Opening with short essays on numerous subjects, covering its people, past, economy, landscapes, flora and fauna, it gives the reader some insight into what makes South Africa so special. The remainder of the title, laden with over 150 large-scale colour photographs, is a beautiful journey through the various regions across this massive nation. While the title may not be new, the vibrant, contemporary content most certainly is.

Blood Ivory
by Robin Brown
2008, Sutton Publishing, soft cover, 256 pages, £20
This controversial exposé, which delves deep into the conflicts, corruption, egos and politics involved in the world of elephant conservation, has been brewing in Robin Brown for over two decades. Based on his first-hand accounts, it challenges current thinking by taking aim at international conservation organisations, questioning the bureaucracy of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and supports ideas developed by biologists and wildlife managers, including the culling of elephants – bold thinking when his ultimate goal is to prevent the extinction of the species. Brown, believing that conservation today is really a story of war, thinks that these drastic times require drastic measures. His book also charts the exploitation of the African elephant’s history and examines society’s evolving attitudes on the species’ conservation.

In Celebration of Fynbos
Photographs by Paul Godard. Text by Petra Vandercasteele.
2008, Struik Publishers, hardback, 224 pages, ZAR 170
This beaming book is full of everything you ever wanted to know about fynbos, the unique kingdom of plants found in South Africa’s Cape region. Featuring more than 200 vivid photographs by biologist Paul Godard Phd, it creatively documents 50 varieties, many of which are currently endangered. Not only will you learn about the plants natural characteristics and environments, but you’ll also hear anecdotes about some species’ roles in history, as well as their healing properties. Hoping to encourage readers to help preserve rare species when out in the wild, it also encourages them to start planting fynbos on their own properties, providing plenty of gardening tips. Whether you are interested in learning about this colourful kingdom, or just want something stunning to flip through while enjoying a hot cuppa rooibos tea, this book is for you. 

East African Wildlife by Philip Briggs
(1st edition, Bradt Travel Guides, £19.99) Colourful, practical and enjoyable. Philip and photographer Ariadne Van Zandbergen hit the mark and more.

A Handful of Honey by Annie Hawes (Pan Macmillan, £7.99) Follow Annie from Italy through North Africa in search of desert dwellers who saved her in the past. Funny, honest and moving.

Algeria by Anthony Ham et al (Lonely Planet, £14.99) Obviously choosing pioneering spirit over profitability, Lonely Planet have published the first-ever English-language guide dedicated to Algeria.