Reddit mentions of Photojournalist's Field Guide, A: In the trenches with combat photographer Stacy Pearsall

Hey OP, here are some resources I found useful when I was working in NE Africa.

1) Dangerous Places 5th Edition

If I were to recommend one book this is it. Especially if you've have no or little experience working/living in a non-western, underdeveloped area. Good humor, good info.

http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Peltons-Worlds-Dangerous-Places/dp/0060011602/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464910574&sr=8-1&keywords=dangerous+places

2) Black Flag Cafe

Same author as above but the forums might be useful to you. A word of warning though, many of the users will not see your trip in the same light you do, so I'd keep your ears and eyes open and your mouth shut. Some really good info and RYP actually interacts with the users so you are actually getting some hard learned advice.

http://cafe.comebackalive.com/index.php

3) A Photojournalists Field Guide

It appears as though you are sponsored in some way, your sponsors are probably looking for you to produce some quality content. Not to say you aren't already a good photographer or videographer, but the game changes when you are in a situation that is out of your element.

https://www.amazon.com/Photojournalists-Field-Guide-trenches-photographer-ebook/dp/B00BP83RO2?ie=UTF8&keywords=photojournalist%20guide&qid=1464910759&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

4)CPJ Security Guide

Although you aren't exactly a journalist you'll probably be seen as one or at least something close to it (At least in N Africa). This free guide helps with some of the basics and should provide you with further resources to study. I'd also recommend looking at the rest of the CPJ website and other journalist advocacy groups as they often have guides/advice/tips on working in risk areas.

https://cpj.org/reports/2012/04/journalist-security-guide.php

If I think of more I'll add them but these are the ones that come to mind.

Not to beat a dead horse, because you've already heard it from multiple people here, but the one thing that stuck with me as far as personal safety was the saying, "If you and a friend meet a bear in the woods you don't have to be fast, you just have to be faster than the other guy." A big part of my own approach to safety when I was in Egypt during the revolution and subsequent elections was that unless you really really piss someone off, crimes against you are most likely going to be crimes of opportunity. Be smart about how you travel, as a fellow white guy I couldn't completely hide my appearance but I did what I could to blend in. Wear what the locals do (A worn collared shirt and slacks or jeans is pretty good), don't carry expensive equipment or at least keep it unobtrusive if you must carry it. If you can afford one hire a fixer or at least a trusted local guide (Travel companies and journalists are good places to get started but they are often very protective of their fixers and guides). Try to learn how to say basic phrases in the area's languages, often a greeting can go a long way to getting you out of trouble. Flexibility and quick thinking are better protection than a bulletproof vest and a gun, avoid forming habits if you are staying in one place for any length of time.

I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a bit envious, stay safe and travel well.

Edit Also there are no road rules in N Africa, I would HIGHLY recommend getting a driver whenever you are in urban areas.