An excellent Travel Guide, 13 Jan 2008
The Bradt Travel Guides are always useful. However, the Guide to Uganda (5th Edition) has proved to be very reliable.
Bradt can be relied on to keep there travel guides up-to-date but I also receive the interim e-mail updates and these are well worth reading. Subscription is simple, just send an e-mail to the author (Philip Briggs) or keep an eye on the website.

You won't do better, 01 Apr 2007
If you are interested in visiting Uganda, this is THE guide; up-to-date, accurate and very easy to read. It is more than a guide book in that it can be browsed for pleasure in its own right. I like to think that I know the country reasonably well, but this book is full of fascinating information and each edition that comes out tells you something new.

Invaluable, 01 Dec 2005
The Bradt Guide to Uganda is a mine of useful and interesting information about the country. I used it throughout my recent trip to Uganda. Other guides may include more photographs, but Bradt is the best for detail, accuracy and interest. The publisher also operates a free email update service.

absolutely brilliant, 18 Aug 2004
basically, this is the best travel guide book that I've ever had the pleasure of using.

comprehensive information on where to stay, and to eat, which is ideal for independent travellers.

the advice about driving is invaluable, if you're lucky enough to hire a car, this book tells you everything you need to know about the state of the roads, and the maps are clear enough for you to drive around the country with it alone. Lonely planet in comparison is less than 2/3 the size, with consequently less information

you'll regret it if you take any other guide book

Well done Briggs (again), 07 Nov 2003
Another excellent Bradt guide to Uganda. I live in Uganda, working mostly with the national parks, and can vouch that the travel information is very accurate and very up to date. This book has new stuff for everyone, residents and tourists alike. It is the one I send my visitors up country with. Briggs has found a host of places I never knew existed and his 'grey boxes' scattered throughout the book describe a wide variety of fascinating background info which is new to me. Buy it and come and visit Uganda!

An excellent Travel Guide, 13 Jan 2008
The Bradt Travel Guides are always useful. However, the Guide to Uganda (5th Edition) has proved to be very reliable.
Bradt can be relied on to keep there travel guides up-to-date but I also receive the interim e-mail updates and these are well worth reading. Subscription is simple, just send an e-mail to the author (Philip Briggs) or keep an eye on the website.

You won't do better, 01 Apr 2007
If you are interested in visiting Uganda, this is THE guide; up-to-date, accurate and very easy to read. It is more than a guide book in that it can be browsed for pleasure in its own right. I like to think that I know the country reasonably well, but this book is full of fascinating information and each edition that comes out tells you something new.

Invaluable, 01 Dec 2005
The Bradt Guide to Uganda is a mine of useful and interesting information about the country. I used it throughout my recent trip to Uganda. Other guides may include more photographs, but Bradt is the best for detail, accuracy and interest. The publisher also operates a free email update service.

absolutely brilliant, 18 Aug 2004
basically, this is the best travel guide book that I've ever had the pleasure of using.

comprehensive information on where to stay, and to eat, which is ideal for independent travellers.

the advice about driving is invaluable, if you're lucky enough to hire a car, this book tells you everything you need to know about the state of the roads, and the maps are clear enough for you to drive around the country with it alone. Lonely planet in comparison is less than 2/3 the size, with consequently less information

you'll regret it if you take any other guide book

Well done Briggs (again), 07 Nov 2003
Another excellent Bradt guide to Uganda. I live in Uganda, working mostly with the national parks, and can vouch that the travel information is very accurate and very up to date. This book has new stuff for everyone, residents and tourists alike. It is the one I send my visitors up country with. Briggs has found a host of places I never knew existed and his 'grey boxes' scattered throughout the book describe a wide variety of fascinating background info which is new to me. Buy it and come and visit Uganda!

Gave a better insight than the Lonely Planet, 22 Jun 2007
Really great guidebook - the most important & informed guide for Madagascar. Took both this & the Lonely Planet with us during our month's trip to Mad, but felt we got far more out of this amazing, magical country thanks to the Bradt Guide.

Happy reader of Madagascar's wonders!, 11 Jun 2007
I think this book is extremely informative, not only as a useful guide book but it is also very fascinating just to read. I haven't been to Madagascar yet, but I already feel as if I know a lot about it. It has lots of advice from recent travellers, and bits from all kinds of different people, such as wildlife experts, doctors etc, and is very up to date. I would say a must if you are planning a trip to Madagascar.

Captivating!, 09 Jun 2007
There's something magical about this book - it's more than just a travel guide. I've been travelling a lot in many different countries so I've probably used 40 different guide books over the years... I've been to Madagascar twice now, travelling with different editions of this guide, and I would say it is my favourite travel guide of them all.

That's a weird thing to say isn't it? To have a favourite travel guide. I usually think of a guide book as like a phone directory or a dictionary. You just look up the information you need - the phone number for a restaurant maybe - then go on your way again.

This is a normal guidebook in the sense that it lists hotels and restaurants and tour operators, and it has maps, and information about tourist sites. What makes this one different is that when you look up some information, you suddenly find yourself half an hour later and twenty pages ahead completely captivated and engrossed by the fascinating stories, background information, "fact boxes" and cultural context that it is packed with.

Hilary Bradt's passion for Madagascar is absolutely contagious.

Madagascar (Bradt Travel Guides), 02 Jun 2007
I bought this book on the recommendation of the voluntary organization I was going to work for in Madagascar. It was extremely helpful with regard to cultural differences, what life was like there etc, and definitely eased the transition. It was highly informative, and provided information which other guide books did not include-sometimes strange, or funny, but always interesting and full of useful advice. Madagascar is unique in so many ways, and this guide book has captured the soul of this beautiful, friendly island. It is obvious that Hilary Bradt loves Madagascar, and has visited on numerous occasions, always going off the well-worn tourist route to find something interesting and different. Even French tourists, who make up the majority of the tourists in this country found this guide far superior to any French guide book. Other guide books could learn from this authors distinctive approach to travel writing. Don't visit Madagascar without it!

I'd give it 6 stars if I could!, 14 May 2007
I just got back from Madagascar... this guide was awesome... There is so much information on the animals especially, and the places to see them (which is why I went there mainly) but even if you're not interested in lemurs and chameleons this book is packed with info on the history and culture and everything else (Hilary Bradt has a really readable style too - it's not dry like most guide books) plus loads of maps and photos as well.

An excellent Travel Guide, 13 Jan 2008
The Bradt Travel Guides are always useful. However, the Guide to Uganda (5th Edition) has proved to be very reliable.
Bradt can be relied on to keep there travel guides up-to-date but I also receive the interim e-mail updates and these are well worth reading. Subscription is simple, just send an e-mail to the author (Philip Briggs) or keep an eye on the website.

You won't do better, 01 Apr 2007
If you are interested in visiting Uganda, this is THE guide; up-to-date, accurate and very easy to read. It is more than a guide book in that it can be browsed for pleasure in its own right. I like to think that I know the country reasonably well, but this book is full of fascinating information and each edition that comes out tells you something new.

Invaluable, 01 Dec 2005
The Bradt Guide to Uganda is a mine of useful and interesting information about the country. I used it throughout my recent trip to Uganda. Other guides may include more photographs, but Bradt is the best for detail, accuracy and interest. The publisher also operates a free email update service.

absolutely brilliant, 18 Aug 2004
basically, this is the best travel guide book that I've ever had the pleasure of using.

comprehensive information on where to stay, and to eat, which is ideal for independent travellers.

the advice about driving is invaluable, if you're lucky enough to hire a car, this book tells you everything you need to know about the state of the roads, and the maps are clear enough for you to drive around the country with it alone. Lonely planet in comparison is less than 2/3 the size, with consequently less information

you'll regret it if you take any other guide book

Well done Briggs (again), 07 Nov 2003
Another excellent Bradt guide to Uganda. I live in Uganda, working mostly with the national parks, and can vouch that the travel information is very accurate and very up to date. This book has new stuff for everyone, residents and tourists alike. It is the one I send my visitors up country with. Briggs has found a host of places I never knew existed and his 'grey boxes' scattered throughout the book describe a wide variety of fascinating background info which is new to me. Buy it and come and visit Uganda!

Gave a better insight than the Lonely Planet, 22 Jun 2007
Really great guidebook - the most important & informed guide for Madagascar. Took both this & the Lonely Planet with us during our month's trip to Mad, but felt we got far more out of this amazing, magical country thanks to the Bradt Guide.

