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Why visit the world’s most dangerous country? I often wonder what is my favourite type of trip? Is it the beaches and food of Thailand, or the people and value of The Philippines? Or maybe it’s visiting tribes in Burundi or getting lost drinking home brew in Lesotho.

THERE’S A LINE YOU PROBABLY SHOULD NOT CROSS AND I THINK I’VE JUST PASSED IT

All these trips are great but there are few destinations that compare to the Middle East. Food, hospitality and a cultural shock like no other. It’s clear most of the Middle East hasn’t yet become a victim of the gentrification from the west.

CHALLENGES

These are the only places (along with some countries in Africa) you can visit without having half an idea what to expect. It’s less “what is the food going to be like” and more “where am I going to eat?” Places difficult to travel are always a lot less travelled, and none more than my next destination, one of the world’s most dangerous countries…Afghanistan!

This is a trip I had originally planned to visit in 2021, just 2 weeks after the Taliban walked into Kabul and not so much seized power but more pick it up off the floor like an unwanted Christmas present. Of course that changed everything and I assumed I might not be able to visit for at least 5 years.

David Simpson wearing traditional garment made by tailor in Afghanistan. The Afghan series

WHERE IS AFGHANISTAN?

Afghanistan

Afghanistan travel advice map. Crazy friday flag with locals in Afghanistan. The Afghan series

Why visit the world’s most dangerous country?

But as travel has taught me, circumstances change quickly in unstable regions. Less than 6 months after the Taliban took control I was being invited to explore this fascinating country. I wasn’t sure if I was being used as a test dummy but as I had more than enough trips lined up it had to wait another 12 months.

David Simpson with local guide riding pedal boat in a lake in Afghanistan. The Afghan series

Why visit the world’s most dangerous country?

A COUNTRY LIKE NO OTHER

I rarely say this but this is one the trip I have been most excited to do. With its authentic style, incredible hospitality and unrivalled history there was just so much to research and learn. Even the recent war made me want to visit some of the old air bases and outposts, the latter of which was considered some of the most dangerous places on earth during the war and still a breeding ground for factions of ISIS.

David Simpson seated with locals in Afghanistan. The Afghan series

Why visit the world’s most dangerous country?

David Simpson having his photo taken from the only existing antique box camera in Afghanistan. The Afghan series

Why visit the world’s most dangerous country?

LET’S GO!

So join me over the next few weeks while I literally explore every corner of this country. From the Tora Bora, Osama Bin Laden’s last hideout in Afghanistan, to Nuristan, the most remote and dangerous place on earth for almost 20 years! However don’t be fooled, you will be amazed by what you see and learn about these magical people of the Middle East. Let’s have some Chai!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Prepare to join me while I visit one of the most unstable regions of the world. You’ll be in for an absolute shock!

NEXT UP

The first post from inside Afghanistan…coming soon!

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
159/229

This post was part of The Afghan Series. To watch the Instagram highlights click here.
If you would rather read the rest of the series from the blog just click here.

Question Time

  • Have you been to Afghanistan?
  • Before or after the Taliban takeover?
  • Would you want to visit now?

Let me know in the comments below . . .

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WHERE HAVE I BEEN, THE STORY SO FAR
DUBAI’S WORST HOTEL

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2 Comments. Leave new

  • robert williamson
    30/05/2023 8:59 am

    I most certainly would love to visit some of those places you’ve been to, myself having visited nearly 70 countries worldwide, how do you get visas?? North Korea is on my wish list

    Reply
    • Avatar photo
      David Simpson
      25/06/2023 6:41 pm

      Hi Robert, just contacts I have found over the years and word off mouth but north korea has to be done with a travel agency, such as young pioneers but be sure to behave yourself or end up like Otto Warmbier…😬

      Reply

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