“Black people don’t …” fill in the blank.
When it comes to travel, statisticians casually reveal how black people don’t travel as much as their counterparts. According to CNN Travel, only 17% of American travellers are black. Of the 16.6 million university undergraduates in 2020, only 1.1 million were black and of these, 6.4% study abroad. The situation is just as distressing in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) where black students make up just 5.1% of those going abroad.
If travelling means new experiences, global perspectives and international opportunities why would black people intentionally exclude themselves? Is it that they don’t, or they won’t? Regrettably, what statisticians cannot reveal with their tidy numbers is the reprehensible bias & prejudice that black people face when they do travel. From the overt gawking, wide-spread discrimination (oftentimes, blatant racism) and financial exclusion, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to ascertain why the ratios are so skewed.
When I started Tiritose Sustainable Travel, I never envisioned writing an article geared towards a specific race, but I have discerned a familiarity unique to black travellers and the motherland that is worth sharing. By doing so, my hope is to inspire black people to design their first travel experience in Africa; the true land of the free and the home of the daring.
What is the first image that comes to mind when you hear “Africa”? Be honest! If not Simba the cub, then probably the negative images the media consistently portrays of “Africa”, famine, diseases, huts and abandoned expanses of jungles and rainforests. Never mind that Africa is a continent (the second largest in the world) of fifty-four diverse countries with an abundance of natural resources, energy, unique architecture, and five-star hotels with Michelin star chefs. Forget the fact that only a small percentage of Africa along the Guinea Coast and Congo basin are rainforests while the majority are tropical grasslands and savannas. Slashed, of course, during colonialism to pave way for the skyscrapers, massive bridges and modern infrastructure found in most countries today. So, when people are surprised not to see a lion at the airport in Harare (if I had a penny for every study abroad student who expected to see such…as unbelievable as that sounds…), I don’t exactly blame them.
What is the media’s interest in detailing that English is an official language in at least 25 African countries, making travel that much easier for Americans & Brits? Rosetta Stone who? Or that before colonial rule Africa comprised up to 10,000 different states and autonomous groups with distinct languages and customs making it perhaps the most intriguing place in the world to explore. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie states it more eloquently than I ever could; “the single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.” The elation and sense of totality my clients experience every time we peel away at the stories within the stories, imbued into each stone and root of this striking continent is exquisitely overwhelming.
BENEFITS OF TRAVELLING TO AFRICA
Sense of belonging: alright, let’s go right into addressing the elephant in the room, the black factor. In America, Britain and other non-African countries, black people face discrimination, are provided with less opportunities, and are oftentimes looked at as “the other”. But under the African sun, they can walk freely with very few curious eyes, hateful glances, and sometimes vile actions such as being spit on (yes, this has actually happened more times than I care to recount). Accordingly, they are free to go about the business of exploring and connecting with all that Africa has to offer. “You’re black so you’ll fit right in”, is certainly not the counsel here. Because as soon as you speak, your accent will betray you, as will your mannerisms and way of being. This sense of belonging emanates from the feeling of being welcomed with bright smiles and warm embraces much like the prodigal son returning home. Or going completely unnoticed thereby deriving harmony from the tranquillity. Of needing to get your hair done and finding the perfect salon within minutes as opposed to days, if that. That unexplainable emotion stemming from a good night’s rest when someone finally removes the pea under your twenty-feathered mattresses. The sense of recollection as Aristotle postulated, commonly known as déjà vu, upon stepping on African soil; and exhaling “I’ve been here before.” I can’t confidently state that those feelings are due to blackness, perhaps they can be attributed to the origins of men, what I will venture to declare is that every black traveller feels it, when in Africa.
BUT don’t be lulled into a false sense of entitlement because of this sense of belonging. Belonging comes with its own set of responsibilities and expectations that might give you whiplash if you don’t observe and tread carefully.
Confusion on how to act: you might share the same skin colour with the locals, but your experience is entirely different from theirs. There are certain things such as swearing, which are unacceptable amongst certain groups in Africa, especially the elderly. The best way to turn the challenge into an opportunity is to embrace and respect the local customs of the people to avoid any culture clashes. While you might do well at the airport, local restaurant or supermarket with just your English, knowing the dialect used in the country or region you want to visit is important and serves as a good ice breaker for deeper connections – nothing says, ‘hey, I know I am foreign, but I am trying’ like saying ‘hello’ or ‘how are you’ in the local language.