Happy reader of Madagascar's wonders!, 11 Jun 2007
I think this book is extremely informative, not only as a useful guide book but it is also very fascinating just to read. I haven't been to Madagascar yet, but I already feel as if I know a lot about it. It has lots of advice from recent travellers, and bits from all kinds of different people, such as wildlife experts, doctors etc, and is very up to date. I would say a must if you are planning a trip to Madagascar.

Captivating!, 09 Jun 2007
There's something magical about this book - it's more than just a travel guide. I've been travelling a lot in many different countries so I've probably used 40 different guide books over the years... I've been to Madagascar twice now, travelling with different editions of this guide, and I would say it is my favourite travel guide of them all.

That's a weird thing to say isn't it? To have a favourite travel guide. I usually think of a guide book as like a phone directory or a dictionary. You just look up the information you need - the phone number for a restaurant maybe - then go on your way again.

This is a normal guidebook in the sense that it lists hotels and restaurants and tour operators, and it has maps, and information about tourist sites. What makes this one different is that when you look up some information, you suddenly find yourself half an hour later and twenty pages ahead completely captivated and engrossed by the fascinating stories, background information, "fact boxes" and cultural context that it is packed with.

Hilary Bradt's passion for Madagascar is absolutely contagious.

Madagascar (Bradt Travel Guides), 02 Jun 2007
I bought this book on the recommendation of the voluntary organization I was going to work for in Madagascar. It was extremely helpful with regard to cultural differences, what life was like there etc, and definitely eased the transition. It was highly informative, and provided information which other guide books did not include-sometimes strange, or funny, but always interesting and full of useful advice. Madagascar is unique in so many ways, and this guide book has captured the soul of this beautiful, friendly island. It is obvious that Hilary Bradt loves Madagascar, and has visited on numerous occasions, always going off the well-worn tourist route to find something interesting and different. Even French tourists, who make up the majority of the tourists in this country found this guide far superior to any French guide book. Other guide books could learn from this authors distinctive approach to travel writing. Don't visit Madagascar without it!

I'd give it 6 stars if I could!, 14 May 2007
I just got back from Madagascar... this guide was awesome... There is so much information on the animals especially, and the places to see them (which is why I went there mainly) but even if you're not interested in lemurs and chameleons this book is packed with info on the history and culture and everything else (Hilary Bradt has a really readable style too - it's not dry like most guide books) plus loads of maps and photos as well.

As Essential as Anti-malarials!, 22 Jul 2008
Almost essential during any trip to Ghana, this guide really makes it easy to locate the wealth of culture and hospitality in Ghana.

Without a guide Ghana can oft times seem at best daunting and at worst dull. This is far from the truth however, the country containing almost all of what Africa has to offer - Rainforests, Christian & Muslim Cultures, Safaris, Beautiful lakes and beaches and even *cough* the corrupting influences of the west are detailed in extraordinary depth within this guide.

As a country not exactly buzzing with tourism not only is the guide essential in uncovering customs and tradition - but also in making sure that three hour ride on a tro-tro (rickety old van) results in a glorious beach or magnificent walk through a rainforest canopy... rather than some floating poo-poo washing up on the shores of a smoggy bustling town (and yes, unfortunately Ghana does have these as much abundance as any other developing country).

As a student volunteer in Ghana I found this book a lifesaver, and I would assume it would be just as suitable for anyone taking on the role of tourist as well (as I travelled extensively as well during my stay).
If you're going to Ghana, purchase this book. If you're thinking of visiting Africa, I wholeheartedly recommend Ghana... so purchase this book!

NOTE: As far as I'm aware however, this is the only Ghanaian travel guide... so it seems a little unsurprising they can laud it as "the best selling"...

An excellent Travel Guide, 13 Jan 2008
The Bradt Travel Guides are always useful. However, the Guide to Uganda (5th Edition) has proved to be very reliable.
Bradt can be relied on to keep there travel guides up-to-date but I also receive the interim e-mail updates and these are well worth reading. Subscription is simple, just send an e-mail to the author (Philip Briggs) or keep an eye on the website.

You won't do better, 01 Apr 2007
If you are interested in visiting Uganda, this is THE guide; up-to-date, accurate and very easy to read. It is more than a guide book in that it can be browsed for pleasure in its own right. I like to think that I know the country reasonably well, but this book is full of fascinating information and each edition that comes out tells you something new.

Invaluable, 01 Dec 2005
The Bradt Guide to Uganda is a mine of useful and interesting information about the country. I used it throughout my recent trip to Uganda. Other guides may include more photographs, but Bradt is the best for detail, accuracy and interest. The publisher also operates a free email update service.

absolutely brilliant, 18 Aug 2004
basically, this is the best travel guide book that I've ever had the pleasure of using.

comprehensive information on where to stay, and to eat, which is ideal for independent travellers.

the advice about driving is invaluable, if you're lucky enough to hire a car, this book tells you everything you need to know about the state of the roads, and the maps are clear enough for you to drive around the country with it alone. Lonely planet in comparison is less than 2/3 the size, with consequently less information

you'll regret it if you take any other guide book

Well done Briggs (again), 07 Nov 2003
Another excellent Bradt guide to Uganda. I live in Uganda, working mostly with the national parks, and can vouch that the travel information is very accurate and very up to date. This book has new stuff for everyone, residents and tourists alike. It is the one I send my visitors up country with. Briggs has found a host of places I never knew existed and his 'grey boxes' scattered throughout the book describe a wide variety of fascinating background info which is new to me. Buy it and come and visit Uganda!

Gave a better insight than the Lonely Planet, 22 Jun 2007
Really great guidebook - the most important & informed guide for Madagascar. Took both this & the Lonely Planet with us during our month's trip to Mad, but felt we got far more out of this amazing, magical country thanks to the Bradt Guide.

Happy reader of Madagascar's wonders!, 11 Jun 2007
I think this book is extremely informative, not only as a useful guide book but it is also very fascinating just to read. I haven't been to Madagascar yet, but I already feel as if I know a lot about it. It has lots of advice from recent travellers, and bits from all kinds of different people, such as wildlife experts, doctors etc, and is very up to date. I would say a must if you are planning a trip to Madagascar.

Captivating!, 09 Jun 2007
There's something magical about this book - it's more than just a travel guide. I've been travelling a lot in many different countries so I've probably used 40 different guide books over the years... I've been to Madagascar twice now, travelling with different editions of this guide, and I would say it is my favourite travel guide of them all.

That's a weird thing to say isn't it? To have a favourite travel guide. I usually think of a guide book as like a phone directory or a dictionary. You just look up the information you need - the phone number for a restaurant maybe - then go on your way again.

This is a normal guidebook in the sense that it lists hotels and restaurants and tour operators, and it has maps, and information about tourist sites. What makes this one different is that when you look up some information, you suddenly find yourself half an hour later and twenty pages ahead completely captivated and engrossed by the fascinating stories, background information, "fact boxes" and cultural context that it is packed with.

Hilary Bradt's passion for Madagascar is absolutely contagious.

Madagascar (Bradt Travel Guides), 02 Jun 2007
I bought this book on the recommendation of the voluntary organization I was going to work for in Madagascar. It was extremely helpful with regard to cultural differences, what life was like there etc, and definitely eased the transition. It was highly informative, and provided information which other guide books did not include-sometimes strange, or funny, but always interesting and full of useful advice. Madagascar is unique in so many ways, and this guide book has captured the soul of this beautiful, friendly island. It is obvious that Hilary Bradt loves Madagascar, and has visited on numerous occasions, always going off the well-worn tourist route to find something interesting and different. Even French tourists, who make up the majority of the tourists in this country found this guide far superior to any French guide book. Other guide books could learn from this authors distinctive approach to travel writing. Don't visit Madagascar without it!

I'd give it 6 stars if I could!, 14 May 2007
I just got back from Madagascar... this guide was awesome... There is so much information on the animals especially, and the places to see them (which is why I went there mainly) but even if you're not interested in lemurs and chameleons this book is packed with info on the history and culture and everything else (Hilary Bradt has a really readable style too - it's not dry like most guide books) plus loads of maps and photos as well.

As Essential as Anti-malarials!, 22 Jul 2008
Almost essential during any trip to Ghana, this guide really makes it easy to locate the wealth of culture and hospitality in Ghana.

