Anyone from or travelled in South//South East Africa?

[Abaddon]

My flatmate and I are planning to travel for 4-6months abouts Africa, starting from South Africa and travelling up the East Coast, with some westards trips aswell for the like of Victoria Falls etc.

Is anyone from this vast area, or has travelled there who could recommend things to go and see//do, and also some guidance!

 

[Abaddon]

oh cheers.. noone?

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

You might ask Ama about this.

 

[Dezzilisk]

My grandad lives in south africa, i went there once when i was about 9.

 

[SvenSlayer]

I originally come from South Africa, and if you're ever in the country you might visit the Cape Town area - it's beautiful around there with the wineries, Stellenbosch, etc. Just be careful - crime's a big problem in SA.

 

[Steph]

I've been to Johannesburg and Pretoria, but for a short 2 days business trip.

I had not time to visite much, save the Johannesburg airport, the hotel nearby, the motorway betweent the two cities, and the Air Force headquarters in Pretoria.

I'm afraid I won't be able to help you much

 

[Dezzilisk]

I can remember there being a lot of talk of carjacking while i was there, its supposed to be quite common there i think.

 

[Virote_Considon]

You could go to Great Zimbabwe.

Safaris are good, although it would probably be better going with a local who you know.

How far up the East Coast are you going? If you're going all the way to Egypt or somewhere, I'd steer clear of both Somalia and Burundi (due to civil war), as well as the Western part of Sudan.

 

[Steph]

I can remember there being a lot of talk of carjacking while i was there, its supposed to be quite common there i think.

When I arrived at the hotel, a rather good one near the airport, there was a sign in the lobby.

"The hotel decline all responsability in case of theft..."

So far, OK.

"... injuries or death whatever the cause".

Scary. I've never seen such a warning anywhere else.

 

[Erik Mesoy]

I lived in South Africa for several years. It was very nice. Don't expose yourself to risk, be a bit more careful than normal, don't carry cash on you, don't look like a stupid white rich tourist, don't be a stupid rich white tourist.

Visit Cape Town for the beaches and the Table Mountain, Kruger Park for the wildlife, Gold Reef City for the niftiness, Johannesburg if you need to be in a big city.

 

[amadeus]

You might ask Ama about this.

In his case, he'd probably be better off asking people that have traveled to the region. If he was asking for information on economy or political stability, i might be more inclined to answer.

However, I can tell you that you should avoid Zimbabwe at all costs. The country is in a total economic and social meltdown. If you're going to visit Victoria Falls, stay on the Zambian side.

Other than that, I'd just advise you to be aware that South Africa has a very high crime rate and people that appear to be naive tourists will be robbed.

 

[cubsfan6506]

Don't have sex with anyone.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Don't have sex with anyone.

Yes, but they were looking for specific advice about traveling to South Africa . . .

 

[Erik Mesoy]

However, I can tell you that you should avoid Zimbabwe at all costs. The country is in a total economic and social meltdown.

Seconded. FTXCL.

 

[Virote_Considon]

I disagree, but then I'm biased in favor of Zim.

 

[Erik Mesoy]

Yes, but have you been to South Africa and heard the locals describe Zimbabwe as a "total collapse"?

 

[Virote_Considon]

No, I've been to Zimbabwe, and seen for myself this total collapse.

 

[Erik Mesoy]

Interesting. I was in SA and heard the above about two and a half years ago. When were you in Zim?

 

[emzie]

Kenya is beautiful. I want to see the Serengeti and hike the Great Rift Valley before I die.

 

[Virote_Considon]

Interesting. I was in SA and heard the above about two and a half years ago. When were you in Zim?

In late '00.