Tom Cerny

Beginnig in September i'll be on a one year RTW-Trip, on which i'll
be spending two months in Africa.(probably nov.,dec. or jul.,aug.)
The thing is that I don't know yet where I could go besides
South-Africa, which I'd drop for anything else less touristed and
westernized in central Africa.

But there's the problem that most people tell me that there's no other
country to visit cause of war or other dangers. Or if visited I'd have
to stay inside a fenced, protected hotel, with the locals creeping
about on the otherside killing anyone leaving the "secure zone".
Now I don't really believe that there are no other places besides
South Africa to go, but I don't know about any other regions or the
diffrences between them.

I'd be happy for any general advice about where I could go to
encounter a halfway native african country without putting myself in
too much danger.

Thx,
Tom

James T. Kirk

"Tom Cerny" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Beginnig in September i'll be on a one year RTW-Trip, on which i'll
    > be spending two months in Africa.(probably nov.,dec. or jul.,aug.)
    > The thing is that I don't know yet where I could go besides
    > South-Africa, which I'd drop for anything else less touristed and
    > westernized in central Africa.
    > But there's the problem that most people tell me that there's no other
    > country to visit cause of war or other dangers. Or if visited I'd have
    > to stay inside a fenced, protected hotel, with the locals creeping
    > about on the otherside killing anyone leaving the "secure zone".
    > Now I don't really believe that there are no other places besides
    > South Africa to go, but I don't know about any other regions or the
    > diffrences between them.
    > I'd be happy for any general advice about where I could go to
    > encounter a halfway native african country without putting myself in
    > too much danger.
    > Thx,
    > Tom
Boy I do not know who you have been talking too, or what you have been
reading . But with that attitude I would say: save yourself some money and
buy some National Geographic VHS tapes. You will be much happier.
Sure there are some countries to avoid but most are fairly safe provided
you don't visit slummy areas and don't display items that you might be a
temptation for a grab and run thief.
As far as the current tensions in the world, You know who to blame for,
I would be pissed off if my city got bombed or my homestead got razed by
bulldozers Or I grew up under the yoke of a 25 year occupation by others.
Every act of war just breeds a new generation of people willing to kill for
a cause.
Karl


Karl

A.Spencer3

Tom Cerny wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Beginnig in September i'll be on a one year RTW-Trip, on which i'll
    > be spending two months in Africa.(probably nov.,dec. or jul.,aug.)
    > The thing is that I don't know yet where I could go besides
    > South-Africa, which I'd drop for anything else less touristed and
    > westernized in central Africa.
    > But there's the problem that most people tell me that there's no other
    > country to visit cause of war or other dangers. Or if visited I'd have
    > to stay inside a fenced, protected hotel, with the locals creeping
    > about on the otherside killing anyone leaving the "secure zone".
    > Now I don't really believe that there are no other places besides
    > South Africa to go, but I don't know about any other regions or the
    > diffrences between them.
    > I'd be happy for any general advice about where I could go to
    > encounter a halfway native african country without putting myself in
    > too much danger.
If you're that tentative, maybe you shouldn't go? Exposure to completely
'alien' ways of life and much reduced standards of personal security has to
be an accepted part of the scene.
However, assuming you mean sub-Sahara Africa, Botswana would probably be
your easiest and most pleasant intro, maybe Malawi or Namibia. Swazi &
Lesotho should also be fine. All but Malawi are easily reached from your
'safe' haven of South Africa - which also isn't necessarily that safe in
your terms!

Surreyman

Hans-Georg Michna

Tom,

consider east Africa, which is famous for its open savannah
landscapes and its wonderful wildlife.

Kenya and Tanzania are possible destinations.

Hans-Georg

--
No mail, please.