Without a guide Ghana can oft times seem at best daunting and at worst dull. This is far from the truth however, the country containing almost all of what Africa has to offer - Rainforests, Christian & Muslim Cultures, Safaris, Beautiful lakes and beaches and even *cough* the corrupting influences of the west are detailed in extraordinary depth within this guide.

As a country not exactly buzzing with tourism not only is the guide essential in uncovering customs and tradition - but also in making sure that three hour ride on a tro-tro (rickety old van) results in a glorious beach or magnificent walk through a rainforest canopy... rather than some floating poo-poo washing up on the shores of a smoggy bustling town (and yes, unfortunately Ghana does have these as much abundance as any other developing country).

As a student volunteer in Ghana I found this book a lifesaver, and I would assume it would be just as suitable for anyone taking on the role of tourist as well (as I travelled extensively as well during my stay).
If you're going to Ghana, purchase this book. If you're thinking of visiting Africa, I wholeheartedly recommend Ghana... so purchase this book!

NOTE: As far as I'm aware however, this is the only Ghanaian travel guide... so it seems a little unsurprising they can laud it as "the best selling"...


Currently the best guide to Namibia, 17 Feb 2008
Having spent a fair amount of time in Namibia we have collected almost every guide book there is and I have to say this is the one we use most. I like the layout more than the others and it is generally more informative and more up to date. A good all round guide book to this amazing country.

Good but has a couple of issues, 02 Feb 2008
This review is based on a day or two looking at this book before our trip.

Most of this book is excellent. The wildlife side is strong, with a chart of the footprints of about 22 creatures, and a wildlife guide giving you information on about 70, including line drawings for about 40 of these. The general information about the country and what tourists need to know seems well-researxhed, as does the information about districts in the main body of the book, which includes many maps and points like recent street-name changes.

The quibbles:

First, the author clearly cares a lot about the Namibian environment, and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes it all gets a bit preachy: on the Rossing uranium mine we get "many will feel only too glad to leave this kind of suspect industrial 'development' behind in Europe". Why Europe should be singled out when there's suspect industrial development on most continents, I'm not quite sure. If you've told us already that it's a large open-cast mine, do we not have the wit to work out whether we want to see it? Likewise some of the suggestions that you should grill your tour operators about how they involve the locals in deciding what happens on your tour. Lovely idea, but how many readers will have been consulted about tourism in their city?

Second, the author runs a tour company called Expert Africa. When discussing tour companies, he declares this interest. But when telling you how their arrangements for car hire are better than anyone else's, Expert Africa are just "a UK-based company", rather than "my UK-based company", and this is followed up with "Their trips are flexible, good value, and well worth considering". I'm a bit disappointed that no editor at Bradt guides picked up on this and amended it appropriately before publication. I don't mind the author saying he thinks his outfit has the best deal - he just has to make clear that it's his outfit when he says so.

An excellent Travel Guide, 13 Jan 2008
The Bradt Travel Guides are always useful. However, the Guide to Uganda (5th Edition) has proved to be very reliable.
Bradt can be relied on to keep there travel guides up-to-date but I also receive the interim e-mail updates and these are well worth reading. Subscription is simple, just send an e-mail to the author (Philip Briggs) or keep an eye on the website.

You won't do better, 01 Apr 2007
If you are interested in visiting Uganda, this is THE guide; up-to-date, accurate and very easy to read. It is more than a guide book in that it can be browsed for pleasure in its own right. I like to think that I know the country reasonably well, but this book is full of fascinating information and each edition that comes out tells you something new.

Invaluable, 01 Dec 2005
The Bradt Guide to Uganda is a mine of useful and interesting information about the country. I used it throughout my recent trip to Uganda. Other guides may include more photographs, but Bradt is the best for detail, accuracy and interest. The publisher also operates a free email update service.

absolutely brilliant, 18 Aug 2004
basically, this is the best travel guide book that I've ever had the pleasure of using.

comprehensive information on where to stay, and to eat, which is ideal for independent travellers.

the advice about driving is invaluable, if you're lucky enough to hire a car, this book tells you everything you need to know about the state of the roads, and the maps are clear enough for you to drive around the country with it alone. Lonely planet in comparison is less than 2/3 the size, with consequently less information

you'll regret it if you take any other guide book

Well done Briggs (again), 07 Nov 2003
Another excellent Bradt guide to Uganda. I live in Uganda, working mostly with the national parks, and can vouch that the travel information is very accurate and very up to date. This book has new stuff for everyone, residents and tourists alike. It is the one I send my visitors up country with. Briggs has found a host of places I never knew existed and his 'grey boxes' scattered throughout the book describe a wide variety of fascinating background info which is new to me. Buy it and come and visit Uganda!

Gave a better insight than the Lonely Planet, 22 Jun 2007
Really great guidebook - the most important & informed guide for Madagascar. Took both this & the Lonely Planet with us during our month's trip to Mad, but felt we got far more out of this amazing, magical country thanks to the Bradt Guide.

Happy reader of Madagascar's wonders!, 11 Jun 2007
I think this book is extremely informative, not only as a useful guide book but it is also very fascinating just to read. I haven't been to Madagascar yet, but I already feel as if I know a lot about it. It has lots of advice from recent travellers, and bits from all kinds of different people, such as wildlife experts, doctors etc, and is very up to date. I would say a must if you are planning a trip to Madagascar.

Captivating!, 09 Jun 2007
There's something magical about this book - it's more than just a travel guide. I've been travelling a lot in many different countries so I've probably used 40 different guide books over the years... I've been to Madagascar twice now, travelling with different editions of this guide, and I would say it is my favourite travel guide of them all.

That's a weird thing to say isn't it? To have a favourite travel guide. I usually think of a guide book as like a phone directory or a dictionary. You just look up the information you need - the phone number for a restaurant maybe - then go on your way again.

This is a normal guidebook in the sense that it lists hotels and restaurants and tour operators, and it has maps, and information about tourist sites. What makes this one different is that when you look up some information, you suddenly find yourself half an hour later and twenty pages ahead completely captivated and engrossed by the fascinating stories, background information, "fact boxes" and cultural context that it is packed with.

Hilary Bradt's passion for Madagascar is absolutely contagious.

Madagascar (Bradt Travel Guides), 02 Jun 2007
I bought this book on the recommendation of the voluntary organization I was going to work for in Madagascar. It was extremely helpful with regard to cultural differences, what life was like there etc, and definitely eased the transition. It was highly informative, and provided information which other guide books did not include-sometimes strange, or funny, but always interesting and full of useful advice. Madagascar is unique in so many ways, and this guide book has captured the soul of this beautiful, friendly island. It is obvious that Hilary Bradt loves Madagascar, and has visited on numerous occasions, always going off the well-worn tourist route to find something interesting and different. Even French tourists, who make up the majority of the tourists in this country found this guide far superior to any French guide book. Other guide books could learn from this authors distinctive approach to travel writing. Don't visit Madagascar without it!

I'd give it 6 stars if I could!, 14 May 2007
I just got back from Madagascar... this guide was awesome... There is so much information on the animals especially, and the places to see them (which is why I went there mainly) but even if you're not interested in lemurs and chameleons this book is packed with info on the history and culture and everything else (Hilary Bradt has a really readable style too - it's not dry like most guide books) plus loads of maps and photos as well.

As Essential as Anti-malarials!, 22 Jul 2008
Almost essential during any trip to Ghana, this guide really makes it easy to locate the wealth of culture and hospitality in Ghana.

Without a guide Ghana can oft times seem at best daunting and at worst dull. This is far from the truth however, the country containing almost all of what Africa has to offer - Rainforests, Christian & Muslim Cultures, Safaris, Beautiful lakes and beaches and even *cough* the corrupting influences of the west are detailed in extraordinary depth within this guide.

As a country not exactly buzzing with tourism not only is the guide essential in uncovering customs and tradition - but also in making sure that three hour ride on a tro-tro (rickety old van) results in a glorious beach or magnificent walk through a rainforest canopy... rather than some floating poo-poo washing up on the shores of a smoggy bustling town (and yes, unfortunately Ghana does have these as much abundance as any other developing country).

As a student volunteer in Ghana I found this book a lifesaver, and I would assume it would be just as suitable for anyone taking on the role of tourist as well (as I travelled extensively as well during my stay).
If you're going to Ghana, purchase this book. If you're thinking of visiting Africa, I wholeheartedly recommend Ghana... so purchase this book!

