Africa Wild

All the Way Home

- Bookey Peek
- ISBN 978-1904435693



Richard and Bookey Peek hadn't planned on adopting a warthog, any more than one would plan a tidal wave, a tornado or triplets, but at Stone Hills, natural disasters have a way of happening when you least expect them. Through Zimbabwe's darkest days, Stone Hills has become a world in itself, a place where you might share your shower with an owl or your bed with a baby squirrel, where crocodiles are named after unpopular guests and a rather special warthog named Poombi relinquishes her place on the sofa to return to the wild - much to her indignation.

Wild Honey

- Bookey Peek
- ISBN 978-1906251208



Following on from the highly acclaimed All the Way Home, here is a brand new volume of unforgettable adventures from Richard and Bookey Peek's wildlife sanctuary among Zimbabwe's ancient Matobo Hills. Packed with anecdote and adventure, Wild Honey leads us back to the Stone Hills sanctuary, where comedy, tragedy and the extraordinary antics of the most misunderstood animal in the world make every day unforgettable. But how much longer can the Peeks protect their reserve? As thousands of farms all over Zimbabwe are invaded, often violently, under the government's disastrous land policy, Stone Hills has become an island rocked by the turbulence that surrounds it. How much longer can they hold on?

Beyond the Wild Wood

- Bookey Peek
- ISBN 978-0143528043



For all its wild beauty, the Matobo Hills is a friendly place. Of course, there's always the chance one might step on a puff adder or meet a wounded leopard, but these are unlikely occurrences, and the joy in my serendipitous wandering was well worth any minor risk. And then along came a honey badger, touted as the most fearless animal in the world: one to whom Trouble and Danger are the very stuff of life. He is totally unreasonable. He hates peace and quiet he's a one-man street gang, the Mafia Boss, the executioner waiting at the scaffold with a great grin on his face. Trouble? Bring it on. I'm ready.' In this third book in the Stone Hills series, Badger grows up and launches himself into the world of dangerous snakes, angry bees and deadly scorpions with his family in anxious attendance. Once again, the stories range widely, from witchcraft and wilderness, to pygmy cannibals and the torrid romancing of the red-backed toad. But laughter and tears are never far apart in Zimbabwe, not least when a small badger leaves home and makes his way into his own, perilous world. Richard and Bookey Peek are both professional safari guides who live in a wildlife sanctuary amongst the Matobo Hills of Zimbabwe. Bookey's words and Richard's record of all he sees from behind the lens are wonderfully evocative, making Beyond the Wild Wood another irresistible read.

11 November 2013 | Issued by Sanparks

SKUKUZA – The nostalgia associated with Custos, the national parks and wildlife magazine, can now be recaptured after South African National Parks (SANParks) received a full set of these publications and an electronic version for the archives from the SANParks Honorary Rangers.

The project initiated by the Pretoria Honorary Rangers region, through members whose families were involved with Custos when it was being published, handed over the compiled set and electronic version at the head office in Pretoria on Friday.
Mr Reynold Thakhuli, SANParks acting head of communications, said that Custos was a household name to many visitors and friends of our country’s national parks for many years. “It was very much a part of any visit, as each guest received a copy as they entered the park’s gates.

“We are delighted to be associated with the SANParks Honorary Rangers who have for the past 50 years worked hand in hand with us on the journey for conservation. We are excited that this benchmark of communication has been reborn with stories and articles that are still relevant today. The public can now reminisce about days gone by and relive memories that formed a large part of the last quarter of the previous century with this treasure of natural scientific information.”

A key role player in this project was Ms Jeanine Smit – editor of Custos and wife of Mr Danie Smit, a senior honorary ranger. Speaking at the handover, Mr Janssen Davies, SANParks Honorary Ranger National chairman said, “The magazine which was published from December 1971 up to the final edition in September 1998, was an invaluable source of scientific and historical information and carried interesting facts and figures about the parks’ fauna and flora. It also contained fascinating tales of wild and wonderful sightings, narrow escapes with the dangerous Big Five and amazing photography.”

