Mike Unwin

I’m an award-winning writer who specialises in travel and the natural world, with a particular focus on Africa. As an author, I’ve published 40 books for both adults and children include the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife (Bradt) and Around the World in 80 Birds (Laurence King), and I’ve recently co-authored African Ark (Wits University Press) with leading African zoologist Ara Monadjem. As a journalist, I regularly write for numerous leading publications, including The Telegraph, The Times, The Guardian, BBC Wildlife andTravel Africa.

During eight years working in Africa, I founded and led the Swaziland (now Eswatini) Bird Club, volunteered for the Luangwa Conservation Society, Zambia, was a recorder for the South African Frog Atlas project, and gained extensive field experience of key conservation areas across the continent. My work has since seen me travel widely around the globe in search of wildlife, but I continue to return to Africa whenever the opportunity arises.

Awards for my writing include ‘UK Travel Writer of the Year’ (British Guild of Travel Writers, 2013) and ‘UK Nature Writer of the Year’ (BBC Wildlife, 2000). I’m also an experienced photographer, illustrator, and public speaker.