NOTE: As far as I'm aware however, this is the only Ghanaian travel guide... so it seems a little unsurprising they can laud it as "the best selling"...


Currently the best guide to Namibia, 17 Feb 2008
Having spent a fair amount of time in Namibia we have collected almost every guide book there is and I have to say this is the one we use most. I like the layout more than the others and it is generally more informative and more up to date. A good all round guide book to this amazing country.

Good but has a couple of issues, 02 Feb 2008
This review is based on a day or two looking at this book before our trip.

Most of this book is excellent. The wildlife side is strong, with a chart of the footprints of about 22 creatures, and a wildlife guide giving you information on about 70, including line drawings for about 40 of these. The general information about the country and what tourists need to know seems well-researxhed, as does the information about districts in the main body of the book, which includes many maps and points like recent street-name changes.

The quibbles:

First, the author clearly cares a lot about the Namibian environment, and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes it all gets a bit preachy: on the Rossing uranium mine we get "many will feel only too glad to leave this kind of suspect industrial 'development' behind in Europe". Why Europe should be singled out when there's suspect industrial development on most continents, I'm not quite sure. If you've told us already that it's a large open-cast mine, do we not have the wit to work out whether we want to see it? Likewise some of the suggestions that you should grill your tour operators about how they involve the locals in deciding what happens on your tour. Lovely idea, but how many readers will have been consulted about tourism in their city?

Second, the author runs a tour company called Expert Africa. When discussing tour companies, he declares this interest. But when telling you how their arrangements for car hire are better than anyone else's, Expert Africa are just "a UK-based company", rather than "my UK-based company", and this is followed up with "Their trips are flexible, good value, and well worth considering". I'm a bit disappointed that no editor at Bradt guides picked up on this and amended it appropriately before publication. I don't mind the author saying he thinks his outfit has the best deal - he just has to make clear that it's his outfit when he says so.

Ranger in your pocket!, 07 Sep 2003
If you think that going on safari should consist of more than lazily ticking off a lion, a hippo and a zebra before heading for the barbeque, this is the book for you. It takes you deep into the bush and opens your eyes in the way that a ranger in the field might do, from explaining the breeding habits of turtles to advising what to do if charged by a lion. The writing is infused with enthusiasm, and has a lightness of touch that keeps you reading - it's therefore ideal for whetting your appetite before you go, keeping you company while you're there, and offering a nostalgic reminder when you get back.

The book is wide in scope, covering mammals, birds, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians as well as habitats, tracks and how to go about a safari. But astonishingly for a book you can slip into your pocket, it offers much more than a brief overview. Unless you are a specialist, this is all you would really need to appreciate everything you see (other than a field guide to birds, which you would need for identification purposes). Both the photography and illustrations are superb. I'm off to South Africa in a few weeks, and my copy is already dog-eared.

The business!, 26 Aug 2003
Southern Africa has to be one of the best wildlife-watching destinations on earth, with far more to see and enjoy than can be packed into the average two-week itinerary. This new wildlife-watching guide will help visitors make the most of this animal extravaganza. Mike Unwin, who obviously loves the area and its animals, takes us on a lively, quirky tour of the wildlife, highlighting the 'greatest hits' but not neglecting the less well-known but no less fascinating species and groups. The book also has plenty of travel advice and information on animal tracks and signs. It's illustrated with a wealth of beautiful colour photos, and many of the author's own superb line drawings. It's wonderfully inspiring - I can't wait to road-test it in the field.

An excellent Travel Guide, 13 Jan 2008
The Bradt Travel Guides are always useful. However, the Guide to Uganda (5th Edition) has proved to be very reliable.
Bradt can be relied on to keep there travel guides up-to-date but I also receive the interim e-mail updates and these are well worth reading. Subscription is simple, just send an e-mail to the author (Philip Briggs) or keep an eye on the website.

You won't do better, 01 Apr 2007
If you are interested in visiting Uganda, this is THE guide; up-to-date, accurate and very easy to read. It is more than a guide book in that it can be browsed for pleasure in its own right. I like to think that I know the country reasonably well, but this book is full of fascinating information and each edition that comes out tells you something new.

Invaluable, 01 Dec 2005
The Bradt Guide to Uganda is a mine of useful and interesting information about the country. I used it throughout my recent trip to Uganda. Other guides may include more photographs, but Bradt is the best for detail, accuracy and interest. The publisher also operates a free email update service.

absolutely brilliant, 18 Aug 2004
basically, this is the best travel guide book that I've ever had the pleasure of using.

comprehensive information on where to stay, and to eat, which is ideal for independent travellers.

the advice about driving is invaluable, if you're lucky enough to hire a car, this book tells you everything you need to know about the state of the roads, and the maps are clear enough for you to drive around the country with it alone. Lonely planet in comparison is less than 2/3 the size, with consequently less information

you'll regret it if you take any other guide book

Well done Briggs (again), 07 Nov 2003
Another excellent Bradt guide to Uganda. I live in Uganda, working mostly with the national parks, and can vouch that the travel information is very accurate and very up to date. This book has new stuff for everyone, residents and tourists alike. It is the one I send my visitors up country with. Briggs has found a host of places I never knew existed and his 'grey boxes' scattered throughout the book describe a wide variety of fascinating background info which is new to me. Buy it and come and visit Uganda!

Gave a better insight than the Lonely Planet, 22 Jun 2007
Really great guidebook - the most important & informed guide for Madagascar. Took both this & the Lonely Planet with us during our month's trip to Mad, but felt we got far more out of this amazing, magical country thanks to the Bradt Guide.

Happy reader of Madagascar's wonders!, 11 Jun 2007
I think this book is extremely informative, not only as a useful guide book but it is also very fascinating just to read. I haven't been to Madagascar yet, but I already feel as if I know a lot about it. It has lots of advice from recent travellers, and bits from all kinds of different people, such as wildlife experts, doctors etc, and is very up to date. I would say a must if you are planning a trip to Madagascar.

Captivating!, 09 Jun 2007
There's something magical about this book - it's more than just a travel guide. I've been travelling a lot in many different countries so I've probably used 40 different guide books over the years... I've been to Madagascar twice now, travelling with different editions of this guide, and I would say it is my favourite travel guide of them all.

That's a weird thing to say isn't it? To have a favourite travel guide. I usually think of a guide book as like a phone directory or a dictionary. You just look up the information you need - the phone number for a restaurant maybe - then go on your way again.

This is a normal guidebook in the sense that it lists hotels and restaurants and tour operators, and it has maps, and information about tourist sites. What makes this one different is that when you look up some information, you suddenly find yourself half an hour later and twenty pages ahead completely captivated and engrossed by the fascinating stories, background information, "fact boxes" and cultural context that it is packed with.

Hilary Bradt's passion for Madagascar is absolutely contagious.

Madagascar (Bradt Travel Guides), 02 Jun 2007
I bought this book on the recommendation of the voluntary organization I was going to work for in Madagascar. It was extremely helpful with regard to cultural differences, what life was like there etc, and definitely eased the transition. It was highly informative, and provided information which other guide books did not include-sometimes strange, or funny, but always interesting and full of useful advice. Madagascar is unique in so many ways, and this guide book has captured the soul of this beautiful, friendly island. It is obvious that Hilary Bradt loves Madagascar, and has visited on numerous occasions, always going off the well-worn tourist route to find something interesting and different. Even French tourists, who make up the majority of the tourists in this country found this guide far superior to any French guide book. Other guide books could learn from this authors distinctive approach to travel writing. Don't visit Madagascar without it!

I'd give it 6 stars if I could!, 14 May 2007
I just got back from Madagascar... this guide was awesome... There is so much information on the animals especially, and the places to see them (which is why I went there mainly) but even if you're not interested in lemurs and chameleons this book is packed with info on the history and culture and everything else (Hilary Bradt has a really readable style too - it's not dry like most guide books) plus loads of maps and photos as well.

As Essential as Anti-malarials!, 22 Jul 2008
Almost essential during any trip to Ghana, this guide really makes it easy to locate the wealth of culture and hospitality in Ghana.

Without a guide Ghana can oft times seem at best daunting and at worst dull. This is far from the truth however, the country containing almost all of what Africa has to offer - Rainforests, Christian & Muslim Cultures, Safaris, Beautiful lakes and beaches and even *cough* the corrupting influences of the west are detailed in extraordinary depth within this guide.

