Game Parks of South Africa, by Gerald Hinde

Game Parks of South Africa, by Gerald Hinde. Penguin Random House South Africa. Imprint: Struik Travel & Heritage. Cape Town, South Africa 2010. ISBN 9781770078475 / ISBN 978-1-77007-847-5

Game Parks of South Africa by Gerald Hinde may serve to provide inspiration for vacation planners.

Gerald Hinde  

South Africa is home to an extraordinary species diversity (among the richest in the world), with 227 species of mammal, 851 birds, 286 amphibians, more than 77 500 invertebrates, 112 freshwater fish and 2 150 marine fish described. What is more, the southern African region encompasses the most diverse flora on the African continent, with nearly 20 000 seed plant species, of which an astonishing proportion - some 80 per cent-is endemic. This species richness is linked to the diverse climatic and landscape conditions found on the subcontinent. The safari industry in South Africa is the most organised and efficient on the continent. Tourist infrastructure connecting the 21 national parks, numerous marine and provincial reserves and some of the finest and most acclaimed private destinations is well developed and linked by good roads and transport systems. South African National Parks (SANParks) has a mandate to expand South Africa's protected areas from the current 5.5 per cent (covering some four million hectares) to an internationally accepted 10 per cent norm, as well as placing 20 per cent of its coastline under conservation. The ambitious strategy for meeting these conservation objectives is underpinned by wider socio-economic and general environmental health issues. To get the best out of a safari experience, visitors should plan carefully around the diversity on offer. A visit to 'big five', lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, country is a must; private game reserves often adjoin well-known national parks and offer exclusive safari options that almost tatic creatures. But the area's diversity showcases a vast range of other fascinating animals and plants for interested viewers. The national parks offer a variety of accommodation options, from camping and self-catering bungalows to upmarket private lodges, with a ed act uch as game drives, bush walks and night excursions. The nine provinces also have a number of provincial game and nature reserves that offer excellent facilities and a memorable bush experience. Game Parks of South Africa highlights some of the ora and fauna, covering a range of conditions, from arid, coastal and mountain to savanna and bushveld destinations.

This is an excerpt from Game Parks of South Africa, by Gerald Hinde.

Title: Game Parks of South Africa
Photographer: Gerald Hinde
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Imprint: Struik Travel & Heritage
Cape Town, South Africa 2010
ISBN 9781770078475 / ISBN 978-1-77007-847-5
Softcover, 18 x 18 cm, 80 pages, throughout colour photos, 1 map