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Travel creates a unique opportunity to learn about the world, new places, and the intricacies that define them. Moreover, it also helps enhance your self-awareness.
However, traveling is like visiting a friend&rsquo;s or neighbor&rsquo;s house, bearing in mind that each home has unspoken rules. You may not understand the rules, but you must respect them nonetheless.
Like any other travel destination, Africa has its geography, history, culture, and people who deserve respect. Being a jerk to the locals while traveling, especially in the age of the internet, is inexcusable. So, below are dos and don&rsquo;ts to make your trip to Africa fulfilling and memorable for you and its people.
<h2>Dos</h2>
<h3>Do Research Your Destination Before Traveling</h3>
<img src="https://www.masaimara.travel/images/mara-map-small.jpg" alt="Maasai Mara " width="587" height="685" />
Image Source: <a href="https://www.masaimara.travel/images/mara-map-small.jpg">Masaimara.trave</a>l
Africa is a continent with 54 fully autonomous countries and not one country. Therefore, take the time to research the African country you intend to visit before jetting in.
Research the country&rsquo;s &ldquo;lingua franca&rdquo; and learn a phrase or two if the language is foreign to help you interact with the locals. Second, research its history, social norms, and socio-economic contexts, especially if your itinerary includes sites of significance like religious sites and memorials. Also, research the ideal dress code for such places to avoid offending anyone.&nbsp;
Besides formality and cultural history, research local trends, especially in arts and entertainment.
<h3>Do Interact with the Locals</h3>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo9-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/322379498_5833774696687734_7218816609795887181_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=MTXqmp7P9lAAX-k_wp6&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo9-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfDOp8vKnSNGXcrgaRmlPZTel6myxx-5gFghq9jLlXUwLQ&amp;oe=63F1B1AC" alt="Magical Kenya" width="1280" height="853" />
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Cultural experiences are a significant travel element; the most authentic way to experience various African cultures is by interacting with the people. Unlike in travel destinations where people hardly make eye contact, African people are community-oriented, friendly, and approachable.&nbsp;
Greetings on the continent express genuine concern rather than mere formality. Moreover, most African people are more than happy to share their personal experiences, beliefs, aspirations, culture, and country if you show interest. Also, interacting with locals allows you to make friends, discover invaluable opportunities and support local businesses.
<h3>Do Keep an Open Mind</h3>
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Cultural differences exist throughout the globe, but no culture is superior to another. Therefore, check your eurocentric or Americanized modernization concept. Cultural comparison, critique, and homogenization are sure ways to have a horrible time.
Instead, take the time to find the wisdom behind unique cultural practices. Culture is a layered concept, so let peeling back the layers be part of your adventure. You may not agree with every cultural element but respect it nonetheless.&nbsp;
<h3>Do Ask Before You Snap</h3>
Photography is the surest way to keep memories alive. However, do not take photos of random individuals without their consent, especially if you intend to publish the photo or video on a public forum. Respect people&rsquo;s right to privacy and avoid using them as props for your Instagram page or other channels.
<h2>Don&rsquo;ts</h2>
<h3>Don&rsquo;t Participate in &ldquo;Shanty Town Tours&rdquo;</h3>
Poverty is simply poverty, not &ldquo;a true cultural expeience.&rdquo; Moreover, poverty exists in all parts of the world, including developed nations. So, do not go to African slums to observe the people&rsquo;s indignity in the name of culture and authenticity. Moreover, none of the money from these shanty town tours makes it to the community.
<h3>Don&rsquo;t Let Travel Warning Keep You From Visiting Africa</h3>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo9-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/306393846_10159286764654888_5810195434790186201_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=H6j75bu3qFsAX_oL43m&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo9-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfAp0gBlUHOy9z6ZPgn0Qx3NN-3boHJs_Rb1KDgihvzE1g&amp;oe=63F1873C" alt="" width="1199" height="800" />
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The US government&rsquo;s State Department and the UK&rsquo;s Home Secretary issue travel advisories to their citizens based on a four-tier designation system. According to their tier system, citizens should exercise normal caution when visiting level 1 countries and additional precautions when visiting level two countries. However, they should reconsider visiting level three countries and avoid visiting level four countries.
Only 13 out of 54 African countries feature in the list of level 3 and four countries. Therefore, Africa is safer than projected by stereotypes and biases. Therefore, exercise a reasonable amount of caution while visiting Africa, but do not cancel the trip.
<h3>Don&rsquo;t Exploit The Culture</h3>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo10-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/313434675_487522253409474_3223007287165834102_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=fQnCjt0ifTMAX-NWaNR&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo10-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfDkETRxK9CKOvoZEZ377l-_fxQGXrmL8Mi3Pnuakcizqw&amp;oe=63F1BD9A" alt="" width="1280" height="903" />
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Africa has a rich and thriving cultural heritage from unique cuisine and culinary techniques to statement fabrics and jewelry designs. However, while people are willing to share elements of their culture, like recipes, with you, do not replicate cultural elements, techniques, and products, profiting from such in your home country without acknowledging the people.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Do Recruit A Local Company Based in Africa To Plan Your Trip</h3>
<img src="https://www.masaimara.travel/images/little-governors-bar-dinning-area.jpg" alt="Maasai Mara " width="1500" height="1000" />
Image Source: <a href="https://www.masaimara.travel/images/little-governors-bar-dinning-area.jpg">Masaimara.travel</a>
Africa is the world&rsquo;s second-fastest-growing travel industry. Consequently, more travel agencies in the west are capitalizing on the emerging traffic destined for the African continent. However, the primary disadvantage of west-based travel agencies is that they will limit your tour experiences to typical tourist traps, including expensive stays in luxury hotels.
Second, for the DIY traveler, planning a trip across Africa is unlike traveling to any other destination. For starters, most African nations lack a comprehensive public and timely transport system, and getting sound by yourself may prove challenging.
Therefore, consider recruiting a local tour operator to help plan your itinerary across one or multiple African countries. Local tour operators have the connections to land you the best deals, can handle your visa requirements, arrange for private transport, and troubleshoot any other challenges that may occur.&nbsp;
Also, using a local tour operator is responsible travel, helping ensure that your money generates a social-economic impact in the local community. So, contact us for curated trips featuring riveting trips across Africa.
Header Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@rcstevenson80?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Craig Stevenson</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Lrfeth2WaOo?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>&nbsp;
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Respectful Travel: Unspoken Rules To Follow While Traveling Across Africa For A Fun-filled Holiday