How do you assess risk?

Katie,

This is always a good question as people have such different risk toleration levels. I've done things by myself and with others that most of my friends and family thought I was outta my freakin' mind to do. And I always loved every minute of it. What it always comes down to for me is this: Am I more at risk of getting hit by a car here in the states than getting kidnapped by terrorists, blown up by a suicide bomber, etc? The answer is always "yes!" So I go off and do my thing, all the while being sensible on the ground, and revel in the lack of tourists. E.g. I was in Petra just before the US invaded Iraq and the place was virtually empty. And I would not cancel a safari to Kenya if I had one booked at the moment either.

Happy travels!
-doo

As I've mentioned before, if the metal won't be flying past my ears or bombs aren't dropping from the sky - "I'm going!" Oh, and I also believe in "eating dessert first."

Right now one of the official UK government agencies is claiming Kenya is a "no go" while some areas in Iraq and Afghanistan are "fine." Considering the fact that those in the supposed safe Green Zone in Baghdad are possible targets for attacked (and have been in the past)... I don't think either of these would fall into my credo above.

Yes, my family thinks I'm a bit off, but if not now, when?

It's all about knowledge. Most fears are based on ignorance and prejudices. I always try to explain and clarify things, often not successfully, but I made progress over the years.

Topping for the night crew...

Thanks for posting your thoughts--- I find I take on new risks with each trip. It is all relative...

For your repeat visitors to Africa: do you find that you are comfortable taking bigger risks on the return because you know what to expect? Or does the opposite happen?

Because I've been to sub-Saharan Africa eight times, I'm more likely to go when there is unrest. I went to Zimbabwe just after the 2000 elections, when there was violence in the country and had no problems. I went to Egypt a few months after "9/11". I was welcomed by the locals in both cases.

Of course, I would be prudent about when and where I go, especially if I'm taking friends. That said, I would still go to Kenya right now. I wouldn't go into Kibera, as I did in June, but there are many other areas of the country that are safe.

I agree with Nyama on the knowledge thing. That alleviates some fears and puts them in perspective.

Having an understanding of statistics also helps in comprehending the odds in general and in getting a grip on randomness, especially randomness of bad things.

Then I take a page from the Boy Scouts, even though I was a Brownie dropout: Be prepared. Preparation only goes so far, but I take Cipro, pain pills, have evacuation insurance, travel with reputable agents, take extra bottles of sunscreen, etc. That reduces risks of the things most likely to go wrong, even if it is things like terrorism or civil unrest that we fear most.

In a sticky situation, I try to avoid taking into consideration monetary losses and just do the right thing. For example I refused to fly on a plane that was way overloaded, due to bribing the pilot. (Not in Africa) It turned out fine and I did not suffer any losses of money or limb.

I know my limitations and am not embarrassed to be restricted by them. For example I will not drive by myself on the opposite side of the road I am accustomed to.


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Katie, as far as traveling alone in Africa...on a typical safari-type itinerary, I feel that is less risky than traveling around the US or other places alone. That's because most itineraries would have you being escorted here and there from the moment you arrive. When not on a safari activity with a professional, you are confined to a small area that you cannot leave.

You decide if you want time alone in a city or two to venture out on your own. I usually don't do much of that, further reducing any small risk that might be present in the big city.

Just saw some of the other questions.

For you repeat visitors to Africa: do you find that you are comfortable taking bigger risks on the return because you know what to expect? Or does the opposite happen?

Repeat trips makes me more comfortable with and knowledgable about the surroundings so what I may have perceived as risky, I no longer perceive as risky. Repetition does not alter my basic risk tolerance, it just increases my understanding.

...eager to embrace the risks associated with adventure travel?

I don't see my trips to Africa as "adventure travel." I view them as nature trips to view wildlife and experience culture with the goal that the excitement and adventure is provided by what I am observing. I prefer a passive role and even consider walking, hiking and canoeing fairly passive activites (though enjoyable). Although I'll use the term adventure for my own trips and for other people's I think "discovery travel" is more appropriate for what I am seeking.

Are you considered the lone risk-taker ... Or does "boldly traveling where..." just come naturally due to how you were raised?

I am perceived as a lone risk taker. I am even asked why I don't have my own TV show! But that's all based on the perception and experience (or lack thereof) of others. I feel I take less risks traveling to Africa and the like than the people calling me a risk taker who may not wear their seatbelt, are on the freeway constantly at all hours day and night, are obese, drink too much alcohol, or don't have regular medical checkups.