A box set containing digitally scanned copies in PDF format of the entire collection of this magazine is on sale. Funds will promote nature conservation activities in South African National Parks. For more information visit http://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/custos or to get your hands on a copy contact willie.geyer@lantic.net

A Natural History Guide to the Arid Kalahari
Including the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

- Mills, Gus & Margie



A Natural History Guide to the Arid Kalahari including the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, is 200 pages packed with information about this “land of huge vistas, climatic extremes and fascinating adaptations to harsh conditions”.

It covers some history about the development of the park, and describes its landscape, climate and characteristic plants. But the main emphasis (six out of nine chapters) is on the animals that live there, from big cats, hyenas and other carnivores to antelope, birds and the secret life of smaller fry like rodents, amphibians and reptiles.

There’s a feast of photos with extended captions that provide information beyond merely identifying the animals or scene.

Just as the captions provide nuggets of information to chew on, so do the “Fast facts” columns scattered throughout the book. Together they make the guide as fascinating to browse through as to read in depth.

The final chapter gives advice on getting the most out of your visit to the arid Kalahari, with tips for travelling in the park, best time to visit and some game viewing strategies. There’s also a section on the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, since the guide’s information applies as much there as it does to the KTP.

There are comprehensive lists of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles of the KTP at the back, while the inclusion of an index will help you find info on a particular species with as little fuss as possible.

The A5 size is perfect for a field guide to take along on your next trip to the Kalahari, to dip into while you wait under a shady camel thorn or at a waterhole for some action.

The Mills’ long association with the park provides insight into its animals and ecosystems as well as a number of intriguing personal observations. Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve been to the Kgalagadi many times, you’re sure to find lots to enhance your experience in this must-have guide for Kalahari lovers.

Where to get it:
There’s been some frustration getting hold of the book after the publisher, Black Eagle, went into liquidation at the end of October. However, you can find it at the shop at Twee Rivieren camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Or you can order it while stocks last for R165 + R25 postage and packaging (total R190) by emailing Margie Mills at margsmills@gmail.com

101 Kruger Tales

- Jeff Gordon



Gripping first-hand accounts of extraordinary sightings, scrapes, encounters and incidents in one of Africa's greatest national parks.
The book is already available on Amazon as a Kindle e-book. The softcover print version is at the printer now and will be available to buy online and in the Park's shops at around the end of this month.

An Arid Eden

A Personal Account of Conservation in the Kaokoveld

Garth Owen-Smith

Paperback: 620 pages
Publisher: Jonathan Ball Publishing (April 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1868423637




This is one man's account of conservation in the Kaokoveld area of Namibia. This book is a must read for everyone here. Don't take my word for it. Buy this book and read it now.

The Impossible Five

- Justin Fox



For many people, visiting South African game reserves is all about ticking off the ‘Big Five’. But people rarely think about the other, more enigmatic animals that most of us won’t ever get to see.

In his latest book, THE IMPOSSIBLE FIVE, Justin Fox documents his search for Africa’s five most elusive mammals: the cape mountain leopard, aardvark, pangolin, naturally occurring white lion and riverine rabbit. Each of these creatures are far more spoken about than actually seen, occupying a space somewhere between the physical realm and the stories of public mythology.

In the tale of his humorous and at times frustrating journey, Justin provides compelling insights into wild South Africa and the local game-ranging and natural-science industries.

Your Kruger National Park Guide: Binoculars, gravel road & map

- Frans Rautenbach
- ISBN 9780624074342



Binoculars, gravel road & map will show you how to have a great experience when visiting the Kruger National Park: what to expect, what to do, where to stay and what to eat. The book includes charming accounts of personal experiences and memories, and plenty of practical advice.
Afrikaans version also available: Verkyker, grondpad en kaart

PS. Some of my dad's old photographs are in this book.

The Photographer’s Guide to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

by Mario & Jenny Fazekas
ISBN: 978-0-620-54540-2



"The text describes all 41 active waterholes in great detail, and simple maps show the layout of each so that you have an idea of what to expect. It even tells you where to park your vehicle to optimise early morning and late afternoon light – as a wildlife photographer, you should be light or situation driven, not subject driven. The distance from the vehicle to the waterhole is also given. For each waterhole the key species (predators, herbivores and birds) are provided, together with handy tips about where to look for them." - review by Wild Card

Available as an eBook: http://www.kruger-2-kalahari.com/photog ... agadi.html or you can print it out as we did...