Safari Violence
 

A few days ago I was in the local liquor store and the owner told me of a ABC 20/20 show on Friday, July 4 detailing the machete deaths of a couple of tourists on a safari. Since my parents leave for Kenya tomorrow, I wanted to know whether this man has his facts right. Any enlightening news would be appreciated.

Hello GeorgeW,
I couldn’t find a panga (machete), but here you can buy a hoe: http://nakumatt.net//index.php?page=...t&Itemid=1

Wish your parents safari njema from me.

George, I couldn't find anything on the 20/20 website, and a Google search came up empty, as did a search of allafrica.com.

I came up with a Reuters item that reported two German tourists at a Kenyan seaside resort being killed by machete on January 28, 2008. Not a safari.

There was a show on the National Geographic Channel's "Locked Up Abroad" series recently about the kidnapping and killing of some tourists in Bwindi (Uganda) in, I believe, 1999. That's a pretty well-known event, not something new. Maybe that's what he saw?

Nyamera,
Are you back?

That might have been the Bwindi massacre in March 1999 in Uganda, as MyDogKyle mentioned. The tourists were at a place where you track gorillas, that I've been to since and it was fine, with a greater military presence.

I recall more recent news of an attack on a couple of missionaries living in one of the towns in Kenya. This would not be what tourists on safari do.

Even during the election violence, tourists remained safe, while unfortunately the local people bore the brunt of the violence.

The fact that Nyamera can chime in with her usual wit about a hoe speaks volumes. She is on safari in Kenya right now and appears to be doing fine. We hope you don't leave, Nyamera, per your wishes.

I would not worry about Kenya if your parents are on an organized safari with a reputable company. Gorilla tracking in Democratic Republic of Congo, sadly, is a different story.

Wish your parents well. You can comfortably replace any fear for them with happiness and maybe some jealousy.

Patty,
Yes, since Saturday night. Mission failed.

tinyurl.com/6zsnbs

Not sure what, if anything, was on 20/20 but here's a bit about the incident that was referenced above on NGC. Very sobering show, btw.

Your local liquor provisioner sounds like a real sweetheart.

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/289196.stm

Try this one - NY times doesn't always tiny url - sorry

As I recall, when this incident happened with German's, they weren't tourists, rather resident aliens... it was a break-in/burglary. Sadly, it probably could have happened anywhere in the world.

Even during the earlier (Jan/Feb) political unpheavals, tourists were never targeted nor hurt. Your parents should be fine.

There was a machete attack on 2 missionaires last week from Canada. They were living in a local villiage and were attached by there night watchman and a gang. Nothing to do with Safari and not near tourist area. The couple both lived and are planning on continuing there missionary work when they recover.

<b>There was a machete attack on 2 missionaires last week from Canada.</b>

http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/loc...ub=CalgaryHome

Nyamera~sorry to hear about your failed mission...I feel so bad for you but there's always next year! Hope you feel well enough to write a report.
Take care and Aloha

Or, maybe the journalist who was found murdered in Nairobi?

atravelynn wrote:

&quot;That might have been the Bwindi massacre in March 1999 in Uganda, as MyDogKyle mentioned. The tourists were at a place where you track gorillas, that I've been to since and it was fine, with a greater military presence.&quot;

If that is what we are looking for, just read Mark Ross' book &quot;Dangerous Beauty&quot;. He was the guide of the group who got into trouble.

See:
http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Beau...911&amp;sr=8-1

Thanks, Dennis. I’m not feeling well and I’ve only written the title of the report. Nyamera’s Stupidest Kenya Trip So Far. I do have some technically deficient photos. The explanation is an eye problem and a dark viewfinder …
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...localeid=en_US

What happened to the missionary couple is horrifying, but the risk GeorgeW’s parents will be attacked with pangas, or any other agricultural tool, is so small it almost doesn’t exist.

Hari must be thinking of this: http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/newswir...2007&amp;imw=Y

Thanks to the wisdom of the posters on this thread and a little of my own research, I am confident in my parents' safety. In fact, they should be taking off from Dulles Airport shortly.

a couple of weeks ago there were news in south african newspapers that 2 tourists were robbed while staying at ilkeliani camp bear talek village.
they lost all their photographic equipment and other valueables. but that was that was it. nobody physically hurt.

div

GeorgeW, I'm glad to hear that. I hope they have a wonderful trip!

Nyamera, it may have felt stupid to you at the time (and I'm sorry you couldn't stay), but I'm still looking forward to the stories behind those pictures! Please start another thread so your shots aren't hidden here under &quot;Safari Violence.&quot;

Nyamera...i hope the stupidest trip was still a good one. After all IMO its better to regret something you did than something you didnt do. Hopefully you can return soon and call it it Nyamera's best trip to Kenya

MDK, in the Mara I felt very clever at times. I’ll try to remember it all and write it down.
Alejandra, the best trip will be the one that doesn’t end.

Nyamera...mmm i know, i have felt the same before. Crazy enough i have visited 3 times within the last 8 months and returning in September. After the 2nd trip I was seriously considering making a move and live out there for a while, i thought lets try it for a year so on my last visit (just before your departure) I had a different look around but after 2 days in Nbi, talking to expats - white Kenyans - Indians- all sorts of kind, my mind changed completely and did not have the interest in living there anymore. I was surprised about how everybody was encouraging me to make a life in Kenya, as if people are hungry for new blood...it did put me down actually. After that click the feeling was good and much more relaxed and at this point i m keeping Kenya as my favourite holiday destination.

Nyamera,
Not deficient at all! That topi looks like it's standing on top of the zebra, adorable leopard cubs, still looking through the rest. You have to start a new thread for these!!! Sorry you didn't get to stay.

Alejandra, you could stay in Kenya, but chose not to? Considering its theme, I should include you in my future trip report. ;)
Patty, the zebras are actually adoring the topi god. I’ll put the picture link in my trip report, if I ever finish (or start) writing it.

Nyamera where there is a will, there is a way...
That sounds very tough, doesn't it.
Including me in your trip report? am curious, Going to have a look at your pictures now

Unfortunately, Alejandra, I think Nyamera suggests that where there is a will there is not always a way...at least not immediately.

Nyamera, I shall continue to ponder this in hopes of having better ideas for you next time. I *was* planning to make a trip to Camp Nyamera in 2009...

Sorry, GeorgeW, for the thread hijack. I hope your parents have a wonderful time in Kenya!

Penye nia pana njia, in Swahili. There’s a risk it’s not true, but you can always hope.