The Larger Illustrated Sasol Guide to Birds of Southern Africa
Buy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

• This new edition of "Sasol Birds" is larger in both size and extent; a new section deals with the identification of "problem species", or those which are difficult to tell apart. Intended for use in the field, the text is pitched at a level to appeal to beginners, although the detail suggests it may also be of interest to more serious and professional birdwatchers.

Collins Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern Africa
Ber van Perlo: Buy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

• This field guide illustrates and describes every species of bird found in the Republic of South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Angola (including Cabinda). Featuring over 1250 species, the text details the kind of habitat the birds are found in, key identification features and notes on the songs and calls of each species. The 84 colour plates appear opposite their relevant text for quick and easy reference. Maps are included for each species

Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife : Southern Africa
Luke Hunter, Susan Rhind: Buy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

• This guide covers more than 100 top bird and wildlife-watching destinations, in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia, from capital city day trips to dozens of national parks. Each destination has a map to the best sites and detailed itineraries. The 100 page wildlife gallery (mainly birds and mammals) is a delight to read and for each group of species there is a "hotspots" caption picking out the key sites...recommended, especially as a pre-trip planner.
  

Where to Watch Birds in Africa
Nigel Wheatley: Buy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

• One of a series of guides devoted to birdwatching, this book contains site accounts, plans, maps, lists of birds in the regions and advice on planning bird-watching trips. It deals with over 200 sites in detail, and mentions many others. Each country is covered alphabetically, including archipelagos and isolated islands off the African mainland, for example, the Azores. Bird lists are included under the headings "Endemics", "Specialities", "Others" and also "Other Wildlife", if relevant. Access details are given, often with detailed site maps. The emphasis of the book is "bird finding", that is, where to go for the "best" species

• Superb, concise and compact enough to use in the field. All the mammals you are ever likely to encounter on a trip to africa. For anyone with an interest in African mammals, there really is no substitute. More than 700 illustrations by the authoritive and acclaimed Jonathon Kingdon.

Lonely Planet : Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia
David Else: Buy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

• This guide to Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia aims to show the traveller how to see as much as they want on a reasonable budget. It includes climate charts, information on outdoor activities, accommodation and a highlights section to help travellers decide where to go to suit their interests.