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I'm going to East Africa this summer and I have a concern. It may be a tad predjudice of me but it's still a concern...

You hear a lot of stories about stuff getting stolen from hotel rooms etc. My question is then, does everyone walk around with their backpack all day around the clock? What if you wanna head for the beach, do you have to bring your backpack with you??
You hear so many stories of stuff getting stolen from hotels and hostels it almost sounds like a rule more than an exception.

You who know about travelling in Africa, set me straight...

Thanks!

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"Of the gladdest moments in human life, is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands. Shaking off with one mighty effort the fetters of Habit, the leaden weight of Routine, the cloak of many Cares and the slavery of Home, one feels once more happy. The blood flows with the fast circulation of childhood . . . A journey, in fact, appeals to Imagination, to Memory, to Hope, the three sister Graces of our moral being." - Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton

Posts: 74 | Location: Stockholm, Sweden | Registered: 30 October 2005

Jillian

Holds PhD in Packing

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I spent about six months in East Africa last year and I didn't have any problems with things being stolen from guest houses. You shouldn't need to carry your backpack around with you everywhere you go -- just be sensible. I always made sure to lock my room (and generally took the key with me rather than leaving it with the staff). Also, if I had anything valuable in the room I made sure it was in my pack and locked. Generally, people in East Africa who are employed are happy to be employed and won't want to risk it. Just don't temp anyone by leaving a camera, money, a cell phone, etc. lying around.

Jill's African Adventure: http://blogs.bootsnall.com/jill/

Posts: 158 | Location: San Diego | Registered: 29 April 2004