gibb68

I have a relative going to malawi south africa in about 8months. Just need pointed in the right direction. Is it safe in that area ??? I have searched on the net but not sure where to go for info like that, kinda worried about there trip. Thanks Gibb

Strange Famous

Erm.. well, first of Malwai is not in S Africa, it is a nation in its own right.

And I shared a house with a guy for 2 years at college who lived and grew up there, so I can tell you some stuff about it. I think it has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world, corruption by state officials is very widespread, infrastructure is weak, and crime and robbery is quite common. There is also the danger ow wild life of course... if you are going on an organised trip, it would be the sort of place you wouldnt be advised to leave your escorts for a great length of time unless you knew the area I guess.

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for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
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The Gospel of Thomas

gibb68

Thank you for the info, but I don't think I am going to change there mind on going. I don't know anything about the place and I think that it just isn't a good idea to go just for a visit. They are going with some people from college who live there. It's just doesn't seem the right time to go anywhere right now. I don't really want to make a big fuss over it so that way when they get back and nothing happened. They won't be crappy to me for making a big deal about it.

Thanks again,
gibb

runtuff

Bill Bryson's African Diary is available still, is a nice short little book mostly about Kenya, but duscusses the +++ and ---- of African nations.

neutone

Gibb, don't change their mind, Africa is an amazing and beautiful continent. You can't go wrong, both Malawi and South Africa are popular tourist destinations. Check out www.southafrica.com

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bundy

i agree with neutone, Gibb. don't change your mind.
Africa is an incredible place. South Africa (and i speak from experience) is a STUNNING country with countless tourist attractions (and honestly, if you're coming to africa from the west, then going to SA first is a good way to ease into the culture change).
Crime is an issue with both of these countries, but only if you're stupid, i mean, its not like they're Iraq and have mobs hunting you down. just do your research on the countries that you'll visit and you'll have a good time (i recommend Lonely Planet, but it has to be up to date)
Malawi is an extremely poor country, and it would be one heck of an experience... just get all of your vaccinations and shots.
if i were you i'd also consider Botswana, Namibia and if you're keen to go further north to east Africa, then Tanzania (and i can personally recommend Zanzibar).
just travel smart, and have fun... and remember to come back and tell us all about it!

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gibb68

I'll have them pick up that book and give them the link you guys posted. The kids they are going with are from there, I met one they other day seems nice. (more at ease ) I'll have them take lots of pictures and scan other stuff and I'll post it here. It will be in about 8 months before they go (summer break @ college) I guess I'm more scared of they bad stuff you hear in the media. I won't talk them out of it. I'll let them decide after they read up on it and get more info. heck the only place I've ever been was panama while in the military.Thanks for the info post pix in about 8 months
Thanks Gibb