All travel these days is an "adventure!" I've never considered my visits to Africa any more adventurous than other destinations. Often big cities in western countries can be more intimidating than Africa.

With few exceptions (not having my malaria meds), I approach trips to Africa with the same precautions, as travel anywhere... but the Cipro is always in my bag!

Travel is about attitude.

Katie, I'm with Lynn, Africa is a whole lot easier for solo travelers, especially women, for all the reasons she mentions.

I'm sure many would be surprised to hear that---but it makes sense based on your explanation.

Who else has traveled to Africa solo? I'm sure there's many people out there that have "seeing Africa" on their list of must-do's---and wondering if they'd ever go there alone.

Personally, the only major challenge for me would be actually getting there---the flying is what makes me nervous.

Travelling, getting there, being in a strange country, not knowing what to expect, is daunting, exhausting, and worrysome enough.

If there is any added danger or hardship - well, we'll go there some other time.

Hi Katie_H
Have you travelled to Africa?

No--- but I almost feel like it's a given that I will one day. I generally have traveled mostly in the Europe (and the U.S.)-- and mostly cities. I'm a photo enthusiast so I like checking out the photos posted in the Africa board since there is a large cluster photographers here. I also like to read those threads where the poster has never been to Africa and has no idea where to begin in starting to pick a destination or a safari there. It's fun following the trip planning from the start--I too don't have a specific idea of where I would want to go for my first trip but do enjoy reading the posts here for ideas. Of all the trips people take, it just seems to me that planning safaris are among the most daunting---partly due to the number of details that must be considered.

Fair enough, I fully understand where you are coming from. But, why don't you get Fodors to sponsor you on a trip and IMO that will make you far more qualified to be in the position you are in. What do you think?

<planning safaris are among the most daunting--->

"Bewildering" is more apt.

That is why we went to an African travel specialist who did the 'heavy lifting' for hotels, safari camps, and connections. We did our own international flights.

In fact, I have a proposal. Why don't we all chip in and send you to Africa?
That would be a nice jesture.
I'll chip in, any others?

Ah...what a great idea! =) How generous!

I should clarify that I'm not a traditional editor here; my job is to manage the forums, communicate with members and general site users, communicate with the editors about trends here, and more generally "think big" about improvements/upgrades that members would welcome here.

Jed---thanks for posting your experience. Did you have trouble figuring out which specialist to use?

I know that, hence the offer. You will come back from Africa with an emmense amount of knowledge. Come on do it.

what do you want. 5 days at Mala Mala or 5 days in the Okavango. I will do my best to get everyone on this forum to sponsor you and I do beleive we can acheive that.
Come on guys, what do you think. Lets give the editor an experience.

< Did you have trouble figuring out which specialist to use?>

Friends of ours had used Premier Tours http://premiertours.com/ in Philly a year before and were very satisfied. And so were we.

I would leave for Kenya tonight if anyone would chip in to send me. But of course I would find out the places that should be avoided.

Katie - It would be a business expense!!! Tax write off!!!! Fodor's should send all of their editors to the forum countries they work with!!!!! Get creative!!!!

regards - tom

My personal response to assessing risk -

When it's your time, and God calls you, he doesn't care where you are.

Carpe diem.

Maybe God doesn't like stupid, idiotic people so He removes them from the gene pool sooner?

regards - tom

Katie H asked, “Who else has traveled to Africa solo?”

I stayed on alone in Tanzania after two weeks with friends for an additional week and private safari in the Serengeti. Then I went on my own to Rwanda to see the gorillas, the golden monkeys, and the people!

I would do it again and I would go to Kenya at this time as well, with caution as others have stated.

Den

Denbasking--- were there any other guests on the private safari at all? When you were traveling alone, like in Rwanda, do you strike up friendships with others or is it more of a solitary experience?

Katie,

Travelling on safari solo is very easy and you never feel alone. Meet lots of great people, make friends etc etc.,

You can also choose where you want to sit at dinner.

Hari

I am late jumping into this thread, but to respond to your original question Katie, about assessing risk, it is pretty simple. I do research to see what the real level of risk is, and then I identify a long-term, well-regarded land operator in the area. I then assume that such an operator would not endanger its reputation by taking tourists into real danger, so I plan my trip with an operator like that. When I follow those steps, I feel very comfortable with my travel plans.

