SUMMARY

I have been thinking about our experiences in the three countries we visited.  Windhoek, Namibia was the only city we stayed in and we were surprised that all the houses were surrounded by high walls, razor wire, fences with barbs built in - a very different reality for us.  Glen said he didn't even notice it as it is the norm in South Africa where he grew up and still lives.  We felt safe wandering the streets during daylight but at night, I guess, it is a different story.  When we walked to the Botanical Gardens the next day, we were warned that the path we were planning to take was through a high-crime area and not safe even in daylight.  Botswana, on the other hand, did not pose any more risk than any city in Canada.  It is a prosperous country and the crime rate is low.

Zambia has a 52% unemployment rate - even worse than South Africa's 32%.  I suspect that Namibia's is much the same.  Livingstone, Zambia was the other small city we visited but it was different as it was a tourist centre.  We saw more people on the streets here than we did in Windhoek.  

Many of the problems in Namibia and Zambia - and even South Africa - are caused by corrupt governments and power-hungry politicians.  It is a shame because there is a lot of potential in that the countries are rich in natural resources.  Money is put into the pockets  of the greedy and not into education, infrastructure, etc.  The whole country suffers as a result.

Saying that, we were totally isolated from these problems during our trip.  We flew into remote locations and stayed at camps where the staff were well-treated.  Staff were unfailingly pleasant and accommodating.  Guides were highly trained and proud of their knowledge.  At every camp, we were met by staff who shook our hands and introduced themselves to us.  No request was too small.  Food was delicious and nutritious.  Great care was taken to see that we did not impinge on the environment.  All the soaps, shampoos, and lotions were environmentally friendly and we were discouraged from using our own.  No problem for us as we couldn't bring any of that with us in our carry-on luggage since we didn't check any bags.  I think I may have mentioned that while eating a hard-boiled egg I dropped the shells on the ground.  The next thing I know, our guide was picking them up.  When we used the bush toilet, we were handed toilet paper and a brown paper bag to deposit the used tissue in.   It was taken back to the camp for proper disposal.

I was impressed by the huge swathes of land set aside as National Parks or Private Reserves in all three countries.  I hope this land continues to be protected.  Of course, there is Zimbabwe's offer to Donald Trump to give land from the Mana Pools National Park adjoining the Zambezi River for a golf course.  How to destroy a National Park.  How do you play golf when there is a danger of being attacked by wild animals.  I know, kill all the wild animals and hope the Zambezi doesn't change course so you still have the Falls to draw tourists in.  I'm glad that I didn't spend any of my tourist dollars in Zimbabwe to support this regime.