Book Description
While observing a family group of elephants in the wild, Caitlin O'Connell, a young field scientist, noticed a peculiar listening behavior. A matriarch she had been watching for months turned her massive head and lifted her foot off the ground. As she scanned the horizon, the other elephants followed suit, all facing the same direction. O'Connell soon made a groundbreaking discovery: the elephants were "listening through limbs," feeling the ripples of the earth's surface for approaching friends and enemies. Through their feet, toenails, trunks, and other, subtler modes of communication, these enormous animals were communicating to one another, demonstrating the vital importance of social relationships in their lives.
Yet this grand revelation about the intelligence of wild animals is also a story of the relationship between humans and elephants as neighbors, vying for the same resources of an increasingly crowded continent. For when O'Connell was first contracted by the Namibian government to develop new methods to deter elephants from raiding villagers' crops, she was unprepared for what she would encounter -- political upheaval, tribal disputes, inhumane poachers, and a fundamentally ineffective approach to wildlife conservation. Despite these setbacks, she came to know and love each of the fascinating, unique elephants under her watchful eye, while at the same time witnessing a change in attitude and policy, providing hope for the elephant's future.
An unforgettable journey of scientific discovery, The Elephant's Secret Sense takes you deep into the wilds of Namibia, from the tops of isolated, desert observation towers to the jaws and claws of ravenous lions to aerial expeditions and dusty highways, where the naturalists do their difficult work in a troubled land threatened by expanding human populations and unstable politics. Resonant with the powerful calls of the mysterious elephant, this is a story about the resilience of nature and the inspiring, astonishing, and often heartbreaking places where humans and wild animals come together.
Customer Reviews:
Not Animals in Translation..........2007-05-20
I was expecting a book similar to Temple Grandin's Animals in Translation. Unfortunately, this book is very much unlike that book. I expected the bulk of this book to focus specifically on elephant communication, but that is not the case. Much time is spent on African conservation in general and the history of certain African areas where she was stationed. When I bought the book, it was not to read about local tribes or their politics, it was to read about elephant communication. Not saying the other topics aren't interesting, but if I wanted to read about those, I would have bought a book specifically on that. Making things worse, her style of writing is very disjointed and skips around.
There are not many books that I don't finish reading, but this was one of them. I was very much looking forward to reading this book based on the reviews. Not sure why there was such a disconnect. Maybe it's expectations. If you are expecting a more in-depth book specifically on elephant communication, with lots of scientific detail, this isn't it.
Who Knew Elephants Hear With Their Toes!.......2007-05-13
Anyone who is interested in African elephants and their rich and amazing lives will find this an interesting read. Caitlin has added hugely to the body of knowledge about Elephant communication. It is part adventure story, as most intrepid young scientists who venture into Africa for their PHD theses discover. It tells of the beauty and terror and difficulties of this most diverse land and her rich wildlife.
Caitlin's book tells of her discoveries, elephant communication research, years of working with people in the Caprivi region to combat Elephant/Human conflict as well as her memorable times in hides stalked by lion and all the other adventures.
The book is well written for the most part, does lose some momentum toward the end of the book but this would appraer to be editing rather than Caitlin's writing. I thoroughly reccomend it.
A must for animal lovers, host of Animal Tails.......2007-04-28
An intricate balance exists between humans and nature that undergirds even the most basic experiences. Ecological researcher, Caitlin O'Connell has spent her professional life exploring the lesser-known aspects of this relationship through her study of elephant behavior in sub-Saharan Africa, shedding light on their value within society and promoting the need for continued conservation and outreach. In THE ELEPHANT'S SECRET SENSE: The Hidden Life of the Wild Herds of Africa , O'Connell uncovers the fascinating and complex communication system of elephants, and conveys the deeper importance of this astounding discovery on modern African society.
An absolute page-turner.......2007-04-06
This book is a fascinating look into the world of elephants and the scientists who study them. I was humbled by Caitlin O'Connell's courageous, intelligent, and compassionate approach to working with these complex animals and the people who must learn to share the land with them.
An astounding achievement and truly riveting story.......2007-03-16
I read this whole book from start to finish on a series of flights that I took recently and I was totally taken with the story and the science behind it. I couldn't put it down and I haven't read a book in 10yrs! From a phenomenal underlying technological journey merges the principles of many scientific disciplines ranging from zoology, biology, acoustics, geophysics, chemistry, mechanics, electronics, mathematics, not to mention anthropology.
