I know some African countries have a sizeable Pakistan/Indian community. What is life like for Desis in those places? What are desis doing in those places now? How is life there compared to Pakistan?
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
I think Katty is from the same region too. She can answer this question better than anybody else.
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
catwoman? She is from South Africa. South Africa is a first world country, and I am sure lifestyle is no different than any Western European country or US/Canada.
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
i dont think its that bad....my uncle used to live there....he said its tuff to live there.....he knew the language so he lived thru it...however..that was 15 years back from now...when there was no internet there...and no other life
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
I had an english teacher who was in Kenya, and she said the Pakistanis there were extremely rich, and they employed alot of locals, and had very large houses. However, outside their large estates life was extremely dangerous, as the crime rate was very high. Whenever she had to leave for school, they had to be escorted.
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
There’s a guppan from Tanzania… but she’s part of the Cafe People 
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
A bit off topic, I know...But has anyone heard of or seen the movie Mississippi Masala with Denzel Washington? I watched it a few days ago and it SUCKED.
But basic storyline was about an Indian girl who's parents were Indian but were born and raised in Uganda, Africa. (Indians were brought over to Africa as slaves to build some bridge and later their families remained there for generations). Well then the family moved to Mississippi and she fell in love with a black man (Denzel) and the rest of the movie was gay.
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
Most of the Desi's who settled in East Africa(Uganda,Kenya & Tanzania) did well for themselves. Mainly in Business and as professionals, Drs, engineers etc.
The Swahali language uses a lot of Urdu/Hindi words.
Hindi movies & songs are very popular with the Desi & E African population.
Kenya is the most advanced (read the Sept National Geographic), Niorobi the Capital, is a beautiful city, with multi storied buidings, malls and a good night life-though it is a Dangerous city. Chain snaching & murders are common.
There is a bit of jealosy/resentment against the Desi's. During the 1970 Uganda's ruler seized property owned by Desi's and in general the majority of Desi's migrated to UK.
The Agha Khani's are the most well off, they mix with both the Pakistani's and Indian's.
A lot of Gujrati's are there & Sikhs(who wear white turbans).
Its a good life for us Desi's there.
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
1st worry about the life in Indo-pak or where you live, then think about the rest.
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
We only moved to South Africa in the mid-90s, before that we were in other Southern African countries. Basically, if you're here on expat terms, you live a life of complete luxury - similar to how Pakistanis live in the Middle East. You may not earn as much as your Brit and American counterparts but the perks are a plenty - servants, drivers, big house, big yard, good education etc. You'll find most expatriates from India and Pakistan are leading the good life here and they don't want to leave either.
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
AND tigers in the back garden
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
is there any restriction btw different forums on gs?
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
So it is a trade off between perks and dollars? Tough choice.
Catty, since you are the spoiled one, you should stick with the perks and tigers 
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
uhhh… and plenty of Pakistanis are also not living the luxury life in the mid east.
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
So does South Africa really feel like living in Europe? Where do the desis fall in the whole class and race thing? How were they treated before, when all the apartheid related activities were going on?
How are Pakistanis percieved in African countries? Like “Uggh.. more pests” or “Wow, model minority, we love them!” Have they integerated into the culture? Are there lots of desi-african marriages?
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
Fayz, at the moment I'd prefer to live in a first world country, since I am young. I think there are more opportunities for advancing ones career, as well as personal development. Africa is excellent for raising kids though, and for retirement, however in your 20s or 30s you'd rather be in the northern hemisphere. :)
TDB, ofcourse there are all different types of Asians here in SA - some very poor and struggling, and many elite business class people. I was talking about expatriates though, small minorities who came to Africa in the last couple of decades. Those working for international companies do very well here. In countries like SA and Kenya, where there are large populations of South Asians, you'll find all types of people like in the ME.
Re: So what is life like for desis in places like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania?
Kenya- Lovely and exotic destination! Nice beaches, fantastic safaris, scenically beautiful. For those who are financially settled enjoy a comfortable life. Theres a variety of places to see as mentioned. Good places to eat…lots of desi restaurants. Cinemas almost everywhere. Malls where you could shop for clothes with designer labels. You could enjoy playing sports at the local club. Some of the established desis living there wouldnt dream of living elsewhere.