From a carcass competition in the Karoo to a shambolic murder trial in Cape Town, William Dicey’s essays freewheel across an open terrain of interests. Dicey is curious and inventive, weaving strands of essay, journalism, fiction and self-reportage into something uniquely his own. Mongrel investigates a range of topics – radical environmentalism, the fault lines between farmer and farm worker, the joys and sorrows of reading – yet drifts of concern and sensibility draw the collection together. Several essays touch on how books can move, and sometimes maul, their readers. Mongrel is idiosyncratic, witty, potent.

Guide To Seabirds Of Southern Africa is the only book focusing exclusively on all the seabird species that occur around the southern African coastline and adjacent Southern Ocean. Authoritative, fully illustrated and detailed, this new edition has been fully updated and expanded to reflect the latest data and taxonomy.

A section on flying fish and squid has been added, revealing some of the amazing marine creatures that birders may encounter in the waters around southern Africa. Written by the region’s foremost seabird specialist, the species accounts include informative text, multiple full-color photographs and distribution maps.

A fascinating introduction covers seabird origins, havens, feeding, breeding and conservation, as well as how best to watch and photograph these enigmatic birds.

Most people think of Antarctica as a white smudge at the bottom of the world map. Yet it’s a landmass almost half the size of Africa with weather and ocean currents that dominate the planet.

In Blue Ice, award-winning travel writer Don Pinnock journeys to the seventh continent – the last to be discovered. He explores what drew Cook, Bellingshousen, Shackleton, Scott and other adventurers and naturalists to this vast terrain

With sensitive descriptions and startling photography, he travels to the heart of Antarctica’s wilderness and explores the intimate relationship between Cape Town and the frozen south.

This is an extravagant travelogue, which paints a vivid portrait of one of the most remote and unforgiving places on earth. It reveals the extremes of adventure, courage and unspoilt beauty with precision, humour and a sense of wonder.

Now in its fifth edition, Sasol Birds of Southern Africa has been brought fully up to date by its expert author panel, with additional contributions from two new birding experts. Greatly enhanced, this comprehensive, best-selling guide is sure to maintain its place as one of Africa’s most trusted field guides.

Key features of the 5th revised edition:

• More than 800 new illustrations
• Scan and play bird calls using free downloadable app
• Fully revised text (with latest species records), maps and plate annotations
• Fresh input from new contributing authors
• Comprehensive coverage of the region’s birds

Compact and easy to use, this book will be an invaluable tool in the wild.

This handy guide provides simple tools to help interpret the tracks and signs of some 105 southern African mammals, reptiles, frogs and birds. Photographs and diagnostic spoor illustrations are given for each animal, along with information on behaviour, habits and habitat, and up-to-date distribution maps show where the animals occur.

Special features on insects and scat supplement the text and a detailed introduction offers basic guidelines for learning how to become a tracker.

This is the English translation of the updated edition of a work first published by SANParks in 1990. It is an in-depth look at the prehistory and history of the Lowveld, as well as at the events that led to the proclamation of the Sabie Reserve in 1898 – one of the first conservation areas in the old Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek.

After the Anglo-Boer War, James Stevenson-Hamilton was tasked with running both the Sabie Reserve and the Shingwedzi Reserve (proclaimed in 1904). Stevenson-Hamilton, along with his small yet dedicated corps of rangers, protected and developed the reserve, and eventually, in 1926, the Kruger National Park was proclaimed – the biggest national park in South Africa. A Cameo from the Past covers the park’s history up until 1946, when Stevenson-Hamilton retired. The work also pays tribute to all of the park’s founders.

A Cameo from the Past describes the long and sometimes difficult developmental history of SANParks in detail. Despite the good and the bad from the past, the organisation has developed into the leading conservation authority in Africa, responsible for 3 751 113 hectares of protected land in 20 national parks.

One of South Africa’s most accomplished travel writers takes you on a series of journeys through Africa – following the footsteps of David Livingstone, wandering the back streets of old Stone Town in Zanzibar, crossing the central Sahara, puzzling over the rock-hewn churches of Ethiopia.