Tom Cerny

"a.spencer3" wrote in message news:...
    > Tom Cerny wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]...
    > > Beginnig in September i'll be on a one year RTW-Trip, on which i'll
    > > be spending two months in Africa.(probably nov.,dec. or jul.,aug.)
    > > The thing is that I don't know yet where I could go besides
    > > South-Africa, which I'd drop for anything else less touristed and
    > > westernized in central Africa.
    > >
    > > But there's the problem that most people tell me that there's no other
    > > country to visit cause of war or other dangers. Or if visited I'd have
    > > to stay inside a fenced, protected hotel, with the locals creeping
    > > about on the otherside killing anyone leaving the "secure zone".
    > > Now I don't really believe that there are no other places besides
    > > South Africa to go, but I don't know about any other regions or the
    > > diffrences between them.
    > >
    > > I'd be happy for any general advice about where I could go to
    > > encounter a halfway native african country without putting myself in
    > > too much danger.
    > >
    > If you're that tentative, maybe you shouldn't go? Exposure to completely
    > 'alien' ways of life and much reduced standards of personal security has to
    > be an accepted part of the scene.
    > However, assuming you mean sub-Sahara Africa, Botswana would probably be
    > your easiest and most pleasant intro, maybe Malawi or Namibia. Swazi &
    > Lesotho should also be fine. All but Malawi are easily reached from your
    > 'safe' haven of South Africa - which also isn't necessarily that safe in
    > your terms!
    >
    > Surreyman


I think I didn't make my point clear in the first posting.
What I mean is that I have no problem in facing "alien" ways of
life(I'm looking for just that!) or reduced
standards of security, but the thing is that I don't have a clue about
Africa.
The things I wrote in the first posting were told to me mainly by a
travelagent
and I thought I made clear that I don't believe in this "all africa
will kill you, only South-africa is safe" bullshit; the only problem
is that I don't know where i could go with caution and respect and
where it would be absolutely stupid to go. So I would just like a few
countrys that I could start researching on so i don't have to divide
all of Africa in "possible/impossible" to travel to.
And I don't just mean sub-sahara Africa.
I hope I'm not misunderstood this time. I'm not afraid of reducing my
standards or having to be more careful, I just want to know that the
countrys i'm planning to go to are more or less travelable.

Thanks anyway for the responses and the POV's I share; hoping for
more,
Tom

A.Spencer3

Tom Cerny wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > "a.spencer3" wrote in message
news:...
    > > Tom Cerny wrote in message
    > > news:[email protected]...
    > > > Beginnig in September i'll be on a one year RTW-Trip, on which i'll
    > > > be spending two months in Africa.(probably nov.,dec. or jul.,aug.)
    > > > The thing is that I don't know yet where I could go besides
    > > > South-Africa, which I'd drop for anything else less touristed and
    > > > westernized in central Africa.
    > > >
    > > > But there's the problem that most people tell me that there's no other
    > > > country to visit cause of war or other dangers. Or if visited I'd have
    > > > to stay inside a fenced, protected hotel, with the locals creeping
    > > > about on the otherside killing anyone leaving the "secure zone".
    > > > Now I don't really believe that there are no other places besides
    > > > South Africa to go, but I don't know about any other regions or the
    > > > diffrences between them.
    > > >
    > > > I'd be happy for any general advice about where I could go to
    > > > encounter a halfway native african country without putting myself in
    > > > too much danger.
    > > >
    > > If you're that tentative, maybe you shouldn't go? Exposure to completely
    > > 'alien' ways of life and much reduced standards of personal security has
to
    > > be an accepted part of the scene.
    > > However, assuming you mean sub-Sahara Africa, Botswana would probably be
    > > your easiest and most pleasant intro, maybe Malawi or Namibia. Swazi &
    > > Lesotho should also be fine. All but Malawi are easily reached from your
    > > 'safe' haven of South Africa - which also isn't necessarily that safe in
    > > your terms!
    > >
    > > Surreyman
    > I think I didn't make my point clear in the first posting.
    > What I mean is that I have no problem in facing "alien" ways of
    > life(I'm looking for just that!) or reduced
    > standards of security, but the thing is that I don't have a clue about
    > Africa.
    > The things I wrote in the first posting were told to me mainly by a
    > travelagent
    > and I thought I made clear that I don't believe in this "all africa
    > will kill you, only South-africa is safe" bullshit; the only problem
    > is that I don't know where i could go with caution and respect and
    > where it would be absolutely stupid to go. So I would just like a few
    > countrys that I could start researching on so i don't have to divide
    > all of Africa in "possible/impossible" to travel to.
    > And I don't just mean sub-sahara Africa.
    > I hope I'm not misunderstood this time. I'm not afraid of reducing my
    > standards or having to be more careful, I just want to know that the
    > countrys i'm planning to go to are more or less travelable.
    > Thanks anyway for the responses and the POV's I share; hoping for
    > more,
    > Tom