As a country not exactly buzzing with tourism not only is the guide essential in uncovering customs and tradition - but also in making sure that three hour ride on a tro-tro (rickety old van) results in a glorious beach or magnificent walk through a rainforest canopy... rather than some floating poo-poo washing up on the shores of a smoggy bustling town (and yes, unfortunately Ghana does have these as much abundance as any other developing country).

As a student volunteer in Ghana I found this book a lifesaver, and I would assume it would be just as suitable for anyone taking on the role of tourist as well (as I travelled extensively as well during my stay).
If you're going to Ghana, purchase this book. If you're thinking of visiting Africa, I wholeheartedly recommend Ghana... so purchase this book!

NOTE: As far as I'm aware however, this is the only Ghanaian travel guide... so it seems a little unsurprising they can laud it as "the best selling"...


Currently the best guide to Namibia, 17 Feb 2008
Having spent a fair amount of time in Namibia we have collected almost every guide book there is and I have to say this is the one we use most. I like the layout more than the others and it is generally more informative and more up to date. A good all round guide book to this amazing country.

Good but has a couple of issues, 02 Feb 2008
This review is based on a day or two looking at this book before our trip.

Most of this book is excellent. The wildlife side is strong, with a chart of the footprints of about 22 creatures, and a wildlife guide giving you information on about 70, including line drawings for about 40 of these. The general information about the country and what tourists need to know seems well-researxhed, as does the information about districts in the main body of the book, which includes many maps and points like recent street-name changes.

The quibbles:

First, the author clearly cares a lot about the Namibian environment, and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes it all gets a bit preachy: on the Rossing uranium mine we get "many will feel only too glad to leave this kind of suspect industrial 'development' behind in Europe". Why Europe should be singled out when there's suspect industrial development on most continents, I'm not quite sure. If you've told us already that it's a large open-cast mine, do we not have the wit to work out whether we want to see it? Likewise some of the suggestions that you should grill your tour operators about how they involve the locals in deciding what happens on your tour. Lovely idea, but how many readers will have been consulted about tourism in their city?

Second, the author runs a tour company called Expert Africa. When discussing tour companies, he declares this interest. But when telling you how their arrangements for car hire are better than anyone else's, Expert Africa are just "a UK-based company", rather than "my UK-based company", and this is followed up with "Their trips are flexible, good value, and well worth considering". I'm a bit disappointed that no editor at Bradt guides picked up on this and amended it appropriately before publication. I don't mind the author saying he thinks his outfit has the best deal - he just has to make clear that it's his outfit when he says so.

Ranger in your pocket!, 07 Sep 2003
If you think that going on safari should consist of more than lazily ticking off a lion, a hippo and a zebra before heading for the barbeque, this is the book for you. It takes you deep into the bush and opens your eyes in the way that a ranger in the field might do, from explaining the breeding habits of turtles to advising what to do if charged by a lion. The writing is infused with enthusiasm, and has a lightness of touch that keeps you reading - it's therefore ideal for whetting your appetite before you go, keeping you company while you're there, and offering a nostalgic reminder when you get back.

The book is wide in scope, covering mammals, birds, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians as well as habitats, tracks and how to go about a safari. But astonishingly for a book you can slip into your pocket, it offers much more than a brief overview. Unless you are a specialist, this is all you would really need to appreciate everything you see (other than a field guide to birds, which you would need for identification purposes). Both the photography and illustrations are superb. I'm off to South Africa in a few weeks, and my copy is already dog-eared.

The business!, 26 Aug 2003
Southern Africa has to be one of the best wildlife-watching destinations on earth, with far more to see and enjoy than can be packed into the average two-week itinerary. This new wildlife-watching guide will help visitors make the most of this animal extravaganza. Mike Unwin, who obviously loves the area and its animals, takes us on a lively, quirky tour of the wildlife, highlighting the 'greatest hits' but not neglecting the less well-known but no less fascinating species and groups. The book also has plenty of travel advice and information on animal tracks and signs. It's illustrated with a wealth of beautiful colour photos, and many of the author's own superb line drawings. It's wonderfully inspiring - I can't wait to road-test it in the field.

Visit malawi, 02 Sep 2008
Good guide book with added bonus of helping the traveller escape the LP hordes. Having lived in Malawi I found it better than most other guide books covering most places I visited. All in all perfect for exploring a fabulous country and meeting it's friendly people.

An excellent Travel Guide, 13 Jan 2008
The Bradt Travel Guides are always useful. However, the Guide to Uganda (5th Edition) has proved to be very reliable.
Bradt can be relied on to keep there travel guides up-to-date but I also receive the interim e-mail updates and these are well worth reading. Subscription is simple, just send an e-mail to the author (Philip Briggs) or keep an eye on the website.

You won't do better, 01 Apr 2007
If you are interested in visiting Uganda, this is THE guide; up-to-date, accurate and very easy to read. It is more than a guide book in that it can be browsed for pleasure in its own right. I like to think that I know the country reasonably well, but this book is full of fascinating information and each edition that comes out tells you something new.

Invaluable, 01 Dec 2005
The Bradt Guide to Uganda is a mine of useful and interesting information about the country. I used it throughout my recent trip to Uganda. Other guides may include more photographs, but Bradt is the best for detail, accuracy and interest. The publisher also operates a free email update service.

absolutely brilliant, 18 Aug 2004
basically, this is the best travel guide book that I've ever had the pleasure of using.

comprehensive information on where to stay, and to eat, which is ideal for independent travellers.

the advice about driving is invaluable, if you're lucky enough to hire a car, this book tells you everything you need to know about the state of the roads, and the maps are clear enough for you to drive around the country with it alone. Lonely planet in comparison is less than 2/3 the size, with consequently less information

you'll regret it if you take any other guide book

Well done Briggs (again), 07 Nov 2003
Another excellent Bradt guide to Uganda. I live in Uganda, working mostly with the national parks, and can vouch that the travel information is very accurate and very up to date. This book has new stuff for everyone, residents and tourists alike. It is the one I send my visitors up country with. Briggs has found a host of places I never knew existed and his 'grey boxes' scattered throughout the book describe a wide variety of fascinating background info which is new to me. Buy it and come and visit Uganda!

Gave a better insight than the Lonely Planet, 22 Jun 2007
Really great guidebook - the most important & informed guide for Madagascar. Took both this & the Lonely Planet with us during our month's trip to Mad, but felt we got far more out of this amazing, magical country thanks to the Bradt Guide.

Happy reader of Madagascar's wonders!, 11 Jun 2007
I think this book is extremely informative, not only as a useful guide book but it is also very fascinating just to read. I haven't been to Madagascar yet, but I already feel as if I know a lot about it. It has lots of advice from recent travellers, and bits from all kinds of different people, such as wildlife experts, doctors etc, and is very up to date. I would say a must if you are planning a trip to Madagascar.

Captivating!, 09 Jun 2007
There's something magical about this book - it's more than just a travel guide. I've been travelling a lot in many different countries so I've probably used 40 different guide books over the years... I've been to Madagascar twice now, travelling with different editions of this guide, and I would say it is my favourite travel guide of them all.

That's a weird thing to say isn't it? To have a favourite travel guide. I usually think of a guide book as like a phone directory or a dictionary. You just look up the information you need - the phone number for a restaurant maybe - then go on your way again.

This is a normal guidebook in the sense that it lists hotels and restaurants and tour operators, and it has maps, and information about tourist sites. What makes this one different is that when you look up some information, you suddenly find yourself half an hour later and twenty pages ahead completely captivated and engrossed by the fascinating stories, background information, "fact boxes" and cultural context that it is packed with.

Hilary Bradt's passion for Madagascar is absolutely contagious.

Madagascar (Bradt Travel Guides), 02 Jun 2007
I bought this book on the recommendation of the voluntary organization I was going to work for in Madagascar. It was extremely helpful with regard to cultural differences, what life was like there etc, and definitely eased the transition. It was highly informative, and provided information which other guide books did not include-sometimes strange, or funny, but always interesting and full of useful advice. Madagascar is unique in so many ways, and this guide book has captured the soul of this beautiful, friendly island. It is obvious that Hilary Bradt loves Madagascar, and has visited on numerous occasions, always going off the well-worn tourist route to find something interesting and different. Even French tourists, who make up the majority of the tourists in this country found this guide far superior to any French guide book. Other guide books could learn from this authors distinctive approach to travel writing. Don't visit Madagascar without it!

