Africa is a daunting destination for many, even seasoned, travelers.
The news reports seen in the west are frequently bad to very bad, Ebola, Religious Wars, Kidnapping, Child abduction, starvation, etc.
Very little good news about the African continent is reported here in the west.
Few realize how big Africa is and how far away these problems are. Still that does not matter the apparent risks count against doing the trip.
I have lived in South Africa, and visited or worked in Kenya, Zaire, and Mozambique, my daughter while still at school went to Uganda, and the following year to South Africa. So I have some experience of the continent.
I am looking to holiday somewhere in Africa next year, I would love it to be Zanzibar but we shall see.
I am going to a dive show in the UK this weekend and I will see what is being offered for Africa.
Normally the choices are poor and the prices astronomic for whats on offer.
You cannot charge 7* prices in a country where the perceived labor, land, etc costs are very low and the risk profile is perceived to be high.
You must remember you are competing against established destinations like the Red Sea, Seychelles, Maldives, Philippines, Indonesia, etc.
Some are not that safe but their prices reflect that and the risk is perceived to be less.
Lets hope they will be some sensible prices on offer this time.
If not the wife and I will, in all probability, organize our own safari in South Africa, Kruger and Garden Route, and visit some friends there.
I might be able to slip in a dive trip to Mozambique, but the wife might be suspicious when I start to pack the dive gear.
---------- Post added October 24th, 2014 at 11:35 AM ----------
Kim
One of the great things about Africa is that almost everywhere has land based attractions, at least anywhere you would be likely to go.
Distances are huge and if you are not flying then everywhere takes a long time to get to.
Outside of the major cities infrastructure, e.g. roads, rail, etc is very poor, mobile phone access etc very patchy. These are 3rd world countries and it shows, South Africa is an exception with better roads etc than most.
However that is some of the charm of Africa, it is a beautiful continent with fantastic scenery, incredible wildlife, and an atmosphere that will stay with you forever.
However if you had only 2 weeks then it becomes a challenge. A good safari really needs at least a week, 10 days would be better. Add some beach time to unwind and your fortnight is gone.
I will look and see whats on offer for diving this weekend and update on the possibilities I have discovered.
I am definitely intrigued now. When someone has two weeks to send there where would you recommend an experienced diver go? Somewhere that also has land-based natural attractions.
