©
flickr cc Erwan Deverre
South Africa Travel Guide
©
flickr cc Erwan Deverre
Here you'll find a little overview of South Africa based on my favourite films, guides and books about the country.
South Africa - Extreme Africa (Media 9) As with all his documentaries, Pierre Brouwers explores South Africa from the sky. English subtitled versions are available on DVD/Blu-ray.
Using all forms of air transport, this film shows off the country's contrasting, colourful landscape whilst telling the viewer about socio-cultural and historical contexts, as well as pointing out its many landmarks. If you need any further inspiration, this will provide it; you'll be chomping at the bit to start your holiday in South Africa !
Directed by Clint Eastwood, Invictus (2009) is a biographical drama about the 1995 rugby World Cup. It tells the tale of how rugby, which was once a white man's sport riddled with prejudice, brought the nation together, largely thanks to the friendship that grew between Nelson Mandela and the Springbok's captain François Pienaar. Two men, from different sides of the fence, unite - and the Springboks won the cup!
Footprint's South Africa Handbook published by Gallimard Loisirs. A comprehensive travel guide with spectacular photographs, this book contains all the essential information for visitors to South Africa. The 6th Edition includes chapters on history and culture from the apartheid years to the country's current 'Rainbow Nation' status. It has full listings on South Africafrom Cape Town to the Addo Elephant Park including arts and practical information so your holiday in South Africa is glitch-free.
The Concise Trilingual Pocket Dictionary English/Zulu/Afrikaans published by Ad Donker Publishers (2007) will help you integrate during a visit toKwaZulu-Natal ; get to know its people during your South African trip. Trust me, this little dictionary will open doors for you! Being one of eleven official South African languages, Zulu is the maternal tongue of many native tribes.
This guide will give all the essential vocab that you'll need during your stay in South Africa. And what's more... It explains many subtle differences such as those between Ndebele and Zulu - you won't put your foot in it, with this dictionary in your pocket.
Mandela: A Life by Adrian Hadland (Sunbird 2007). A detailed look into the life of Nelson Mandela or 'Madiba' - a life where truth was stranger than fiction.
Published in 2007, this illustrated biography retraces the steps of this incredible man, plunging you into South African contemporary history whilst narrating his long walk to freedom.
