Elephant On The Bookshelf

Reporting on three trips to South Africa in recent years, the narrative touches on the colonial setting of Dutch and British engagement in the region, conveying perspectives, findings, insights and discoveries on those times that relate to today. The author incorporates research and quotes source material, adding historical authenticity to her own experience. She explains, for example, the cause behind the hedge in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the mortal danger the first wardens faced in the future Kruger National Park, or why you better not step on a crocodile. She observes wildlife from dassies to mountain zebras, has close encounters with two lionesses, drives along the garden route, visits historic towns and learns of the harsh life in Lesotho. Complemented by an extensive bibliography, the author's two-dimensional approach is weaving a pattern of current impressions and voices from times gone by, thus reflecting the present on the past.