chris

In light of last weeks attack in Kenya, I am considering changing the Zanzibar portion of my Christmas/New Year's Tanzania safari and instead spending more time in the game parks. It’s bad enough that I’m flying into Nairobi. I was wondering if others here are changing their plans?<BR><BR>I do not take this decision lightly. I was watching CNN interviews with Muslims in Mombasa and what they were saying is really alarming-&quot;America is really at war with Islam not terrorism&quot;, &quot;don't believe bin Laden was behind 9/11&quot;, &quot;Bush is Jewish&quot;, &quot;America nuked Afghanistan&quot;...I am fully aware that the people interviewed may not be representative but the amount of ignorance displayed is really scary and made me want to stay away from any predominately Muslim areas.<BR>

chris

Is no one else concerned? Australia has now added Tanzania and specifically Zanzibar to it's &quot;strong&quot; travel advisory.

Dave

Zanzibar is interesting, but I would reluctantly wait until things quieted down.

Liz Frazier

You sound like you really want all opinions. So here goes.<BR>I read that the State Dept. has issued a warning to Americans in Kenya. (Should be enough to use your cancellation insurance.) I would not go at all. I know they say the odds of you getting targeted, etc., but I don't like those kind of odds. We were considering a Tanzania safari in 2004. That will not even get to the finalizing stages now. As much as anything, its the hand held missiles being shot at planes that scares me. What airline would you be flying? That is as important as anything. Hopefully you have cancellation insurance. <BR>Sorry to be so negative, but I would err on the side of safety with the crazies out there. Liz

Debbie

I didn't answer originally because I have not been to Zanzibar but know it is highly muslim. I would still go. A muslim population does not neccessarily mean they all hate americans as I found out in Turkey this summer. The odds of being involved in anything as so small that I don't think it is worth changing your plans for. Dress conservatively, don't make yourself stand out, be respectful.

Dave

Turkey is different from Zanzibar.

michael

Just back from Zanzibar. Much more laid back about Islam than other Moslem countries. I wouldnt worry about any locals targeting you at all, so long as you are considerate of customs etc - see <BR>http://www.i-escape.com/destination_guide_results.php?page=3&amp;country=Z anzibar#tipping<BR><BR>The only thing of course is that terrorist attacks can happen anywhere but Kenya does have a history and Nairobi / Mombasa are western 'strongholds' in eastern Africa. Zanzibar has always been multicultural and has much less mass tourism (which is what annoys locals and provides an easy target for terrorists). So I would go. Personally.

chris

Michael (and all others),<BR>A sincere thank you for the replys. After much deliberation, we have decided to go ahead as originally planned. I will report back when we return. Only 2 more days!!

chris

wanted to report back. We just returned and had an awesome time-Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Stone Town and Breezes Beach Club, Zanzibar (highly recommend!). Friendly people everywhere.

Lisa

Thanks for reporting back Chris.<BR><BR>I was in Zanzibar and Dar last month and found the people were wonderful too.<BR><BR>