We would tend to avoid any destination where there is an active conflict going on or recent history of tourists being targeted by criminals or kidnappers. So, for example, we won't be going to Colombia anytime soon, nor the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. But we traveled to Rwanda and Uganda last year with no worries, as well as to north-central Ethiopia during the time the Ethiopians were fighting in Somalia. The key is just staying current with the situation and working with a responsible tour operator.

Regarding the question about meeting people on safari, we have had varied experiences. In some instances we have really enjoyed the company of the people we met. In other instances, we have encountered people who don't take the safari experience as seriously as we do, and seem to be motivated to do it simply because it is a way to show off how much money they can spend. We have had experiences where the dinner table conversation becomes a "boasting contest" in which people talk about all of the high-priced camps they have stayed in, while all we want to talk about are game-viewing experiences. It's like anything else, you will run into all kinds of people, but our Africa travel agent now knows to try to keep us away from lodges that cater to travelers with that sort of mentality.

Chris

hris.
Extremely well said. Of course you get the folks from all different perspectives of life. Thats what its all about, to choose where one really fits in.
Now, back to the serious question. Who is prepared to sponsor Katie_H

Chris.. thanks for sharing (and safarichat for your persistence)..

Chris...your final paragraph made me chuckle as it has turned this thread a bit on its head: one of the "risks" of travel is that you can't say for sure who else will be traveling with you! That's definitely one plus to working closely with an agent that knows the sort of vibe/atmosphere you're after (as well as the real risks you're willing and not willing to take).

My experience on solo safari has been what Chris said.

regards - tom

Right, Katie, it is a risk, because having to spend time with people who have different priorities can really put a damper on your trip. We have never had a trip significantly impaired by issues like that, fortunately.

But my wife and I are both heavy photographers who take a lot of pictures. This means we have to take our time and we are interested in things like light quality and other things that non-photographers wouldn't care about. It also means we need to move around the vehicle swinging big lenses to and fro. It is for this reason that our next Africa trip (June-July 2009) will predominantly be a private one where we have our own vehicle.

Our Africa travel agent is really great about knowing our preferences and designing an itinerary that suits our priorities -- which is why we have used her for both our prior trips and the one coming up in 2009.

To get back to the original kinds of "risks" that started this thread off, the bottom line for me is that those risks are almost always more imaginary than real, and result from many Americans' attitude that traveling to any developing country must be dangerous. The truth is quite the opposite, of course, and each country must be judged by itself rather than on the basis of uninformed assumptions. Our friends and relatives think we are crazy for going to places like Rwanda or Ethiopia, but to be fair, I think they are crazy for not considering those as places to be visited and explored. In the end, I think it is more about having an open mind and being open to new experiences than any risk that harm will befall you when you go to any of the popular African tourist destinations.

Chris

Hi Katie,
I travel solo on safari. As Hari mentioned, it's an easy trip to do solo. I take the standard precautions Chris mentioned: do my homework, book through a reputable agent, and stay at reputable camps.

With respect to assessing risk regarding travel in general, I'm probably more likely to get mugged while traveling for business, walking to my rental car late one night after dinner in a strange city. That's when I take more serious precautions. During the everyday life events that we take for granted, and when most people let their guards down. And Lynn is absolutely correct. On safari you are not only accompanied by a guide practically everywhere you go, but in most camps you are even escorted to your tent.

Yes, my family sometimes think's I'm nuts for traveling by myself to what they consider such off-the-beaten-track places, but that is because they have never done it. If they did, they would realize how liberating (and how safe) it can actually be.

Regarding more risk for repeat visitors on subsequent trips, I'm not sure. I do know when planning my first safari I had some trepidation about sleeping in a tent at a camp that wasn't enclosed by fences. I also remember being concerned about my first walk in the bush. By the end of the first week of that first safari I didn't have any safety concerns at all. I don't think I take any bigger risks now, but I am open to other ideas, such as a mobile safari, which I personally would probably not have done on my first trip.

And to answer your question about "boldly traveling where...", not only does it come naturally for me, but it is actually a large part of what defines me. I think alot of people on this forum would probably feel the same way. If I didn't have to work for a living and had an endless amount of resources (both time and money) I'd be traveling all the time. And of course I'd be traveling solo.

Chris,

Regardless of what travel agent you book through, you are always bound to meet one or two people on safari that you don't connect with ..... regardless of what lodges or camps you go to!