Because you are black, the locals might speak to you in their local language until they note the confusion in your eyes. But don’t fret, as long as you don’t take it to heart the encounter will quickly turn into all smiles and laughter and a guessing game of which African country your ancestors were from based on your looks, Ghana? Tanzania? Ethiopia? Nigeria? Approach it from a place of learning, unlearning and relearning, an exchange of experiences. There are obvious differences between the African American, black British and African cultures. The way of living and challenges faced are different as the environments are often poles apart. If you plan on visiting Zimbabwe, refer to the article I wrote on How to Become Zimbabwean which provides details on the cultural differences and tips on how to fit in well.
Appreciation and affection: For the most part, Africans will shower you with an appreciation and affection that you will never forget. Knowing how deeply the cultural contribution of fellow black Americans and black British is admired will fill you with pride. Certain assumptions will permeate your environment when you’re a black foreigner in Africa. Being from a “first world” surely means you have easier access (sometimes) to the latest technology and the sought after $ or £ or € western currencies. Therefore, you might be middle class in America but due to the differences in purchasing power parity, when you visit Africa, you’ll more than likely enjoy a better lifestyle from home.
A black American or black British traveller can earn respect or first preference from the locals just by virtue of them being a son/daughter of the soil returning home (which, I have to say, may equally work against you if you overdo it). A number of Africans will want to be associated with you to receive fresh stories about actors and singers, because if we are going with the stereotype, you obviously live in Hollywood or central London. Much in the same way, Europeans or Americans will not doubt a black African person’s royalty should they deem it so, that privilege extends to black foreigners in Africa, #FreshPrinceOfBelAir.
Another warning: don’t cling onto these black comforts and privileges as they may affect your experience of Africa as a whole. You become that trope, the one storied version of a never-ending series of high-end nightclubs, restaurants and bars.
Resistance from the local people: as noted before, Africans do not share the same views and perceptions on black Americans and the African diaspora in general. The perceptions can be negative. Some believe what they see in movies that portray black people as violent and drug addicts. Some Africans may not be prepared to welcome black Americans because of this negative, biassed view. Indeed, there are some ignorant folk who want you to pass a normative repugnancy test before they say you are African enough. The best thing to do in cases like these is to hire a local tour guide who will help you navigate through all the various nuances of the region’s laws and customs. And hey, sometimes you can’t win them all!
In truth I could write a book, and perhaps one day I will, on the numerous beauties of Africa that lift you from whatever ditch you’re in to soar high above the skies, like an eagle, bearing witness to its splendour. I hope that you are now inspired and ready to turn peculiar cultural encounters into positive cultural exchanges. If you need a little more nudging, some wisdom from two of the greatest entertainers in this world:
“Africa has her mysteries and even a wise man cannot understand them. But a wise man respects them.” ~ Miriam Makeba
“It’s really beautiful. It feels like God visits everywhere else but lives in Africa.” ~ Will Smith
When using Tiritose Sustainable Travel, a friend to first time travellers, you won’t have to worry about anything. We will help you plan your trip, find the best accommodation, transport and activities that suit your budget so you can get on with the business of discovering the magic within Africa.
“The world is like a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~Saint Augustine.
Let’s read an African book together…
If you are a first-time traveller and want some practical advice on how to get all set for your trip to Africa, continue reading.
PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP ABROAD: THE BLACK EDITION
You might not know any local people during your first visit to a particular country and the result may be choosing expensive accommodation or transportation services. Making use of local travel agents is very important when you don’t have friends or family who either live in the city you are visiting or who have been there before and can share useful tips with you. Particularly if you are on a budget, you are not going to find the best bang for your buck online in most African countries.
Local travel agents will help you find standard accommodation that match your budget and generally give you great value for your money. You also have to be prepared for some load shedding and water shortages in most cities around the continent and so be smart and bring a power bank and torch/flash with you. It also means you have to choose accommodation facilities that provide back-up power sources like a generator or solar geyser (hot water boiler).
Passport and Visas: Check your passport to see the expiry date, because in most countries you cannot enter if your passport expires within 4-months of travel. Some countries have an underdeveloped tourist infrastructure, which makes it difficult for you to book connecting flights online – be prepared to do the old-fashioned thing of visiting a travel agent’s offices. Other countries need you to apply for visas while others give you a visa on arrival (like Zimbabwe) and you pay a visa fee, ranging from USD$20-100. When planning a trip abroad you should give yourself enough time to plan everything and avoid any inconveniences.