As a physicist, I loved the explanation of acoustic coupling and aliasing, a very impressive bridge, making connections between fundamental processes that are essential in tying together a very complex phenomenon.
There were tragic elements to the story that were horrific and left me in tears, but at the same time, a remarkable account of caring and human bonding. Congratulations to the author. I can't wait for her next book!
Book Description
Since its original publication in 1993, The Safari Companion has been the best field guide to observing and understanding the behavior of African mammals. An indispensable tool for naturalists traveling to Africa, this new edition has been revised to acknowledge the enthusiasm to those watching these magnificent animals at zoos and wildlife parks, and on film. The Safari Companion enables readers to recognize and interpret visible behavioral activities, such as courtship rituals, territorial marking, aggression, and care of young. Each account of over 80 species includes a behavioral table in which the unique actions of the hoofed mammals, carnivores, and primates are described for easy reference. In addition, useful maps show the major national boundaries, vegetation zones, and game parks relevant to the guide. The book includes an extensive glossary, as well as tips on wildlife photography, a list of organizations working to protect African wildlife, and advice on where and when to see the animals.
Customer Reviews:
Well Written, by and Expert.......2007-07-19
I just returned from Tanzania, and used this book while on Safari in Serengetti, Ngorongoro crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire.
The main strength of the book is the high level overview given to game viewing in the beginning and at the beginning of each animal section. Without some background in behavioral biology it is tough to watch the animals and find it interesting for too long. After reading the opening to this book I was able to take much more from watching big herds of grazers than the tourists I was with.
Richard Estes is clearly an expert in the field, but he writes in a fashion that is easy to understand for a layman. He also gives some personalization to his accounts, giving personal tips for a good game drive.
The only issue with the book is that it is sometimes difficult to match the behavior of the animals in the field to the book in the limited time that is available on safari, so I would suggest that anyone interested read the sections about the animals they expect to see before the safari, and have those pages marked for reference during the game drive.
Excellent Safari Companion.......2007-03-08
This book was an engrossing and wonderful read as we undertook the Safari.
It provided insight into the behavior and special characteristics of each animal that we saw, and made the sightings much more interesting than just the identification of each species.
Recommended highly!
In my experience, this isn't very useful.......2007-02-26
I've been to Tanzania's national parks twice, and watched a lot of game in both the popular and the less-crowded parks. Estes came with me the first time, based on my interest in the animals and reviewers' comments found here; and this last time I took along the (copied) pages for a dozen or so animals (zebras, elephants, wildebeest, giraffes, etc).
His work is certainly interesting and I fully expected it would be a useful Safari Companion. But it hasn't lived up to expectations.
I know I've been fortunate to have guides who were very knowledgable: getting us into interesting situations, pointing out behavior and being able to answer lots of questions. In the evening, though, I've often checked to see what Estes might have to say about what we'd seen; and, typically, I didn't learn anything new. That, by itself, doesn't justify leaving Estes behind. But with few exceptions, fairly careful reading of Estes beforehand didn't prepared me to "see" behavior that might otherwise have been missed over the course of 5 weeks of game watching. I'm certain it's not that the behavior Estes describes doesn't occur; it's just that we tourists rarely have the opportunity to observe animals for long enough periods for it to happen!
After my second trip, I got a copy of "The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals" and I might take it along next time as a close substitute for Estes. For very easy identification of the common animals and birds of East Africa, however, I'll continue to rely on Withers and Hosking, "Wildlife of East Africa" in preference to the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to ..." (which I also own).
Not for the average safari .......2007-01-09
This is a great book for people that want to know about all the variations of antelope, birds etc. If you're looking to go on your first safari and will be amazed by the sight of your first lion, this book is overkill for you.
If you're well educated on animal species, this is a good book for you.
The Safari Companion.......2006-08-21
Excellent safari companion showing various animals and describing them, their habitat, etc. Recommended for anyone going on safari.
Book Description
Nick Brandt depicts the animals of East Africa with an intimacy and artistry unmatched by other photographers who choose wildlife as their subject. He creates these majestic sepia and blue-tone photos contrasting moments of quintessential stillness with bursts of dramatic action by engaging with these creatures on an exceptionally intimate level, without the customary use of a telephoto lens. Evocative of classical art, from dignified portraits to sweeping natural tableaux, Brandt's images artfully and simply capture animals in their natural states of being. With a foreword by Alice Sebold and an introduction by Jane Goodall, On This Earth is a gorgeous portfolio of some of the last wild animals and a heartfelt elegy to a vanishing world.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful photography.......2007-09-27
I bought this book as a gift for someone who had just visited East and South Africa. They were thrilled with the absolutely beautiful photography and the memories it evoked of their trip.
