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Guide to the Cederberg
R320.00Dramatic rocky landscapes and diverse attractions make the Cederberg one of the Western Cape’s most popular getaway destinations. Located just 300 km from Cape Town, this easily accessed mountain sanctuary offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers, and also affords a refuge from city life and everyday pressures. Guide to the Cederberg is a collection of the top places to visit and things to do and see in this much-loved playground.
The book is structured in two parts:
PART 1: Background on the region’s history, geology, fauna and flora, conservation challenges, and an overview of the many attractions, with handy tips for travel planning.
PART 2: Arranged in a route-by-route format including eight discrete driving routes, each showcasing a distinctive corner of the Cederberg, accommodation options, scenic highlights and recommended activities.
The book includes something for everyone:
- San rock art
- Hiking
- Bouldering
- Climbing
- Walking
- Mountain biking
4×4 routes - Camping
- Birding
- Botanising
- Stargazing
- Food and wine tasting
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned adventurer, this book does the thinking for you, helping you to make the most of your time in one of South Africa’s most magical and distinctive natural landscapes.
A complete guide to the natural beauty and adventure activities of this unique wilderness
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Lundy’s Best Walks in Cape Peninsula
R290.00A bestseller for over 30 years, Lundy’s Best Walks in the Cape Peninsula was last revised in 2012. For this new edition, all routes have been rewalked and updated and defunct routes have been replaced with new hikes. Full-colour maps and new photographs accompany each of the 30 walks.
Every route has a particular point of interest, be it a waterfall, cave, indigenous forest, or spectacular viewpoint. Walks range from challenging climbs to the top of Table Mountain to leisurely strolls among the fynbos. A simple grading system, information on the average hiking time, notes on the availability of water and practical advice on mountain safety ensure that the hiker is given a clear idea of what to expect. The easy-to-follow route descriptions are spiced with historical snippets and nature notes.
An informative introduction details the Cape Peninsula’s botanical and birding highlights, as well as the local climate, geology and more.
The ultimate guide to walks in the Cape Peninsula for hikers of all levels.
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Pocket Guide: Birds of Botswana
R280.00Botswana is one of the premier birding destinations in Africa, and hosts over 600 bird species. This easy-to-use, compact guide features more than 360 of the most conspicuous and commonly seen birds in the country.
Features include:
â– An informative introduction to birding in Botswana, including habitat descriptions and a glossary
â– Colour photographs illustrating diagnostic features and plumage differences
â– Concise identification text, including key ID pointers, call descriptions and favoured habitat of each species
â– Up-to-date distribution maps.A perfect companion for anyone looking to identify and appreciate the rich birdlife of Botswana.
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Birds of Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area
R290.00Discover the diverse birdlife of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area with this visually stunning guide. More than 300 commonly seen bird species are described in concise, engaging prose, highlighting their main characteristics. The text is accompanied by excellent full-colour photographs. Viewing notes, including tips about where and when birds are best observed, are given throughout.
For ease of use, the book is categorized into six sections: ground-dwelling, bush and woodland, nocturnal, waterbirds, birds of prey, and birds of the air. A brief introduction presents the key features of each wildlife sanctuary and the habitats that shelter the birds.
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are two of the world’s most popular safari destinations, renowned for the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebra. This easy-to-read, richly illustrated guide is the perfect safari companion and a valuable memento.
THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND AUTHOR
Jean du Plessis is an award-winning news photographer who has published several books with Penguin Random House. A prolific wildlife photographer, he leads annual safari tours to the Serengeti National Park.Rupert Watson has lived in Kenya for over 40 years, where he practises as a lawyer, mediator, and writer. He has authored several books, including the forthcoming Wildlife of Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area. He is Chair of the East African Natural History Society.
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Pocket Guide Trees of Zambia
R280.00The most recent addition to the popular POCKET GUIDE series, Trees of Zambia features 140 indigenous tree species and four naturalised exotics likely to be seen in Zambia and its 20 national parks. The trees are organised in five groups, each with a unique set of characteristics, to help narrow down options in identifying a tree. Each page describes a single tree species, combining concise text and photographs.
