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Eyewitness Travel Guide to
South Africa
(Dorling Kindersley Limited, 1999; US$18)
Some travel books leave you uninspired. Others make you want to pack your
bags and head to the airport.
Eyewitness Travel Guide to South Africa
is one such book. Written by a diverse group of authors, the book provides
excellent coverage of the place many call the “land of natural wonders.”
The book reviews all of the various regions
of South Africa, from the Western Cape to the arid interior.
Information is divided up into ten geographical sections, and offers suggestions
of what to see and do in
each area. Highlighted recommendations include a
wealth of options, from rich historical sites and lovely beaches to African
wildlife and places to find quiet solitude.
One popular destination the book includes is the
Kruger National Park.
With an abundance of wild animals just outside your vehicle, Kruger evokes a
passion like no other experience. The
Eyewitness Travel Guide also covers several private reserves near the Park. These ranch-like establishments offer accommodations from tent
dwelling to luxurious lodges.
While the book provides valuable information for planning
a short trip, it's lacking on data for setting up an extended South
African stay. Since traveling in South Africa is relatively inexpensive, I had hoped that the guide would have
suggestions on planning at least a two or three-week excursion.
Another weakness of the book was the lack of
online practical contact information. Most visitors want to do research via
the Internet ahead of time. And while Eyewitness Travel Guide to
South Africa offers price ranges, addresses and phone numbers of the listed
hotels, restaurants and parks, online contact information is sorely lacking.
The guide is best for those hoping to
get an initial feel for South Africa as a destination. The
photographs are plentiful and remarkable, the maps are helpful, and the writers
present the country in vivid, colorful description. **
-- Jim Pond
