Africa - Visit and Africa - Progressive/Safe (hotel, college)

[ShadowCaver]

Combining two questions into one thread here...

First - someday would love to visit Africa, see the people, cultures, the land/geography, maybe do some caving while there, capture images of the beauty, the big cats and other animals, and so on... However, have no clue as to where would be best, how such is done in such a diverse, wild, and I guess in this hillbilly's eyes, quite dangerous land. Am not planning such a trip any time soon, just curious as to what to expect someday. Any/all thoughts and/or experiences are welcome. Thanks!


Secondly - in totally different vein,,, more from the perspective of a global economy, where in Africa would be considered the most business-friendly country(s), and safest for any investments? lol, no, I personally have no plans, just curious as to why such a potentially rich region of the world is untapped, and I guess mainly due to all the upheavals, diseases, political unrest, etc... Any opinions?

[dullnboring]

The economies of Gabon and Botswana are both growing at rapid rates and the two countries remain two of the most stable in regards to the economy, the government, the people, the infrastructure, etc. and safest countries in all of Africa. As such, they'd be great countries to visit and invest in.

[Timothylogan3]

What about south africa? btw i love africa with all my heart.

[tablemtn]

I've spent some time in western Africa. One of the best experiences I had was driving out to the Burkina Faso/Mali border region, out in the Sahel desert, to visit some of the small Tuareg villages in that region. They were very curious, but welcoming. It's not common for travelers to go visit them. My general experience traveling around Africa is that it is easier than most people think. There can be some hassles (police at roadblocks in Nigeria, for example), but overall, people will be curious about you, and friendly toward you. Just learn some of the basic cultural norms, carry a phrasebook with words like 'thank you' in it in local languages, and, depending on the country, don't take photos of police or military personnel (but take pictures of other things, because they will be worth remembering).

[jessiegirl_98]

I traveled throughout Tanzania and loved it (also very safe). Went to the island of Zanzibar, the capital of Dar Es Salaam (I wouldn't recommed this stop) and then up to Arusha where we went on safari and saw Kilamjaro (sorry I can't spell!)

[glxyman21]

I feel that many of the countries in Africa are corrupt in their politicians, using the country's money for personal gain, paying bribes, and giving contracts to friends without the best interests of the country in mind. Hopefully things will change so the people won't have to live as they do in poverty.

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by glxyman21

I feel that many of the countries in Africa are corrupt in their politicians, using the country's money for personal gain, paying bribes, and giving contracts to friends without the best interests of the country in mind. Hopefully things will change so the people won't have to live as they do in poverty.

Is this from 1st-hand knowledge, or such gleaned from the media? Not being smartarsed, just curious.
If the former, is it that way across the entire continent, or certain countries worser than others? Thanks.

[Voltaire]

Come to South Africa...

It has everything you could possibly want to see or do in Africa.

I just moved back in the past month (I had lived in Johannesburg for 4 years previously, now I live in the Western Cape) I really love it here.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[DaSkorpion]

Certain parts of West Africa (Ghana & Cote d'Ivoire) are pretty safe.
Also Nigeria is another option which I would really not recommend but if you want to go there please make sure you stick with the guide from your hotel because roaming the streets alone and being a foreigner can be dangerous.

South Africa is nice and certain parts are safe - I would highly recommend it.

As you may know by now South Africa has a huge investment arena and Ghana has a few untapped resources. I am in the process of investing in a venture in Ghana with a few friends I went to college with -- the climate is stable and seems to be more open for foreign investments.

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Originally Posted by ShadowCaver

Combining two questions into one thread here...

First - someday would love to visit Africa, see the people, cultures, the land/geography, maybe do some caving while there, capture images of the beauty, the big cats and other animals, and so on... However, have no clue as to where would be best, how such is done in such a diverse, wild, and I guess in this hillbilly's eyes, quite dangerous land. Am not planning such a trip any time soon, just curious as to what to expect someday. Any/all thoughts and/or experiences are welcome. Thanks!


Secondly - in totally different vein,,, more from the perspective of a global economy, where in Africa would be considered the most business-friendly country(s), and safest for any investments? lol, no, I personally have no plans, just curious as to why such a potentially rich region of the world is untapped, and I guess mainly due to all the upheavals, diseases, political unrest, etc... Any opinions?

[DaSkorpion]

Doesnt this happen everywhere in the world....show me a politician who is not corrupt and I will show you a country with no politicians...!!!

Things are rapidly changing everywhere for the better -- !!!

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Originally Posted by glxyman21

I feel that many of the countries in Africa are corrupt in their politicians, using the country's money for personal gain, paying bribes, and giving contracts to friends without the best interests of the country in mind. Hopefully things will change so the people won't have to live as they do in poverty.