Fair enough, and I think my original list still stands.
We greatly enjoy North Africa, especially Morocco & Egypt, although Tunisia
is probably the 'easiest' intro.
Currently, though, maybe not sensible. We've been to both since 11/9, but
will be holding off this year.

Surreyman

Hh

Since you appear to be starting from scratch in exploring destinations in
Africa, you could do no better than to read this newsgroup every day, and
then follow the threads on any topic and country that you find intriguing.
Then post specific questions in those threads. Gradually you'll begin to
narrow your choices. I heartily agree with one respondent's recommendation
for East Africa. I particularly recommend Tanzania, a hauntingly beautiful
country that grabs you and won't let go. See my article at
http://softadventure.net/tanzania_wildlife_safari.htm.

Harlan
----
Soft Adventure tours, the way to go, at http://softadventure.net/tours.htm
Australia and New Zealand, November 2003,
http://softadventure.net/OZ-NZ2003.htm


"Tom Cerny" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    | Beginnig in September i'll be on a one year RTW-Trip, on which i'll
    | be spending two months in Africa.(probably nov.,dec. or jul.,aug.)
    | The thing is that I don't know yet where I could go besides
    | South-Africa, which I'd drop for anything else less touristed and
    | westernized in central Africa.
    |
    | But there's the problem that most people tell me that there's no other
    | country to visit cause of war or other dangers. Or if visited I'd have
    | to stay inside a fenced, protected hotel, with the locals creeping
    | about on the otherside killing anyone leaving the "secure zone".
    | Now I don't really believe that there are no other places besides
    | South Africa to go, but I don't know about any other regions or the
    | diffrences between them.
    |
    | I'd be happy for any general advice about where I could go to
    | encounter a halfway native african country without putting myself in
    | too much danger.
    |
    | Thx,
    | Tom

William Kensit

Ditto for www.lonelyplanet.com

HH wrote:

    > Since you appear to be starting from scratch in exploring destinations in
    > Africa, you could do no better than to read this newsgroup every day, and
    > then follow the threads on any topic and country that you find intriguing.
    > Then post specific questions in those threads. Gradually you'll begin to
    > narrow your choices. I heartily agree with one respondent's recommendation
    > for East Africa. I particularly recommend Tanzania, a hauntingly beautiful
    > country that grabs you and won't let go. See my article at
    > http://softadventure.net/tanzania_wildlife_safari.htm.
    > Harlan
    > ----
    > Soft Adventure tours, the way to go, at http://softadventure.net/tours.htm
    > Australia and New Zealand, November 2003,
    > http://softadventure.net/OZ-NZ2003.htm
    > "Tom Cerny" wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]...
    > | Beginnig in September i'll be on a one year RTW-Trip, on which i'll
    > | be spending two months in Africa.(probably nov.,dec. or jul.,aug.)
    > | The thing is that I don't know yet where I could go besides
    > | South-Africa, which I'd drop for anything else less touristed and
    > | westernized in central Africa.
    > |
    > | But there's the problem that most people tell me that there's no other
    > | country to visit cause of war or other dangers. Or if visited I'd have
    > | to stay inside a fenced, protected hotel, with the locals creeping
    > | about on the otherside killing anyone leaving the "secure zone".
    > | Now I don't really believe that there are no other places besides
    > | South Africa to go, but I don't know about any other regions or the
    > | diffrences between them.
    > |
    > | I'd be happy for any general advice about where I could go to
    > | encounter a halfway native african country without putting myself in
    > | too much danger.
    > |
    > | Thx,
    > | Tom