Just Stunning.......2007-08-31
I own many, many photography/art books and this one without a doubt is my favorite.
The photography is simply stunning. Brant shoots his work on medium format infrared film and that is a great combination to use.
Don't even think about not getting this book, just do it.
Africa, my love.......2007-06-27
Having travelled extensively in Africa and being a keen photographer myself, I was happy to find this title in one of the Dutch photography magazines. The book is apparently not for sale in Holland, so I bought it at Amazon's.
My collection of photography books consists mainly of black and white photography. I am sure buyers will love the images in this book as much as I do, allbeit some pictures are a bit over the top, due to the infrared film used. Nevertheless the photos are just overwhelming; it feels like standing there yourself!
Next to 'The Great Migration' by Carlo Mari (which has a different approach) and 'Pink Africa' (also by Carlo Mari, and obviously in color) this book is among my favorite books on wildlife in Africa!
Images of untold beauty and magnificence........2007-05-31
Nick Brandt is one of the most talented and sensitive photographers of the 21st century.
His vision and technique is unmatched.
The patience involved in capturing these sometimes rare creatures is incredible let alone to produce such aweinspiring images.
Moments of recognition!.......2007-02-18
Great photo's of, for us, familiar parts of Africa. Shows the game in a different light.
Every new page is an inspiration! Not only for photografers but for travellers also.
Erik
The Netherlands
Book Description
The first and only field guide to offer comprehensive coverage of the African continent, this guide sends the reader on a virtual safari. All the birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects are brought to life, and the parks and reserves for which the continent is famous are described in thorough detail. This guide is packed with 577 stunning color photographs of African habitats and animals, and provides a wealth of information on more than 850 species compiled by veteran safari leaders and experts in African wildlife.
Customer Reviews:
Clarity, Ease of Use, Good travel weight.......2007-05-31
I have used this book several times in Africa - my edition was published in 1995. Even when your luggage weight is severely restricted (as when you use small airplanes), this doesn't get left behind!! I am constantly surprised that tour guides, etc. from Africa don't know this book - so many of the other guides weigh a great deal and only cover birds or mammals or whatever. This gives countries, habitats, and many pictures plus essays about the wildlife in question plus a map including its range. Outstanding! If you buy nothing else, buy this. I am pleased to discover it is still in print and am ordering one for a friend - no way would I even lend my copy!
Good, but not great!.......2007-03-18
As other reviewers have noted, this is a wonderful Field Guide with excellent photographs and descriptions. Indeed, following my first trip to Tanzania, I purchased a copy. Prior to my second trip, however, someone suggested that I take a look, instead, at Withers' Wildlife of East Africa and I was immediately sold on it.
There are various reasons why I think Withers is the better choice for those going on their first safari in East Africa. Most importantly, it's a lot smaller/lighter and the descriptions are opposite the bird and animal photographs, rather than at the back of the Audubon Guide. In addition, the coverage of wildlife is excellent: we saw a lot of different animals and birds and, with very few exceptions, they were all covered in Wild Life of East Africa.
A friend is off on safari this summer and asked me about what to take. They had heard of The Audubon Field Guide, but not Withers et al. It's that conversation that prompted me to write this.
Invaluable.......2007-01-10
Took on safari. Useful size and plastic cover resists creasing and dirt.
Photos are first rate and the detail sections well indexed. I took several books with me, but this was the one I used for identifying animals and birds.
Ideal Safari Companion.......2007-01-09
I recently went on Safari in Kenya & Tanzania and this was the book mostly used by our various guides. I purchased on my return and it has been invaluable help naming the animals and birds in all my photos. It has also given me a much better background knowledge of the area and wildlife we saw. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone going to Africa, by the way the book was available in Africa at almost 3 times the Amazon price!!
Audubon Guide to African Wildlife.......2007-01-04
Excellent book with awesome color pictures and good concise narrative on each species and subspecies. It was very easy to identify all the various animals (large and small) and birds when on safari in Tanzania. Highly recommend .
Average customer rating:
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Leroy Neiman on Safari
Leroy Neiman
Manufacturer: Harry N Abrams
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ASIN: 0810963329 |
Book Description
This guide embraces over 2000 carefully selected plants and animals, large and small, that are likely to be encountered during a visit to any part of the region. It is ideal for all nature lovers, with over 1200 species illustrated and many more identifiable from the text by reference to similar species. Each chapter has been written by a leading expert in the field, most of whom have published major works in their own right.
