During the middle of the 19th century, Africa was referred to as the “Dark Continent,” because so little was known about the mysterious land. The term was reportedly used for the first time by the explorer and journalist, Henry Stanley, the man who found David Livingstone and uttered the famous line, “Dr Livingstone, I presume?”
Of course, we know much more about it today than ever before. We know 1.2 billion people live here, the continent has produced 22 Nobel laureates and those Kenyans can run for days.
Yet still, nearly 150 years after Stanley met Livingstone, myths live on and people are widely misinformed about this beautiful place we call home.
Africa, it seems, might be the home of alternative facts. Well, it’s time we set things straight. So gather round and listen up…
1. Africa does not have just one language
No one speaks, “African.” Just as there is no language called, “European,” or, “Asian.” In fact, there are 2,000 languages spoken in Africa such as Berber, Igbo, Swahili, Hausa, Amharic, Zulu, and Yoruba.
2. It is not one nation
If I had a penny for every time I heard a foreign politician say the term, “the African nation,” I’d have enough pennies to buy a baseball bat to smash my TV with. Africa is home to 54 dynamic, rich and different nations. Kenya believe it?
3. It is not just a desert or always hot
Okay, I admit, the Sahara Desert is pretty big. It makes up eight percent of the world’s surface and the entire continental United States can fit within the Sahara with a few thousand square miles of desert to spare. But there’s much more to it than just sand and heat.
There is the second biggest rainforest in the world in the Congo, snowcapped peaks in Central Africa like Kilimanjaro and Mount Stanley (named after the explorer), postcard-perfect beaches dotting the coastline and bustling cities all over. Here in Cape Town, we sometimes even get snow on Table Mountain!
4. People don’t only live in huts
I think you might be able to see where we’re going with this, but Africa is so much more diverse and developed than the stereotypical view of a few huts and some cattle outside. There are vibrant and large cities throughout Africa and within them rich cultures and artistic scenes. Of course, we have some of the world’s most beautiful hotels and lodges. Some of these properties are like the anti-hut.
5. It is not technologically stunted
Mathematics and astronomy have their roots in Africa. Don’t believe me? Check out those Toblerone-like structures in Egypt called the pyramids. It’s also home to the world’s oldest university. The list of famous African inventions includes the first successful heart transplant (and first penis transplant!), coffee, the first to extract oil from coal, the speedgun, the CAT scan and Jazz.
6. Our food is delicious and varied
Our vast, beloved continent is home to different climates, landscapes, soils, fauna, and flora – resulting in a diverse array of delectable dishes to tempt any palate. I’m talking about Moroccan meatballs and herbed couscous, jollof rice, Mozambican peri-peri chicken, Mchicha, bobotie and so much more. For recipes, check out this blog post. It’s also home to some of the world’s best restaurants in places like Franschhoek, Cape Town and Nairobi.
7. Africa has no history? Come now
As the professors will tell you, Africa is where it all began. South Africa is home to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the most important hominid fossil sites in the world. Oh, you meant more recent history? Then have a look at the rich histories of great places like Great Zimbabwe, Lalibela, and Valley of the Kings.
8. Wild animals do not roam everywhere and lions do not walk the streets
Yeah, my pet elephant takes out the trash for me and makes me poached eggs on sourdough in the mornings. Think again. Look, animals do escape from game reserves occasionally but for the most part that is where they stay. And that’s the truth folks, I ain’t lion!
9. Africa is plagued by disease/ poverty/ war
Africa is often painted with a sweeping stroke of doom and gloom, but much of Africa is flourishing these days with bright prospects. Just as not every country in Asia has a maniacal leader that kills his uncles and is interested in nuclear weapons, not every African country is struck by war or poverty. Most are safe, friendly and incredible to visit.
10. All African countries are not poor
Africa has four of the ten fastest growing economies in the world and one in three Africans is middle class. If you were to look at the arc of most continents, Africa could be described as the one with the best trajectory and most exciting future.