Is Africa safe?
 

I have always dream of exploring Africa but am not sure whether its safe to travel to Africa. Which part of Africa is the best and the safest and what is the best time to visit Africa

Like anywhere else, it depends on where you go and like anywhere else you have to use some street smarts.

It's a BIG continent. I've been there 4 times from around 1981 to 2005 and to 3 different countries. You can type in my screen name in the Search box and do a search if you're interested.

I'm female and have traveled alone there all of the times I've been ...Tunisia, Morocco, and Ghana and had no problems. I'm in my early 50s now, so I was there over many decades. Happy Travels!

It's simply not possible to generalise about an entire contintent, especially one as big and varied as Africa!

You'd be better identifying what kind of trip you are interested in and listing any countries that appeal and asking for feedback on those.

For example, if you're interested in a wildlife safari and have the budget to visit some of the more remote camps/ lodges you'll not be exposed much to the big towns/ cities and will feel pretty safe. Of course, there is theft anywhere, so you'll still need to keep your valuables secure, but there is little threat to your personal safety.

On the other hand, if you're into touring cities and meeting people, you may be exposed more to potential crime whether it's pickpocketing or something more serious. But do keep in mind that most serious crime is not generally targetted at tourists, for example, the reports you read about crime in South Africa can seem alarming but very little of that is against tourists.

And self-drive is another scenario again. Some countries/ routes are perfectly safe, others are much more risky with bandits and poachers and guerilla groups prowling the roads.

Can you narrow down what kind of trip you are looking for and which countries you are considering?

I'll assume you are interested in Eastern and Southern Africa for primarily safari type activities. If I'm way off, then ignore the rest.

Any of the countries in the charts contained in the following 2 links are safe to visit. The links indicate where it is easiest to see wildlife and when.

http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html

http://www.bornfreesafaris.com/best_travel.htm

As to where is best, Africa has so much diversity that it depends on what YOU want to see and do.

See these links for more info.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34837132


http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34972854


http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35155484
(some of these links may be contained within others)


Bert’s questionnaire
http://www.fisheaglesafaris.com/choosedestination.htm

Ultimate Africa’s country ranking site
http://www.ultimateafrica.com/newoptions.htm

Ultimate Africa’s narrative
http://www.ultimateafrica.com/travel...endations.html


Fodors has a safari book out that answers lots of questions too.

Good luck and post again as you narrow your choices.

Hell no: In kenya this year people killed each other in the streets. In Zimbabwe they beat themselves up over a smoldering democracy. In Nigeria they destroy oil pipelines and fight each other for control. In the DRC, who knows, but they murder gorillas from time to time over coal rights.

Then in the wilderness the lions, leopard, wild-dogs and others have free rein to murder shy and beautiful antelope and when that is not happening the elephants revolt, uprooting trees, ripping up the grass and even getting into villages and stealing the crops.

All truisms, but you need a appreciate that Africa is a massive continent with many countries and millions of people. It receives around 300 000 American tourists, whom I believe mostly come home with wonderful memories and a deep desire to return.

Hi Guys,
I have finally decided to take a action packed safari vacation.... I have some destinations like Botswana. Do you guys think Botswana will offer me an adventurous vacation with mother nature.
Thanks.

Botswana is a beautiful safari destination, though many of the best safari locations are remote and therefore expensive to reach. Botswana's tourist income model is for low volume high price and the prices keep getting higher and higher.

You can also self-drive in some areas which I have no experience of, but others here have done so.

I have visited a number of camps in the Okavango Delta, I've also been to the Savuti area and the Magkadigkadi Salt Pans in the Kalahari.

What exactly do you want to do/ see? What is your budget? How long have you got?

Yes, some things are not perfect in Africa, just like everywhere else in the world, but overall the people and the land is so beautiful - when you go to Africa it will steal you heart an you will cry to go back again!

And with a little research and planning there are lots of very nice and safe places to visit, millions of tourists go to Africa every year!

Botswana will definitely offer you adventure, mother nature, and safety. Great choice! When are you going? What do you have in mind?