I'd give it 6 stars if I could!, 14 May 2007
I just got back from Madagascar... this guide was awesome... There is so much information on the animals especially, and the places to see them (which is why I went there mainly) but even if you're not interested in lemurs and chameleons this book is packed with info on the history and culture and everything else (Hilary Bradt has a really readable style too - it's not dry like most guide books) plus loads of maps and photos as well.

As Essential as Anti-malarials!, 22 Jul 2008
Almost essential during any trip to Ghana, this guide really makes it easy to locate the wealth of culture and hospitality in Ghana.

Without a guide Ghana can oft times seem at best daunting and at worst dull. This is far from the truth however, the country containing almost all of what Africa has to offer - Rainforests, Christian & Muslim Cultures, Safaris, Beautiful lakes and beaches and even *cough* the corrupting influences of the west are detailed in extraordinary depth within this guide.

As a country not exactly buzzing with tourism not only is the guide essential in uncovering customs and tradition - but also in making sure that three hour ride on a tro-tro (rickety old van) results in a glorious beach or magnificent walk through a rainforest canopy... rather than some floating poo-poo washing up on the shores of a smoggy bustling town (and yes, unfortunately Ghana does have these as much abundance as any other developing country).

As a student volunteer in Ghana I found this book a lifesaver, and I would assume it would be just as suitable for anyone taking on the role of tourist as well (as I travelled extensively as well during my stay).
If you're going to Ghana, purchase this book. If you're thinking of visiting Africa, I wholeheartedly recommend Ghana... so purchase this book!

NOTE: As far as I'm aware however, this is the only Ghanaian travel guide... so it seems a little unsurprising they can laud it as "the best selling"...


Currently the best guide to Namibia, 17 Feb 2008
Having spent a fair amount of time in Namibia we have collected almost every guide book there is and I have to say this is the one we use most. I like the layout more than the others and it is generally more informative and more up to date. A good all round guide book to this amazing country.

Good but has a couple of issues, 02 Feb 2008
This review is based on a day or two looking at this book before our trip.

Most of this book is excellent. The wildlife side is strong, with a chart of the footprints of about 22 creatures, and a wildlife guide giving you information on about 70, including line drawings for about 40 of these. The general information about the country and what tourists need to know seems well-researxhed, as does the information about districts in the main body of the book, which includes many maps and points like recent street-name changes.

The quibbles:

First, the author clearly cares a lot about the Namibian environment, and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes it all gets a bit preachy: on the Rossing uranium mine we get "many will feel only too glad to leave this kind of suspect industrial 'development' behind in Europe". Why Europe should be singled out when there's suspect industrial development on most continents, I'm not quite sure. If you've told us already that it's a large open-cast mine, do we not have the wit to work out whether we want to see it? Likewise some of the suggestions that you should grill your tour operators about how they involve the locals in deciding what happens on your tour. Lovely idea, but how many readers will have been consulted about tourism in their city?

Second, the author runs a tour company called Expert Africa. When discussing tour companies, he declares this interest. But when telling you how their arrangements for car hire are better than anyone else's, Expert Africa are just "a UK-based company", rather than "my UK-based company", and this is followed up with "Their trips are flexible, good value, and well worth considering". I'm a bit disappointed that no editor at Bradt guides picked up on this and amended it appropriately before publication. I don't mind the author saying he thinks his outfit has the best deal - he just has to make clear that it's his outfit when he says so.

Ranger in your pocket!, 07 Sep 2003
If you think that going on safari should consist of more than lazily ticking off a lion, a hippo and a zebra before heading for the barbeque, this is the book for you. It takes you deep into the bush and opens your eyes in the way that a ranger in the field might do, from explaining the breeding habits of turtles to advising what to do if charged by a lion. The writing is infused with enthusiasm, and has a lightness of touch that keeps you reading - it's therefore ideal for whetting your appetite before you go, keeping you company while you're there, and offering a nostalgic reminder when you get back.

The book is wide in scope, covering mammals, birds, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians as well as habitats, tracks and how to go about a safari. But astonishingly for a book you can slip into your pocket, it offers much more than a brief overview. Unless you are a specialist, this is all you would really need to appreciate everything you see (other than a field guide to birds, which you would need for identification purposes). Both the photography and illustrations are superb. I'm off to South Africa in a few weeks, and my copy is already dog-eared.

The business!, 26 Aug 2003
Southern Africa has to be one of the best wildlife-watching destinations on earth, with far more to see and enjoy than can be packed into the average two-week itinerary. This new wildlife-watching guide will help visitors make the most of this animal extravaganza. Mike Unwin, who obviously loves the area and its animals, takes us on a lively, quirky tour of the wildlife, highlighting the 'greatest hits' but not neglecting the less well-known but no less fascinating species and groups. The book also has plenty of travel advice and information on animal tracks and signs. It's illustrated with a wealth of beautiful colour photos, and many of the author's own superb line drawings. It's wonderfully inspiring - I can't wait to road-test it in the field.

Visit malawi, 02 Sep 2008
Good guide book with added bonus of helping the traveller escape the LP hordes. Having lived in Malawi I found it better than most other guide books covering most places I visited. All in all perfect for exploring a fabulous country and meeting it's friendly people.



Top guidebook, 15 Sep 2006
I've never come across such a brilliant guidebook as this for any country I've been to. Not only is it highly informative, dependable and up to date, as you would expect, but it is also very readable. Mr Briggs' writing style demonstrates a real affection for the country which you will hopefully share by the end of your stay. We certainly did.

An excellent Travel Guide, 13 Jan 2008
The Bradt Travel Guides are always useful. However, the Guide to Uganda (5th Edition) has proved to be very reliable.
Bradt can be relied on to keep there travel guides up-to-date but I also receive the interim e-mail updates and these are well worth reading. Subscription is simple, just send an e-mail to the author (Philip Briggs) or keep an eye on the website.

You won't do better, 01 Apr 2007
If you are interested in visiting Uganda, this is THE guide; up-to-date, accurate and very easy to read. It is more than a guide book in that it can be browsed for pleasure in its own right. I like to think that I know the country reasonably well, but this book is full of fascinating information and each edition that comes out tells you something new.

Invaluable, 01 Dec 2005
The Bradt Guide to Uganda is a mine of useful and interesting information about the country. I used it throughout my recent trip to Uganda. Other guides may include more photographs, but Bradt is the best for detail, accuracy and interest. The publisher also operates a free email update service.

absolutely brilliant, 18 Aug 2004
basically, this is the best travel guide book that I've ever had the pleasure of using.

comprehensive information on where to stay, and to eat, which is ideal for independent travellers.

the advice about driving is invaluable, if you're lucky enough to hire a car, this book tells you everything you need to know about the state of the roads, and the maps are clear enough for you to drive around the country with it alone. Lonely planet in comparison is less than 2/3 the size, with consequently less information

you'll regret it if you take any other guide book

Well done Briggs (again), 07 Nov 2003
Another excellent Bradt guide to Uganda. I live in Uganda, working mostly with the national parks, and can vouch that the travel information is very accurate and very up to date. This book has new stuff for everyone, residents and tourists alike. It is the one I send my visitors up country with. Briggs has found a host of places I never knew existed and his 'grey boxes' scattered throughout the book describe a wide variety of fascinating background info which is new to me. Buy it and come and visit Uganda!

Gave a better insight than the Lonely Planet, 22 Jun 2007
Really great guidebook - the most important & informed guide for Madagascar. Took both this & the Lonely Planet with us during our month's trip to Mad, but felt we got far more out of this amazing, magical country thanks to the Bradt Guide.

Happy reader of Madagascar's wonders!, 11 Jun 2007
I think this book is extremely informative, not only as a useful guide book but it is also very fascinating just to read. I haven't been to Madagascar yet, but I already feel as if I know a lot about it. It has lots of advice from recent travellers, and bits from all kinds of different people, such as wildlife experts, doctors etc, and is very up to date. I would say a must if you are planning a trip to Madagascar.

Captivating!, 09 Jun 2007
There's something magical about this book - it's more than just a travel guide. I've been travelling a lot in many different countries so I've probably used 40 different guide books over the years... I've been to Madagascar twice now, travelling with different editions of this guide, and I would say it is my favourite travel guide of them all.

