Africa is a stunning, diverse, and enthralling continent, and visitors often become enamored with its outstanding scenery, friendly people, and breathtaking animals.
However, due to unfavorable portrayals of Africa in the media, myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions about this fascinating corner of the world persist. We'd want to clear the air once and for all and show you why Africa should be at the top of your travel bucket list!
Here are five myths about Africa that have been debunked.
Myth #1: Africa is a single entity.
Africa is home to 54 countries with a total population of 1.3 billion people. It is the world's second-largest continent, having a wide range of civilizations, languages, temperatures, landscapes, and wildlife.
Our host countries are uniquely distinctive locations in their own right, and together they display Africa's variety in all its wonder, from the vast savannahs of Kenya's Maasai Mara to the rich tropical woods of Ghana's Kakum National Park and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar.
Myth #2: It's constantly hot outside.
Given Africa's immensity (see above! ), each country has its unique temperature, seasons, and weather.
Indeed, each of our host cities has its distinct climate. Ghana experiences year-round tropical weather with temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or more, with two rainy seasons in the south in April and November.
On the other hand, Kenya has a drier climate, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius and short, refreshing rain showers in April and November. Finally, off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar has a more humid climate with somewhat higher temperatures.
Across the continent, temperatures and weather patterns vary, with practically annual snowfall in South Africa's mountains, Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, and Kenya's Mount Kenya.
Myth #3: The only thing to do is go on safari.
In Ghana's Kakum National Park, hike through the rainforest.
While a safari drive through Africa's magnificent national parks is an unforgettable experience, the continent has so much more to offer.
We've put up a list of adventure activities for groups to add to their visits, many of which highlight the finest of our host cities. Our volunteers can dive alongside tropical fish in Zanzibar, trek through the rainforest in Ghana, or learn how to make traditional Kenyan food and excellent safari drives through Kenya's Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve.
If that isn't enough, you may take a walking tour of Zanzibar's Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), learn about the dark history of the transatlantic slave trade at Ghana's Cape Coast Castle, or island-hop across Zanzibar's islands and feast on some of the freshest seafood conceivable. What else could you ask for?
Myth #4: Africa is a dangerous place.
Did you know that Ghana was named the second most peaceful country in Africa in the Global Peace Index Report this year (after only Mauritius!)?
Kenya and Tanzania (including Zanzibar) have long been hailed as significant tourist destinations, with the vast majority of visitors to all three of our host countries having a pleasant experience.
We're professionals at delivering safe, memorable excursions after more than ten years of organizing life-changing volunteering experiences in Africa. Our comprehensive Safety Management System maintains the most incredible possible levels of safety in-country, and our skilled team, 24-hour emergency response system, and spotless safety record should give you peace of mind that traveling to Africa is entirely safe.
We also have a lot of medals and accreditations to show that we are a respected and safe organization. More information can be found here.
Myth #5: African food isn't tasty.
In Kenya, ugali is a staple food.
Again, "African food" does not exist because each country has its particular cuisine with distinct flavors and tastes.
Embracing your destination's cuisine is a terrific way to immerse yourself in the culture, and we source all of the food you consume locally so you may sample the cooking for yourself.
Traditional Ghanaian foods have a hot tomato base. Okra or palm-nut soups, as well as red-red, pepper, and bean stew, are popular regional dishes. Cassava, plantain, and yam are all common accompaniments. Fresh fish and tropical fruit, such as pineapples, coconuts, and avocados, abound in the Keta Lagoon, where our partner schools are located.
Ugali (a maize-based porridge) is a mainstay in Kenyan cuisine, and it's frequently eaten with a vegetable or bean stew. Rice is also regularly consumed, and fish or meat is occasionally provided as a side dish. Bananas, melon, and oranges are among the fresh fruits available.
Finally, as an island, Zanzibar boasts a plethora of fresh, delectable fish available in its bustling markets. Zanzibar's diverse heritage, as well as its historical importance as a crossroads for East and West trade, can still be observed in Zanzibari food, which features a rich blend of spices and flavors. Fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as potatoes, rice, and ugali, are widely consumed.