The Plains of Camdeboo

The Plains of Camdeboo by Eve Palmer is a lyrical and deeply evocative portrait of the Camdeboo region in South Africa, published in 1966 by Collins. Palmer, a celebrated South African naturalist and writer, takes the reader on a journey across this semi-arid landscape from its rocky escarpments and thornveld to the deep-blue skies and pale grasses that define the area. Her writing combines intimate observation of flora and fauna with reflections on land, history and human habitation, creating a compelling portrait of place.

In this volume, Palmer draws on her decades of experience as a gardener and naturalist to describe the plants, animals and seasonal rhythms of Camdeboo. She writes about the fynbos shrubs, succulent species, bird life and grazing animals while exploring how settlers and frequent droughts have shaped the region. Her prose is infused with gentle affection, but she does not shy away from environmental concerns: she notes erosion, invasive species and the delicate balance of life in a fragile ecosystem.

The Plains of Camdeboo is a beautiful choice for environmentalists, conservationists, nature-lovers and readers of South African landscape literature. Its richly descriptive style and ecological insight make it both a meditation on the beauty of the veld and a subtle call to respect and protect this extraordinary terrain. Palmer's combination of heartfelt storytelling and scientific precision ensures that her work remains a treasured record of Camdeboo's unique character.