Customer Reviews:
Africagirl.......2007-10-10
lots and lots of detailed drawings of species. Everything you could hope to see in one book which is nice when weight and space are considerations. Some people might wish for photos but those books are usually not as complete.
Simple, nicely illustrated.......2007-03-15
Haven't taken this on the safari yet, but have gone through it to get familiar - it is fairly small (compared to the other book I got, Safari Companion), yet has hundreds of clear illustrations and descriptions of invertebrates, insects, birds, fish, mammals and plants. I think this is going to be a very useful tool!
beautifully illustrated & comprehensive.......2002-04-14
This is the most beautifully illustrated and comprehensive guide I've found for the wildlife of southern Africa. The invertebrate info is hard to find elsewhere, and the fact that this guide includes plants is a welcome bonus. If you buy one guide to carry with you on your trip, this should be it.
A Comprehensive Guide.......2001-05-19
While visiting So.Africa, I had a million questions on what I looking at. I found this book and carried it with me throughout the trip. When we went on game runs, I would check off what we saw and make reference notes (e.g. the Baboons were eating Jackalberries - I could reference both the mammal and the tree section). The variety of birds in the country (over 900) was astounding and having the book made it much more fun and interesting to look up. This is the only book I found that combined lower invertabrates, spiders and other arachnids, insects (including a large butterfly collection), fish, frogs, reptiles, birds, mammals,grasses-sedges-ferns&fungi,wild flowers, trees. Several people on the tour had me write down what we saw so they in turn could get this book and make notes. A good book combining everything in one neat package for those who like to play outside!
Book Description
Those looking for a concise yet informative, visually breathtaking yet affordable East African safari need look no further than this spectacular field guide. Featuring full-color photos of 475 common species of bird, mammal, snake, lizard, insect, tree, and flower, Wildlife of East Africa takes us on an exquisite one-volume tour through the living splendor of the main national parks and game reserves of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Many of the species included--from pelicans to plovers, ostriches to elephants, from the daintiest of antelopes to cattlelike giants, from leopards to lions, baboons to gorillas, chameleons to crocodiles, acacias to aloes--also inhabit neighboring countries. The selection was based on the personal experiences of the authors, wildlife experts who have been leading safaris in the region for more than twenty years.
Each species is illustrated with a photo and a detailed entry on the facing page; the text is commendably rich for such a compact guide. This information enables the particular animal or plant to be identified by such traits as size, plumage or pelage, color, and shape. An opening section on wildlife photography provides helpful tips on the best type of camera, film, and lenses to use, techniques, and codes of conduct. A map shows the region's major natural parks. Wildlife of East Africa is a must for anyone considering a first-hand look at, or simply daydreaming of, the elegant, enormous, or exotic wildlife of East Africa.
- Covers the main parks and reserves of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, plus surrounding countries
- 475 common species of bird, mammal, snake, lizard, insect, tree, and flower--from ostriches to elephants, leopards to lions, baboons to gorillas, chameleons to crocodiles, acacias to aloes
- Full-color photographs and detailed entries describing each species
- Written and illustrated by wildlife experts who have been leading safaris in East Africa for more than 20 years
- Tips on wildlife photography, techniques, and codes of conduct
Customer Reviews:
Africa Book.......2007-10-14
Great book - lots of pictures - hard paper (you'll need it) and easy explanations
Into Africa and it's Wildlife.......2007-08-01
We have not gone on our trip to East Africa, but this book appears like it will be a big help when we get there. The pictures will assist us to indentify the various Wildlife of East Africa while we are there and when we view our pictures, when we return. Since it is rather small, it will be easy to carry on us.
Wildlife of East Africa.......2007-07-03
After leafing through the book, the cover came right off the spine. I will have to glue it back on with super glue. I book for $17.00 (incl. shipping) should not come apart at first try. Very bad workmanship.
G. Schaefer
beautiful photographs.......2007-06-15
A wonderful photographic guide to a cross section of the flora and fauna of East Africa.
Perfect...not too big, too expensive, too anythng.......2007-05-28
This book was perfect for my three-week safari to Kenya and Tanzania. It had all of the 40+ animals and most of the 60+ (80? 100?) birds I saw. I wrote directly into the book: date of sighting, # of photo(s), where seen, etc. Others on the trip often asked to borrow it or to have me read about the animals/birds we spotted. It didn't have a few of the more unusual birds so it might not be right for birders or may only be an animal supplement for them but it is perfect for the rest of us. I had read one of the recommendations here before purchase and it was right on! Thanks!!