He hikes over lost mountains, motorcycles along the 29th parallel, canoes clear across the Okavango Delta and explores the secrets of Knysna Forest.

His descriptions show a sharp eye for detail, a fascinating knowledge of the continent’s history and, above all, a deep love of the warm people and strange creatures of Africa.

The Springbok rugby captain, over more than a century, has represented many things to many South Africans. He has united, and he has divided. He has thrilled, he has disappointed. He has inspired, he has disheartened. He has triumphed, he has failed. But he has always had an impact.

In this revealing narrative, Edward Griffiths and Stephen Nell depict the men who have been able to call themselves ‘Springbok Captain’ through their backgrounds, triumphs and disappointments. Relive the heyday of rugby legends Bennie Osler, Danie Craven, Hennie Muller, Johan Claassen, Naas Botha, Francois Pienaar, Gary Teichmann, Joost van der Westhuizen, Andre Vos and others.

Now fully updated with the accounts of Bobby Skinstad, Victor Matfield and Jean de Villiers, The Springbok Captains is the epic story that lies at the heart of South African rugby.

If you love cycling and want to learn more about this sport, then The South African Bike Book & Events Guide is for you.

Cycling is a complex sport and if you want to improve your abilities, whether it is just to make it to the top of your nearest hill without stopping, or whether to win a champion race, cycling takes dedication and sacrifice. In this book we give you everything you need to equip yourself to become the best cyclist you can be. The book will introduce you to the origins of the humble bicycle, as well as key safety and cycling regulations and tips on staying alive.

As a cyclist knowing your equipment and the anatomy of your bike is important. This book gives you all the information you require on how to buy the correct bike, the variety of bikes on the market, how the various options differ, and how many different ones you need to covet, rather than need. Other chapters include the gear (kitting yourself out properly), the workshop (how to care for your bike), set-up and skills (basic set-up, road skills and MTB skills) as well as training and nutrition (the basics, recovery, injury and illness). The last chapter focuses on top events highlighting the top 5 road races and MTB races and other popular cycle races, uniquely African races, DIY and the ultras.

Of course once you have equipped yourself with this knowledge we give you a fantastic ride and training logbook, because practice makes perfect.

So get your ride on, with the ultimate South Africa Bike Book & Events Guide today!

The humble and industrious dung beetle is a marvellous beast: the 6 000 species identified so far are intricately entwined with human history and scientific endeavour.

These night-soil collectors of the planet have been worshipped as gods, worn as jewellery, and painted by artists. More practically, they saved Hawaii from ecological blight, and rescued Australia from plagues of flies. They fertilise soil, cleanse pastures, steer by the stars, and have a unique relationship with the African elephant (along with many other ungulates). Above all, they are the ideal subject for biological study in an evolving world.

In this sweeping history of more than 3 000 years, beginning with Ancient Egypt, scientist Marcus Byrne and writer, Helen Lunn capture the diversity of dung beetles and their unique behaviour patterns. Dung beetles’ fortunes have followed the shifts from a world dominated by a religion that symbolically incorporated them into some of its key concepts of rebirth, to a world in which science has largely separated itself from religion and alchemy.

With over 6 000 species found throughout the world, these unassuming but remarkable creatures are fundamental to some of humanity’s most cherished beliefs and have been ever present in religion, art, literature, science and the environment. They are at the centre of current gene research, play an important role in keeping our planet healthy, and some nocturnal dung beetles have been found to navigate by the starry skies. Outlining the development of science from the point of view of the humble dung beetle is what makes this charming story of immense interest to general readers and entomologists alike. This entertaining outline of the development of science from the the beetle’s perspective will enchant general readers and entomologists alike.

Ont is ʼn drama oor die reis van “grootword”, ʼn studie oor die samestelling van ʼn gesin en die vreugdes van vryheid en vlug. Die proses van menswording word met deernis geskets met behulp van die Groot Verseboek, Ma se grammofoonspeler en Pa se Camel filters.