What to pack: Knowing the right things to pack when travelling is always confusing, meaning you might end up having unnecessary luggage. The purpose and time of visit will determine what you can pack, read more. The local weather can affect your experiences abroad and you should know the weather and temperatures. Our article on travel advice can help you with some of the things you should know while planning to go abroad.
Solo Traveller: When travelling solo you should ensure you carry an identification card, look for shared housing options, talk to locals and join a tour. Your safety will come first when travelling alone meaning researching about the destination safety and reading reviews of previous solo travellers on the destination is important.
Group travel: When travelling as a group you check for group discounts and make sure you organise group transfers. It’s important to avoid hotels and make use of lodges and guest houses, particularly during this and post-pandemic period. You also have to prepare yourself for culture shock. Our article on culture shock helps you to understand it and how to deal with it.
Vaccines: Americans should check the CDC website to see if they need yellow fever for example. Getting the Covid-19 vaccine before travelling is important during the pandemic to build your immune system. Most countries in Africa require a negative PCR test certificate on arrival meaning you should get tested 48-72 hours before departure from your home-country.
Currency and sim cards: In some countries you cannot use the foreign currency for daily transactions, and this means you should be fully aware of the conversion rates. This will help you save and carry enough cash. You should avoid bringing blocked sim cards and try learning the local area dialling codes. Asking local travel agents about the accessibility of Wi-Fi and data costs will also help prepare and make sure you always talk to your family back at home. In some countries data can be very expensive. In some remote areas you might not be able to access Wi-Fi and your family members should know that you might not be available.
Travel sustainably: Sustainable travel means finding ways to travel without harming the natural and cultural environments. You can support the local economies by eating and shopping from locally owned shops. Our article on sustainable travel can also help you with more tips. You can also make use of eco-friendly tour operators and accommodation options that are certified for being sustainable. Consider activities that combine experience with environmental benefits such as rhino conservation programmes and animal rescue and rehabilitation programmes.
Safety and tips on how to stay safe and accident free
Lack of funds is yet another reason black Americans & black British do not travel. To travel abroad a person needs airfare, which has proved to be costly for most, at an average of USD$1,500 for a return flight to most destinations on the continent from either JFK or Heathrow. Travel expenses such as lodging, cost of meals and tour prices can be very costly for most people. The best way to travel despite the challenges is to make use of scholarships that can help you study abroad at an affordable fee.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU CAN TRAVEL AS A FIRST-TIME TRAVELLER?
Volunteer Travel: You can volunteer at animal sanctuaries, hospitals, and non-profit organisations around the world. It is one of the most popular types of travel as people are trying to make a difference and change the lives of communities, including their own. Volunteering will be good for a first-time traveller as it allows one to fully connect with the new area. While volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding experience, it’s important to know that your efforts are really adding value to the community that you are visiting.
Gap Year: A Gap Year is when you take a year off usually to work, volunteer or study in another country. When you hear the words “Gap Year” you might think of a student trekking around before they join the “real world”. Travelling during your Gap Year will give you more time to see the world and give you a new outlook before you start university or the next chapter of your life.
Internships: Taking part in an internship abroad can allow one to travel and see the world. International internships offer incredibly meaningful travel experiences. It is a chance to learn whilst seeing the world from a different angle.
Backpacking: It is a form of low-cost independent travel. It allows one to reach locations many travellers cannot access on a budget. Prices of hotels and lodges can be the same as 3-star hotels making it difficult to travel on a budget. Making use of tented camps or bringing a personal tent can allow you to travel on budget because you can pay approximately $5. Backpacking can be challenging in countries with poor infrastructure and transport. This means you might have to hire a car which might be expensive. It is completely safe to backpack in Africa.
How to backpack safely
Group holidays: Group tours can describe a group of 20-year-olds who want to drink and party to groups of 80-year-olds who want to visit historical monuments. No matter what your interest, from art history to ghosts to cheese-making to fishing, there is a group tour for you. The advantage of a group tour is you create a travel experience with people who share your interests, and you will probably make some new friends. Group tours are for people who are flexible and willing to interact with new people.Packaged group holidays: Pick a place and let the travel agent do the rest for you. Travel agents will package a tour that allows you to view all the beautiful areas and hidden gems. The benefit of the tours is that you do not need to plan it yourself because the local travel agents know the places well and often have the best logistical network that will get you the best rates.
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