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After the 1998 and 2002 terrorist attacks in Kenya do you feel Africa is safe for travelers? What about Zimbabwe? Since the mid 1990's we have advised travelers that we have serious concerns with regards to crime, corruption and personal safety in east Africa. After the US embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania we noted that east Africa would be a likely target for additional terror attacks. Recent events, namely the 2002 bombing of a coastal hotel and attempted missile attacks on tourist flights leaving Kenya, have unfortunately showed our warnings to be accurate.

Many people are under the impression that Africa as a whole is unsafe and that the events in Kenya are evidence of this. This view is simply incorrect. Africa is enormous (you can fit four of the United States into the area of the African continent) and diverse (over 50 countries). On a positive note there are numerous safe destinations offering travelers incredible wildlife and wilderness areas. Botswana stands out as being democratic, politically and economically stable (Botswana is actually a safer investment destination than Australia!). Botswana is far safer than most of the world's destinations (the US State Department notes that "Civil unrest and disorder are rare" and that "Violent crime remains relatively infrequent in Botswana").

In 2002 anti government groups in Spain bombed several tourist areas along Spain's coast. Would you cancel a trip to Denmark due to these bombings? Of course not. Even though both countries are part of Europe most travelers understand that Denmark is a very different country, far away from Spain. In Africa it is no different. In fact the distance between Spain and Denmark is almost exactly the same as the distance between Kenya and Botswana.

Many travelers’ phone our office concerned about Zimbabwe and are startled to learn that many people still enjoy incredible safaris in this southern Africa country. Zimbabwean children still go to school, suburban families have weekend barbecues, go to movies and enjoy coffee at local cafes. It is true that the economy is in terrible shape. It is also true that opposition political movements are oppressed through intimidation and violent force. However this is not random - it is targeted at specific groups and individuals. Americans are not targeted as they are in east Africa.

We visit Zimbabwe each year (our last trip was in August 2007). Ultimate Africa Safaris consultant Lorna Davidson is from Zimbabwe and all of Lorna's family which includes grandmother, aunts, uncles, mother, brother and sister and their children, live in the capital - Harare. In addition we have many friends who live and work throughout Zimbabwe. We are in contact with them on a regular basis through phone and email...Traveler's returning from Zimbabwe often note "it is a shame that the media makes Zimbabwe look so awful - We had a such a wonderful trip in a beautiful country and at no time felt uneasy or unsafe".

Which African lodges, tented camps and hotels are your favorites? This is a really tough question to answer as there are so many incredible places to stay in Africa! Some of our favorites (in no particular order) include: Mombo Camp in Botswana's Moremi Reserve (the wildlife, the wildlife, the wildlife and the rooms!!!), Duba Plains Tented Camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta (reputed to have the highest density of lion in Africa), the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town (home away from home, world's best hotel in 2000), the Saxon in Johannesburg (Nelson Mandela’s former home and world's #1 boutique hotel - wow), Singita near Kruger National Park (stunning rooms! World's best hotel 2001 and 2002), Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania (stunning rooms and location, wildlife).

Which African destinations are a must to see? Another tough question. I would say Mana Pools in Zimbabwe / Lower Zambezi in Zambia, Moremi in Botswana, the Victoria Falls, Cape Town in South Africa, Sossusvlei in Namibia, Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, the Serengeti during the wildebeest migration, and Zanzibar are must see destinations... there are many more...

What are the best safari activities? Africa offers so many unique and memorable adventure activities. Trekking for chimpanzees in western Tanzania is awesome!!! An elephant back safari is unforgettable. An helicopter flight over the Cape Peninsula in South Africa or over Victoria Falls is stunning! A Lower Zambezi / Mana Pools canoe safari should not be missed! Rafting at Victoria Falls - another favorite! A hot air balloon safari over Tanzania's Serengeti plains. Climbing the world's largest sand dune, Big Daddy, in Namibia - wow! A ride aboard the world’s most luxurious train, the Blue Train in South Africa - yes! Of course a visit to Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. Tumbling through a market on the “spice island” of Zanzibar…

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