Marina Griebenow sê: 'n Mens besef net weer dat ware skoonheid in eenvoud opgesluit lê, oftewel in die skyn van eenvoud. Die treffendste kuns kan altyd aan dié goue reël gemeet word.

Die bekroonde Ont het feitlik elke dramaprys verower nadat dit feesgangers en kritici gaande gehad het … kragtoer waarin Pretorius vir ons die estetika van toneelkuns herdefinieer en sodoende ons menswees mateloos verryk.

A comprehensive guide to child-friendly activities in the 4 major centres of South Africa: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. Packed with useful information about more than 260 child-friendly sites and activities

Content Includes:

• Site name
• Website address, contact details
• Opening hours
• Party venue rating
• Rainy-day rating
• Cost per child rating
• Most appropriate age-group
• Physical address
• GPS marker
• Closest public transport
• Pram/pushchair friendly
• Toddler facilities (changing etc..)
• Nearest hospital, emergency room & details
• Top tips for each site - what to do, take, remember & forget
• Cost options available
• Description of each site and facilities
• Photo of each site & map of site location
• Nearby sites for parents (bakery, coffee bar or teen friendly site)

Seven Days in Cape Town – a bestselling guidebook on the Mother City – has been given a new cover and fully revised to include the very latest information.

• The body of the book contains seven day-tours in and around Cape Town. Each tour is accompanied by a full-colour map covering the recommended itinerary.
• Following the day routes are six specialist itineraries further afield – comprising the West Coast and Namaqualand, Southern Cape Coast, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, and the Garden Route.
• More than 200 colour photographs, including aerials, accompany authoritative text that covers historical background, useful facts and engaging anecdotal information.
• A handy directory listing covers shopping, nightlife, cuisine and events, giving useful names, addresses, and relevant additional information.

Southern Africa has a particularly rich marine fauna and flora – almost 6% of all coastal marine species known worldwide occur here, along only 0.5% of the world’s coastline. The most frequently encountered species of this rich assemblage – fish to whales, algae to sponges, and seaweeds to dune forests – are covered in detail in this newly revised and comprehensively updated edition of the best-selling Two Oceans – A Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa.

It encompasses descriptions of more than 2,200 species, covering diagnostic features, biology, related species, and distribution. Stunning full-color photographs illustrate the species. The only guide to southern Africa's marine heritage, this fifth edition brings the science up to date and features an additional 120 species, 260 updated species names, revised distribution maps, and more than 190 new photographs.

Highly recommended for scientists, students, divers, fishers, and beachcombers.

In 1902 Harry Wolhuter was one of the first game rangers in the Sabi Nature Reserve, which would eventually, along with the Shingwedzi Nature Reserve, become the Kruger National Park. Originally a hunter, Wolhuter made the protection of the Kruger’s wildlife his life’s work.

Memories Of A Game Ranger tells of his days in the bush, when rangers went on horseback and lions considered them fair game – like the infamous time Harry was ambushed by two lions and managed to kill one of them while it was dragging him off into the grass.

There was very little in the way of danger Harry didn’t have to cope with – from crocodiles in swimming pools to irate hippos at ranger posts – and that’s not even taking into account the poachers, the malaria or the little old ladies wanting protection from those fearsome giraffes.

Do you love living in the city but dream about growing your own wholesome fruit and vegetables? South Africa’s organic gardening guru, Jane Griffiths, shows you just how easy it is to achieve a flourishing food garden, no matter how small your space.

Jane’s Delicious Urban Gardening is packed with inspirational ideas and practical information on all aspects of urban eco living.

In her trademark sensible and easy-to-follow style, Jane provides a wealth of tips and suggestions for:

• growing organic vegetables just about anywhere – from containers to edible walls, from raised beds to rooftops, from community gardens to neglected pavements
• planting and maintaining a space-efficient urban orchard
• converting an existing lawn or tennis court into an instant edible oasis
• keeping urban bees, hens and aquaponic tanks
• harvesting rainwater and recycling grey water
• introducing solar power into your home
• converting a chlorinated swimming pool into a wetland-filtered haven.

