I'm debating between guidebook brands and between taking 1 larger more general "Southern Africa" guidebook v. 3-4 smaller country-specific books.
I'll be living in South Africa for 3 months and Zambia 1 month, and then spending 1 month traveling through Botswana and Namibia, maybe Mozambique.
Favorite Southern Africa guidebook?
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I just spent a year based in Cape Town, and I went with several guide books. I put a couple in my carry-on, so that all of the weight was not in my suitcase, which I knew would be weighed. Neither BA or SAA weighed my carry-on.
My personal favourites are: for South Africa: Fodor's and Frommer's, and for Botswana, Namibia and Zambia: no contest - the Bradt Guides. You can order the Bradt Guides online, although they are readily available in bookstores here in Canada. Just make certain that you are purchasing the latest edition - I always check the Bradt/Frommer's/Fodor's websites to ensure that a new edition is not about to be released.
I find the Southern Africa books too lacking in detail. CR
Why lug guidebooks around the airports. Pickup the books you need in South Africa. The chain bookstores have good selections like https://www.cna.co.za/Pages/SearchResults.aspx?search=Bradt%20zambia
I do much of my research/reading (and therefore have the books) long before I leave Canada. Also, I like to read the books on the long plane rides on my way to Africa - such great excitement and anticipation! The Bradt Guides are near impossible to find in SA (at least they were when I was there) although, of course, you are still able to order them by mail, as long as you do not mind the wait. So, I lug!
CR
For a stay like yours, I like Footprint South Africa. It covers the whole country, not just the tourist centers, so it's useful when you want to spend a day or weekend close to where you work, or when you don't have time to get to Kruger or Vic Falls or whatever.
Have a wonderful time!
Celia