Africa Books - Page 4

Ghana, 4th (Bradt Travel Guide)

Philip Briggs

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Helpful if you were going to Ghana 5 years ago 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book is very detailed and helpful, the only problem is that much of the information has not been updated for quite some time. There are many places listed that are no longer in existance (restaurants, banks, etc) and many new places that are nowhere to be found in the book. It says it was updated in 2007 but I was in Ghana in early 2008 and most of these things I am referring to have been around (or not been around) for quite some time. Also, the prices mentioned in the book are about 50% lower than what can be expected when you go to Ghana, and perhaps even more given the rapid rate of inflation there; the prices of almost everything went up at least some amount during my 4-month stay there, from beach fares down to avocados at the fruit stands.

A few nitpicky details:
The book recommends against taking public busses without air conditioning (and therefore does not give schedules for them). However, on a tight schedule or budget (or even not) the non-air-conditioned busses are more than comfortable.
Also, the book says that a taxi ride to Mole National Park from Tamale should take about 2 hours (or 2.5, I can't remember). This is WRONG, it takes about 5 hours.
The fee to get into Labadi Beach was 2c on weekdays, 4c on weekends and holidays, not the .50c that the book cites. (This discrepancy is probably due to the general unreliability of prices/rapid inflation mentioned earlier.)
The book mentions Macumba nightclub as a popular place in Accra. I lived across the street from Macumba, and the only people for whom it is popular are hookers and the creepy men looking for hookers. To be fair, the book does allude to this. Other popular nightspots that aren't mentioned in the book include Cinderella's, The Office, Tantra, and Aphrodesiac.

Overall, the book is certainly the best on the market as far as Ghana travel goes, if not solely for the reason that it is the only book that I am aware of dedicated to Ghana and not just West Africa with a tiny section on Ghana. It provides reliable enough information to be able to get around the country, as well as valuable background information on Ghanaian culture and history. Travellers should simply be forwarned that not everything in this book can be taken at face value, and travel plans (and budgets) need to be flexible enough to accomodate for this fact.

Editorial Review:

Bradt’s Ghana has remained the bestselling guide to the country since it was first published in 1998, being used by almost every English-speaking visitor there. Visitors will discover a country steeped in a rich cultural tradition and little-visited attractions.
Ghana is an uncrowded place to go for game-viewing with Mole National Park and Baobeng Monkey Sanctuary among the highlights.

Green Hills of Africa (Scribner Classics)

Ernest Hemingway

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 41 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"There are some things which cannot be learned quickly, and time, which is all we have, must be paid heavily for their acquiring. They are the very simplest things, and because it takes a man's life to know them the little new that each man gets from life is very costly and the only heritage he has to leave."

-- ERNEST HEMINGWAY

In the winter of 1933, Ernest Hemingway and his wife Pauline set out on a two-month safari in the big-game country of East Africa, camping out on the great Serengeti Plain at the foot of magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro. "I had quite a trip," the author told his friend Philip Percival, with characteristic understatement.

Green Hills of Africa is Hemingway's account of that expedition, of what it taught him about Africa and himself. Richly evocative of the region's natural beauty, tremendously alive to its character, culture, and customs, and pregnant with a hard-won wisdom gained from the extraordinary situations it describes, it is widely held to be one of the twentieth century's classic travelogues.

Tunisia (Country Guide)

Abigail Hole, Daniel Robinson, Michael Grosberg

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Pretty good 4 out of 5 stars.
29 of 30 people found this review helpful.

All in all, I was very happy with this guide. It was the right size (not too thick, not too sparse), was very informative, and had great maps. I even liked the recommended routes (since Tunisia is small, it's very possible to "do" the whole country in a month), if one can "do" a country at all without living there.

Two recommendations I had for them. The first is that I did miss the recommended itineraries if you have 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, etc. It would have helped.

The second and more important issue I had was with the authors. Yes, they had a token female author but she reviewed the more women-friendly places such as Sidi Bou Said. The amount of harassment we received wasn't surprising, as I didn't solely rely on Lonely Planet and read up on those issues; but it really wore us down over the three weeks (I was traveling with a female friend and we are both attractive women in our 20s and 30s.)

My friend and I found ourselves in hysterics when the male author
recommended that we sit down with men in a cafe and talk to them about their lives. Yeah right!! I come from Turkey, so I am in no way ignorant about Muslim tradition (although North African culture is obviously different than Turkish), but nearly every single man we talked to hit on us.