My strategy is - generally safe to sit at dinner with guides and fellow safari travellers that you connect with!!!

Lynn,

If you get to read this ..... love your different analogy comparisons RE lone risk taker subject.

When I can't sleep at night! Been up since 4am wondering if we're being really stupid to go to Kenya in a week when trouble can erupt anywhere at anytime. Just read that the Massai's have attacked and killed a Kikuyu near the Masa Marai. This has become a license to rob/loot/kill under the pretext of opposition. Also, seems crazy to have to carry so much cash for tips on your body...locals have to know tourists are a goldmine.

Katie these are really good overlapping topics and questions as I read them all from the top and that are woven throughout the post. While all information gathered here needs to be just part of ones research in making their travel decisions. At this particular moment I am thinking it is a serious thing to slap up a post and say it is safe to travel solo etc. I am feeling compelled to back that sass up and qualify my earlier post and answer more of your questions than I did the first round!

Here are some of your tags: How do you personally assess risk when it comes to travel? Are those that are close to you as eager to embrace the risks associated with adventure travel? Are you considered the lone risk-taker in your family or group of friends? Or does "boldly traveling where..." just come naturally due to how you were raised? For instance, while I would consider doing a solo safari, I'm fairly certain my entire family would balk at the idea--and would try to talk me out of it. I imagine to a large extent your life experiences pave the way. For your repeat visitors to Africa: do you find that you are comfortable taking bigger risks on the return because you know what to expect? Or does the opposite happen? Who else has traveled to Africa solo? I'm sure there's many people out there that have "seeing Africa" on their list of must-do's---and wondering if they'd ever go there alone. Personally, the only major challenge for me would be actually getting there---the flying is what makes me nervous. Of all the trips people take, it just seems to me that planning safaris are among the most daunting---partly due to the number of details that must be considered.


Katie_H: “Denbasking--- were there any other guests on the private safari at all? When you were traveling alone, do you strike up friendships with others or is it more of a solitary experience?”
Semi-Luxury Mobile Fly-Camping Safari in the Serengeti: No other guests, just myself, solo female, who has been on this earth for one half of a century (but hey! that IS the new 30!) with a Host/Guide/Driver and Host/Chef. We were self-contained for all our needs so it was just the three of us always when traveling to each campsite, eating and sleeping. For the Game Drives from each base camp it was just me and the Guide/Driver with the Host/Chef manning the camp and preparing meals.
Katie , for me this was the ideal situation, the Guides were ‘my others’ with which to strike up a friendship. This was not a solitary experience, but this is when I enjoyed my time in nature the most. Being with like-minded souls who enjoy, respect, and have a reverence for nature at the same pace as me along with taking pleasure in human quiet as well - was FABUOLUS. Now we had a grand ole time and really laughed and chatted much – we even went out into civilization one night and had a blast with other people (but not tourists). What I mean here is socializing with other tourists never entered into my mind once, what is important to me is enjoying the local folks wherever I am a visitor and in this situation with all humans practicing basic nature etiquette.
Rwanda: This again was private, just myself and Guide/Driver who drove me everywhere and knew about all things Rwandan and since he was Ugandan and lived there that was a bonus country and culture I enjoyed learning about! We ate all meals together at the lodge but he was not the Guide for either of the treks as they are led by Parc employees. He did arrange for us at my request (he participated and enjoyed the chance as well) to spend some time with local folks in a casual setting (not guest like) since otherwise I would not have had an opportunity to interact with any Rwandans in a meaningful way other than just visiting the Parc and museum etc. We, Guide and I, were going to socialize with one of the couples I met on the gorilla trek that evening back at the lodge for dinner but after my shower I bailed as I was not hungry and wanted to sleep! I was not worried about Guide because he was cool with it and went on to dinner and then took couple to socialize with the many other Guides and local lodge staffers that were his friends with whom we had spent our first evening at the lodge watching World Cup football.
Will you feel lonely Solo or as a Duo traveling privately? GOOD LUCK!
Loneliness and Solitude: I am rather nomadic, easily adjust to new surroundings and do not have the tendency to feel homesickness or lonely and I hang out and work by myself often although am very social as well, but as I said, my socializing goals never once included (not that I was excluding) other tourists. From MY three-week experience as a guest/tourist in Tanzania it was impossible to be lonely and I might add ALONE! And just forget about trying to skip a meal, although I did get very creative a couple of times BUT these were seriously major and elaborate but subtle maneuvers and cleverly woven excuses with double and triple possible meanings on my part (which I must say, left others in awe & envy at times)! When in East Africa…
I had many conversations with my different Tanzanian friends about this and not one had a need or comprehension for my very American sense of personal space or to be alone or to spread out and sit in the back so-to-speak or go and hibernate in a tent etc. In fact, the concept of spending time alone on purpose is inconceivable and a great dread for them and something to be avoided if at all possible and these sentiments (expressed in dead pan fashion) were from women and men! Well, I take them at their word because there somehow was always room for one more butt in a church pew (not really, I tell ya) with 15 empty ones behind us or another chair at a table, or you must come out that tent and be with us etc. After a little exposure to new experiences, my tendency is to embrace them, so it did not take me long to get in the spirit of their ThisClose togetherness custom because I ended up LOVING it! I believe this is the custom in many other African countries as well.
From my experience, I do not think one or two people would be lonely on a private safari or have need to worry about opportunities to meet other folks. In truth, I could have done anything I wanted at anytime with the blessings from everyone; they will go out of their way to accommodate your every whim. I am not sure how to articulate this but for me, my interactions, and experiences were less about me and was more about them. My interest was to catch their wave with them, as a student if you will, with them having the liberty to share their culture, customs, and traditions as they do to their satisfaction. This was part of what went into my trip research and preparation; I’m sure I made many faux pas but I did try and still am!
Private Safari or not?
Technically, my first two weeks were private - with four vehicles worth of people! Mostly locals, seasoned visitors and a few new to TZ and I was a warmly welcomed guest joining an old friend and her group but had my own personal agenda which they all were immensely supportive of and helpful connecting me with folks alongside of their activities. Our activities were unrelated to safaris although we did go to Tarangire and the Ngorongoro caldera.
So in this situation for Fodor’s folks, I was a SOLO traveler joining a group with a canned package and I did not need to agonize over decisions nor could I have deviated from the schedule (well, that is, for the sake of this quandary). I felt this was a blessing to me at the time, only because I knew I had additional options ahead.

