Noo Saro-Wiwa is a prominent British-Nigerian author, journalist, and travel writer recognized for her insightful exploration of cultural identity, displacement, and belonging. As the daughter of the late activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, she has built a distinguished career that bridges her African heritage and global perspectives. Her acclaimed works have earned her international recognition, making her a leading voice in contemporary African literature and travel writing. She is also a staff writer for Condé Nast Traveller and contributes to major publications worldwide.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Noo Saro-Wiwa |
| Date of Birth | 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Port Harcourt, Nigeria |
| Nationality | British-Nigerian |
| Parents | Ken Saro-Wiwa (father), Maria Saro-Wiwa (mother) |
| Siblings | Zina Saro-Wiwa (twin sister), Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr. (deceased 2016), Menegian Saro-Wiwa (deceased 2020) |
| Education | Roedean School, King’s College London, Columbia University |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Author, journalist, travel writer, staff writer at Condé Nast Traveller |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5–2.5 million (2025) |
Early Life and Education
Born in 1976 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Noo moved to England with her family at a young age.
She was raised in Surrey and attended Roedean School, a prestigious girls’ boarding school in Sussex.
She later studied at King’s College London and furthered her education at Columbia University in New York.
The tragic execution of her father in 1995 profoundly impacted her relationship with Nigeria and influenced her later work.
Career
Noo began her career in travel writing after winning a Rough Guides essay competition, which led to opportunities with Lonely Planet and other guidebook publishers.
Her breakthrough came with her debut book Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria (2012), a deeply personal travelogue reflecting her return to Nigeria.
The book received critical acclaim, winning The Sunday Times Travel Book of the Year and the Albatros Travel Literature Prize in Italy, among other honors.
She has contributed to numerous anthologies and written extensively for publications such as The Guardian, The Financial Times, The New York Times, and Condé Nast Traveller.
In 2023, she published her second book, Black Ghosts: A Journey Into the Lives of Africans in China, which won the Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year in 2025.
Noo also presented the BBC World Service documentary Silence Would Be Treason, featuring her father’s final prison letters.
Personal Life
Noo shares a close bond with her twin sister, Zina Saro-Wiwa, an acclaimed video artist and filmmaker.
Her family has faced significant challenges, including the deaths of her brothers Ken Jr. (2016) and Menegian (2020), as well as her mother Maria in 2022.
She currently resides in London and is a passionate supporter of Liverpool Football Club.
Noo Saro-Wiwa Net Worth
As of 2025, Noo Saro-Wiwa’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $2.5 million, reflecting her successful career as an author, journalist, and travel writer.
Bibliography
- Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria (2012)
- Black Ghosts: A Journey Into the Lives of Africans in China (2023)
- Contributions to anthologies such as New Daughters of Africa (2019), An Unreliable Guide to London (2016), and Go Girl 2 (2024)
Awards and Recognitions
- Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year (2025) for Black Ghosts
- Albatros Travel Literature Prize (2016) for Looking for Transwonderland
- Sunday Times Travel Book of the Year (2012)
- Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship (2015)
- Named one of Condé Nast Traveller’s “30 Most Influential Female Travellers” (2018)
- Judge for the Jhalak Prize (2018)
