I would very much like to do the whole african safari thing. But I
have heard it can be dangerous in Africa. Not the wildlife so much,
but the people. What are some of the places to stay away from and what
would be the best places to travel and experience.

Some parts of some African cities should be avoided at night, but much
of Africa is safer than most American cities, and the vast majority of
travellers to Africa have no problem at all. The more you are open to
the people, the better an experience you will have.