Holiday destination advice - please help

[Swissrollypoly1]

Has anyone ever been on an African Safari holiday? I’d love to do it but just so worried about safety and kidnappings etc after seeing so many bad things on the news. I understand not all of Africa is as unsafe as portrayed but I’m desperate to go and wondered how others have done it safely? Or is it still a risky holiday?

same with Vietnam - I’d love to do but unsure about safety?

TYSM

Sorry should have said: I’ll be going with a male best friend

I've been to several African countries on safaris there as well as travelling in both Vietnam and Cambodia with my husband and have never felt unsafe. Admittedly, we have used reputable tour guides/travel agents but it's all very straightforward.

Have been to Vietnam many times with my husband and children - no tour guide- and no issues. Wherever you go in the world you need to be vigilant, but I certainly did not feel unsafe in Vietnam.

Went with a female friend on safari couple of different trips and felt totally fine but this was 15-20 years ago so no idea if it is different now

”i understand not all of Africa is as unsafe as portrayed”

Africa is not a country or a monoculture

Erm, I know? I’m talking about it on a continent level. I assumed that was fairly obvious

Thanks everyone for the advice and help! Not sure which one I’d like to do first but I’m swaying towards a safari holiday somewhere in Africa. I’ve seen some nice ones in Kenya and others in SA so will need to look into it some more! x

I think using a reputable tour company would help ease your worries, South Africa seems like it might be more dangerous to me, just because I’m hear so much about high crime, how about Tanzania?
I have never felt unsafe in South East Asia, but that was a good while ago, before kids, perhaps I would feel differently now.

Vietnam (and Cambodia) felt very safe. I organised that holiday.

we’ve done Saragi twice and if you click lots of money at it and have a guide, yes we felt safe in South Africa. I wouldn’t drive around though. We have had four SA au pairs and they left for good reasons.
Tanzania felt safe too - but I’d want a guide.

Saragi = SA

Botswana and Zambia are two very safe safari destinations.

Personally I would also feel perfectly safe going on safari in big safari destinations like Tanzania or Kenya.

I would recommend speaking to an Africa travel specialist like Imagine Africa who I’m sure can allay your fears.

Vietnam is a safe country to travel!

Tanzania is relatively safe though as a Mzungu (foreigner) you will be seen as a target for mugging.
I lived in Dar es Salaam for 2 years and I think all of us at work were mugged at some stage and in daylight, busy streets, not wearing jewellery...all the usual precautions.
On an organised safari you should be ok and I'd recommend combining it with Zanzibar which is lovely.
Alternatively.... depending on budget/how long you have/time of year the overland trips are great fun though exhausting at times. I spent 21 days on a truck from Cape Town to Vic Falls in Zimbabwe through Namibia and Botswana. Although way out of my comfort zone it's still one of my favourite trips.