Review
A SUPERB SERIES THAT NEVER MISSES A BEAT
New York Newsday
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Now in its 4th edition this Rough Guide has been fully updated and revised. Its 16-page full-colour section introduces the author’s highlights, from the mysterious Drakensberg mountains to the winelands of the western cape, to whale watching on the southern Cape Coast and pony trekking in Lesotho. A 16pp full-colour field guide provides a quick reference for identifying wildlife in the region. Throughout, there are discerning reviews of all the best places to stay, eat and drink – to suit any budget. Finally, the Contexts section provides an authoritative background on the country’s history, wildlife, literature and music.
I am a tour operator and registered tour guide in South Africa. On a recent research trip of more than 10 000 km/ 7 000 miles I used the Rough Guide to go and look for the sites and places most people miss out on when following the well-known tourist routes. The Guide proved to be an invaluable asset in this regard and I strongly recommend it to foreigners and South Africans alike. Its information on the country’s history, personalities, culture, visa-requirements, health issues, places of interest, etc. is quite incredible.
I lived in SA for about 5 months. We had both the LP and the Rough Guide and although it was nice to have both, I would recommend the Rough Guide if you were just going to choose one book. I found the Rough Guide to be a little more accurate in the prices listed and the organization to be far superior to the LP. The LP was helpful with more general information, but the Rough Guide provided more information on the little, out of the way places. If you plan on using hostels, it is imperative to pick up a Coast to Coast after arriving. It is a compelation of hostels, organized by area, that is put out by the hostels of SA. It also includes hostels in Swaziland, Lesotho, and Mozambique. Most hostels involved with the book have free copies that you can take.
Accurate and well-researched book. The recommendations are generally spot on. Nicely written, it’s like travelling around with a friend who really knows the place. As someone who lives in South Africa, it’s reassuring to know that there are books that are able to talk frankly about the crime situation without getting into a froth of paranoia.