Trifter

“Africa – don’t wanna go there, its too dangerous!”

How many times have you heard such comments, that travel in Africa is a dangerous undertaking?

Perhaps you have never been and have much the same thoughts?

So let’s weigh up the pros and cons of travel in Africa and make a judgement based on the real facts. Depending on what islands you count there are about 54 countries in Africa and many of them are not only peaceful but are populated by humble, genuine and hospitable people.

I will not list all countries in which it is safe to travel in Africa and of those not listed it does not necessarily mean that they are not safe – just check on the web or read the newspapers, you can easily find out where war, political unrest, or despots are making the affected countries unsafe. At any one point in history that will leave at least half the continent safe in terms of war and despots etc.

Now let us look at the people of Africa, outside of the countries we just ruled out. I shall make a generalisation first, that Africans, in any country, are just like you and me and the people of our lands: there are good and bad and just like it is in your country the vast majority are good. Look at home, in your capital city – is there not a high rate of crime? In other cities, some of which you have visited (even without getting robbed or attacked), the story is the same.

It is just the same in Africa – the cities are far too overcrowded, poverty is rife and the crass differences between those with jobs and those without breeds crime of all kinds. So what is the difference to London, New York, Paris, or Rome?

Choose one of the peaceful African countries, tighten up the rules for walking alone in any strange city, and you are as secure as anywhere. At night time keep to the area around your hotel and don’t stray off, walk with others and you are invariably safe, a recommended guide is even better. Your hotel might offer a guide service for a dollar or two.

Face it though; the lure of Africa is not in its cities but in its amazing diversity of natural habitats, its wildlife, culture and its people too. You might only stay the odd day or two in a city for the convenience of an airport, the aim is to get out into the rural areas where the continent is still very much unspoiled and unique. The rich, lush, red earthed countryside is awaiting you.

First timers should make sure they have either a recommended guide, travel in a small group or with a trusted person who has been before. This is not just to increase your security but to help you assimilate the totally different mentality of African folk and their totally different approaches to every day things such as waiting, punctuality, hygiene and many other aspects of life. A guide will also assist you in language, shopping, travelling within the country and will help you find local attractions and sights.

A host of countries await you and offer so much to see and learn; experiences that you will hold with you until you can tell your grandchildren. Wonderful landscapes, hues, aromas and natural experiences. Flora and fauna are magnificent and once you have found out how amazingly kind and gentle most people are and you have perceived the colour and interest that their culture still emanates then you will return home with the most common virus of all – the love of Africa in your blood.

Sequel articles on this subject will follow in which health and safety will be covered in detail. Specific countries will also be chosen for special reports and, as of October 2009, we can, providing we take care as described in these articles, travel safely to many African destinations, in Eastern Africa alone: Kenya, Tanzania, central and southern Uganda.

This piece is just a short introduction so arm yourself with complete information from travel guides, maps and tips from family and friends who have been there before you. There are many providers of cheap flights to Africa including some major airlines, check these out too but a good choice, that would not only help with the flight but could also cater for travelling in small groups, are the smaller African Travel specialsits which you can find on the web. They would increase your security and peace of mind.

These articles are no guarantee for your safety. Your safety is not guaranteed even in your own country, but if you read the tips in this series of reports then you should be well prepared for some great travelling in Africa!