Features include:
• Succinct species descriptions including bark, leaves, owers and fruit
• Full-colour photographs of trees and their parts
• Up-to-date distribution maps
• A brief introduction covering vegetation types
• Table of family names and tree characteristics
• Local names for trees
• Best viewing locations, including national parksAn invaluable guide for anyone interested in Zambia’s trees!
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Hiking the Fish
R230.00The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is one of Africa’s most impressive sights. Following the river that is wedged between massive cliffs, the Fish River Canyon Trail is the region’s most challenging route – and one of its most popular.
Hiking the Fish is the ultimate planner for anyone wanting to embark on this trail.
Written by expert adventure guides, it combines practical advice, handy tips and full-colour photographs to bring this exhilarating five-day hike to life. A detailed introduction to the canyon and its surrounds is followed by chapters that cover planning and preparation; bookings and accommodation; hiking, cooking and sleeping gear; nutrition and meal planning; and first aid. A comprehensive day-by-day route description forms the core of the book.
A must-have guide to one of Africa’s most enticing adventure destinations.
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Nature Now Snakes and other reptiles of Kruger
R290.00Besides being a world-famous game-viewing destination, the Kruger National Park also boasts a remarkable diversity of reptiles. This beginner-friendly guide features over 60 species of snake, lizard, terrapin, tortoise and crocodile, with basic identification pointers, interesting facts and notes on best viewing.
Learn more about the black mamba, puff adder, boomslang and other dangerously venomous snakes, as well as harmless creatures such as egg-eaters and blind snakes. Find out how to identify the geckos, agamas and skinks that dart around camp, and discover the habits of the Nile crocodiles and water monitors, which bask along the waterways.
A richly illustrated, beginner-friendly guide – ideal for visitors keen to identify and learn more about the park’s reptiles.
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Kirstenbosch: A Visitor’s Guide – New Edition
R170.00This visitor’s guide has been fully updated and revised to include changing garden exhibits and new features, such as the the Boomslang elevated walkway. An attractive memento and guide to Cape Town’s world-famous botanical garden, it traces the history and development of Kirstenbosch, from its establishment in 1913 to the showcase of indigenous flora it is today.
It includes:
- Prominent garden features (the Protea, Erica and Cycad gardens, Dell,
- Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway, Conservatory, and more).
- Floral highlights of all four seasons.
- A detailed map (with walking, climbing and mountain bike routes).
- Spectacular photographs (many against Table Mountain).
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Hiking Beyond Cape Town
R350.00Hiking Beyond Cape Town opens a gateway to the myriad trails and tracks that await hikers – young and old, novice and experienced – beyond the confines of the city.
This collection of day trips outside of Cape Town features 40 trails, fanning out from the south coast to the west and covering a range of varied hikes in between. Ranging between 2 to 7 hours, the hikes are tailored for single-day trips, although a handful will require overnighting. Each hike entry includes an accurate, up-to-date route description, a map of the trail, and directions for getting to the start. In each case, an upfront summary outlines the distance, duration, grade of difficulty, and elevation of the hike, as well as other details. Striking colour photographs and observations about the plant and animal life along the route add lively interest.
A brief introduction provides expert advice on gear, planning and preparation.
An essential reference for hikers keen to explore new horizons.
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Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa (New Edition)
R320.00This revised, updated and expanded edition of Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa remains the only book to focus exclusively on the seabirds of southern Africa and includes nine new species for the region. This essential guide offers:
– Authoritative text richly supported with photographs and distribution maps.
– Clear ID pointers plus information on biology, behaviour and conservation status.
– An expanded introduction covering seabird origins, moult, feeding, breeding, conservation, and how best to watch and photograph these iconic birds.
– A bonus feature on flying fish and flying squid.An essential guide for birdwatchers and nature lovers who spend time at sea.