That's ok, that's life. But I was infuriated to read that covering our heads would invite ridicule, because finally, in our last week, I started covering my head in Jerba and I felt an IMMEDIATELY positive difference. Yes, if I had been a tall blonde perhaps the reception wouldn't have been the same, but is Lonely Planet only geared towards men and tall blonde women? What about Mediterranean types like myself who can easily pass as native Tunisians? I wish I had known beforehand and would have covered up the whole time (by the way, we dressed EXTREMELY modestly and after seeing how some tourist women acted in Tunisia, we are definitely sympathetic to the stereotypes the men have there towards women like us).

Tunisia is a great place to visit and I still have to admit that this is a good guide but ladies, read up on your own. Or should I write my own guide for women? :)

Editorial Review:

Squint in awe at the glinting-gold El-Jem Colosseum and imagine the bloodthirsty roar as Roman gladiators entertain the crowd, p. 208. Float in startlingly clear seas at El-Mansourah Beach, p. 115. Wear your fragrant jasmine flower with confidence you're sending the right message, p. 193. Sway gracefully on camelback through the endless Sahara, willing your steed not to break into a trot, p. 248.

Four authors, 73 days of in-country research, 70 detailed maps, 102 plates of salade mechouia, one rented camel.

New Arts & Architecture chapter.

Top Tunisian chef Rafik Tlatli gives an expert take on the local cuisine.

Content updated daily: visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates and traveller suggestions.

Ethiopia, 4th: The Bradt Travel Guide

Philip Briggs

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

This Bradt guide has become the definitive source of information on this country rich in culture, history, and dramatic scenery. For first-time visitors, Philip Briggs supplies plenty of practical advice on how to bridge the cultural gap and plan a trouble-free trip. Heritage hotspots in a land thought to be the cradle of civilization and resting place of the Ark of the Covenant include the architecturally fascinating rock-hewn church of Lalibela, the unofficial eighth wonder of the world, and ancient palaces and staelae at Axum. Ethiopia boasts nine national parks and several wildlife sanctuaries, all of which are detailed in Philip Briggs's comprehensive text.

This guide features:
>Where to find some of East Africa's rarest wildlife, including the Simien wolf, walia ibex, and gelada baboon
>Ethiopia's national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
>Traveling the Northern Historic Circuit
>Addis Ababa in detail: where to stay, eat, and drink, plus nearby sightseeing

A Deadly Game: The Untold Story of the Scott Peterson Investigation

Catherine Crier

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 151 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

The investigative side 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

If I were on the jury and read this book before I listened to testimony in court, I would have convicted him right away. I read it right after the jury found him guilty, if you have followed this story, it's a good read. It did tell of things not reported by the media.

Editorial Review:

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Catherine Crier, a former judge and one of television's most popular legal analysts, offers a riveting and authoritative account of one of the most memorable crime dramas of our time: the murder of Laci Peterson at the hands of her husband, Scott, on Christmas Eve 2002. Drawing on extensive interviews with key witnesses and lead investigators, as well as secret evidence files that never made it to trial, Crier traces Scott's bizarre behavior; shares dozens of transcripts of Scott's chilling and incriminating phone conversations; offers accounts of Scott's womanizing from two former mistresses before Amber Frey; and includes scores of never-before-seen police photos, documents, and other evidence.

The result is thoroughly engrossing yet highly disturbing -- an unforgettable portrait of a charming, yet deeply sociopathic, killer.

Morocco (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

DK Publishing

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Morocco (Eyewitness Travel Guides) 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Having travelled to Morocco April of 2007, I wanted an armchair mode to relive and add to places, events, memories of the trip. While no book can replace the marvel that is Morocco and its people, this gives a good and accurate overview, with lots of interesting information. All those things your tour guide shares and you can't remember!

Sightseeing in Morocco 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Just returned from Morocco and this book was indispensible! Great insight, great information about what to see. The photos are terrific to look at even if you don't make it to your destination.
Can't wait to use the one from Turkey soon!

Pretty but not as useful. 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

It is a colorful book but lack the basic information and tips on basics. Gives you a nice history of Morroco political life. But it was't as helpful on basics like maps, tours.

This is a cheap book its ok for a overview. If your thinking of visiting Morroco with only this book as experience, dont. Always do some research and get maps in the city you visit. Especially Marrakech

Editorial Review:

With over 900 full-color photographs, tips on public transportation, and detailed lists of hotels and restaurants, Eyewitness Travel Guides: Morrocco provides a wealth of informaton on this North African treasure.

