Where to watch birds in Africa /

Africa's wildlife is a powerful magnet for nature tourism, and for many countries bird-watching tourists are a prime economic asset. The natural richness of the continent is well reflected by the birdlife, with more than 2,000 species (and many of these quite spectacular). Wheatley's guide to bird-finding in this great land presents a country-by-country review, with most attention to countries and regions that are most visited (such as Cameroon, Kenya, and South Africa). The book's range includes Africa's island nations, from the Azores to the Seychelles. Each area discussion gives concise information about local travel, accommodations, health and safety, and climate, with an ornithological review that includes information on regional conservation, bird species diversity (with a strong emphasis on endemics and rarities), and, of course, bird-finding (there are more than 100 maps, with the best areas well delineated). There is also mention of the best season(s) for visits. Many observers have contributed to this guide's synthesis; it is certainly the best continent-wide handbook for birders seeking Africa's avian treasures. General. C. Leck; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick