South Africa

Reading List

FIELD GUIDES

The Safari Companion

Richard Estes

An invaluable encyclopedic guide to Africa's mammals by a noted scientist, this perennial bestseller includes black-and-white drawings, an overview of each animal group and in-depth information. Written with the typical safari-goer in mind.

 

African Wildlife

James Kavanaugh

A laminated foldout guide illustrating almost 150 species of African animals, designed for quick reference in the field.

 

500 Common Bird Calls in Southern Africa

Doug Newman

Accounting for each species of southern African songbird, their songs, similar-sounding species, favored habitats and ranges, this reference is ideal for the voyaging birder. Includes a CD of bird calls.

 

Southern African Mammals Made Simple

Doug Newman

Profiling 115 mammals common to Southern Africa, many of which (bat-eared fox, oribi, hartebeest) are not found anywhere else. The guide offers a three-step, foolproof process for identifying similar-looking species.

 

Wildlife of Southern Africa

Martin B. Withers

This Princeton Pocket Guide, featuring 400 color photographs by Withers and co-author David Hosking, covers all the birds, mammals, lizards and insects you are likely to encounter.

 

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa

Kenneth Newman

This commemorative 10th edition celebrates the late author with a fully revised and updated version. Edits were done by his daughter, Vanessa Newman, to reflect the latest research, taxonomy and common names.

 

Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals

Jonathan Kingdon

A conveniently compact edition of Kingdon's gloriously illustrated Field Guide to African Mammals. The guide includes abbreviated information on identification, distribution, ecology and conservation status and 480 outstanding color illustrations and maps.

 

The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals

Jonathan Kingdon

This stunningly-illustrated, comprehensive field guide by a leading authority includes over 500 of Kingdon's exquisite color paintings. Fully revised and updated with more than 1,100 species.

 

The Reef Guide, Southern Africa's East and South Coasts

Dennis King

For explorers of Africa's coastlines, this is a convenient identification guide to carry. Includes over 600 full-color photographs and essential information.

 

MAPS

Cape Town and Region Adventure Map

National Geographic

This double-sided map includes Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park and other reserves south to Cape of Good Hope.

 

South Africa Adventure Map

National Geographic Society

This handy double-sided and detailed travel map of South Africa is printed on water and tear-resistant paper. Scale 1:1,550,000.

 

GUIDEBOOKS

Eyewitness Guide South Africa

Eyewitness Guides

This superb guide features color photography, dozens of excellent local maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions.

 

Culture Smart! South Africa

David Holt-Biddle

This handy guide introduces local customs, etiquette, and culture.

 

Time Out Cape Town

Time Out

Compact, informative and lively, this outstanding guide covers where to go and what to do in Cape Town and surroundings. 

 

NATURAL HISTORY

South Africa

Michael Poliza

The intrepid Michael Poliza works his large-scale magic on the remarkable landscapes, people and wildlife of South Africa. He settled in the country for seven years, capturing the peoples, topography and, of course, the wildlife of the compelling country.

 

HISTORY & CULTURE

Africa, a Biography of the Continent

John Reader

With the ease of a practiced journalist, Reader weaves a masterful and lively tale of the continent, from ancient cultures to modern times. Both authoritative and informal, this is a splendid introduction to all of Africa.

 

Beyond the Miracle, Inside the New South Africa

Allister Sparks

The South African journalist (Tomorrow is Another Country SAF31) continues the tale of the transformation of South Africa and its accomplishments, failures and challenges in the decade following the collapse of apartheid.

 

Playing the Enemy, Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation

John Carlin

Carlin vividly documents how Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite South Africa.

 

The Fate of Africa

Martin Meredith

Ambitious in scope, immensely readable -- and as big as a doorstop -- Martin Meredith's blockbuster country-by-country overview of the tumult in Africa since independence is now revised and updated to reflect recent events.

 

The Fortunes of Africa, A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed and Endeavor

Martin Meredith

Covering the epic story of colonialism in Africa, Meredith's magisterial history depicts empire-hungry kings, missionaries, tribal warlords, mining barons -- even modern multinational corporations. An expansive but entertaining read.

 

The Making of Modern South Africa, Conquest, Apartheid, Democracy

Nigel Worden

This well-researched, readable primer covers South African history from colonial conquest to the end of apartheid and beyond, with an updated chapter focusing on 1994 to 2007. Worden is a professor of history at the University of Cape Town.

 

The Scramble for Africa

Thomas Pakenham

Absorbing and meticulously researched, this in-depth history of the Victorian land grab in 19th century Africa includes excellent portraits of the egomaniacal personalities who overran the continent.

 

Wild at Heart

Peter Godwin & Chris Johns

This lush collection of full-color photographs tackles conservation, development and tradition in southern Africa. It's a well-illustrated portrait of the region by National Geographic photographer Johns and veteran journalist Godwin.

 

Hidden Cape Town

Paul Duncan

This unique journey behind the facades of South Africa's most interesting landmarks is both an architectural and cultural study. It includes over 300 photographs and informative text.

 

Conversations With Myself

Nelson Mandela

Mandela draws on letters, notebooks and taped interviews for this account of a remarkable life.

 

Long Walk to Freedom

Nelson Mandela

An unpretentious tale of an extraordinary life, Mandela's autobiography is essential reading for an understanding of South Africa. His grace and his love for his country shine throughout.

 

Mandela's Way: Fifteen Lessons on Life, Love, and Courage

Richard Stengel

Time magazine editor Stengel, who collaborated with Mandela on his bestselling autobiography, distills Mandela's wisdom into 15 vital life lessons that have the power to deepen lives.

 

Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

Nelson Mandela

The companion book to the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom sets Mandela's own words alongside interviews of friends and family and archival photos. With behind-the-scenes photos and an inside look at making the film.

 

Mandela, My Prisoner, My Friend

Christo Brand

The man who guarded Mandela for 12 years at Robben Island Prison, Warrant Officer Christo Brand, shares the story of prison life in South Africa and his unlikely friendship with the nation's most infamous inmate.

 

No Future Without Forgiveness

Desmond Tutu

Winner of the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize, Desmond Tutu writes with insight and compassion in this memoir of his work for reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa.

 

South Africa, A Traveler's Literary Companion

Isabel Balseiro & Tobias Hecht

This diverse collection of short stories reveals South Africa through the eyes of its writers, including Nadine Gordimer, J.M. Coetzee and Alan Paton.

 

The South Africa Reader, History, Culture, Politics

Clifton Crais & Thomas McClendon

A rich guide to the traditions and politics of South Africa, this reader gathers diverse voices into one cultural portrait. Cartoons, songs and fiction are juxtaposed with iconic historical documents.