South African Safari Adventures with John Wilson and Denice Wilkins

The biodiversity found in South Africa is amazing for a nation its size. "A world in one country," it boasts both deserts and jungles with everything in between. In a briskly paced travelogue with strong promotional content, Denice Wilkins and John Wilson present an overview of just about every tourist activity a visitor to South Africa could hope to experience. Traveling via helicopter, horseback, houseboat, train, and even by ostrich, they have photographed all the sights from the vantage point of the average tourist. As they visit a variety of nature reserves and parks, their first priority is animal watching, in a Land Rover, from behind a blind or up close and personal (don't try this at home!) Wilkins and Wilson also cover recreational opportunities, including golf, bird watching, surfing, hot air ballooning and vineyard excursions. Native culture is lightly touched upon--some staged tribal rituals and a brief glimpse of rock art--as are the delicate aspects of racial relations. And lest you miss the clearly identified accommodations, there is a handy checklist provided. Prospective tourists should find this both helpful and enjoyable. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Reed)