We asked different users about their experiences traveling across Africa, and the responses revealed a wide range of perspectives. Some people had challenging experiences in certain countries, while others felt welcomed everywhere they went. Here's what they shared.
The Conversations About Respect and Energy
Gary Feemster had a refreshing perspective. He said,
"Nothing but love for every place I have visited in Africa. I can't wait to return to Johannesburg next month, then Nigeria and Madagascar afterwards. I'm a firm believer in 'you get what you give'. If you focus on respect and authenticity, you will definitely receive that back. Africa is an amazing continent. Don't enter into any house (country) without respect for the host."
Adoga Evbodaghe agreed completely, adding that they loved it in Cape Verde, The Republic of Benin, Togo, and Senegal.
"It was all respectful and charming. That part about respect for the host... even when I travel locally within my country, Nigeria."
But Moon Gawdess made an important point:
"Guys just because you had a good experience with all doesn't mean that everyone has. I like transparent posts like these."
North Africa: Mixed Reports
When it comes to North Africa, experiences varied but some patterns emerged.
Sylvia C Katema kept it simple:
"Any country from northern Africa don't try."
Vicky Stuart Oluwafemi named Egypt specifically.
Esi Nedo spoke about Morocco:
"Mind you they disassociate themselves from Africa. They insist that they are Arabs and want to be part of the EU (I kid you not)."
Matthew Tavares is currently in Morocco and shared:
"I want to frame this first by saying I feel mostly safe, safer in terms of violence and theft than I did in busy parts of the US, but there are a lot of racists here and they are bold to let you know how racist they are."
Ayana Meade had a particularly difficult experience:
"I visited Morocco for the first time last year and was assaulted for the first time in my life! A random homeless man punched me in the face for no reason while shopping in the Medina in Marrakech! After flying directly from Senegal where I enjoyed my stay, let's just say I wasn't surprised by the AFCON situation!"
Jasmine Larkin added:
"Morocco they treat Americans like we are dirty and that our money is dirty."
South Africa: A Complicated Picture
South Africa came up frequently, and the experiences were notably challenging.
Martha Effiong described her experience:
"South Africa worst place to visit as an African, they see you as a competitor. Imagine treating my husband so right cos he's white and treating me like trash. My husband noticed it and asked me to calm down, that's when he believed me when I say there's something called white privilege. He told me we will never visit such a place again."
Breezy Leigh had a similar observation:
"Surprisingly, South Africa. The black Africans discriminated against us even more than the white people did. We kept noticing a pattern of them always serving the white people first."
Charles Thompson simply said:
"South Africa period."
Kenny Smex gave detailed thoughts:
"South Africa. Every time is you come here to get our opportunities while at it some opportunities originate from overseas places at some African universities to accommodate all African applicants... however some are very nice!"
Ethiopia: Airport Challenges
Ethiopia appeared multiple times, particularly around airport experiences.
Anissa Jones shared:
"Ethiopia. I was only there for a layover for a few hours, but some of looks were like daggers. That happened multiple times. At one point when I asked a group if I could sit in the empty seat next to them, they looked at me like I was dirt, paused for a moment, then put something in the seat so I couldn't sit there. I did NOT feel welcome there. It was really disappointing. Everywhere else the people were so friendly and welcoming. In the other places I was treated like family."
April Green kept it brief:
"Ethiopia, the energy was off."
Yaw Owusu said:
"Ethiopia, sadly."
Botswana: Strict Borders
Marcus Lewis had a detailed experience in Botswana:
"Gaborone Botswana was very unfriendly. When I arrived at the airport, I was asked what am I doing in Botswana because black Americans don't come here. The stares were harder than any of the other African countries I've been to. I got harassed by the immigration workers at the Botswana border with SA. Some of the parking lot security also was aggressive. If I met 10 new people, 7 of them were unfriendly. I didn't feel welcomed until I crossed over to the SA side. It was day and night. Let's do better Botswana."
Kenny Smex offered context about Botswana:
"Botswana laws are very strict so if you're corrupt, or impatient, undermines protocols a lot you gonna feel like they're not nice... some corrupt nationals always get frustrated due to this strictness because bribes are hard to make... just cooperate at the borders (they have own reasons why they control FMD their way, take out the shoes and do the right thing)... They are originally patient, there is no RUSH in Botswana... a typical Motswana is very quiet reserved RESPECTFUL which some may regard stupid/weak... until one day they legal fight back."
The Positive Experiences
Many people had nothing but good things to say.
Adrianne Bate shared:
"I've been to Nigeria several times, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda. They were all very warm, friendly experiences. I've been there for work, as a tourist, visiting family/friends, to hang out, for spiritual reasons, for fun! I also just tend to have positive experiences regardless of my geographic location!"
Nailah Ikynani Thompson said:
"All of them I've been to was friendly but my most recent visit to Rwanda was so peaceful and friendly."
Nancy Ellis-Robinson reported:
"7 countries visited and lovingly received by each one."
Sòókò Deji Ajomale-McWord made an interesting observation:
"It is interesting that Nigeria is way less complained about. We certainly have our issues, but you can never accuse us of lack of warmth."
Don Hugh had a unique experience:
"None out of 8, once they know I was born in Jamaica all the Countries say welcome home and give me love."
Those Who Felt Welcome Everywhere
Several people insisted they never had a bad experience.
Denise Finkton:
"None were unfriendly."
Njemile Weyni:
"NONE!"
Tryphena Wade:
"I've never experienced an unfriendly African country."
Carlton M Lennon:
"They all were friendly."
A Word of Caution About the Question Itself
Celine Sagna raised an important point about the conversation: "
I'm honestly surprised and disappointed that a question like this is allowed in a group that's supposed to help people navigate moving between countries. It's unnecessarily divisive and encourages people to generalize entire nations and cultures based on isolated personal experiences. Questions like this fuel stereotypes, bias, and hostility, and can easily discourage open, respectful exchange between people who are trying to learn, relocate, or integrate somewhere new."
Florida Rose added wisdom:
"There are issues in every corner of the globe, so let us be careful not to allow our individual experiences to tarnish the beauty that surrounds us. We also have to examine our own attitude and the energy we vibrate to others."
Penelope Surefire kept it real:
"Some of yall got these same problems at home. You just take them wherever you go."
What This Means for You
The experiences shared here show that Africa is not one single experience. Your background, your attitude, your approach, and even your timing can shape what happens. Some countries came up repeatedly as challenging, particularly around racial dynamics and border experiences. Others came up repeatedly as warm and welcoming.
Do your research on specific countries and cities. Connect with people who've been where you're planning to go. Understand that one person's difficult experience doesn't define an entire nation, but patterns matter. And remember what Gary Feemster said at the start: you often get what you give.