Every person as every birder has a different preference, I started off with a Pocket guide to birds of Southern Africa , graduated to the Sasol Birds of Southern Africa and I am currently using the Roberts bird guide for Southern Africa. As your skill level and interest improves you will have different needs and want more information, these days using the different available birding Apps is also a great way to always have all your birds in your pocket and on your phone without a cumbersome book in your bag.