Africa... (rental car, rental, low crime)

[beegan]

Unfortunatly Im addicted to reading the news and keeping up on current events.My soon to be husband thinks its poisoning my head (which i tend to agree with) however we have arised at a conflict when trying to plan for our honeymoon.
He has been dying to go to Africa for many years, I on the other hand have my reservations about it. Since I do self medicate on worldly news i only know of violence, starvation,and pirates in Africa-sad I know. He see's none of that.And thinks its crazy that I dont want to go.
Can someone please help me to understand the beauty of this country and perhaps eliviate my fears of going. Or am I correct on staying away? Also, would you go, have you gone and where or where not to go.
Thank you in advance

[ChrisC]

Well, I haven't been to Africa, but it's a very big continent with many countries and I'd doubt it's all afflicted with violence, starvation, and pirates. Just choose your region wisely...

[Jaggy001]

I have been to Tunisia and Morocco. Not really my thing for a holiday but pretty safe all the same.

[jja100]

Originally Posted by beegan

Unfortunatly Im addicted to reading the news and keeping up on current events.My soon to be husband thinks its poisoning my head (which i tend to agree with) however we have arised at a conflict when trying to plan for our honeymoon.
He has been dying to go to Africa for many years, I on the other hand have my reservations about it. Since I do self medicate on worldly news i only know of violence, starvation,and pirates in Africa-sad I know. He see's none of that.And thinks its crazy that I dont want to go.
Can someone please help me to understand the beauty of this country and perhaps eliviate my fears of going. Or am I correct on staying away? Also, would you go, have you gone and where or where not to go.
Thank you in advance

You are right and your husband lives in La La land.

All jokes aside, the continent of Africa is plagued with violence and disease. South Africa used to be safe but the Europeans lost their grip and now there are just pockets of wealth and to get from one pocket to the next you have to go through dodge city.

I personally would plan a honeymoon to Europe. If that is too expensive, I would suggest Argentina... specifically Bariloche, Argentina.

And for the love of god, don't honeymoon in Vegas. There is nothing less romantic then celebrating your love in matrimony in the prostitute capital of the US.

[BigSwede]

I agree with your husband.
You should got to a safari in Kenya or Tanzania and combine it with a beach holiday at the Indian Ocean.
I have also heard that Uganda should be ok now as long as you stay away from the borders to Congo and Rwanda.
Zambia also seems like a good choice for a safari.
Of course you should do a check yourself about the current security down there.

[Snafu]

Not ALL of Africa should be avoided, but be cautious about where and how you travel. I have only been to a couple places (Morocco years ago, not my cup of tea) and Khartoum (again, not a huge vacation mecca, but the people were very nice), as well as some parts of South Africa. I had a great time when I went there, but I had things arranged for me...I ended up in Capetown for 3 days (had a rental car and had a wonderful time touring the coastlines and such), drove to Franschhoek (sp) to stay in the wine country for 4 days, which was great, 3 days in Johannesburg - more crime, enjoyed it much less, did a 4-day safari in northern South Africa - right outside Krueger National park (absolutely AMAZING, and something I will never forget), and then flew up to Zambia - stayed in the Royal Livingstone Hotel and went over to Zimbabwe to see both sides of Victoria Falls (well worth the extortion of the one-day visa for Zimbabwe... most of the falls on the Zambian side are dammed up for electricity... the Zimbabwe government is not so kind to their people, and they have no electricity but a gorgeous tourist local.)

I'm not a hugely adventurous traveler, but do not let the news that you see on the tv and news totally poison you against an entire continent. If you do your research, deal with a reputable tour company that can steer you clear of trouble spots, you can have an amazing trip. I went with a friend and we had the entire trip tailored to what we wanted to do and to see. I don't know if I'll ever return, but I know I have some pretty incredible memories!

[Chava61]

You should visit Botswana which is considered the "jewel of Africa". It is a relatively safe country and a good place to go on Safari. It also borders on the northern-eastern side with the Chobe river (near the town of Kasane) with Nambia, Zambia & Zimbabwe. Kasane is a great place for land as well as water safari trips as well it is right next to Victoria Falls (the tallest falls in world) just across the border (Zambia-Zimbabwe border) and the lodge in Kasane can arrange a trip there. The capital of Botswana Gaborone (which is in the south of the country & has a very low crime rate) is not far from the border with South Africa and only about 45 min. flight from Johannesburg. (One can also drive between the 2 cities/countries). In the Johannesburg, South Africa area, there is the World Heritage site of the Cradle of Humankind with different style safari verus Botswana.

[Sudcaro]

Tanzania. It's a beautiful, magic country. We went there on a safari and it was just awesome.

[sayulita]

Originally Posted by Sudcaro

Tanzania. It's a beautiful, magic country. We went there on a safari and it was just awesome.

It just warmed my heart to read this. I lived there as a child for three years. (It was called Tanganyika then.) I have so many happy memories of that beautiful place. It's a kid's paradise in many ways. We went on safari nearly every weekend and saw so many amazing things. That was 50 years ago now but I remember it with great fondness.

[Tiger Beer]

I haven't been to Africa, but I know many people who have.

GO there, it is a beautiful continent. There are also a lot of very nice people.