If you have been to
Botswana, intend going, or just wish to find out more about its alluring salt
sea, Makgadikgadi Pans is a must for you. (Review by Keith Millar)
Published in paperback by
Struik Travel & Heritage (Random House Struik), Makgadikgadi Pans: A Traveller’s Guide To The Salt Flats Of Botswana
is written by Grahame McLeod.
Those who have been fortunate enough to visit this
captivating part of the world will, I am sure, concur that it is an area of
almost mystical qualities. To quote from the book “It is a timeless place of
peace, solitude and intense silence. In this vast expanse of salt, savanna and
big open sky, you can truly gain another perspective on life."
I am also quite sure that many amongst those who
enjoy travelling to places that are bit different and a bit off the beaten
track - and have not yet had the opportunity to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans -
will have this location firmly on their bucket lists.
Well, this splendid book will serve both categories
of traveller very well indeed.
Those who have had the pleasure of visiting the
Pans will revel in the well-written text and the plethora of superb photographs
in the book which will, I am sure, evoke many fond memories - and probably
ignite thoughts of a return trip.
Those who are yet to go will find it an invaluable
aid, not only in planning their trip, but also while on the road.
Author Grahame McLeod has spent many years in
Botswana as a geologist, educator, travel writer, author and editor. He has
written a number of textbooks and resources on geography, agriculture and the
environment.
He has travelled the Makgadikgadi Pans and their
surrounds extensively and researched all aspects of the area thoroughly to
produce a superb book which is jam-packed with facts and information.
The Makgadikgadi Pans, which were once a vast
inland sea, are tucked away between the perennial waterways of the
Okavango Delta and the arid Kalahari to the south. Some 12,000 square
kilometres in extent, these salt flats, consisting of two large salt pans, Sowa
and Ntwetwe, and a myriad smaller ones are one of the largest in the world.
McLeod writes about the varied landscapes, the geology,
wildlife, vegetation, climate and local economy of the pans, as well as bringing
to life the key destinations such as Nata Bird Sanctuary, Lekhubu Island, the
Boteti River, Mosu Escarpment and the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park.
He also includes advice on where to stay, information on activities and events
which take place in the area as well as travel details and contact information.
McLeod’s writes with reverence and passion, none
more so than in his Preface where he describes a visit the spiritual Lekhubu
Island, which has to be the number one attraction in the area. The book is
illustrated with detailed a maps and over 200 excellent photographs. It is a
fully glossy publication and would serve perfectly as a coffee table book
although intended as a travel guide.
If you have been to Botswana, intend going, or just
wish to find out more about its alluring salt sea, Makgadikgadi Pans is
a must for you.
Makgadikgadi Pans is published by
Struik Travel and Heritage. ISBN Number 978177584557. The recommended retail
price is R230.00. – Keith Millar
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