Southern Africa (Multi Country Guide) (ISBN 1740597451)

Rotten Guide:
This book may have everything you need about Southern Africa... that is unless you plan to travel there. It is full of background facts and history, but of no use if you actually want a guide to attractions, accommodations or local culture. I bought it for a trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Big mistake. For South Africa, it misses several of the major attractions altogether, including Seal Island and Gold Reef City. When the book does mention attractions, it rarely gives any information on how to see them. In an illustrative moment, it mentions the Sterkfontein Caves in the introductory section on Africa's ancient past--but no where in the book does it mention that they offer a museum and guided tours in South Africa an easy distance for Joberg. (The Sterkfontein Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not a minor attraction by any measure). So that's what you can expect for the most well-traveled of the countries in this book. I won't bore you with details on the political diatribe that Lonely Planet calls its guide to Zimbabwe. It suffices to say I would not rely on it for a trip there.

Not specific enough:
Very small section on South Africa. I was just traveling there and was under the impression this book would cover just that country. Instead it covered all of southern africa which I was not interested in. May be good is you are traveling all over but if you are not, don't bother.

It holds up, but just barely....:
I purchased this book for a month long trip that I took throughout the countries of Namibia and South Africa, and I have to admit that I was a little disappointed when it came to the details. In normal fashion, Lonely Planet does a great job with historic and cultural information pertaining to a certain locality, but once again falls short on the in-depth info that many travelers would be interested in. For instance, national parks and world heritage sites are usually not covered in enough detail, and sometimes they're not mentioned at all. Much of the information is very basic as well, and doesn't really paint a solid picture of the park. Sure, we all know there are animals running around, but what makes it stand out? Notable exceptions would be Etosha and Kruger, both of which have good coverage, but so many other options exist and are just barely mentioned. Major cities are covered well, but so many exciting points of interest are over-looked that sometimes I wonder if the publishers think that most travellers are going to spend their entire trip in wine bars and discos. If you're interested in truly seeing this region and some of the fabulous, remote places that it has to offer, Lonely Planet will get you close, but other guides will actually get you there.

ZAMBIA Bradt Travel Guide:
The book is good in general terms although up to date jul 2007 is a non updated in certain chapters (flights, taxi fares, lack of more buses info between villages..) Is good reading to learn facts on the country. To travel to Zambiais a good thing to buy

Lonely Planet Southern Africa:
This book give a great overview of Southern Africa, history, what to see and what is a must see. Having never visited Africa, this was my book to read prior to the trip. I have watched several of the movies they suggest in the book and they are excellent. Lonely Planet rocks.