African Insights - Monthly Ezine - Newsletter

 

African Insights Blog - Out of Africa - Too -June 2003

 

Africa awaits you! Traveling to Africa in uncertain times

 

East Africa’s hotels, beaches, savannas and mountains are free of tourists right now.  If you want to go and see Africa, as it really is, now is the time.  Since the USA and Britain have issued a terror alert for East Africa, the cancellations have been coming in by the hundreds for airlines, hotels, safari tours and the like for East Africa. 

 

For countries like Kenya, Tanzania, for vacation spots such as Zanzibar, this is bad news and affects the local economy.  It touches the waiter and his family who works at the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi; the artisan who carves the giraffes and elephants in Machakos, the soapstone craftsman from Kissii and even my friend John Bosco on the Entebbe road in Kampala is affected by this lack of tourists who are staying away from East Africa.

 

The story out of Africa tells of hundreds of workers that have been laid off in the hotels that are virtually empty, restaurants that are open but not with many guests, taxis that are staying parked at Jomo Kenyatta airport and at the Maasai Market on Tuesdays the traders are probably selling to one another since there is an absence of Westerners with cash.

 

 

But is it unsafe to travel to East Africa?  I have been getting emails from lots of people who had been planning to go to Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania but are now having second thoughts.

 

On the other hand I have received emails from friends who have recently traveled to and some are still in East Africa and are feeling quite safe.

 

In many ways, there is no better time than now to go to East Africa.  There are lots of bargains from traveling to staying at nice hotels and resorts, reduced safari packages and I am sure one can bargain about most everything right now.

 

If I had the time, I would go right now to East Africa. Rent a car and drive across Kenya, Uganda, to Kigali and I am sure have a delightful time from the Indian Ocean to the shores of Lake Victoria and everything in between.

 

If you are planning on going right now or in the near future let me give you some sound advice that you might find helpful and avoid Terrorist attacks.

  •  Stay in smaller hotels.  In Nairobi, you can stay at the Woodmere Serviced Apartments, kitchen, TV,This year Experience Africa-Discover its Pearl - Uganda swimming pool and be in walking distance of the Yaya shopping Center. When traveling to the Indian Ocean and the Kenya Coast stay at the Kenya Beach Villa Holidays - it is like in a movie - you are on the ancient Swahili Coast of East Africa - from your Villa you can see the white, sandy beach and the blue Ocean, dhows moving across the Horizon, the soft breeze blowing, warm tropical air, every thing to delight your senses, you pinch yourself, yes, you are in Paradise, Kenya style and there are two wonderful places you can stay at and see on line.  In Kampala there is the Hotel International 2000, Muyenga Tank Hill Road, 38. P. O. Box 4037, Kampala, Uganda.  There is no website at present and prices are reasonable and the view spectacular.  Manute Bol the basketball star stayed there for some time however he left without paying his bill…hmmm.
  • Travel in a small group.  Small groups do not attract the attention a larger one does.
  • Do not act lost, even if you are.  In places like Nairobi, also referred to as a Nairobbery there are crooks who would love to take the things you have and lighten your load.
  • Keep the jewelry to a minimum.  I have seen earrings torn off a woman and this one was a pierced kind causing a lot of pain.
  • If you carry a wallet, cash, keep it in your front pocket so you can put your hand over it.  Do not carry a fanny pack, that can easily be cut off and be gone before you know it.  
  • Keep your passport in safekeeping and have a photocopy of it with you.  
  • Enjoy the journey, but mostly the people.  If you are with Africans, they will know all about safety and feel a sense of responsibility for yours.

 

Africa is one of those places in the world that will change the way you look at life.  It is not just place to visit, but to experience in all of its fullness.  One stay home and miss out on the wonders of it all or take the journey of a lifetime.  Enjoy the journey and write me your thoughts when you return….jon...Visit Africa: You will never be the same!

 

 

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Africa News:  Get the latest news from Africa via BBC.  BBC provides some of the best news reporting from Africa.  Much better than CNN or most any news source covering the African Continent.  You can also listen to BBC Radio programs such as Focus on Africa on line.

Listening to AfricaListening to Africa:  Listening for the sounds of Africa.  How to hear reports about Africa, where to find the them and getting a better understanding to the African continent and what is happening there presently.

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East Africa - The Un-Tour Guide to AfricaEast Africa:  The Un-Tour Guide to Africa:  Off the beaten path, meeting people, experiencing the real Africa.  Gives you some good insights for your un-conventional travel to Africa.

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African Travel TipsAfrican Travel Tips:  Travel tips for sub-Sahara Africa.  Things that will keep you safe and healthy while traveling in Africa.  Part of your trip preparation for Africa, take a look.

How not to visit AfricaHow not to visit Africa:  A look at a visit by President Bush who certainly did no ge to experience the heart and soul of Africa.  He missed out on the real Africa and hopefully you will not.

Flying in AfricaFlying in Africa:  This is about flying within Africa, some of my own experiences are found here, with a bit of humor.  Most flying in Africa is quite comfortable and you can still receive old fashioned service.

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Uganda Wildlife Mini-SafarisUganda Mini-Safaris:  From one to three days in length giving you a taste of Uganda.  Mountain Gorilla Tracking, One day wildlife safaris, 3 day exploring parks such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kibale Forest have proven to be a winner with clients such as airline employees in Kampala for a layover. 

Uganda Travel GuideUganda Travel Guide and Visitor Information:  Here you will find the complete Uganda Travel Guide and Visitors Information such as Packing for your Ugandan Visit, Flying to Uganda, Visa Information, Uganda Background Information, Money Tips, Safety Tips, Health Advice, Luganda Phrases, Restaurants, Kampala City Information and more.

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Last updated: 09 July 2010

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