Dennis

I have heard that travel safety in Zimbabwe (political violence preceeding and maybe following the March 2002 elections), Zambia, Namibia and South Africa are poor and deteriorating. Botswana still appears to be OK. I am considering a safari in one or more of these countries sometime in June to October 2002. Any input would be appreciated.

Gar

hi there, <BR>cant say anything about SA and Zambia. Zimbabwe actualy is calm, but I think it is only a question of time to get rough again. Namibia is not involved - it is a very stabil and safe country to travel in. <BR>have fun <BR>Gar

Michael

We are headed to SA on our honeymoon Oct. 28 - Nov. 12. We start in CT; then Blue Train to Pretoria; then air charter to Kruger; then air charter to Plettenberg where we pick up a car and drive the Garden Route then up to Paarl. <BR> <BR>I am most concerned about the driving portion. We are renting from Europcar, but my tour guide has given odd/contradictory information about the insurance. The rental is about US $ 270 for a small MB, but the extent of insurance coverage is not clear. My radar went off when I was told that "additional" insurance was available for US $400 (which you will note is greater than the cost of the rental?). Europcar refused to provide a copy of its contract to my tour guide "because it was a 'legal document'" (What?). <BR> <BR>Whew - now that I've butchered the English language and any semblence of a normal sentence the question - Does anyone know anything about insurance while renting in SA (particularly from Europcar)?

L

Just returned from S.Africa Sunday, and I drove for 12 days with absolute ease. Stayed on N2 and coast roads most of the time. Just felt quite safe. In Cape Twon and Durban areas, as well the northern Natal area near Hluhluwe, Phinda and St. Lucia. Met folks who had driven in from JBG, and no problems whatsoever. And heard nothing about dangerous conditions at all, except here in DC (I am not kidding about that!!). So, go to SA and don't worry. One suggestion: rent a SA cellphone beforehand thru an agent and give the number to folks here, and leave them a detailed itinerary with phone numbers, names of contacts at hotels and lodges, etc. And make sure your cellphone works - ours did not. Have a great trip. Ciao, L

Ino

Dennis <BR>you are talking about one year from now. Who knows? On the other hand we all need to plan our lives and I hope you will consider going. Before that have a great time planning your trip. It will be wonderful.

Bert

Hopefully conditions in Zimbabwe will improve after the April 2002 presidential elections. The 'safari' areas of Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, such as Etosha, the South Luangwa National Park, Kruger Park etc. are far removed from any major population centers and hence relatively safe, compared with practically anywhere else. In a city such as Cape Town it is important to pick a safe hotel location, such as the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area. And it is always best - although not essential - to have a local guide or to go with a small group tour. <BR> <BR>Regarding Botswana, the following opinion appeared in a current K & D safari newsletter: <BR> <BR>"Is Botswana secure? Botswana has never had a war or even a hint of one. There has been no civil unrest. <BR> <BR>Maun was so safe that Prince William was allowed to stay there this year for a month with only two bodyguards. While in Maun, there was no press whatsoever. He visited the local pubs and drove around the shops with no problem. <BR> <BR>We believe we can say that Botswana is the SAFEST country in Africa." <BR> <BR> <BR>

Kavey

Both Botswana and Namibia felt totally safe to us when we were there in June, infact a couple of locals we spoke to mentioned the situation in Zimbabwe in terms of being glad their own countries were not in the same boat. <BR>Kavey

Erich

I just returned from a 19 safari to Zimbabwe, botswana, and namibia. We were with a group of senior citiziens up to age 80, and never felt threatened in any way. ( Except for the mock charges by the elephants! ) Don't believe the hype. Erich

Patricia

Was in Kenya in April for a week of safari and then in Cape Town for 3 days. Never felt anything but safe. If you go with a tour group you should have absolutely no trouble. We were on our own in C.T., but we took guided tours here and there. We met 2 women and a woman (middle aged) who had driven down from Durban. They were absolutely carefree. No problems. Zimbabwe I would have some reservations about, but have heard it is safe in the areas you'd be in. These countries take care of their tourists. We're too important to them.