Why should I never go to Africa?

Onne Vegter Dutch-born South African. Entrepreneur. Writer. “Why should I never go to Africa?”

Several good reasons come to mind.

You should never go to Africa because here anyone can come and visit you. We don’t knock, we just come in.

You should never go to Africa because you might get confused. We know what we mean, but you won’t.

You should never go to Africa because you might think you have right of way in the lobby. But you don’t.

You should never go to Africa because we do things differently, and you might not know how to pack.

You should never go to Africa because it’s a continent with 54 countries, all different. It will mess with your world view, because once you visit and see the incredible size and diversity of this continent, it will destroy the pigeonholes and stereotypes that help you make snap judgments and generalizations about people and places.

You should never go to Africa because it’s not safe. Africa might steal your heart. You might never want to return home. You might be changed forever. You might get kidnapped by Africa. It will capture you and never let you go.

You should never go to Africa because Africa is not for everyone. Africa is for those who love beauty and contrast and wildlife and people and space. People who enjoy snow-capped mountains and bustling cities and colourful markets and sun-kissed beaches. And scorching deserts and wild jungles and endless savannas.

Africa grows on you, it grows into you, it grows you.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you!