Yay - Africa it is.

[Mich the Tester]

I think you should go with him, kill two birds with one botched kidnap attempt.

Might meet him there even; I'm planning on going to Malawi. Would like to see Lesotho too.

Erm, has it occurred to you that I was born in Africa and have visited several African countries, some of them multiple times and nothing has ever happened to me beyond a brief bout of Delhi belly after visiting an Indian restaurant in Dar es Salaam? And that while I know what risks there are I also know that most places are actually OK and most people there are just fine?

[Mich the Tester]

Hmmmm American centric but...

Ethiopia

Yep, anywhere outside the US is terrifying according to the US government. I wonder what they say about Liverpool.

[Troll]

Kenya... sounds nice

CRIME: Crime is high in all regions of Kenya, particularly Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts. There are regular reports of attacks against tourists by groups of armed assailants. Pickpockets and thieves carry out "snatch and run" crimes on city streets and near crowds. Visitors have found it safer not to carry valuables, but rather to store them in hotel safety deposit boxes or safe rooms. However, there have been reports of safes being stolen from hotel rooms and hotel desk staff being forced to open safes. Walking alone or at night, especially in downtown areas, public parks, along footpaths, on beaches, and in poorly lit areas, is dangerous and discouraged.

Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings, home invasions/burglaries, and kidnappings can occur at any time and in any location, most particularly in Nairobi. Nairobi averages about ten vehicle hijackings per day and Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter and investigate such acts. Matatus (public transportation) tend to be targeted since they carry up to 14 passengers. Although these attacks are often violent, victims are generally not injured if they do not resist. There is also a high incidence of residential break-ins and occupants should take additional security measures to protect their property. Thieves and con artists have been known to impersonate police officers, thus U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to ask for identification if approached by individuals identifying themselves as police officials, uniformed or not. U.S. citizens have fallen victim to such crimes within the past year. U.S. citizens in Kenya should be extremely vigilant with regard to their personal security, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. U.S. citizens should also remain alert in residential areas, at schools, and at outdoor recreational events.

Thieves routinely snatch jewelry and other objects from open vehicle windows while motorists are either stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic. Vehicle windows should be up and doors locked regardless of the time of day or weather. Thieves on matatus, buses and trains may steal valuables from inattentive passengers. U.S. citizens should guard their backpacks or hand luggage and ensure these items are not left unattended. Purchasing items from street vendors is strongly discouraged – visitors should only use reputable stores or businesses. Many scams, perpetrated against unsuspecting tourists, are prevalent in and around the city of Nairobi. Many of these involve people impersonating police officers and using fake police ID badges and other credentials. Nevertheless, police checkpoints are common in Kenya and all vehicles are required to stop if directed to do so.

[Troll]

Yep, anywhere outside the US is terrifying according to the US government. I wonder what they say about Liverpool.

At a national level

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: The United Kingdom is politically stable and has a modern infrastructure, but shares with the rest of the world an increased threat of terrorist incidents of international origin, as well as the potential for isolated violence related to the political situation in Northern Ireland.

Like the United States, the United Kingdom shares its national threat levels with the general public to keep everyone informed and explain the context for the various increased security measures that may be encountered. The UK Home Office posts UK threat levels on its website.

The UK Security Service, commonly known as MI5, publishes through its website specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public.
U.S. citizens should check with the UK Department for Transport for the latest security updates and carry-on luggage restrictions.
In the past several years, extremists have targeted and attacked public transportation infrastructure in European cities such as London, Madrid, Glasgow, and Moscow, demonstrating that terrorists continue to take an active interest in targeting this sector. The British Home Secretary has urged UK citizens to be alert and vigilant. For example, travelers are encouraged to keep an eye out for suspect packages or people acting suspiciously on buses, on the subway (called the Tube or Underground), at train stations, and at airports, and to report anything suspicious to the appropriate authorities. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution. As has been widely reported in the press, UK law enforcement authorities have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack, underscoring in their public statements that the police are using a range of tactics to mitigate the threat. For more information about UK public safety initiatives, consult the UK Civil Contingencies Secretariat website.

[Troll]

Gambia

CRIME: Petty street crime is a problem in The Gambia. Travelers should be careful of pickpockets in crowded markets areas and on ferries. Packages or luggage should never be left unattended, especially in taxis. U.S. citizens in The Gambia should be careful not to leave valuables or identity documents unsecured in hotel rooms or cars. Travelers should also be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help.

Visitors and resident U.S. citizens should leave their windows up and doors locked while driving due to several reported automobile burglaries, including theft from occupied cars stopped in traffic with the windows open or doors unlocked. Long-term residents should consider hiring a security guard for their home to prevent burglary and theft.

Women should avoid walking alone especially after dark, including in beach and tourist areas. In addition, female visitors to The Gambia should be particularly cautious of men locally known as “bumsters,” who approach females wishing “just to get to know you” or offering to be tour guides. Bumsters often use romance in hopes of gaining money and other assistance, or in the hope of departing The Gambia through marriage to a Westerner. Travelers are advised to be polite but decisive in turning down unwanted help or attempts at conversation.

[Troll]

Think I'll holiday in Toxteth this year....

[Mich the Tester]

Think I'll holiday in Toxteth this year....

Well, Toxteth isn’t for me, but Liverpool is well worth visiting; enjoy.

[b0redom]

The Okavngo Delta in Botswana is great, not sure what the weather will be like there then - might be a bit dry. Same with Vic Falls - although I'd stick to the Zambia side.

Check out the various overland trekking companies like Dragoman, Kumuka etc. I suspect that they'll all have pretty safe itineraries. How are you planning on travelling? I suspect hiring a car (you'd almost certainly need a ruggedised Landrover or similar) and taking it between countries would be a ******* nightmare.

[sasguru]

I genuinely feel sorry for the ignorant, small-minded people who believe everything they read and thus haven't experienced a safari in the Tsavo, the white sands of Diani Beach and a starlit night in the Rift Valley.
One of life's greatest experiences, was my holiday in Kenya.

As for crime any reputable 5 star hotel will look after you from arrival to departure.
If you follow their advice you'll be safe.

[EternalOptimist]

Umbongo

thanks for all the advice. I am not deterred so far

the first question was where is safe

second question - accomodation, food and fuel.

Can you just pop in and buy - like we do here. are they 24/7. unleaded. buy a buttie in a corner shop.
metalled roads