Peacocks & Picathartes is a celebration of the diversity of African birds, focusing on families that occur only in Africa as well as iconic families and species that, despite having close relatives in other parts of the world, seem to embody something of Africa.

Watson’s anecdotal style captures vividly his encounters with prized species, such the secretive White-necked Picathartes and the elusive Congo Peacock. He conveys the sheer delight mousebirds take in ‘being what they are’, and reveals the surprise discovery in 1991 of a new partridge in Tanzania’s Udzungwa Mountains.

Drawing on precolonial and current-day avian accounts, he offers his own insights based on a lifetime of personal observations in the wilds of Africa – recounting unforgettable expeditions, quirky bird behaviour, jittery taxonomy, moments of rare good luck – and much more.

Both informative and entertaining, this book captures the essence of African bird life, and will appeal to bird enthusiasts across the spectrum.

Paige is best known for A Million Miles From Normal, her weekly column in the Sunday Times Life & Style magazine. As one of the anchor columnists of the Life & Style section since 2011, she has produced hundreds of hilarious columns and received hundreds more hilarious responses.

Pens Behaving Badly is a collection of the best of her columns and the best of the wild letters they’ve inspired.

In this book you will see over 50 photos of memorable moments of the sporting Madiba, as well as sport stars paying tribute to Madiba after his death.

Featured sports stars include: Tiger Woods, David Beckham, John Smit, Gary Player, Graeme Smith, Lucas Radebe, Bryan Habana, Francois Pienaar, Ernie Els, Sir Alex Ferguson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Baby Jake Matala, Lennox Lewis, Muhammad Ali and many more.

Originally published in 1994, A Field Guide to Tracks and Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife quickly became the standard reference to the subject in the region, reprinting many times. This new edition provides the most detailed coverage of tracks, droppings, bird pellets, nests and shelters and feeding signs, not only for mammals, but also for birds, reptiles, insects and other invertebrates. Greatly expanded, this extensive update now features: full colour throughout.

Africa is home to more than the Cradle of Humankind. It was the core of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea, and comprises some of the oldest and most extraordinary geology on planet Earth.

This detailed and colourful book features 44 of the continent's most spectacular and interesting 'geosites', from Table Mountain in the south to the eroded necks and plugs of the Hoggar region in Algeria; and from the volcanic islands of the Atlantic Ocean to the continental fragments off the African east coast. Each site is authored by a geologist (or specialist in a related field) with in-depth knowledge about the particular feature or landform: how it formed and developed, its current geological status, ecological impact, and its archaeological and cultural interest.

Supported with many photographs, maps, satellite images and explanatory illustrations, the text is accessible to geologists and lay enthusiasts alike, unpacking the hows and whys of Africa's most intriguing landforms, sites and geological features.

This Is South Africa, now updated in a new edition, takes the reader on a journey of discovery through this spectacular land. It showcases the country’s breathtaking natural splendours and incomporable array of flora and fauna, its pulsating cities, the warmth of its people and the intriguing mix of its many cultures.

This superb book features more than 300 vivid new photographs, supported by a detailed introduction and informative captions.

My first book of Southern African creepy-crawlies is the newest title in this children's series, and a companion to its sister edition on Southern African Insects. The title covers 58 spiders, snails, millipedes and other creatures (excluding insects) that are likely to be seen around the home and garden. An illustrated introduction gives context to the subject, and then each page features: a vivid, full-colour illustration; clear, informative text and visual clues for both pre- and beginner readers; translation into 3 other languages – Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu; simple graphics conveying the creatures’ size, what it eats and when it is active. This illustrated title will introduce everyday creatures to both pre-readers and those beginning to read in their mother tongue.

Coverage; Cape Town; West Coast; Cape Winelands; Breede River Valley; Overberg; Route 43; Boland; Hex River Valley; Swartland; Whale Route; Route 62. Street maps - 1 : 20 000: Stellenbosch; Franschhoek; Paarl; Wellington; Hermanus; Somerset West; Strand; Montagu; Robertson; Swellendam; Worcester; Ceres; Tulbagh; Cape town cbd ; Parks, reserves & nature areas; Hotels & caravan parks; Tourist-friendly text on top sites with; Historic info; Shading indicating height above sea level; Listings of regional activities; GPS co-ordinates; All the back roads and gravel roads you need; Colour photos of main sites; Comprehensive contact info; Main map scale : 1 : 325 000.

This trusted best-seller has been comprehensively updated and expanded to feature accounts of over 1,500 species and insect groups. Included are the most common, most economically and ecologically important, interesting and attractive insects in the region.

It features:

• vivid photographs

• easy-to-read text

• detailed accounts covering identifi cation, biology, distribution and related species

• a helpful introduction detailing the signifi cance, life history, collection and photography of insects, and

• quick reference guides on the inside covers to facilitate identifi cation.

