The English naturalist William Burchell set off from Cape Town in June 1811 to explore the flora and fauna of the vast southern African interior. Over a four-year period, and travelling in a custom-built ox wagon, he amassed an astonishing 63 000 specimens of plants, bulbs, insects, reptiles and mammals – many not previously documented for science – as well as over 500 paintings and illustrations.

While the outbound trek is well described in Burchell’s famous Travels in the Interior of Southern Africa, little has been published about the challenges and discoveries made on his return journey to Cape Town, from 1812–1815. This pioneering book traces the homeward leg of Burchell’s epic odyssey – through the arid northern Cape, the Great Karoo, the warravaged eastern Cape, and along the Eden-like southern Cape coast.

Drawing on primary and secondary sources, including Burchell’s letters, his handwritten records archived at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the detailed map he created to record his trek, the authors have crafted a thought-provoking and beautifully illustrated account that encompasses both the genius of the man and the natural history of the region that so intrigued him.

South Africa’s scenic mountain routes offer travellers easy passages into the rugged splendour of wild and remote areas where nature reigns supreme. Many still follow ancient animal migration routes; others are modern engineering masterpieces that challenge gravity. South Africa’s Favourite Passes & Poorts provides a detailed guide to more than 80 of the best-loved ones and is packed with information to enrich readers’ driving experience, from fauna and flora to the personalities behind the passes. Activities highlighted in each area include hiking trails, mountain-biking tracks and 4x4 routes. Each chapter ends with tips on where to eat and stay, from bush camps and selfcatering cottages to luxury lodges and hospitable guesthouses. Many passes can be done as drives or weekend trips en route to some of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations; driving others is an adventure in itself. Full-colour maps assist in travel planning, and the routes and points of interest are well illustrated with colour photographs. Marion Whitehead became a passionate pass chaser when she worked as a tour guide in the Garden Route and Little Karoo. An author and travel photojournalist now based in the Eastern Cape, she loves roaming the countryside, driven by a nagging curiosity to see what’s around the next bend!