africa

An excellent reference book for anyone visiting Southern Africa. We only found a few minor errors but the recommendations on where to go and what to see were very useful.

We're looking forward to going again and will certainly take this book along. We didn't have enough time to see it all.

We visited South Africa for 20 days in July 2000, driving from Cape Town to Kruger. Before we left we sat down at a large book store and reviewed all their South African travel books. This one looked the best and proved to be very useful, particularly for accomodations. Some of the prices had changed but the standards and services were exactly as described. This is a great book for travellers who are above the backpacker/budget level but not up to "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous."

I went in March 2000 and returned a week ago from the Western Cape. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL TRIP! But, talking about the book...

Prices for gas and some of the attractions, like Cape Point and a couple nature reserves we visited were already outdated. Gas is nearly R3/litre! I understand their economy isn't doing well, so they've had to increase prices to the visitors. Tourism is their no. 1 business.

There were several things I remember reading in the text, then later, when I wanted to see it again, I couldn't find them in the index...stuff like the Vergelegen Winery (which has amazing views and delicious wines!) and others. Not all boldface terms are in the index. This is something that could really be improved!

Lastly, I must reiterate what my hosts said: They've seen many rediculous books on Cape Town and the Western Cape and this is not one of them.

I debated between 3 and 4 stars, but remembering my frustrations with the index, I knocked it down to 3. :)