Average customer rating:
- Amazing photos of African wildlife: 5+ stars
- Beautiful & Massive Documentation of Life on the Savannah.
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The Circle of life: Wildlife on the African Savannah
Anup Shah , and
Manoj Shah
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Similar Items:
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Serengeti: Natural Order on the African Plain
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On This Earth: Photographs from East Africa
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Ngorongoro
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African Safari Photography
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Through the Eyes of the Gods: An Aerial Vision of Africa
ASIN: 0810945339 |
Book Description
These extraordinary photographs by two brothers, Anup and Manoj Shah, take the reader on a spectacular journey into the heart of the African savannah, concentrating on the Serengeti-Maasai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater regions in Kenya and Tanzania. The Shah brothers' breathtaking images chronicle life and death in one of the most fascinating and complex eco-systems in the world, a place left largely untouched by man. Here lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, hyenas, baboons, wildebeests, and thousands of other species give birth, play, hunt, feed, groom, sleep, mate, migrate, and die in the dramatic scenes played out on these pages.
Anup Shah's text complements the images, starting with the most basic elements necessary for life on the savannah and gradually building up to the intricate, dynamic interactions between the plants and animals in the food chain and their environment. Every aspect of daily life is touched on: evolution and natural selection, sex and mating rituals, birth and motherhood, staying alive and getting along, predators and prey, herds and social groups. In the final chapters the reader discovers that in death all living things return to the soil, where it all began, thus completing the circle of life.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing photos of African wildlife: 5+ stars.......2006-11-22
These are simply amazing wildlife photos, all from East Africa, where the Shah brothers live. This large-format book is beautifully printed, and these photos are about as good as wildlife photography gets. Lots of everyone's favorite (mine anyway), baby animal photos! Now, almost anyone (even me) can take a cute photo of baby cheetahs in their furpunk soft-Mohawk glory. But the Shahs can photograph a baby *hippo* and make it look cuddly (p. 146)....
The Shahs have the unfair advantage of living in Kenya, so their photos represent literally years of fieldwork in their own backyard (big backyard!). Which wouldn't matter except that they may well be the finest photographers of East African wildlife so far. Astonishing work, absolutely not to be missed. I know, I'm stuck in superlative mode here, but these guys are really, really good, and Harry Abrams has done them up proud.
You've almost certainly seen some of the Shah's photographs, likely in National Geographic -- though if you're as oblivious as me, you may not have noticed their names. I've uploaded a couple of images to jog your memory. Most highly recommended for anyone who's interested in African wildlife. And yes, you should save up for a trip to East Africa someday....
Happy viewing--
Peter D. Tillman
Beautiful & Massive Documentation of Life on the Savannah........2004-07-09
Anup and Manoj Shah have distinguished themselves in the populous field of wildlife photography by producing expressive and beautiful portraits of wild animals that document the individuals' lives while achieving impressive aesthetic grace. Many of the brothers' photographs are simply unforgettable works of art that I never tire of looking at. "The Circle of Life" is a massive book that contains 235 photographs of wildlife on the African Savannah. About 40 species of mammal are represented, as well as some birds and reptiles. In the most comprehensive photographic essay of wildlife that I have ever seen, the Shah brothers document the lives of the many animals who live and die in this vast African ecosystem that spans much of Kenya and Tanzania. The authors have organized this photographic odyssey by dividing the book into 20 chapters, each showcasing one aspect of life on the Savannah. The early chapters show us the basic elements that create and sustain life. Some example chapters are: "Driven by Wet and Dry", "Light and Energy", and "Shaped by Fire and Elephants". The book then moves on to the subjects of birth and growing up on the Savannah. "Natural Selection", "Adaptation and Diversity", "Peaceful Coexistence", and "Mother and Offspring", for example. Then we see the lives of adult animals. Some examples are: "Herds and Social Groups", "Grazers and Browsers", and "The Hunters". And finally these animals die, returning to the earth, and the "circle of life" begins again: "Scavengers and Decomposers", "Land and Life". Each chapter begins with an essay written by Anup Shah that explains what that particular facet of life on the Savannah entails and how it fits into the greater life cycle.