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Nature Now Trees of Kruger
R290.00This book describes and illustrates 80 of the larger, more conspicuous and common tree species likely to be seen while travelling in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Intended as a handy guide to accurate identification, each spread shows the tree in full display along with a selection of supplementary images such as leaves, flowers, fruit and bark.
Succinct text with minimal botanical jargon supports the images, and informative boxes describe the uses of plant parts.
A series of maps demarcating 35 different vegetation zones or ‘landscapes’ within the Park helps readers to determine which tree species are likely to be seen in which area. -
Hiking Cape Town
R350.00The mountains and forests in and around Cape Town are a hiker’s paradise, offering an array of excursions to suit both new converts and seasoned mountain climbers.
Hiking Cape Town covers 35 exciting hikes on the Cape Peninsula and further afield, ranging from easy to moderate, with several more demanding trails for those who want to up their game. From classic hikes up the front face of Table Mountain and half-day hikes in the remote Cape Point, to gentle rambles along the coast and walks in mountains and nature reserves a short drive from the city, this book encompasses the area’s must-do routes.Each description specifies the approximate walking time, distance, difficulty rating and terrain. More challenging extensions to some of the routes are provided for a more strenuous workout. Full-colour maps and photographs illustrate the routes, and information boxes offer insights into interesting aspects of the specific trails.
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Palaces of Stone
R320.00Across the face of southern Africa are more than 460 remarkable stone palaces – some small, others rambling, but many are astonishing. All are the legacy of kingdoms past.
Some, such as Great Zimbabwe, Khami in Botswana and Mapungubwe in South Africa, are famous world heritage sites, but the majority are unknown to the general public, unsung and unappreciated.
Palaces of Stone brings to life the history of various early African societies, from AD 900 to approximately 1850. By exploring a selection of known and unknown sites, the authors uncover the emergence of ancient civilisations and reconstruct the meaning of the ruins they left behind. Woven into the narrative are stories of powerful political states; ourishing local economies; long-distance trade; and the destruction wrought by colonialism and modern-day treasure hunters. This book will appeal to anyone interested in Africa’s ancient heritage.
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Pocket Guide Birds of Zambia
R280.00This pocket-sized, easy-to-use guide to the birds of Zambia features 425 birds likely to be seen in the region, plus a few ‘specials’ sought after by birders. It is an invaluable introduction and guide for visitors to Zambia with its 20 national parks and 42 Important Bird Areas.
Features include:
– An informative introduction to birding in the region, including habitat descriptions and a glossary
– Full-colour photographs illustrating diagnostic features and plumage differences
– Concise identification text, including key ID pointers, call description and favoured habitat of each species
– Up-to-date distribution maps.Lightweight and handy for use in the field, this will be an excellent guide for anyone interested in the birds of Africa.
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Sasol oorsiglys van voëls in Suider-Afrika
R85.00Al lank ‘n gewilde hulpbron, die nuwe, opgedateerde Oorsiglys van Voëls in Suider-Afrika is nou beskikbaar. Dit bevat ‘n lys van al die voëls wat in die streek te sien is, en bied ‘n eenvoudige metode om aan te dui waar en wanneer jy hulle waargeneem het. In gerieflike sakformaat bied dit:
Kruisverwysings na die nuwe Sasol Voëls van Suider-Afrika (vyfde uitgawe)
Ses kolumme vir veelvuldige waarnemings op ses verskillende plekke
Jongste name van alle Suider-Afrikaanse voëls
Endemiese en bedreigingstatus
Sal verwelkom word deur die streek se voëlkykers wat hulle waarnemings in Afrikaans wil nasien en opteken. -
Sasol Checklist of Birds in Southern Africa
R85.00An enduring and popular resource, this handy publication lists all the birds to be seen in the region and provides a simple way of recording where and when you have spotted them. Pocket-sized for ease of use, it offers:
Cross-referencing to the new Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (fifth edition)
Six columns for multiple recordings at six different localities
Up-to-date names for all southern African birds
Endemic and threat status for all birdsThis revised, updated checklist will be sought after by the region’s twitchers at all levels.
