14/08/2025
Why Many Africans Travel Abroad Instead of Exploring Africa
We live on a continent with the Serengeti, the Pyramids, the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Table Mountain — yet many Africans choose Europe, Asia, or the Americas for holidays. Why?
Here are some hard truths:
• Visas are a headache — It’s often easier for an African to visit Paris than a neighboring African country.
• Flights are expensive — Few direct routes, high ticket prices, and poor connectivity make travel costly.
• Security concerns — Border harassment, political instability, and inconsistent safety standards deter travelers.
• Poor infrastructure — Bad roads, limited public transport, and unreliable accommodation options make trips harder.
• We’re not marketing to ourselves — African tourism often targets foreigners, not African travelers.
So, what’s the fix?
• Easier visas and more visa-free travel.
• Cheaper, better-connected flights.
• Stronger safety measures and border cooperation.
• Modern infrastructure and cross-border transport.
• Campaigns that inspire Africans to explore their own continent.
Africa has every reason to be our first choice for travel — it just needs to be easier, safer, and more affordable.
Would you choose an African destination over an international one if travel was easier?
