USNR

A few years ago, while out in the bush in Kenya and Tanzania, we had two middle-aged women in our group who insisted on wearing loads of gold jewelry.

When I asked them if their jewelry was real gold, they replied that "most of it only looks like gold."

"My point exactly," I replied. "Don't you think it would be safer if you did not wear it lest you tempt someone to either rob you or rip it off your ears?"

"Don't be silly," one huffed. "We're Americans -- nobody would dare."

The following week a caravan load of tourists was held up in the Serengeti. A South African woman was shot, and later died on her way to hospital.

Amazing.

benidormaardvark

Sarcastically I would say:
They were right - it was an South African who died, and not an American.

philw

I was in the Mara when this happened - actually about 5-10 miles away as we received the distress call on our vehicle radio from the driver of the tourists who were robbed. For those who know the area it happened near Kichwa Tembo / Mtapa whilst some Japanese (I think) tourists were taking sundowners. The general consesus was that it was some young thugs and not 'organsised crime' as all the goods were discovered within 24 hours. It WAS reported in the press - I read about it in the Nairobi daily paper 3 days later. As others have said it was an isolated incident that could happen anywhere. We had a wonderful time and would have no hesitation whatsoever in returning.

sandi

So much for the original news report saying this occured in the Southwest area of the Mara. That's certainly not where Kichwa Tembo is located. Interesting that it took 3-days to appear in the local paper as it wasn't anywhere when I checked, the next day, on allafrica for any reporting of this incident.

Again, a rarety and the thugs were found and personal effects returned. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured... though not a pleasant experience for anyone.

Patty

sandi,
I find that early news reports (about anything anywhere) rarely get all of the facts right.

bwanamitch

sandi,

Ask two people about the area of "Masai Mara" and you get two different answers. And the tourism industry is not quite innocent on this situation. Since most of the camps and lodges are located outside the National Reserve, the term "Masai Mara" often refers to the National Reserve PLUS the neighbouring group ranches. From this point of view Kichwa Tembo actually is located in the more southwestern part.

Mitch