I remember when I was in Namibia, the biggest concern everyone - including the locals - seemed to have was going out on my own in Windhoek. I was strongly advised against walking out of the train station to get some food for an upcoming 36 hour train trip, upon which there was only vending machines with candy bars and warm canned sodas. I kinda had to go out.

Basically, I took the approach "Walk like you belong". Body language can say a lot to both human and animal predators. Walk like I could be a predator - with purpose, no day pack, no camera. Bottom line for me - no problem. That day.

Out in Namib Desert, we were told to be alert to out surroundings, but otherwise, no worries.