Despite being the second largest continent in the world , Africa doesn’t necessarily rank as high with travelers looking to plan their next trip. Places like South America and Asia have more allure and mystique, and the ability to travel cheaply makes them popular spots for many backpackers and budget travelers who are on round the world “RTW” or gap year trips.
You regularly hear about someone backpacking Southeast Asia for several months, but how often do you hear about someone traveling through Africa for six months? While it certainly happens, it is just not on the top of most travel bucket lists.
Respected travel blogger and podcast host, Roni Weiss, is starting a new venture to bring Africa to the forefront of peoples’ minds. With his Been to Africa project, he hopes to bridge the gap between perception and reality of both life and travel in Africa.
In May, Roni had the opportunity to attend the Africa Travel Association’s 36th Annual World Congress in Dakar, Senegal as a New Media Journalist. Throughout the conference, one reoccurring theme was a perception problem of Africa and that people living on other continents do not get the full picture of what life is really like in Africa. I’ve talked with Roni for some time online and had the opportunity meet up with him at the Travel Blog Exchange Conference in Vancouver earlier this month and got to learn a little more about his vision for the Been to Africa project. Roni’s passion for this project is genuine and he’s a great guy — if anyone can help bridge this perception gap, it is him.
Roni in Dakar, Senegal last month.
I know a number of TravBuddy members have experienced life in Africa, and while it may not have been 100% perfect , they developed quite a love for the countries they lived in, and for the continent as a whole.
You may be thinking that we are always reading or talking about someone on TravBuddy traveling to Africa, but if you look at the site numbers, it might surprise you to know that Africa has the second lowest number of TravBuddies with future travel plans — the direct opposite of its 2nd place high based on land size. I am sure you can gather the continent that came in last — Antarctica.
Do you know what five African countries are the most popular with TravBuddy members?
5. Tanzania
With 1,309 TravBuddies intending on visiting this East Africa country, Tanzania comes in number five. Popular destinations include Zanzibar, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and exploring the game reserve of the Seregenti.
4. Kenya
Kenya is the 4th most popular African country with 1,513 travelers preparing to enjoy destinations like Nairobi and Mombasa. With part of the country enjoying scenic Indian Ocean coastline and over a dozen national parks scattered around other parts, Kenya is one country that should be on your dream destination list!
3. South Africa
Not surprising that South Africa would be in the top five, especially after countless TravBuddies flocked there for the last World Cup. 4,376 TravBuddies are hoping to hit well-known spots like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.
2. Morocco
Morocco continues to entice travelers with its intoxicating cuisine, spice markets, and Moroccan mint. Travbuddies are most drawn to the allure of cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca.
1. Egypt
Egypt is not a surprising choice as the number one pick with TravBuddies — 5,352 members are hoping to gaze at the pyramids, snap a quirky photo with the Sphinx, cruise along the Nile, dive the Red Sea, and just explore one of the most historic areas in the world.
One of these five countries probably rank amongst your dream destinations, but what about the lesser known countries — those that need the most exposure?
If you are looking for inspirational stories or for people who have explored the lesser known parts of Africa, talk to members like Jenn79 who worked with UNICEF in Bangui, Central African Republic – a destination that is virtually unheard of. While her blog is private, she does have a basic travel guide published and is happy to answer any questions for those looking to visit Bangui.
Jennifer in Tanzania
James, Pearcetoyou, is another TravBuddy who has traveled to Africa multiple times to do volunteer work with UNICEF. His blog on his Rwanda trip is a perfect example of how education and first hand travel experience can change perception about a destination. Upon finding out he would be volunteering there, his initial thoughts were fear and obvious concern to visit a country most known for its genocide. His passionate description about his own self-discovery and keeping an open mind are certainly worth a read.
James in Rwanda.
For a different perspective, peruse some of Harriet’s blogs. An Uganda native, Harriet spent her youth in Africa and at the age of 16, began exploring different parts of the gigantic continent. While she now lives in the United States, she still has significant ties to her country and Africa as a whole.
Harriet
If you’re a TravBuddy who shares a passion for Africa, please consider reaching out to Roni and becoming a part of his new Been to Africa project. He is currently looking for people to help spread the word on Africa through promotion of online content, networking opportunities, and even support through sponsorships. His eventual goal is to grow the project to include sections on business, charity, education, and tourism.
Anyone who is interested in networking with Roni should contact him directly at info@beentoafrica.com.
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