That's a weird thing to say isn't it? To have a favourite travel guide. I usually think of a guide book as like a phone directory or a dictionary. You just look up the information you need - the phone number for a restaurant maybe - then go on your way again.

This is a normal guidebook in the sense that it lists hotels and restaurants and tour operators, and it has maps, and information about tourist sites. What makes this one different is that when you look up some information, you suddenly find yourself half an hour later and twenty pages ahead completely captivated and engrossed by the fascinating stories, background information, "fact boxes" and cultural context that it is packed with.

Hilary Bradt's passion for Madagascar is absolutely contagious.

Madagascar (Bradt Travel Guides), 02 Jun 2007
I bought this book on the recommendation of the voluntary organization I was going to work for in Madagascar. It was extremely helpful with regard to cultural differences, what life was like there etc, and definitely eased the transition. It was highly informative, and provided information which other guide books did not include-sometimes strange, or funny, but always interesting and full of useful advice. Madagascar is unique in so many ways, and this guide book has captured the soul of this beautiful, friendly island. It is obvious that Hilary Bradt loves Madagascar, and has visited on numerous occasions, always going off the well-worn tourist route to find something interesting and different. Even French tourists, who make up the majority of the tourists in this country found this guide far superior to any French guide book. Other guide books could learn from this authors distinctive approach to travel writing. Don't visit Madagascar without it!

I'd give it 6 stars if I could!, 14 May 2007
I just got back from Madagascar... this guide was awesome... There is so much information on the animals especially, and the places to see them (which is why I went there mainly) but even if you're not interested in lemurs and chameleons this book is packed with info on the history and culture and everything else (Hilary Bradt has a really readable style too - it's not dry like most guide books) plus loads of maps and photos as well.

As Essential as Anti-malarials!, 22 Jul 2008
Almost essential during any trip to Ghana, this guide really makes it easy to locate the wealth of culture and hospitality in Ghana.

Without a guide Ghana can oft times seem at best daunting and at worst dull. This is far from the truth however, the country containing almost all of what Africa has to offer - Rainforests, Christian & Muslim Cultures, Safaris, Beautiful lakes and beaches and even *cough* the corrupting influences of the west are detailed in extraordinary depth within this guide.

As a country not exactly buzzing with tourism not only is the guide essential in uncovering customs and tradition - but also in making sure that three hour ride on a tro-tro (rickety old van) results in a glorious beach or magnificent walk through a rainforest canopy... rather than some floating poo-poo washing up on the shores of a smoggy bustling town (and yes, unfortunately Ghana does have these as much abundance as any other developing country).

As a student volunteer in Ghana I found this book a lifesaver, and I would assume it would be just as suitable for anyone taking on the role of tourist as well (as I travelled extensively as well during my stay).
If you're going to Ghana, purchase this book. If you're thinking of visiting Africa, I wholeheartedly recommend Ghana... so purchase this book!

NOTE: As far as I'm aware however, this is the only Ghanaian travel guide... so it seems a little unsurprising they can laud it as "the best selling"...


Currently the best guide to Namibia, 17 Feb 2008
Having spent a fair amount of time in Namibia we have collected almost every guide book there is and I have to say this is the one we use most. I like the layout more than the others and it is generally more informative and more up to date. A good all round guide book to this amazing country.

Good but has a couple of issues, 02 Feb 2008
This review is based on a day or two looking at this book before our trip.

Most of this book is excellent. The wildlife side is strong, with a chart of the footprints of about 22 creatures, and a wildlife guide giving you information on about 70, including line drawings for about 40 of these. The general information about the country and what tourists need to know seems well-researxhed, as does the information about districts in the main body of the book, which includes many maps and points like recent street-name changes.

The quibbles:

First, the author clearly cares a lot about the Namibian environment, and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes it all gets a bit preachy: on the Rossing uranium mine we get "many will feel only too glad to leave this kind of suspect industrial 'development' behind in Europe". Why Europe should be singled out when there's suspect industrial development on most continents, I'm not quite sure. If you've told us already that it's a large open-cast mine, do we not have the wit to work out whether we want to see it? Likewise some of the suggestions that you should grill your tour operators about how they involve the locals in deciding what happens on your tour. Lovely idea, but how many readers will have been consulted about tourism in their city?

Second, the author runs a tour company called Expert Africa. When discussing tour companies, he declares this interest. But when telling you how their arrangements for car hire are better than anyone else's, Expert Africa are just "a UK-based company", rather than "my UK-based company", and this is followed up with "Their trips are flexible, good value, and well worth considering". I'm a bit disappointed that no editor at Bradt guides picked up on this and amended it appropriately before publication. I don't mind the author saying he thinks his outfit has the best deal - he just has to make clear that it's his outfit when he says so.

Ranger in your pocket!, 07 Sep 2003
If you think that going on safari should consist of more than lazily ticking off a lion, a hippo and a zebra before heading for the barbeque, this is the book for you. It takes you deep into the bush and opens your eyes in the way that a ranger in the field might do, from explaining the breeding habits of turtles to advising what to do if charged by a lion. The writing is infused with enthusiasm, and has a lightness of touch that keeps you reading - it's therefore ideal for whetting your appetite before you go, keeping you company while you're there, and offering a nostalgic reminder when you get back.

The book is wide in scope, covering mammals, birds, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians as well as habitats, tracks and how to go about a safari. But astonishingly for a book you can slip into your pocket, it offers much more than a brief overview. Unless you are a specialist, this is all you would really need to appreciate everything you see (other than a field guide to birds, which you would need for identification purposes). Both the photography and illustrations are superb. I'm off to South Africa in a few weeks, and my copy is already dog-eared.

The business!, 26 Aug 2003
Southern Africa has to be one of the best wildlife-watching destinations on earth, with far more to see and enjoy than can be packed into the average two-week itinerary. This new wildlife-watching guide will help visitors make the most of this animal extravaganza. Mike Unwin, who obviously loves the area and its animals, takes us on a lively, quirky tour of the wildlife, highlighting the 'greatest hits' but not neglecting the less well-known but no less fascinating species and groups. The book also has plenty of travel advice and information on animal tracks and signs. It's illustrated with a wealth of beautiful colour photos, and many of the author's own superb line drawings. It's wonderfully inspiring - I can't wait to road-test it in the field.

Visit malawi, 02 Sep 2008
Good guide book with added bonus of helping the traveller escape the LP hordes. Having lived in Malawi I found it better than most other guide books covering most places I visited. All in all perfect for exploring a fabulous country and meeting it's friendly people.



Top guidebook, 15 Sep 2006
I've never come across such a brilliant guidebook as this for any country I've been to. Not only is it highly informative, dependable and up to date, as you would expect, but it is also very readable. Mr Briggs' writing style demonstrates a real affection for the country which you will hopefully share by the end of your stay. We certainly did.

kazakhstan, 17 Nov 2008
The author of this book is our ambassador to Kazakhstan (he also wrote the guide to Turkmenistan) While the text is excellent the book is fatally flawed by poor printing and presentation.
The guide is divided into two parts a)general information covering background and practical points and b)the guide which deals with two cities ,Astana and Almaty, plus seven regions-all this is of of the usual high standard-Iam pleased to see the Beatles statue in Almaty gets mention.
The major faults of the book are a)it is printed on off white paper b)the type point size is 6 which is far too small c)the lines are far to close together and make reading very difficult d) the pictured are too small and of very poor quality.
Finally, the picture on the front cover is suspiciously like a mosque in Uzbeckistan not Kazakhtan.

Virgin Land, 17 Nov 2008
Paul Brummell, the UK's serving Ambassador who wrote this book, states in the introduction that hitherto outsiders' knowledge of Kazakhstan has been conditioned by Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat, a representation of the country and its people that is "fundamentally wrong in every respect". Not only is he dead right, but his guide conclusively proves it at every turn, written as it is in a style that is highly informed and laced with astute observation and gentle humour. Kazakhstan is a country that is hauling itself into the 21st century after 140 years of Tsarist/Soviet domination, hence the contrast between its slickly modern cities and Chekhovian villages, resulting in the requirement for a robust sense of humour when travelling up country. It can also be very moving. The Karaganda region in particular was the site of Stalin's KARLAG Gulag complex to which two million mostly political prisoners were condemned between 1930 and 1959 (including Alexander Solzhenitsyn), and from which many did not emerge. A small on-site museum, staffed by soft-spoken descendants of survivors and funded by the Government, gently but subtly ensures that such horrors will not be forgotten. The author deftly captures all of these contrasting moods. He also succesfully conveys the breathtaking physical beauty of much of this vast and sparsely populated country, with its great rivers and lakes, "Virgin Land" steppe and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. But he is particularly strong in his descriptions of the genuine warmth and hospitality of the people of the 130 or so ethnic nationalities which make up the population. A visit to Kazakhstan is surprising and deeply rewarding. Paul Brummell's Bradt guide is the perfect companion.