The photographs in "The Circle of Life" are mostly one-to-a-page, but there are also 2-page spreads and pages containing two photographs. The reproduction quality is good. All photographs have detailed captions. An index in the back of the book allows the reader to locate text and photographs by species or topic. The index is most helpful considering the size of this volume. If you're familiar with the work of Anup and Manoj Shah through "Nature's Best" magazine, most, but not all, of their "Nature's Best" photographs are included in this book. "The Circle of Life" is a record of wildlife on the African Savannah that is impressive in its size, scope, and beauty. Only photographers who spend an extraordinary amount of time in this environment could have captured so much of the lives of so many species. It's a pleasure to see the results of Anup and Manoj Shah's experience and persistence in one volume. "The Circle of Life" is a fantastic coffee table book for nature photography fans, as well as a great visual resource for anyone studying this ecosystem.
Amazon.com
Oh, to go on safari in Africa. Nolting can't assure you vacation time or airfare, but he's done his part with the definitive guide to viewing wildlife in Africa. He covers driving, flying and walking safaris, elephant-back, balloon, and canoe safaris, photo safaris, game drives, and bird-watching safaris. He tells where to see elephants and when the tree leaves won't obscure your view. Helpful even if only to flesh out your safari daydreams, it's an impressively straightforward, informational, necessary item to choose, prepare, and actually go on safari.
Book Description
Starting from scratch, Africa's Top Wildlife Countries answers such questions as: What safari options are available? What countries offer the kind of experience I am seeking? When is the best time to go? Covering Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, Swaziland, Mauritius, and the Seychelles Islands, this is a complete guide for anyone planning a trip to Africa. Its user-friendly format makes planning a safari easy by highlighting and comparing wildlife reserves, depicting and describing types of accommodations and other major attractions. Jam-packed with information essential for the successful safari, this edition has been completely revised, and includes over 50 maps detailing countries and major wildlife reserves (including a new two-page Eco-Map depicting the primary vegetation zones, country, and park locations), 32 pages of color photographs, more than 125 black and white photos, 11 charts, and numerous illustrations. "A must for all safari goers traveling in any part of Africa." -- R. Michael Wright, President, African Wildlife Foundation
Customer Reviews:
book review.......2007-06-25
Great book. Only resource that we could find that covered all of Africa for determining where and when to go on safari in Africa. If you are trying to determine what country and the best time to go look no further than this book.
A must read for those going to Africa.......2006-11-03
A good review of the various wildlife camps, lodges in Africa as well as highlights of each of the major National Parks and Game Reserves. It included quite reliable descriptions of camps based upon the many we visited. It is a much better purchase than similar books we looked at in terms of useful information.
Useful when planning a packaged tour.......2005-06-12
We found this book helpful to plan our luxury independent travel African safari trip for four. Although we would have liked more practical information on Internet sites and hotels, it had plenty of information on weather, facilities, shopping suggestions and maps for most of the game viewing countries. The Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa sections were the largest.
Dreaming of Romantic Safaris in Africa.......2003-09-19
"One morning I just woke up and realized I wanted to travel around the world. And I decided, if I don't go, I'll always regret it, and if I don't go now, I never will." ~Mark Nolting
After traveling all over the world, Mark Nolting decided to return to Africa and travel from Cairo to Cape Town. He has been researching travel on the African continent for over 25 years and has even climbed to Uhuru Peak on Mt. Kilimanjaro.
To get the most out of any trip overseas, a travel book is essential. It is even more important when traveling in Africa, since a safari can be rather expensive. Especially if you want to stay in private lodges with swimming pools.
Do you want a private safari or would you rather travel with a group? Are you looking for gourmet European cuisine, local dishes or just wholesome fare? Are you looking for a romantic trip while staying in luxury tented camps or do you want to stay at a five-star lodge like Singita near Kruger National Park in South Africa.
In this new edition there are over 50 maps, helpful charts and over 32 pages of color photographs.
You will discover:
Where and when to see the best wildlife.
Where to enjoy boat safaris, night drives, hot-air balloon safaris, horeseback safaris, walking safaris, photo safaris and even canoe safaris.
The rainfall and temperature for different regions throughout the year
What to wear - very important to get a pair of earth-colored boots and a high-quality pair of binoculars.
Each chapter has a map of the area and a "facts at a glance" section. You will find information on the size of the country, population, capitals and official languages. Detailed information of each country is followed by information on the accommodations which range from deluxe to tourist class. There are pictures so you know what to expect. If you are looking for fields of flowers, you might want to head to Namaqualand from August to September. If you are looking for a dreamy tour along one of the most beautiful drives in Africa, you might choose the "Garden Route." You can stay in huge resorts or find isolation in a game reserve.