Illustrated with hundreds of beautiful colour photographs, Jane’s Delicious Urban Gardening is essential reading for anyone wanting to live a more sustainable, productive and healthy lifestyle in the city.

Blacks Do Caravan tells the story of a young South African family’s caravan journey, and the everlasting memories created along the way included amazing adventures and wonderful experiences. The book aims to inspire South Africans to take time out of their busy schedules and spend that valuable time with their families to discover the beauty of our country.

Fikile’s trip began on 15 September 2014 and during the journey she came to the realisation that South Africa is still a divided nation. Over twenty years into democracy, boundaries still divide us. Fikile aims to break those boundaries created by the past regime and contribute to the unity that is needed for all South Africans to move forward and experience this country equally. What better way to do it than caravanning?

Fikile and her family visited over 60 caravan parks and extended their travels to the Kingdom of Swaziland, which became an eye opening, mind changing trip of a lifetime.

From the bestselling authors of Saving the Last Rhinos comes a new vivid account of environmental conservation and the ongoing efforts to conserve and restore Africa's iconic wildlife and its wildernesses on a war-ravaged continent.

Conservationist Grant Fowlds lives to save and protect Africa's rhinos, elephants and other iconic wildlife, to preserve their habitats, to increase their range and bring back the animals where they have been decimated by decades of war as in countries like Angola, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This vivid account shares the desperate conservationist efforts to save, preserve and restore Africa’s wildlife, and the tragic losses that sometimes happen along the way. Fowlds describes heart-pumping face-offs with poachers and how impoverished rural people are exploited by rapacious local businessmen. He also highlights the world-threatening illicit trade in ivory and endangered wildlife, some if it sold in ‘wet markets’.

Rewilding Africa goes to the heart of the impact of the Covid-19 on conservation efforts, it describes the importance of wildlife tourism that sustains rural communities; and tells of conservationists' passioned endeavours to support people through the crisis.

Fowlds and Spence take readers on a journey across some of the richest habitats in Africa, teaching the importance of conservation, and the vitalness the survival of wildlife has on humanity’s existence and that of the planet.

Die vyfde uitgawe van Sasol Voëls van Suider-Afrika is tans volledig bygewerk deur die deskundige skrywerspaneel, met bykomende bydraes van twee nuwe voëldeskundiges. Hierdie omvattende topverkopergids is grootliks verbeter en sal beslis sy plek behou as een van die mees betroubare veldgidse in Afrika.

Belangrike kenmerke van die nuwe uitgawe:

• Meer as 800 nuwe illustrasies
• Skandeer en speel voëlroepe deur die gratis aflaaibare toep te gebruik
• Omvattende hersiening (met mees onlangse spesierekords), verspreidingskaarte en plaatbyskrifte
• Nuwe toevoegings van bydraende skrywers
• Omvattende dekking van die streek se voëls

Die vyfde uitgawe van Sasol Voëls van Suider-Afrika is tans volledig bygewerk deur die deskundige skrywerspaneel, met bykomende bydraes van twee nuwe voëldeskundiges. Hierdie omvattende topverkopergids is grootliks verbeter en sal beslis sy plek behou as een van die mees betroubare veldgidse in Afrika.

Belangrike kenmerke van die nuwe uitgawe:

• Meer as 800 nuwe illustrasies
• Skandeer en speel voëlroepe deur die gratis aflaaibare toep te gebruik
• Omvattende hersiening (met mees onlangse spesierekords), verspreidingskaarte en plaatbyskrifte
• Nuwe toevoegings van bydraende skrywers
• Omvattende dekking van die streek se voëls

The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle tournament for players, coaches and fans alike.

