The Southern Tip of Africa

The Southern tip of Africa is a title with over 260 photographs of the unique and spectacular region stretching along the coastline from Walker Bay/Stanford -- Bredarsdorp -- De Hoop Nature Reserve -- Breede River Mouth and the entire area south of this line down to L'Agulhas and the southern tip of Africa. This title consists of a very accessible narrative about the region and 13 features by academics and specialists in the field. Some of the features include information about Sharks, Whales, Dyer Island, Fynbos and much more. The Southern tip of Africa focuses on the following elements that bear on conservation and tourism - Pristine condition of renosterveld, a vegetation type that has practically disappeared from this country; plant diversity - 2500 species, 300 of them occurring naturally nowhere else in the world (one of the highest figures of endemism worldwide); 32 threatened with extinction; 64 species of proteas; Agulhas National Park and surrounding farms, many of which are participating in conservation and eco tourism.
Private nature reserves offering basic and luxury accommodation; tourist infrastructure at Salmon's Dam, De Mond and De Hoop, in the form of rest camps, information centre, self-guided auto trails, guided walks. Whale Trail along the De Hoop coast; micro-world of Dyer Island; successful introduction of bontebok and Cape mountain zebra; ancient human presence evident near Gaansbaai; traditional life styles that continue among fisherfolk, the religious community at Elim; life-sustaining trade in proteas; history of the coast and of survival in this region; combined efforts of all parties involved in promoting and preserving the area (unusual in view of the fierce competition that exists among conservation bodies). This title will promote tourism in the area as well as awareness of nature and the importance of preserving it while using it, whether for pleasure or as a means of livelihood.