Once you decide what you want and where you want to stay, you can look up further information and plan a safari with The African Adventure Company.
The author dispels myths about travel in Africa and says one of the safest places in the world has to be in the African bush. You can also go to Africa for the mountain climbing, fishing, star gazing, scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching and even white-water rafting.
You will find information on Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Malawi, Swaziland, Lesotho, Seychelles and Mauritius.
Additional features include information on the Latin/Scientific names of Mammals & Reptiles, Suggested Reading Lists, Places and People Index, Animal and Plant Index, List of Maps, List of Charts and a List of Animal Profiles.
Mark Nolting is also the author of "African Safari Journal." He gives you all the secrets for enjoying your trip all the more. If you are looking for luxury, you might not want to make the mistake of booking a "full participation mobile tented camp safari." If you are honeymooning, your trip could turn into the ultimate Out of Africa experience complete with eating outdoors. I was impressed with the pictures of "Dining on a deck at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge."
After living in South Africa for 12 years, I can tell you Africa is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Everyone seems to speak at least three or four languages and everyone seems to speak English and Afrikaans. The food is also incredible with added variety and exotic flavors like guava and granadilla.
Being a "cat lover" at heart, we used to visit the game parks just to see the lions. This book brought back many memories and even the "memory" scent of the ocean. The areas around the South Coast (Coastal Forest) and Cape Town (Heathland) were our favorite holiday escapes from the area around Johannesburg, which is a Grassland (veld). A part of my heart will always be watching sunsets from the deck of a house at Cyara in Hekpoort, South Africa near the Magaliesberg Mountains where the Jacaranda trees burst with lilac blossoms.
If you are dreaming of an adventure in Africa, this book will be essential. Mark Nolting has written a beautiful book based on his own exploration of Africa. He has also helped travelers plan the safari of a lifetime. After reading "Africa's Top Wildlife Countries," I'm convinced traveling with "The Africa Adventure Company" is the way to go! I was worried about traveling in Africa again, but after reading this book, I was very encouraged and have started dreaming of returning to my childhood home.
~TheRebeccaReview.com
Also look for the "African Safari Journal" to take with you on safari. It contains valuable information including a phrase book, safari diary, map directory, wildlife checklist and trip organizer. You can record the key events of your safari.
What You Need to Plan the Trip You'll Love!.......2003-08-29
Mr. Nolting correctly assumes that wildlife will be one reason to visit Africa. So he has organized his book so that you can find how when and where you can see wildlife under conditions that match what you want to know and experience. For example, inside the front cover you can cross-check a month and location to find out when it is best to see animals. Inside the back cover, you can check the frequency of animal viewing by animal type, location and month. On page 43, you can see what types of safari activities are available where (type of driving, walking, canoeing and boats. On pages 58-59, you can see what the temperature and rainfall are like in those months. Elsewhere, you can find out which sleeping and traveling arrangements are less expensive, and what you get for paying more. So, if you know what wildlife you want to see, you can narrow down your interests into a few locations and times of the year very quickly. Then, you can focus your reading on what the locales, accommodations, and experiences are like there. Although Mr. Nolting offers safari planning services, you could use his book to work with someone else . . . or to arrange your own trip.
Each wildlife locale is filled with information about the topography, weather, people, wildlife, and personal safety issues.
I especially liked how Mr. Nolting included descriptions of his own wildlife viewing experiences in the places where he has visited.
There's also lots of good information about accommodations, and explanations about the pros and cons of various types. You can have luxury there (for a luxury price), or you can rough it like you would on a camping trip in the U.S. for very little money (after the air fare is covered).
I found the general health information helpful too. Where is malaria a problem? Where do you need a yellow fever vaccination?
What if you don't want to go on safari? No problem! The book describes beach resorts, scuba diving choices and how to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
There's even a bit of history.
I was especially interested to learn about places I had not heard about before that are not crowded with tourists.
I have read guide books to many other wildlife destinations, and I found this one to be the best I have seen for completeness and ease of use. It made me feel confident that I could put together a wonderful trip to Africa. I'm going to start saving my pennies now.
After you read this book, I encourage you to also dip into the bibliography to read some of the more than 100 books that can help you develop more specialized knowledge about your areas of interest.
Enjoy your safari, even if it's just one you dream about!