Entomologists both amateur and professional, students, gardeners, farmers, tourists and anyone with an interest in the natural world will appreciate this illuminating and invaluable guide.

Parlement Van Uile is die debuutbundel van die wenner van die Ingrid Jonker A’La Poétique-kompetisie van 2019. Díé bundel delf diep in rou emosies, menswees en skyn ’n lig op eksistensiële vrae oor ons verhouding tot mekaar en teenoor die liefde.

Met ’n uiters moderne benadering tot poësie in sy geheel, word gedigte in die bundel in ’n oorspronklike en teatrale wyse deurgegee en daag lesers uit om sélf die betrokke emosies in die verse tot persoonlike ervarings te verbind.

Die digter daag die grense van Afrikaanse poësie uit met die bundel, ignoreer reëls en kloof sy eie unieke plek in die spektrum oop.

Elephants are among the most magni�cent – but also most problematic –members of South Africa's wildlife population. While they are sought after by South African and foreign tourists alike, they also have a major impact on their environment. As a result, elephant management has become a highly complex and often controversial discipline. The information needed to underpin vital decisions about elephant management has largely been unavailable to decision-makers, contested by experts, or simply unknown. As a result, the South African Minister for Environmental Affairs and Tourism convened a round table to advise him on this issue. The round table recommended that a scienti�c assessment of elephant management be undertaken to gather, evaluate, and present all the relevant information on this topic. Its main �ndings and recommendations are contained in this volume. Elephant Management is the �rst book of its kind, combining the work of more than 60 national and international experts. Extensively reviewed by policy-makers and other stakeholders, it is the most systematic and comprehensive review of savanna elephant populations and factors relevant to managing them to date. As such it is of interest to a broad spectrum of readers in South Africa and elsewhere. Above all, it is aimed at helping conservation policy-makers and practitioners to choose the best possible options for the sustainable preservation of these iconic animals.

'Next year I’m going to be 80 years old. My car will be 20 years old. Together we'll be 100. We’re going to drive to London.'

'And what route are you going to take?'

'I have no idea. I think I’ll keep to the right.'

When 80-year old Julia Albu calls in to her favourite radio show with a zany, half-baked idea, she has no idea that it will lead her to the adventure of a lifetime.

From helping push a 30-year-old Toyota bakkie up a precipitous mountain pass in Malawi to being 'adopted' by the riotous ex-pat South African community in Dar es Salaam and being fed mildly hallucinogenic 'herbs' by her Ethiopian driver-guide, nothing deterred 80-year-old Julia Albu from her quest to drive through Africa from the Cape to Cairo.

She and her 20-year-old Toyota Conquest, Tracy - a personality in her own right - travelled through 10 African countries, from South Africa to Egypt (and beyond). Julia was accompanied by a series of companions who added texture to her travels: three of her four grown-up children, her son-in-law, and at least one person who began as a complete stranger and ended up as a friend for life.

Reminiscing about her long and interesting life along the way, and maintaining a bright and upbeat outlook regardless of the circumstances, Julia proves that you're never too old to tackle that bucket list.

This rich volume is dedicated to the astounding South African writer and literary critic Lewis Nkosi (1936–2010).

In this book, Nkosi’s celebrated one-act play “The Black Psychiatrist” is published together with its unpublished sequel “Flying Home,” a play on the satirically fictionalized inauguration of Mandela as South African president. Critical appraisals, tributes and recollections by scholars and friends reflect on the beat of his writing and life.

An ideal volume for those encountering Lewis Nkosi for the first time as well as for those already devoted to his work. Edited by Astrid Starck, a literary scholar, and Dag Henrichsen, a historian.

Geology off the beaten track follows on the success of author Nick Norman’s earlier Geological Journeys (co-authored with Gavin Whitfi eld), which has sold more than 20 000 copies in the last 6 years. This new book helps readers understand and interpret the geology along SA’s regional and other less-travelled roads.

- It features 13 detailed routes across the country, taking in geologically interesting areas such as the Richtersveld,Cape winelands and the Valley of Desolation near Graaff-Reinet.

- The text is richly illustrated with photos and explanatory diagrams, making it suitable for armchair travellers too.

- Maps for all the routes indicate key geosites, with GPS readings to pinpoint their location.

This is a must-have handbook for travellers in the region, or for anyone wanting to know more about our rocks and landforms.

Le ncwadi ejabulisayo, egcwele mfi yethula izingane emaqenjini ezinyoni ezingaphezu kwama-60 ezitholakala eningizimu ne-Afrika: okholwase abanemilenze emide, oklebe abasheshayo, izincwincwi ezifana nejuba, izinsingizi ezinesibindi nezinye eziningi.

