As I leave next Wednesday (yay!), I'm in final packing mode (ie. going over every little detail in my head and driving myself a little crazy!)

I'd like to lock my bags and know you can purchase the TSA "approved" locks. Has anyone used these with success?

I've heard that the baggage checkers will just cut them off anyway and I'd hate to waste the money on new locks.

Do not use TSA locks as they could be broken off by security as our were when we got separated from our bags between Maun, Jburg & JFK. TSA locks are good primarily in US & UK. Use cable ties that can be cut off by security if necessary and by the passenger with small, file free nail clippers.

I've had no problem with them.

Go with the cable ties. They're inexpensive, easy to apply. If TSA has to they can cut them off and should replace with another cable tie. If you have outside pocket on your bag, put a nail clipper inside so you can easily remove ties at your destination.

These ties serve well, when you leave your room/tent, though some people bring a regular lock to use once in-country.

A small package of small cable ties costs about $1. The longer cable ties, costs about $1.50 - $2. You'll have enough to many future trips to Africa

One benefit of using the TSA locks instead of the cable ties is after you arrive -- if you want to lock your bags in your tent, do you really want to replace the cable twice a day?

On the other hand, I wouldn't expect anyone other than TSA to be safely unlocking and re-locking a TSA lock, so if you are in a country where someone other than TSA is doing the check, that would explain the stories of the locks being cut off.

As Sandi suggested, use cable ties for the international legs of the trip and then switch to a regular or TSA lock if you prefer. Our TSA locks were broken off (destroyed along with the zipper pulls). In most of the world, other than in the UK and US, TSA locks are treated the same way as a regular combination lock.

We use the TSA locks everywhere, including Europe and Africa, and they have worked fine.

Note that the ones with 3 numbers can be opened in a few minutes by anyone with time to try 999 combinations ... so get either the 4 numbered combo locks (which can still be opened fairly quickly) or the keyed locks.

We've never had bags with these opened in Europe or Africa, but almost every trip one bag with batteries and a power strip gets opened and inspected by the US guys, so I know they don't cut them off as a matter of course.

We had one TSA lock cut off in Anchorage a couple of years ago when the concept was new, but otherwise no problems.

Bill

I'm going on Micato's Heart of Kenya/Tanzania trip in January, with a Zanzibar extension.It will be my introductory trip to Africa, though I've travelled, often solo, in many other parts of the world for over 20 years. I HAVE NEVER ONCE LOCKED MY BAGS! Or worn a money belt. Or any of that stuff.
Why is Africa different? Is it because of the type of accommodation that bags would be left in while I'm on a game drive? Many folks writing in this forum have said they always take all their valuables with them, even to meals -- so what's in the bags anyway but a few clothes?
Thanks,
Jess

Africa isn't different than the rest of the world. It's just that some people feel more comfortable when doing those precautions. Use your common sense.

Jess215,

Africa is not different. I wear a money belt with my passport in it wherever I go. Not a different routine for Africa.

Am I not getting something? If the traveler can easily cut off cable ties with nail clippers, can't the thieves also?
Leslie

I'm generally a trusting person and have never locked my bag on any trip. But I didn't use a lock on my recent trip to Africa and several things were stolen from my bag during a layover in Nairobi. Last summer, the same thing happened to my husband in Burlington, VT. So I'm using a lock from now on no matter where I go!

"I HAVE NEVER ONCE LOCKED MY BAGS! Or worn a money belt. Or any of that stuff. Why is Africa different?"

It's not...I have locked my bags and worn a money belt all over the world, as theft is common everywhere. Obviously I don't wear a money belt at home, but then again, I don't stick out as a tourist either.

As for leaving items in the room...there are a number of things beside clothes one might leave...ipods, memory cards/devices, camera lens, etc. I like to think, better safe than sorry.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I think we'll just go with zip ties and then a regular lock upon arrival. We've done this before and it has worked pretty well.

you could get your bags shrink wrapped. they did this at Johannisburg for all the luggage when checking in. i've seen it at some U.S. airports but never saw where they got it done. i lock my bag up while it's in the tent/chalet, but have had my entire bag stolen from the room so if the thieves want your stuff, a lock or cable ties won't stop them.

we used the TSA locks when we went to Kenya last Dec. the TSA did go in one of our bags, i know this for a fact cause they put one of their offical notes in the bag. the lock was not cut and the bag was locked when we got it, it was also delayed a day. although something we bought was broken and i'm not sure who did that.

Re shrink wrapping: I've seen this last year at Lusaka Intl.

I always use TSA locks, domestically and internationally. And I bring a couple of extra, in case some get damaged or lost (which I seem to do all the time, especially in my house). Never had a problem.

Choices, choices, choice!

For the price of one or two TSA locks which may or may not be damaged/broken, you can have enough cable ties to last for years and years and years.

Who, where or why someone might be up to no good, can happen anywhere. Africa, is not the issue, it's the individual traveler's comfort level wherever.

Re: leaving valuables in room; don't the lodges in Africa have safes?
I've had my bagged riffled in the states; nothing taken because my valuables go in the carry-on; although I would expect a safe in a 1,000 a night lodge. What is the experience of anyone who has stayed in the higher end lodges in SSGR and Vic Falls - esp. if there is one side of a wall missing (ie. River Club??) thanks! Samantha

Many hotels, lodges and camps do have safes. These may be in individual rooms/tents, or at the main reception area. You only need inquire.

If you choose to use safes, be sure to collect your belongings before departing.