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has analysed and debated rugby for over 30 years. Known for his brilliant and often forthright commentary, gathered here is a collection of his ideas and opinions and anecdotes for the coming world cup:

• The Magic of the World Cup
• The Springbok Machine
• The Springboks in 2023
• Competition Stronger Than Ever
• Playing in France
• The Rassie Factor
• Matches that will decide the RWC
• Key Players
• The Referees
• The Coaches and Captains – leadership is key
• Handling the pressure – the mental challenge
• Nick’s predictions

It's Not How It Looks is the 27th annual collection from South Africa’s legendary cartoonist Zapiro. And it’s set to be yet another best seller as his cartoons brilliantly capture the craziness of yet another wild year in South Africa … and the world.

It's Not How It Looks covers the sweep of twelve months of momentous events through Zapiro’s piercing eye and his sharp pen. His award-winning cartoons make you laugh out loud while often wincing at the same time. Now more than ever, his work is important, relevant and hugely entertaining.

Zapiro says his main challenge is keeping pace with the constant chaos of life in SA: "Every time I think things cannot get any weirder they go and get twice as weird. Not even my crazy mind could invent a country where, at the same time, we have the devastating final Zondo report delivered (late), two Gupta brothers finally arrested and a brazenly crooked ex spy chief revealing that millions of dollars in cash has been stolen from Cyril’s game farm. And that’s just one week of our lives! While overseas Putin’s making a mad war, Boris is being completely Boris and the US Supreme Court goes back fifty years on women’s rights."

Zapiro’s annual collections always make for excellent gifts as they provide both an historical and hysterical record of our turbulent times.

As a young, soccer-mad boy living in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Robert Marawa listened to the commentary of local football derbies on a small, crackling FM radio. As a teenager, he spent hours practising his presenting skills on his family’s home video recorder, reading from newspaper clippings his mother had carefully kept for him while he was at boarding school in Hilton. Marawa’s dream was to be a sportscaster who would be beamed into the homes of South Africa’s footballing fans.

Robert Marawa’s career has exceeded his wildest imagination. ‘Madluphuthu’ has become arguably South Africa’s most popular and most recognisable sports broadcaster. With his quick turn of phrase, his baritone voice and his direct, no-nonsense approach, he has earned a loyal following on radio and television over the past two decades. In Gqimm Shelele, his signature sign-off phrase, Marawa shares his broadcasting journey from hosting World Cups and interviewing presidents to his multiple firings, controversial suspensions and what he believes are the political forces behind attempts to end his career. He confronts the cabal that has repeatedly driven him off air, the tabloid reports about his personal life and his multiple near-death experiences and health scares.

With his trademark passion, Marawa addresses issues of transformation, sports administration, mentorship, political leadership and why Bafana Bafana keeps failing to win. He also shares his insights on what has made him a successful and popular radio and television broadcaster, giving a much-anticipated, behind-the-scenes look at his career.

A powerful, gripping story about an extraordinary herd of elephants, and the woman dedicated to keeping them safe.

Thula Thula game reserve in South Africa is home to a herd of elephants who have 4,000 hectares to roam. So owner Françoise was taken aback to find the herd’s matriarch Frankie – a feisty character – roaming her garden and eating her daisies. Was Frankie pointing out who was really in charge, or was there another reason for her presence?

The Elephants of Thula Thula is a heart-warming, sometimes funny, often moving account of life on a game reserve dedicated to saving endangered species. As Françoise struggles with bureaucracy and with the ever-present threat from poachers she is determined to keep Thula Thula going. The search is on to get a girlfriend for rhino Thabo – and then, as his behaviour becomes increasingly aggressive, a big brother to teach him manners. She realizes a dream with the arrival of Savannah the cheetah – an endangered species not seen in the area since the 1940s. But will Thula Thula survive the pandemic, and the threat from a mining company wanting access to its land?

As tragedy strikes the herd, Françoise mourns the loss of Frankie and watches as a new matriarch steps up to lead the family. She realizes once again that with their wisdom, resilience and communal bonds, the elephants have much to teach us.