I get it.

After all, Africa is home to largest populations of lion, elephant, rhinoceros, cheetah, hyena, leopard and hundreds of other species that are only found there – zebras, giraffes, gorillas, hippos and much more.

So yeah, it is not surprising that at least one game drive at one of the myriads of national parks and game reserves in the continent is scheduled on everyone’s visit to this fascinating continent.

But, is that all Africa has to offer?

After two months here, I began noticing how a lot of travelers were only interested in seeing animals.

I can understand it, really (and even encourage it if it is done ethically), but don’t restrict your time in Africa to “just” that.

Africa is a concoction of 54 (some say 57) countries, all which carry different histories, languages, tribes, religions, modes of transport and hundredths of other things I could list.

But please understand this continent has so much more to offer than safaris.

It hosts bustling cities with the best nightlife I have experienced in my life. It is the home to more than three thousand different ethnic groups, each with their own lifestyle, traditions, and customs ready to be discovered!

By all means, do come to Africa and discover its incredible wildlife, but don’t forget its people!

Take a long ride on a cramped matatu to experience local life, try the local food. Go partying in Kabalagala, Kampala’s most interesting night club street. Check out as many museums as you can. Walk around local markets to see what there is on offer – you will stumble across some very interesting things! Ride the “Lunatic Express”, a train that goes from Nairobi to Mombasa and has remained unchanged since the Colonial period. Learn a few words from as many local languages as you can, because most Africans can speak at least two (even three or more), and one of them will be unique to their ethnic group.

Mingle with locals and learn about them – ask them as many questions about their life as you can possibly think of, and then ask them a few more. Wonder why there are so many Indians and Pakistanis residing in Eastern Africa – it is an interesting story!

Get amazed at the beautiful women walking around in stunning African dresses. Learn how to cook their cuisine. Try as many dishes as you can, you will hate some but also love others (African cuisine is more than just rice, bananas and beans as many seem to think).

Talk to that lady selling bananas on the street – her story will likely fascinate you. Ask as many questions as possible and learn from the people. You will be surprised how developed some countries are after only a few years – learn how they have done it and take the habit and lessons back home (i.e. Rwanda’s ban on plastic bags). Take a local bus and buy fruits from the vendors that will shove you a myriad of items to choose from whenever the bus makes a stop.

Go to some music festivals – you will be surprised how easy it is to get lost to the rhythm of various kinds African music, be it modern or the classics alike! Shop for colorful fabrics and get a dress or suit tailor-made by local women – you will have a unique piece to bring back home for less than $10!

 

Please. Come to Africa and do spot that lion chasing a gazelle through the savannah – it will be unforgettable! But don’t forget there is SO much more this vast continent has to offer. It will change you forever.

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