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Pocket Guide to Fynbos
R280.00Pocket Guide Fynbos features over 300 of the most spectacular and commonly seen species from South Africa’s renowned floral kingdom – all in one handy, easy-to-use guide.
The species are presented in detail, with each entry featuring:
succinct descriptions of the plant and its habitat, comparisons with similar species and flowering times
full-colour photographs and distribution maps
floral key, using symbols to denote main identifying features
interesting facts about species.
For ease of use, the species are divided into 10 distinct groups, and an illustrated floral key on the inside front cover offers flower lovers a smart tool with which to identify species more accurately.The introduction describes the world of fynbos, detailing the origins, diversity, adaptations and conservation of this unique flora.
This compact guide is an invaluable aid for anyone interested in South Africa’s astonishing floral treasures.
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Makgadikgadi Pans
R300.00Tucked away between the perennial waterways of the Okavango Delta and the arid Kalahari to the south are the legendary Makgadikgadi Pans. Some 12,000 square kilometres in extent, these salt flats, consisting of two large salt pans, Sowa and Ntwetwe, and a myriad smaller ones, are Botswana’s best-kept secret and one of its fastest-growing tourist attractions.
In this first guidebook on the pans and their environs, Makgadikgadi Pans – A Traveller’s Guide to Botswana’s Salt Flats explores this fascinating region, bringing to life its geology, wildlife, vegetation, climate, local economy and key destinations: Nata Bird Sanctuary, Lekhubu Island, the Boteti River, Mosu Escarpment, Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park, and the towns and villages that fringe the pans. Full-colour maps and lively photographs support the text.
Additional features include advice on where to stay; sights to see and how to get there; activities on offer throughout the year; contact details; and a travel advisory. Informative, practical and user-friendly, Makgadikgadi Pans is an inspiring guide for all visitors to Botswana and the alluring salt sea of the Makgadikgadi.
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Scorpions of Southern Africa (NE)
R320.00Scorpions of Southern Africa, the go-to guide for identifying southern Africa’s rich scorpion fauna, has now been freshly designed, updated and expanded. It includes 12 additional species, new images and distribution maps, and a chapter on how to go about identifying scorpions.
An invaluable guide for the amateur naturalist and professional alike, this accessible book describes:
- scorpion anatomy and behaviour,
- the strategies that enable scorpions to survive harsh conditions,
- their use of venom, and
- other aspects of their successful existence over millions of years.
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Pocket Guide Birds of Namibia
R280.00This compact, easy-to-use guide features more than 350 of the most conspicuous and commonly seen birds in Namibia. Pocket Guide Birds of Namibia  offers:- Concise identification text
- Full-colour photographs of all species covered
- Up-to-date distribution maps
- An informative introduction featuring the ‘specials’ of the key birding destinations in Namibia.
An ideal introduction and travelling companion for birders in or visiting the region. -
Wildlife of the Okavango
R330.00A remarkable variety of animals and plants can be found in the wilderness region surrounding the Okavango Delta. This photographic guide covers more than 470 of the area’s most conspicuous and interesting mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fishes, invertebrates, trees and aquatic plants.
An informative introduction describes the area’s geology, climate, habitats and the key roles played by some animals, such as termites and elephants. The species accounts feature concise text describing the species’ appearance, size, habits, habitat and status, with full-colour photographs to facilitate identification.
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Pocket Guide to Birds of East Africa
R280.00This pocket-sized photographic guide to the birds of East Africa features 296 birds likely to be spotted in the region.
– Colourful photographs illustrate diagnostic features and plumage differences between male and female or breeding and non-breeding birds.
– Comparative photographs help differentiate between confusing species.
– Important distinguishing characteristics are highlighted in the text.
– Distribution maps and Swahili common names for all species are included.
