Are you planning to take a trip to Africa sooner rather than later? We certainly wouldn’t blame you because this is an absolutely incredible continent that is just brimming with possibilities. However, before you visit there are
Are you planning to take a trip to Africa sooner rather than later? We certainly wouldn’t blame you because this is an absolutely incredible continent that is just brimming with possibilities. However, before you visit there are a few misconceptions that you need to let go of and some info that you need to know. Let’s take a look at some of the key points that you should keep in mind.
It’s All Desert in Africa
Actuallly, this isn’t the case at all and there are lots of places around different countries where you’ll be able to explore lush green rolling hills. South Africa certainly comes to mind. Alternatively, you can spend your time on one of the many beaches around Africa and enjoy a tropical paradise. There are even some islands that are more beautiful than Hawaii and completely isolated from the urban world. It’s the perfect place for an escape.
It’s All The Same
Guess again, because there are about 3000 different fascinating tribes and cultures. Some of these are always willing to welcome tourists and love teaching people about their way of life. You just have to make sure that you are respectful to their beliefs and that you understand you are visiting their land. Mingling with the locals is one of the best ways to ensure that you do get the greatest experience imaginable when visiting Africa yourself. It’s far better than staying in the tourist’s hotspots. You need to venture outside your comfort zone.
It’s Dangerous in Africa
There’s definitely a misconception that Africa is one of the most dangerous places that you can visit in the world and this just isn’t the case. While Africa can be dangerous it’s no more wild than the streets of New York or the worst parts of London. You just need to make sure that you are planning your trip the right way. For instance, you might be planning on heading out on a safari. This is one of the best experiences Africa can provide however you do need to book it through the right company. If you fail to do this, then you could run into issues traveling through different areas.
Aid Isn’t Welcome
You might have heard that people in Africa don’t want to support or help from outsiders. The classic example would be the argument that if you build water ways then you are removing a point in a town’s culture where they socialize. However, this is not the case and if you visit the best places to volunteer in South Africa, you’ll find locals are welcoming to people who want to help. As such, it could be a wonderful way to add something more to your trip than the standard vacation.
We hope you see now that there are a lot of weird misconceptions floating around about Africa and some things that you might not have been aware of before. Understanding the common misconceptions is definitely going to prepare you for your trip and we’re sure you’ll have a great time.