River of Gold tells the extraordinary story of South Africa’s iconic Limpopo River, famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘great, grey, green, greasy Limpopo all set about with fever trees.’ This is the first comprehensive account of the river’s rich history — from ancient civilisations and wildlife to 19th-century hunting, trade, and the origins of modern Johannesburg, the world’s richest gold deposit site.
Spanning over 1,750 km and flowing through four Southern African countries before entering the Indian Ocean near Mozambique, the Limpopo River has inspired explorers, artists, and conservationists for centuries. Unlike earlier fragmented journeys by Carl Birkby (1939) and Walter Battiss (1965), this book offers a full, multi-year exploration of the river, with vivid photography, sketches, maps, and an insightful afterword by Dr John Ledger.
Published by Jacana Media, River of Gold features over 200 full-colour images that capture the river’s unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant local cultures. The book also highlights critical environmental issues such as water resource management, pollution, and climate change, emphasising the urgent need to protect Southern Africa’s rivers and wetlands.
Perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone passionate about African geography and conservation, this volume uncovers the hidden secrets of one of the continent’s most important rivers.