– Introduction features a labelled bird diagram, habitat map, glossary and useful advice to birdwatchers.
An invaluable guide for visitors to national parks and the many areas in East Africa that are rich in birdlife.
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Pocket Guide to Insects of South Africa
R280.00This new pocket guide covers both common and interesting insects from South Africa, making it possible to identify a wide range of local species.
Some 431 insects are featured, many of which we may have spotted in our houses and gardens. Each is described with its key identification features, a colour photograph and distribution map.
An illustrated quick reference guide on the inside front and back covers makes it quick and easy to navigate to the right insect group.
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100 Common Bird Calls in East Africa
R200.00Recognise birds by their calls with this handy package of CD and accompanying book. These will help identify the sounds made by a range of the most common and widely distributed East African bird species.
• CD features 100 bird calls.
• Each species account features full-colour photographs, a distribution map and information on habitat, behaviour, feeding and nesting preferences, as well as a description of the call or song.
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Pocket Guide to Trees of Southern Africa
R280.00Southern Africa boasts a rich variety of tree species, both indigenous and exotic. Pocket Guide Trees of Southern Africa is an authoritative introduction to the region’s trees, describing and illustrating 132 species. This publication has its origins in Van Wyk’s A Photographic Guide to Trees of Southern Africa and has been fully revised and updated by well-known authority Braam van Wyk. Each species account highlights the key identification features, and also touches on the medicinal and commercial uses of the trees.
This compact, easy-to-use guide makes an ideal travelling companion and will help readers to become more knowledgeable about trees.
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500 Bird Calls in Southern Africa
R350.00Identify bird calls with this handy guide and CD, which together feature 500 distinctive southern African species. The CD gives the best-known song or call of each species; the book provides clear and accessible text, with a brief account for each species, including a description of the song, associated behaviour, similar-sounding species, the bird’s favoured habitat type, and a distribution map.
The introduction describes interesting aspects of bird vocalisations, the differences between true songbirds and non-songbirds and why calls often change with the seasons and time of day.
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Find 50 in Game Reserve East Africa
R110.00This checklist of 50 fascinating animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds and insects, will liven up any trip to East Africa’s national parks. Children will have great fun ticking off these creatures as they discover them, reading about each one and studying the beautiful, full-colour illustrations.
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On Track – Quick ID Guide to Southern and East African Animal Tracks
R100.00Following the success of the earlier Scatalog: Quick ID guide to southern African animal droppings, here’s another quick and quirky identification guide, this time to tracks of the region’s most commonly found mammals, but also includes tracks of reptiles, rodents, birds and insects.
A simple key on the inside front cover directs users to any of 11 categories, such as ‘cloven hooves’, ‘paws’ or ‘tramline-like trails’. Nearly 100 animals or closely related groups of animals are depicted; for each, there is a silhouette of front and back feet and a colour photograph of the track; the average measurements for each track; a short description of the track; and information about the circumstances and likely habitat.
Concise and to-the-point, this pocket-sized reference will prove indispensable in the field, no matter the experience of the user.
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Basic Bird ID in Southern Africa
R190.00Derived from an old Longman publication on bird watching and identification in southern Africa, this book focuses on the essence of how to go about identifying birds. Topics covered include size, shape, bill length, and other physical features that provide clues to the birds’ lifestyle and identity. Full colour photographs and simple line drawings support the text. This book is suitable for beginners of all ages as well as younger birders – in fact, for anyone daunted by the prospect of getting started in the captivating pastime of birding.
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Pocket Guide to Birds of Southern Africa
R280.00Struik Nature’s pocket guide series – in a handy new format – combines the best of both worlds: it covers an astonishing 500 southern African birds yet is small enough to fit in your pocket. With identification text by one of South Africa’s foremost bird experts, habitat, status, voice, size and breeding details, seasonality bars, up-to-date distribution maps and full-colour photographs of each species, this compact field guide is excellent value for money.
