In Dark Star Safari the wittily observant and endearingly irascible Paul Theroux takes readers the length of Africa by rattletrap bus, dugout canoe, cattle truck, armed convoy, ferry, and train. In the course of his epic and enlightening journey, he endures danger, delay, and dismaying circumstances.

Gauging the state of affairs, he talks to Africans, aid workers, missionaries, and tourists. What results is an insightful meditation on the history, politics, and beauty of Africa and its people, and "a vivid portrayal of the secret sweetness, the hidden vitality, and the long-patient hope that lies just beneath the surface" (Rocky Mountain News). In a new postscript, Theroux recounts the dramatic events of a return to Africa to visit Zimbabwe.

在《黑暗之星》（Dark Star Safari）中，观察力敏锐、脾气可爱的保罗-特鲁带领读者乘坐破旧的公共汽车、独木舟、运牛车、武装车队、渡船和火车走遍了非洲。在他史诗般的启蒙旅程中，他忍受着危险、拖延和令人沮丧的环境。

为了解情况，他与非洲人、援助人员、传教士和游客交谈。其结果是对非洲及其人民的历史、政治和美丽进行了深刻的思考，并 "生动地描绘了隐藏在表面之下的秘密的甜蜜、隐藏的活力和长期忍耐的希望"（《落基山新闻》）。在一个新的后记中，特鲁讲述了返回非洲访问津巴布韦的戏剧性事件。