Funda ukubona izinyoni ezihlukahlukene, futhi uthole nendlela ehlaba umxhwele eziziphatha ngayo–indlela ezithola ngayo ukudla, ezikhetha ngayo umlingani, ezakha ngayo isidleke, ezikhulisa ngayo amachwane azo nokuthi zizigwema kanjani izilwane ezizizingelayo. Isingeniso esinemininingwane sichaza okuphathelene nezinyoni okunjengokuthandana, ukufuduka, ukuhlala kwazo ngaziningi kanye nokwebuza.

Kufakwe izithombe ezinhle ngokwedlulele ezingaphezu kwama-500, eziningi zichaziwe ukuze zigqamise izici nokuthile okuhlukile okuhlaba umxhwele ngazo.

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site situated in the heart of the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve is the jewel in South Africa’s evolutionary crown: an area ‘of outstanding universal value’, it has attracted world-wide interest and furnished key evidence about where, when and how we came to be. The greater Magaliesberg area is peppered with some 200 caves and has a unique geology, history and biodiversity. For decades now, specialists have been combing the area to uncover evidence of our heritage.

In his spectacular new title, Vincent Carruthers guides readers along a timeline, from the birth of our planet through to developments of the twenty first century. Along the way he documents the formation of our landscapes and the emergence of life, the rise of hominins, the stone and iron ages, early settlement, migrations, wars and modern developments in the Magaliesberg – the entire evolution of life up to the present, as we know it.

Vividly illustrated with photographs, maps and diagrams, Cradle of Life portrays the intrigue and importance of the site, taking readers on a magical journey of discovery.

Across the face of southern Africa are more than 460 remarkable stone palaces, once the abodes of kings. Some are small, others ramble, but many are absolutely astonishing: all are the legacy of kingdoms past.

Palaces of Stone brings to life the story of these early African societies, from AD 900 to approximately 1850. Some, such as Great Zimbabwe and Khami in Zimbabwe and Mapungubwe in South Africa, are famous world heritage sites, but the majority are unknown to the general public, unsung and unappreciated. Yet, the stone ruins that have survived tell a common story of innovative architecture and intricate stonework; flourishing local economies; long-distance travel; global trade; and emerging forms of political organisation.

By exploring a selection of known and unknown sites, Palaces of Stone reimagines the apparently empty spaces bequeathed to us by history, an Africa of places that once hummed with life. All that remains now are the ruins – a bedrock from which to unravel the past and understand the present.

Fully revised, Birds of Africa south of the Sahara provides unrivalled coverage of African birds in a single volume, and is the first book to describe and illustrate all of the birds found in Africa south of the Sahara Desert (the Afrotropic Region), including Socotra, Pemba and islands in the Gulf of Guinea.

Despite its exceptional coverage, this guide is compact enough to use in the field, and follows the standard field guide format, with texts and range maps appearing opposite the colour plates.

Ungalilahli ithemba Mbhali. Indlela nendlela ihambe ibe nezingqinamba zayo, kepha kukuwe ukuthi uzazi ufunani; kungani ufuna ukuba uMbhali osezingeni eliphezulu? Le mibuzo ibalulekile ngaphambi kokuba uzinikele ngakho konke onako ukuze uzophumelela. UMbhali kubalulekile ukuthi ejwayelane nokufunda ukuze ezohlezi enolwazi olunzulu. Uzokhumbula-ke njalo ukuthi ukubhala kungenye yezindlela zokukhuluma nesizwe. Yebo, ungaba nomlayezo okahle kepha amasu okuwubeka ngendlela efanele uyawadinga. Thatha lomphako; uwudle, uwuthokozele, futhi ungesabi ukucozulela nabanye abalambile.

Kom stap in die voetspore van Suid-Afrika se grootste sporthelde!

Hierdie fantastiese nuwe reeks plaas die kollig op Suid-Afrikaanse sportlegendes se reis na nasionale en internasionale roem.

Geskryf spesifiek vir kinders nege jaar en ouer, vertel dit die opwindende stories van vyf sportsterre uit verskillende agtergronde wat almal supersterre geword het.

Ontdek hoe Siya Kolisi bo sy moeilike grootwordjare in die Oos-Kaap uitgestyg het om een van ons land se grootste rugbysterre te word.

Lees die inspirerende verhaal van die skoolseun AB de Villiers wat een van die grootste name in wêreldkrieket geword het.

Ontmoet Wayde van Niekerk, ’n skraal, tengerige seuntjie wat teen alle verwagtinge in ’n Olimpiese superster en een van die vinnigste mense op die planeet geword het.

Van sy kinderdae toe hy saam met sy broer straatkrieket voor die moskee in Tongaat gespeel het, tot ’n internasionale loopbaan as sportster wat die landskap van Suid-Afrikaanse krieket vir ewig verander het – maak kennis met die legendariese Hashim Amla.

Caster Semenya se skooljare was moeilik, maar sy het bo haar omstandighede uitgestyg en deesdae is sy ’n sportambassadeur vir ons land wat met ’n Olimpiese goue medalje spog.