My time in Rwanda and safari in the Serengeti was where on my own I had to do my homework like Chris said. Honestly, I was so unfamiliar and confused by the various traveling scenarios that it took an emotionally exhaustive dedication and a ginormous amount of research to figure out what I for sure did not want (which was easier to discover) before I could even begin to articulate what I did want. This was all on pretty short notice by the way so it can be done!

So here’s the scoop as I think it relates to most folks who hop onto to Fodor’s looking for reasons to travel privately or not.

I absolutely loved and enjoyed my entire trip and all the people I met and spent time with, however, as a nature lover and all that encompasses to me, without that private safari in the Serengeti I would have not had the dream in my head or the special nature moments on the continent of Africa realized if I relied on the other scenarios as incredible as they were.

Wow, I have blathered on and still did not share some solution ideas for some of the problems I ran into or hmmm, what I would do if I had a dinner with folks like Chris, nor did I hit all your questions which are worthy of their own threads and input from all. Hopefully this is what you were after from me Katie and maybe something here will have a smidge of value for someone planning a trip.

New Subject real quick:

“I would go to Kenya at this time as well, with caution as others have stated.”

Not that I seriously think any one is relying on this statement I made earlier above, but just in case it is accumulatively influencing someone’s decision to go Kenya at this time I do wish to clarify a bit.

I’m too close through my personal involvement with people and projects on the ground in Kenya and Tanzania, my own interest, passion, and care for the region and I have absolutely no expertise, reference, or desire to sway anyone else that it is safe to go on a safari in Kenya at this time, very personal decision. Through various non-traditional safari sources and methods of communication I have from the onset of the post election violence been able to learn much about folks I am involved with blow by blow, road by road, etc - all with their own skewed perceptions of how things are going of course; but this means, only for me, that I myself am comfortable and would go into Kenya if I was scheduled at this time with what I personally have mapped out in my mind, but even then, this would not be a safari agenda.

End unnecessary clarification, I’m sure, but I feel better.

Katies other tags worthy of new threads, further discussion and action: I should clarify that I'm not a traditional editor here; my job is to manage the forums, communicate with members and general site users, communicate with the editors about trends here, and more generally "think big" about improvements/upgrades that members would welcome here.

Asante, Sana! Den