Table of Contents
Introduction
Why should we stop saying we’re travelling to Africa?
As someone who lives in and has travelled to 15+ African countries, I’ve noticed how often people speak about Africa as if it’s one single destination, like one country with one identity, one story. I don’t agree with such statements and wanted to write about it today.
In light of Black History Month (BHM) currently in the UK which, given that many of my readers are based in the U.S., I had originally planned to post about this in February. However, I felt that the month of October was equally an important time to share my own perspective. As a Brit, I am always contributing, sharing my remarks to the ongoing conversation about how we classify and speak about Africa. Often being the agony aunt that ask people “Where in Africa are you going?” Because what do you mean you are going to Africa. Which part?!
Since this year’s BHM has felt pretty quiet, it feels like the right time to finally address something that’s been sitting with me for a while.
Related Post: 5 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month 2020
Why should we stop saying we’re travelling to Africa?
Well, to put it simply. When people say they’re going to Asia or Europe, they almost always specify the country: “Japan,” “Italy,” “France.” But when it comes to Africa, it’s often just… “Africa.”
And that small difference in language says a lot. People should not be typing is Africa a safe country? This is not only about our world, but to be honest about the individual.
It ties directly into not only my passion for travelling across the continent to show the true beauty of the Motherland, but also my desire to remind us all that Africa is made up of 54 unique countries! Yes 54! All of which have their own history, triumphs, and identity. Many of these nations have experienced tremendous pain and continue to stand in resilience, whilst also today still facing unfair perceptions within tourism and media today.
In this post, I want to explore a few distinct reasons why we should stop perceiving Africa as a single country. One because it’s not and two because shifting our mindset can change the way we talk about, experience, and celebrate the Motherland.
Africa Is Not a Country It’s 54 Unique Destinations
Every time I step foot in a new African country, I’m reminded of the continent’s incredible diversity.
- Living and travelling through Morocco feels like a fusion of Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences from the spice markets of Marrakech to the calm blues of Chefchaouen.
- South Africa has moved me in so many ways from having so many loved ones living there it has its own rhythm, warm, musical, and full of colour and joy.
- Kenya where I just visited for my birthday, offered me wildlife, city life all in one breath.
- Nigeria, my own heritage, pulses with culture, creativity, and endless energy.
- Rwanda taught me peace and reflection a country that holds so much history, healing, and hope in one.
Each country has its own rhythm, cuisine, flavours, language, and heartbeat. To say “I’m travelling to Africa” flattens all of that into one vague label.
The Power of Language and The World Perception
For decades, Africa’s story has often been told through someone else’s lens rarely through the people who live there or travellers who experience it deeply like myself. That’s why I feel so passionate about sharing my own stories because each border I’ve crossed within Africa from Benin to Togo, Rwands to Uganda and more has reshaped how I see identity, culture, and connection.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m honestly not saying that “Africa” is wrong. Or that you can’t say Africa. However, what I am saying is that historically, the world has been taught to view Africa as one homogenous place as one country, a single story of poverty, struggle, or a place of deep danger.
But if you’ve been to Africa you will know that it is truly beautiful and has so much to offer a traveller.
Changing how we speak about the continent we are ecouraging openness to being more intentional with our language. Instead of “I’m going to Africa”. Why not say “I’m visiting Kenya,” “I’m exploring Ghana,” “I’m off to Namibia” we help shift that perception.
Doing this reminds us that Africa is not a monolith, but a continent filled with individuality, innovation, and beauty.
Travelling Africa as a Black British Woman
There’s something incredibly powerful about exploring the continent as a Black British woman.
I’ve often felt the tension between belonging and discovery when travelling Africa. For example, when I travel to Nigeria, which I have spoken many times on Living Abroad as a Black British Nigerian Woman.
I often feel deeply connected by my heritage clutching at moments of my ancestries history when and where I can like recently travelling to Abeokuta to learn about my fathers ancestors.
Yet, there although I stay curious, there is no denying that I remain as an outsider. Theres always a sense of return not to one place, but to a collective home that holds many layers of who I am.
Travelling through Africa hasn’t just been tourism for me, it’s been a journey of remembrance and re-connection. Each trip deepens my understanding of what it means to be part of a diaspora. To be a Black women and so much more. And then to travel not just for adventure, but for identity. Reminding myself that there was a time in history that someone that looked like me was not able to travel in the past.
Why We Should Be Intentional
This isn’t about policing language or making anyone feel guilty. It’s about being intentional because words shape perception. There is so much weight in the language we use.
When you name the country you’re visiting, you acknowledge its identity. You give it the dignity of individuality.
Whether you’re visiting Cape Town for wine, Nairobi for safari, Zanzibar for beaches, or Kigali for culture say the name. Because despite the world seeing Africa as one country it definitely has many identities that are different not just between countries, but within countries! But thats another conversation for another day.
Either way. I want to you that we should and must celebrate the difference. Because it is the only way we can change the narrative.
Final Views
Travelling across Africa has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Like I recall only a decade ago wanting to travel more of Africa and now today I smile and say that I live and have travelled to over 15 African countries! What a real milestone that no one can ever take away from me.
All those countries have stories and the next generation will be able to hear about them for years to come.
So again.
Why should we stop saying we’re travelling to Africa?
Every answer or conversation adds another layer of understanding. And every destination deserves to be seen for itself. Not just in Africa, but around the world, but again mainly for Africa.
So next time someone says they’re “going to Africa,” maybe we can gently ask “Oh, which country?” or if you say “I’m going to Africa” maybe pause and actually reflect and state the country you are going to. For every one that is a shift or change in changing how the world views “Africa”.
Because Africa isn’t one place.
It’s a world within a continent and every country deserves its very own name.
What do you think? Do you think we should stop saying we’re travelling to Africa? And actually state the country.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Speak soon,
Adebola MBV x
