6 Reasons Why You’ve Not Visited Africa

In spite of being one of the most exotic, beautiful, and adventurous continents on the planet, Africa is still the least visited. For example, ten times the number of people travel to a considerably smaller area in Europe than the whole of Africa combined. With perhaps one or two exceptions such as Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa—generally regarded as decidedly more travel-friendly than any other countries on the continent—Africa is nowhere near reaching its full tourism potential.

So, why is that? What exactly is stopping people from flocking to this richly diverse, cultural, environmental, and historical powerhouse filled with 54 recognized countries for you to possibly explore? World traveler and adventurer Lydia Yang of Lydiascapes takes a look at six reasons why you’ve not visited Africa (yet), while hopefully even dispelling some of the myths keeping you from doing so along the way!

It’s Far Too Dangerous

First thing’s first—when talking about Africa as a backpacking destination, you’re likely to be met with a few raised eyebrows. To many, it’s still a dangerous place, ravaged by civil wars and corruption. In certain locales, it can be run by armed militias and generally, people wouldn’t exactly invite you to tea if they happened to catch you in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Remember, Africa is not one country.

People often have a tendency to lump it all together. What’s happening in Guinea isn’t necessarily what’s happening in Mozambique, for example. At the time of writing, there are fifteen countries currently in conflict, which leaves 39 for you to explore!

It’s Disease Ridden

We’ve all looked on in horror at the AIDS and HIV epidemic in Africa, which continues to be a significant problem in certain parts of the continent. However, it is only in specific regions. Rates of infection are falling.