An excellent Travel Guide, 13 Jan 2008
The Bradt Travel Guides are always useful. However, the Guide to Uganda (5th Edition) has proved to be very reliable.
Bradt can be relied on to keep there travel guides up-to-date but I also receive the interim e-mail updates and these are well worth reading. Subscription is simple, just send an e-mail to the author (Philip Briggs) or keep an eye on the website.

You won't do better, 01 Apr 2007
If you are interested in visiting Uganda, this is THE guide; up-to-date, accurate and very easy to read. It is more than a guide book in that it can be browsed for pleasure in its own right. I like to think that I know the country reasonably well, but this book is full of fascinating information and each edition that comes out tells you something new.

Invaluable, 01 Dec 2005
The Bradt Guide to Uganda is a mine of useful and interesting information about the country. I used it throughout my recent trip to Uganda. Other guides may include more photographs, but Bradt is the best for detail, accuracy and interest. The publisher also operates a free email update service.

absolutely brilliant, 18 Aug 2004
basically, this is the best travel guide book that I've ever had the pleasure of using.

comprehensive information on where to stay, and to eat, which is ideal for independent travellers.

the advice about driving is invaluable, if you're lucky enough to hire a car, this book tells you everything you need to know about the state of the roads, and the maps are clear enough for you to drive around the country with it alone. Lonely planet in comparison is less than 2/3 the size, with consequently less information

you'll regret it if you take any other guide book

Well done Briggs (again), 07 Nov 2003
Another excellent Bradt guide to Uganda. I live in Uganda, working mostly with the national parks, and can vouch that the travel information is very accurate and very up to date. This book has new stuff for everyone, residents and tourists alike. It is the one I send my visitors up country with. Briggs has found a host of places I never knew existed and his 'grey boxes' scattered throughout the book describe a wide variety of fascinating background info which is new to me. Buy it and come and visit Uganda!

Gave a better insight than the Lonely Planet, 22 Jun 2007
Really great guidebook - the most important & informed guide for Madagascar. Took both this & the Lonely Planet with us during our month's trip to Mad, but felt we got far more out of this amazing, magical country thanks to the Bradt Guide.

Happy reader of Madagascar's wonders!, 11 Jun 2007
I think this book is extremely informative, not only as a useful guide book but it is also very fascinating just to read. I haven't been to Madagascar yet, but I already feel as if I know a lot about it. It has lots of advice from recent travellers, and bits from all kinds of different people, such as wildlife experts, doctors etc, and is very up to date. I would say a must if you are planning a trip to Madagascar.

Captivating!, 09 Jun 2007
There's something magical about this book - it's more than just a travel guide. I've been travelling a lot in many different countries so I've probably used 40 different guide books over the years... I've been to Madagascar twice now, travelling with different editions of this guide, and I would say it is my favourite travel guide of them all.

That's a weird thing to say isn't it? To have a favourite travel guide. I usually think of a guide book as like a phone directory or a dictionary. You just look up the information you need - the phone number for a restaurant maybe - then go on your way again.

This is a normal guidebook in the sense that it lists hotels and restaurants and tour operators, and it has maps, and information about tourist sites. What makes this one different is that when you look up some information, you suddenly find yourself half an hour later and twenty pages ahead completely captivated and engrossed by the fascinating stories, background information, "fact boxes" and cultural context that it is packed with.

Hilary Bradt's passion for Madagascar is absolutely contagious.

Madagascar (Bradt Travel Guides), 02 Jun 2007
I bought this book on the recommendation of the voluntary organization I was going to work for in Madagascar. It was extremely helpful with regard to cultural differences, what life was like there etc, and definitely eased the transition. It was highly informative, and provided information which other guide books did not include-sometimes strange, or funny, but always interesting and full of useful advice. Madagascar is unique in so many ways, and this guide book has captured the soul of this beautiful, friendly island. It is obvious that Hilary Bradt loves Madagascar, and has visited on numerous occasions, always going off the well-worn tourist route to find something interesting and different. Even French tourists, who make up the majority of the tourists in this country found this guide far superior to any French guide book. Other guide books could learn from this authors distinctive approach to travel writing. Don't visit Madagascar without it!

I'd give it 6 stars if I could!, 14 May 2007
I just got back from Madagascar... this guide was awesome... There is so much information on the animals especially, and the places to see them (which is why I went there mainly) but even if you're not interested in lemurs and chameleons this book is packed with info on the history and culture and everything else (Hilary Bradt has a really readable style too - it's not dry like most guide books) plus loads of maps and photos as well.

As Essential as Anti-malarials!, 22 Jul 2008
Almost essential during any trip to Ghana, this guide really makes it easy to locate the wealth of culture and hospitality in Ghana.

Without a guide Ghana can oft times seem at best daunting and at worst dull. This is far from the truth however, the country containing almost all of what Africa has to offer - Rainforests, Christian & Muslim Cultures, Safaris, Beautiful lakes and beaches and even *cough* the corrupting influences of the west are detailed in extraordinary depth within this guide.

As a country not exactly buzzing with tourism not only is the guide essential in uncovering customs and tradition - but also in making sure that three hour ride on a tro-tro (rickety old van) results in a glorious beach or magnificent walk through a rainforest canopy... rather than some floating poo-poo washing up on the shores of a smoggy bustling town (and yes, unfortunately Ghana does have these as much abundance as any other developing country).

As a student volunteer in Ghana I found this book a lifesaver, and I would assume it would be just as suitable for anyone taking on the role of tourist as well (as I travelled extensively as well during my stay).
If you're going to Ghana, purchase this book. If you're thinking of visiting Africa, I wholeheartedly recommend Ghana... so purchase this book!

NOTE: As far as I'm aware however, this is the only Ghanaian travel guide... so it seems a little unsurprising they can laud it as "the best selling"...


Currently the best guide to Namibia, 17 Feb 2008
Having spent a fair amount of time in Namibia we have collected almost every guide book there is and I have to say this is the one we use most. I like the layout more than the others and it is generally more informative and more up to date. A good all round guide book to this amazing country.

Good but has a couple of issues, 02 Feb 2008
This review is based on a day or two looking at this book before our trip.

Most of this book is excellent. The wildlife side is strong, with a chart of the footprints of about 22 creatures, and a wildlife guide giving you information on about 70, including line drawings for about 40 of these. The general information about the country and what tourists need to know seems well-researxhed, as does the information about districts in the main body of the book, which includes many maps and points like recent street-name changes.

The quibbles:

First, the author clearly cares a lot about the Namibian environment, and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes it all gets a bit preachy: on the Rossing uranium mine we get "many will feel only too glad to leave this kind of suspect industrial 'development' behind in Europe". Why Europe should be singled out when there's suspect industrial development on most continents, I'm not quite sure. If you've told us already that it's a large open-cast mine, do we not have the wit to work out whether we want to see it? Likewise some of the suggestions that you should grill your tour operators about how they involve the locals in deciding what happens on your tour. Lovely idea, but how many readers will have been consulted about tourism in their city?

Second, the author runs a tour company called Expert Africa. When discussing tour companies, he declares this interest. But when telling you how their arrangements for car hire are better than anyone else's, Expert Africa are just "a UK-based company", rather than "my UK-based company", and this is followed up with "Their trips are flexible, good value, and well worth considering". I'm a bit disappointed that no editor at Bradt guides picked up on this and amended it appropriately before publication. I don't mind the author saying he thinks his outfit has the best deal - he just has to make clear that it's his outfit when he says so.

Ranger in your pocket!, 07 Sep 2003
If you think that going on safari should consist of more than lazily ticking off a lion, a hippo and a zebra before heading for the barbeque, this is the book for you. It takes you deep into the bush and opens your eyes in the way that a ranger in the field might do, from explaining the breeding habits of turtles to advising what to do if charged by a lion. The writing is infused with enthusiasm, and has a lightness of touc