Hi Folks,

I dont know for east Africa, but in the west of Central Africa, I am always invaded by bee's as soon as I enter the forest as they are interested in the salt in my sweat. After 2 or 3 hours I can easily have over 20 on me and over 10 more on my back pack! As soon as the back pack is left behind, we really never know in what condition we will find it back. This exemple was really normal, not that bad, it can easily double in number of bees and add to that as many huge ant crawling on it

http://s97.photobucket.com/remix/player.swf?videoURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvid97.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl213%2FBaboonSpider%2FGabon%2FBee%2F23bfb419.pbr&hostname=stream97.photobucket.com&fs=1&os=1&ap=1

Like if it wasn't enough, add to that 200-300 small fly that are targeting eye's and ear, you have an good idea of the typical days in the rain forest of Gabon,

http://s97.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/BaboonSpider/Gabon/Bee/Gabon2124.flv&fs=1&os=1&ap=1

You have my sympathy CedrikG
I believe,at long last, I've sorted out my editing problems, Honest Carsten!
When I find it I'll post our little experience of bees in Tanzania! We still have no idea what was attracting them...Just millions & millions of bees for three days! We tried every thing to find out the attraction, they drowned in their thousands in the water bowl & coffee cups. Settled on the tent & land Rover & stung us many times. It made no difference, water, salt, sugar, clothes they were every where.

Bees are not my best friends. I have had plenty of pure, aggressive attacks from them. I could see them approach me from far with the pure aim to sting me, preferably around my neck and head. I don't panik by their sight but do like to make a circle around them. Once they start stinging me though, I can't stay calm.

Had one bee come into my motorbike helmet from underneath once, while I was riding on a motorway at 160 km/h. Luckily the bee simply left when I opened the visor but, I tell you, my heart was beating heavily for a while !!

Mind you, wasps are even worse. They are much more aggressive and interested in meat rather than flowers. Hence we have a much higher chance of conflict

Nah, not my cup of tea.

Hi Guys:

I've been fortunate to not be around many bees in Kenya.

However, since you guys seem to attract them (either because you're so handsome or because your sweat attracts them) you might want to take an Epi-pen with you just in case of a bad sting which can bring on anaphylactic shock which could kill you. One of my sons has bad reactions to bee stings and always carries a Epipen with him. Next time you see your physician ask him/her about having one handy. Better to be safe than sorry.

I am not allergic to bee stings otherwise I wouldn't bee writing these lines today.

If you speak the language, the locals can often give you very good advice. Not only do they know plenty of natural treatments that you will find in the bush (because pharmacies are rare in the bush), but they also know the various insects and other nasty creatures. A good antihistamine (injection) is good to have with you for serious cases but local advice can bring great relief to minor bites and stings.

We still have lots to learn from the bushmen