American traveller seeks advice

I'm an American, I am going to be doing some world travel, entailing a combination of education and business. Some of my travels may include at least some brief time in a variety of African nations (both north and south of the Sahara). Can someone give me some advice on the most blatant ways that Americans sometimes fail to appreciate the cultures in various African nations, in thought or deed, and how I might best avoid making an idiot of myself? Contexts of interest include not just business and school settings, but social settings, restaurants, shopping places, even visits to people's homes

Charles, It's good to be prepared before you go. One thing I did notice whilst in a lodge in the Samburu Reserve in Kenya, where every night the staff there put a dead goat in a tree for bait for leopards, was that the Americans all made a lot of noise when the leopard arrived, instead of being quiet! Another noticeable thing about Americans is they arrive in full safari gear, and I mean FULL! So you could dress down a bit and not have so much Affluence about your person. If you do date, be mindful about HIV and Aids! I'm sure you will be fine and you will receive a great welcome. Africans are genuine in their pleasure to meet you. Good luck!

Hallo Charles, I am registered as a specialist safari operator and part of the 'specialist' is because of my personal interest in sociology. I worked since 1977 as social developer all over Southern Africa and am still today trustee of various development trusts. Perhaps you can contact me directly for a more detailed discussion about your needs. Greetings Koos Greeff

AFRIKA SAFARIS Specialist Safari Operator. http://www.afrikasafaris.co.za Tel/Fax: +27 (27) 2161 071

The fact that you seek this advice says that you're not going to represent the 'typical american tourist' profile. Relax, observe and enjoy.

Hi CJ, You go out there and just plan on enjoying and having maximum fun. Take whatever you are taking (just protect it and don't display it much). The locals will take you for who you are not what your country stands for and especially in Kenya. You will have mega fun. I would only advice that you make your travel arrangements with a reputable company (Block Hotels, Windsor Golf resort, any hotels in Nyali Beach). Don't go showing the dollar around ( that goes for anywhere) But my God just have fun. Contact the hotels directly and they will give you a guide to who you should make your bookings with. (MUST BE REPUTABLE>>NOT SOME ONLINE CHEAP DEALS). I would surely hate for you to get any surprises when you get out there.

Have loads of fun especially in Kenya.

No why you're not responsible for the actions of your government, any more than the Zimbabweans, or Nigerians are. The African governments in general are far more corrupt than the your government they just don't have the infrastructure, finances or industry to attract the attention of the world like the USA does. Yet they are responsible for more poverty, suffering and deaths in their own countries, than the USA has ever been. I would be proud to be an American, they do much good in the world along with other first world countries. Remember Africans are very poor compared to the average American, or European just don't flaunt your wealth, be good humoured, and polite and like some else said a greeting in their language and Africa is ecological paradise waiting to be discovered. Enjoy

I fully agree with you. Unfortunately your present government wasn't even choosen by the majority of the americans. He just happened to have a brother in Miami, which came in handy....

Luckily most people in Africa will see you as a person first and as being from a specific country second.

Enjoy Africa, it is such a migical place!

Regards,

Hello CJ

You might start by looking at www.zamtrade.com. You find links to nationalparks and gamelodges in different african countries there.

Regards