Jong sportliefhebbers sal versot wees op hierdie fantastiese reeks biografieë oor van ons land se blinkste sportsterre!

Eco-friendly gardening is fast catching on. Butterflies are visible signs of a healthy garden, and, with their whimsical flight patterns and glorious colours, they are among the most alluring of our aerial visitors. Gardening for butterflies shows how to attract these beautiful insects, giving step-by-step instructions for planning and planting a garden that will cater for the greatest number and diversity of butterflies. Using a Durban garden as a case study, it includes a recommended layout and plant lists for this area, as well as for other regions around the country. The book showcases 95 garden butterflies and moths, showing their full life cycle, including pupa, eggs and caterpillar. Stunning photography and point-form text ensure accurate identification of each stage in the cycle, and an interesting introduction discusses such topics as the extraordinary process of metamorphosis and the curious habits of these mercurial insects. Whether you’re tempted to undertake a full-scale transformation of your garden to attract butterflies, make smaller adjustments to it, or if you simply want to identify those insects already visiting your space, this book will amaze and enchant you.

In 1994, Brad and Paige Holmes opened a small, live-music venue in the bohemian suburb of Melville in Johannesburg. They called it Bassline, which very soon became synonymous with cigarette smoke, great jazz and nights you wished would never end. They later moved the club to Newtown where it grew in prominence as the ultimate venue for live music, hosting amazing artists like Thandiswa Mazwai, Jimmy Dludlu, Lira, The Soil and Grammy Award-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

In 2016 word spread like wildfire that everyone’s favourite club was closing its doors forever; this place that held all the promises of a new South Africa, a place where people of all races could come together, share a drink, dance and fall in love was to be no more. But as Bassline starts its new journey with Live @ the Bassline, yet another great story begins with Last Night At The Bassline.

In this book, esteemed music historian Professor David Coplan tells the story of Bassline and the Holmes’s journey in it, thus giving musicians and jazz fans something to hold on to even after its closure. This book is a tangible piece of the magic to take home and savour. And those who were never there will be given a chance to experience this dream.

With more than fifty iconic photographs from Oscar Gutierrez and other great photographers, the book is more than just a memoir. It is a gritty, smoky, passionate slice of time. Bassline will always be a reminder of what it feels like to live the impossible.

Animals are often heard before they are spotted, and this book serves as an excellent guide to help identify 76 creatures (mammals, birds, amphibians and insects), based primarily on their calls.

For each of the species listed, there is a full-colour photograph, distribution map and brief facts about its life history and behaviour.

Key features:

- An accompanying CD with 76 common animal calls

- Photographs and distribution maps for each species

- Interesting facts, including habitat, diet and time of calls

An invaluable resource for nature lovers of all ages, this CD and book will provide a new way of recognising the varied sounds of Africa's wild areas.

As Africa's oldest orchestra, and certainly its most versatile, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra is a proud part of the fabric of the Mother City. Founded in 1914 as a municipally funded ensemble, the orchestra was privatised in 1986 and later merged with the former Capab orchestra, achieving independence in 2000.

A Century Of Symphony tells the story of Cape Town’s orchestras over the past 100 years. Bringing together reminiscences, anecdotes and heartfelt stories by players, conductors and audience members, images of the orchestra both past and present, and information gathered from city, newspaper and university archives, A Century Of Symphony offers a timeless perspective on the place of orchestral music in the life of the city.

The challenges of running an orchestra in the 21st century are formidable, but the orchestra’s mission to deliver first-class music played by first-class musicians in a sustainable way has never been more apparent. Outreach and education efforts in disadvantaged communities point the way to the future. This is a story not only worth telling, but also worth preserving, for Cape Town’s orchestras have been the cultural jewel of the city for 100 years.

(Includes a shrinkwrapped CD of music played by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra)

A practical guide to learn painting individual people and crowds, with simple exercises and step-by-step demonstrations.Bestselling artist and writer Hazel Soan has distilled her art teaching into the things that matter most and can be digested in a short period of time. Learning to paint is one of the life-long aspirations of many of us and the techniques of painting lively crowd scenes or portraits of loved ones can be picked up faster than you think.In this concise book, Hazel Soan explains everything you need to know about figurative painting in an accessible way. She advises on how to paint people in a variety of poses and settings, dealing with the theories of colour and light in a way that beginners will understand and more experienced painters will find invaluable. She also guides you through ways to insert people into your pre-existing painting to bring them to life; scenes like urban streets and on the beach are explored. Subjects like how to paint portraits and getting to grips with body proportion and perspective are also covered. Both media of watercolours and oils are covered, making this the perfect book for any type of artist.Filled with easy-to-follow exercises and demonstrations, this is a practical and helpful guide to learning to paint people very quickly.