Book Description
On March 1, 1999, American safari guide Mark Ross was camping with four clients in Uganda searching for endangered mountain gorillas. By day's end, two of these clients and six other tourists were dead at the hands of Rwandan rebels. As a man who loves East Africa, Ross felt betrayed by this horror, which made headlines around the world. He writes, 'The continent has always been the love of my life. Now there is trouble between us.' Dangerous Beauty is the story of that love and trouble. Ross writes here about his close-up encounters with danger and natural beauty in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Uganda. He describes his walks in the bush and the way he teaches his clients to read unearthly silences and stillnesses in the wind that signify trouble. He writes about deadly charges by elephants and the electric excitement of witnessing the mass migrations of wildebeest and zebras. He writes, too, in detail about the terrible events of 1999. Imbued with Ross's passion for East Africa, this is an unforgettable account of a life of remarkable adventures, and a memorable vision of a beautiful, deadly, and fragile world.
Customer Reviews:
African safari.......2007-05-16
This is a book that is hard to put down. I think I read it in just about one day's time. Some of it is hard to read, because of the kidnapping. However, one should keep going and read it all. In our travels in Africa we found the guides to be knowledgeable, kind and considerate. While we are not acquainted with Mr. Ross in person, by the time I finished the book I felt that I knew him very well. He manages to make you feel that you are there with him.
Real African adventure.......2006-02-06
Most of this book is about true encounters with amazing animals in East Africa. The stories took me back to my own safari experiences in another part of Africa. If you've never been on safari and are thinking about going, this book will give you a good idea of what to expect. As implied in the title, beauty is also sometimes dangerous. The last part of the book is about an awful incident in which he and two of his clients were taken hostage by rebels who crossed the border from a nearby country. The area they were in should have been safe. Mark did all he could to take care of his clients, but in such a chaotic situation, no one can control what happens. Sadly, the couple who had been on safari with him several times was killed. It may have only been chance that he survived himself. I admire how he has honestly shared his feelings of loss and helplessness and also how he is trying to reconcile his love of Africa with what happened. Reading this book scared me but it also made me want to return to Africa to see more of this amazing continent.
Warning: This Book Will Whet Your Appetite for Safari!.......2004-12-29
I picked up Dangerous Beauty as an antidote to my post-safari blues upon returning home from my first trip to East Africa. By chapter one, I was so impressed by Mr. Ross' approach to safari and his passion for wildlife, especially the predators, that I just knew I had to weasel my way onto one of his future safaris, which I was lucky enough to do in the Summer of 2004.
If you've been to Africa, and already know you love the place, this book will give you a closer glimpse into this special world through the eyes of a man who has made it his life's passion, and loves it, despite its troubles. If you've yet to go, well, this book may very well push you in that direction, or at least give you a very tangible feeling of what a transformative experience safari can be when it's just a small group of clients and a guide who is simply the best there is. Mark Ross truly has a wonderful spirit, an infectious sense of humor and a flair for sharing this elusive place that few others possess.
I'm already planning my next Ross Safari... wanna join me? Seriously! My e-mail address is included in my Reviewer Profile, so please contact me. I'd love to hear from you!
Great stories from Africa.......2004-02-18
Dangerous Beauty is a great storybook. Mark C. Ross shares his incredible life stories in this book, and their fascinating. The way he encounters the same animals again and again and creates special bonds with them, even babysitting their children, to me is amazing. The book is impossible to put down because there is a new story with every five pages or so. The book leaves you breathless, wanting more. It's an awesome book, read it!
An excellent adventure story.......2003-11-24
This is a collection of many of the adventures the author has had while guiding clients around East Africa. The stories do a good job of capturing the life and death struggle in one the last remaining truly wild places in the world. The chapters concerning his stint as a war photographer in Uganda and the murders in the forests in Uganda provide a chilling reminder of what is really going on in Africa.
The book was great, it read well and the stories were excellent. I highly recommend this book to anybody with even a passing interest in African wildlife or Africa in general. The chapters that don't deal with the wildlife serve to remind people that despite the undeniable natural beauty of Africa it is a dangerous place.
Books:
- The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant)
- The Food Revolution: How Your Diet Can Help Save Your Life and Our World
- The Jungle Book: A Pop-Up Adventure (Classic Collectible Pop-Ups)
- The Penumbra Fantasy Bestiary (D20)
- The Pride of Lions
- The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, and Primates
- The Turks & Caicos Islands: Beautiful by Nature
- This Moment on Earth: Today's New Environmentalists and Their Vision for the Future
- Tops & Bottoms (Caldecott Honor Book)
- Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels (Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology)
Books Index
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