Morten Minke

Hi Tom,

My girlfriend and I have done an overland trip from Morocco to
South-Africa and we can tell you that most countries are quite safe to
cross. Our experience is to try to get in contact with some travellers
just before you go to Africa. This gives you the most up to date info.

Because of it's size, you can not talk about Africa like it is all the
same. In West-Africa most countries were french colonies and therefor
french is the second language (I regard the local language as the first
language). In east-africa, a lot of countries have english influences.

I think culture and tribes are more visible in West-Africa (Mali,
Niger), if you like wild-life, then your bet is to go to east-africa
(South-Africa, Tanzania, Kenia ). For diving, Mozambique is a very good
pick. If you want to see friendly people, go to Sudan, ask other
travellers who have been there: Sudanese people are the most friendly
people of Africa.

Unfortunately our traveldiary is in dutch, but we have links to others
travelstories which may give you an impression of the experiences of
other people.

Out website is www.africarevealed.com.
Under travelstories you will see the 'Other travelstories' section.

Bye,


Morten Minke

Tom Cerny wrote:
    > Beginnig in September i'll be on a one year RTW-Trip, on which i'll
    > be spending two months in Africa.(probably nov.,dec. or jul.,aug.)
    > The thing is that I don't know yet where I could go besides
    > South-Africa, which I'd drop for anything else less touristed and
    > westernized in central Africa.
    >
    > But there's the problem that most people tell me that there's no other
    > country to visit cause of war or other dangers. Or if visited I'd have
    > to stay inside a fenced, protected hotel, with the locals creeping
    > about on the otherside killing anyone leaving the "secure zone".
    > Now I don't really believe that there are no other places besides
    > South Africa to go, but I don't know about any other regions or the
    > diffrences between them.
    >
    > I'd be happy for any general advice about where I could go to
    > encounter a halfway native african country without putting myself in
    > too much danger.
    >
    > Thx,
    > Tom

Gary Balfour

Tom,

There are risks everywhere. I have lived in East Africa going on 14
years and never once felt at risk. Odd that you mention South Africa
as being the safe haven that you might consider. Crime wise, it is as
risky as it gets in some places.

Africa is a large place with a very wide diversity of cultures. In
Tanzania alone there are 130 tribes. Though their experiment in
socialism helped them be more cooperative with each other, their
tribal differences make them very unique, each with wonderful bits of
culture to learn from and share.

You need to study a bit more about Africa before considering a trip
here. Set out your goals, expectations and budget and look for
professional advice on where to consider. Then education your friends
that have misled you when you come back.

Gary

Test your knowledge or send free e-cards - www.safari.cc
    > Tom Cerny wrote:
    > > Beginnig in September i'll be on a one year RTW-Trip, on which i'll
    > > be spending two months in Africa.(probably nov.,dec. or jul.,aug.)
    > > The thing is that I don't know yet where I could go besides
    > > South-Africa, which I'd drop for anything else less touristed and
    > > westernized in central Africa.
    > >
    > > But there's the problem that most people tell me that there's no other
    > > country to visit cause of war or other dangers. Or if visited I'd have
    > > to stay inside a fenced, protected hotel, with the locals creeping
    > > about on the otherside killing anyone leaving the "secure zone".
    > > Now I don't really believe that there are no other places besides
    > > South Africa to go, but I don't know about any other regions or the
    > > diffrences between them.
    > >
    > > I'd be happy for any general advice about where I could go to
    > > encounter a halfway native african country without putting myself in
    > > too much danger.
    > >
    > > Thx,
    > > Tom