Mike Unwin's experience of southern Africa began in 1988, when he arrived as a teacher in Zimbabwe and spent much of the next two years chasing wildlife around the bush. He quickly fell in love with the region - its people and its wildlife - and, over five more years based in Eswatini, he was able to explore all its key conservation areas. Hands-on wildlife experience ranged from safari adventures, such as wild camping in the Kalahari and canoeing the Zambezi, to volunteer work for the Southern African Frog Atlas Project and setting up the Swaziland Bird Club. Since returning to his native UK and becoming a freelance writer, Mike has returned regularly to southern Africa on assignment, revisiting old haunts and discovering new ones. Today his body of work reflects his knowledge, experience and passion. Author of more than 35 books on wildlife for both adults and children, and regular contributor to numerous publications - from national newspapers such as the Telegraph to specialist magazines such as Travel Africa - Mike's numerous awards include UK Travel Writer of the Year (British Guild of Travel Writers, 2013) and Bradt/BBC Wildlife Nature Writer of the Year (2000). He is also an accomplished photographer, illustrator and public speaker, and an enthusiastic imitator of unusual animal noises.