioacoustics and the ethics of listening to other species. How to Speak Whale opens a window onto the growing field of animal communication and the questions it raises for conservation.
Pair with: Baja Whale Safari by Land and Sea
If you’re feeling inspired by one of these books, or by its paired itinerary, take a look at our holiday ideas to see the kind of tailor made trips we offer at Steppes Travel.
Already know where you want to go? Reach out to one of our friendly travel experts and let’s start planning.
