How Not to Look Like a Tourist When Traveling in Africa?

A lot of people look at Africa as some mythical place and don’t really want to visit it because it’s so different. Well, the same thing happens to people in other parts of the world when they are visiting Africa for the first time. This blog will look at how you can take tours in Africa without looking like a tourist.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO AFRICA

Be careful, but not afraid

The whole of Africa has had a pretty bad rap as a war-and-poverty-stricken, crime-ridden, and inhospitable continent over the last few decades, but we’ve always found that this perception couldn’t be further from the truth.

Most African countries are stable and peaceful and work towards a better future for all.

This will save you from many problems in Africa.

You will quickly realize that many of your fears are unfounded.

THE PEOPLE are SUPER FRIENDLY

Africa isn’t the backward, dangerous place that it seems to be. The diverse, wonderful people who live in its countries don’t want to take advantage of you at any opportunity.

We were always greeted by friendly and welcoming people everywhere we went.

YOU’LL PROBABLY BE CALLED A ‘MZUNGU

Most likely, you’ll be greeted with the phrase “Mzungu” – often by smiling locals passing you on the street or waving out of the windows of their cars. Swahili’s literal translation is “person who wanders in vain”, but it’s now used to describe any foreigner of color.

It is usually said in a friendly, humorous manner – so don’t take offense.

BUILD FLEXIBILITY INTO ITINERARY

“Africa time”. This phrase will be a familiar one to you as you travel around the country. But it’s something you will love and hate. The sooner you embrace it, the better.

Here, life runs differently. Buses depart when they are full and not when they are scheduled. An 8 am pick-up time might mean 11 am, and just because your order was placed an hour before it arrives, does not mean that it will arrive any sooner.

BRING YOUR FAVORITE TOILETRIES

If you forget your sunscreen or shampoo, you can usually find a substitute at the nearest pharmacy or shop down the street. This is not true in Africa unless you are in a big city. Even then, you may have difficulty finding the toiletries that you use back home.