Two folks got mugged and beat up a little walking back to their B&B from Joe's Beer House in Windhoek last night. It was well after dark and along the river. They donated keys, passports, wallets, watches, a little blood, etc, etc.

The cities in pretty much all of southern Africa are not for kids. If you walk around with no situational awareness, no sense of security and/or no common sense, you will be targeted and the experience is probably not going to be a lot of fun.

From the time you land in JoBurg to the time you step foot on your home turf, treat Africa like a very dangerous place where everyone wants to hurt you and steal your stuff. Truth is, they sorta do...

Opus1,

I agree. Taking off and doing it on your own sounds interesting and adventurous. Reality is that without a guide or some sort of escort most of us are out of your depth. I love all of Africa including the cities but I always engage someone to assist. You'll get far more out of your activities with someone that knows their way around and be much safer also.

Mark

It is not just Africa. Try the same thing in Albuquerque or Denver or Atlanta, etc, etc, etc.................

All true. Years ago, I got myself into a bad situation in Dar, through sheer stupidity on my part, I took a bundle of one dollar bills, probably around $40 -- shoved the lead guy tossed the bills in the air and ran. They focused on the scattering bills and I was long gone by then. A handful of ones in my right pocket has been my practice since. It comes in handy for tips too. If you throw it, throw it high in the air so it cascades down and creates the diversion you wanted -- they don't know they are all ones at first and they will stop to check.

Funny that works with strippers too. But I don't run...

Does that make me a bad person...

Could happen just as easily in just about any American city as well.

On my first rip to SA, we arraigned some touring before hand. A couple of days before departure the tour operator sent me a picture of our guide. He said, do not under any circumstances leave the airport with anyone but this guy. If you have any problems call my cell.

That was pretty eye opening to me. Lots of places are not safe after dark but during broad daylight, not so much.

An American kid (well 24 so perhaps not a kid) was killed in Dar last week, sad situation. Yes, it can happen in any American city, but Africa is a totally different beast.

quote:

Originally posted by StormsGSP:
An American kid (well 24 so perhaps not a kid) was killed in Dar last week, sad situation. Yes, it can happen in any American city, but Africa is a totally different beast.

Really, because an average of 50 people are SHOT most every weekend in Chigago!

In 1982 I think, I was in Detroit.

I was staying at a hotel in the center of town, and after dinner there, I thought of taking a walk.

A police car stopped by, and asked what I was doing, I told him I was out for a walk, he offered to drive me back to the hotel, as it was not safe to be alone!!??

He was kind enough to give me a ride back.

Back in the 70s, wife and I were newly weds living in Houston. We were furniture shopping one evening after dark. We got lost in some rough neighborhoods.
A cop cop pulled us over and asked "do you know where you are?" I said no.
He said you are in the 5th ward (I believe that's the right one) you really don't belong here and you need to leave now. He have us directions on how to get out of there.

df06,

I moved to Houston in 1987. So I don't know much about it in the 70's, but the wards were pretty bad in the 80's. I suspect it was worse when you were here. I think it is improving, but I still avoid those areas. Habit.

Safety and Common Sense Anywhere

Walked home after waiting tables at university one night -- car wouldn't start. Two guys stopped to harass me / scare me into giving them my wallet (?) They were likely high, but somehow the older one was wearing an FCA T-shirt which served to distract the conversation until headlights came along and they jumped in their ride.

I will NEVER do that again! Thank you God, and thank you Fellowship of Christian Athletes!!

This was in Aggieland (College Station, Texas.) When I told a young, black guy at work where I lived he said; "That is ____town!"

Good Advice no matter where you are at. I now live in Arusha, TZ about 1/2 of the year. Although I know my way around I do not go out alone at night by myself. Especially walking. While I like to think I can take care of myself, at 64 I am no match for young tough guys either to fight with or run from.

Most of the serious crime in large USA cities occur in certain locales. Tourists, of course, don't know the good and the bad areas. Most murders in US cities are the result of inner-city gang violence (mostly blacks and/or hispanics).

Detroit is probably the exception in that the entire city is one big crime area.

Still, Africa is much more dangerous to tourists IMO, due to the extreme poverty. I absolutely hate the "porters" in Jo-burg, who wrestle your bags away from you via being stronger than you. Not to mention the airport firearm inspectors who try to shake you down for beer money.

An entire different level of danger IMO.

BH63