Lonely Planet Africa

Gemma Pitcher

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Not as detailed as the previous edition 3 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

I was traveling with the LP Africa on a Shoestring 6 months ago. I purchased this new edition to see how LP has updated it and I'm not impressed. I don't think they did much for the Southern Africa section except remove a few things like places to stay and cities that they didn't feel tourists would get to (ex: Barra in Mozambique, Nata and Ghanzi in Botswana). Don't even think about just taking this book when you're traveling (and I have seen travelers with only this book!). If you're planning just to do Southern Africa and/or East Africa, get the books LP has out for these two regions because they will be more detailed and meet friends along the way for more recent advice/info. I was surprised to find that some of the places I visited and enjoyed in Southern Africa were no longer in the new edition. The general country info and other advice in this book are still as good as the last edition (with more current events added) and I recommend it to anyone thinking about doing a multi-country trip to Africa. It is great for planning your travel destinations.

Editorial Review:

Watch the sun set over the Niger at Mopti, where Malians trade fish for salt with the desert Tuareg, p403.

Wake up to the tug of a trunk as elephants wander through your campsite in the Serengeti National Park, p770.

Dig your oar quietly into the Okavago Delta as you drift towards a pride of lions lounging on the water's edge, p848.

24 authors, 49 countries, 1 delicious giant rat
Covering more countries then any other Africa travel guide
Feature chapter on Africa's development by veteran Africa journalist and best-selling author Michael Wrong
Visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates and traveler suggestions.

Time Out Cape Town: Winelands and the Garden Route (Time Out Guides)

Time Out

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

EXCELLENT guide to Cape Town 5 out of 5 stars.
35 of 35 people found this review helpful.

I spent a month in Cape Town and this guide was always by my side. Excellent guide with wonderful endearing side bars on locals-it gives you a great sense of Cape Town and its local flavour. All the sections are dead on. I found the dining and shopping extremely helpful with its guide to what is uniquely Capetonian. This is by far the best guide to Cape Town out now. The writers and contributors for this guide should be commended.

Time Out Cape Town: Winelands and the Garden Route 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

As many other Time Out Guides, the Cape Town one didn't let me down. It is a very reliable and updated source on best hotels in town, best shops, best restaurants, bars, and so on, for all budgets. I believe it enhanced greatly my experience of knowing new places. I took my Time Out Guides with me to NYC, New Orleans, Buenos Aires and Cape Town and I must say their recommendations rarely disapointed me. They also have a comprehensive session on tours, museums or sight seeing, but they are not the most complete in the market, though.

Editorial Review:

This increasingly popular destination features a heady mix of beautiful beaches, rural wine lands, and sizzling city life — all covered in detail by Time Out’s knowledgeable team of local journalists. This second edition contains a wealth of tips on enjoying Cape Town’s best food and drinks, and also includes information on local cheese farms, strawberry picking, cigar bars, and spots to watch the sun set. Color photos and maps throughout make the guide even more user-friendly.

East Africa (Multi Country Guide)

Mary Fitzpatrick, Tom Parkinson, Nick Ray

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Plan the African adventure of a lifetime with Lonely Planet's best-selling guide to East Africa; expanded coverage, from the foothills of Kilimanjaro to the volcanoes of eastern Congo; the best and most unusual places to stay from Zanzibar beach resorts to luxury tented safaris; insightful coverage of the peoples of the region; colour wildlife guide and up-to-the-minute information on gorilla trekking and safaris for all budgets; 120 easy-to-use maps.

Covers: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania

GET A GLIMPSE of wonderous wildlife with our 16-page color animal-spotting guide and dedicated Safaris and Mountain Gorillas chapters.

GO YOUR OWN WAY with our coverage of Rwanda, Burundi and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

GET ACTIVE - detailed information on activities airborne, on-ground or underwater.

GET THE BACKGROUND - in-depth discussion of East Africa's poignant history, cultures and environment.

HIT THE ROAD - detailed transport information and 120 user-friendly maps shows you where to go.

Lonely Planet East Africa

Mary Fitzpatrick

Amazon Price: $21.11 List Price: $31.99 Not yet published By: Lonely Planet Publications

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Very disappointed and Not recommended 1 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I got this book right after it was published in 2006 before my 2 month volunteer mission to do HIV work in East Africa. My previous experiences was that the Lonely Planet was always the way to go and this was a COMPLETE disappointment. It didn't seem like they had done any updating at all despite that it was a new edition. I spent most of my time in Rwanda but also a bit in Tanzania. Everything on the maps was wrong, embassies had long moved locations, restaurants & shops had closed and inaccurate, and became more of a burden than a help.

STRONGLY recommend AGAINST this guide. The Rwanda, 3rd: The Bradt Travel Guide by Philip Briggs seemed much better....and at the time I had the older version.

Editorial Review:

Now in its third edition, this guide to East Africa - covering Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Zaire - provides extensive political and cultural background on the region, as well as practical travel advice. Sections on flora and fauna, animal conservation and "environmentally-sensitive" wildlife-spotting are included, and the expanded safari section now includes exotic options, such as balloon and camel safaris.