When you're travelling to Africa, it's important to understand the cultural values of the local people. Knowing those values allows you to navigate the various African countries more easily. You'll make friends easier and get an authentic glimpse of the African culture.
13 Top African Values and Traditions
Africans are hospitable people, so showing them respect is the best way to return that favour. That said, here are 13 African cultural values you should know before you travel.
1. Greetings
Greeting people is very important in Africa. It's a sign of respect and a way to start off on a good foot with someone. So when you meet someone, say 'hello' and shake their hand. In African culture, the right hand is considered clean so shake with your right hand and never with your left. Don't rush a greeting, it's better if it goes on for too long than if it ends quickly.
Also, sometimes you'll see people making hissing and kissing sounds. This is meant to get people's attention, and it's not considered rude.
2. Gestures
If you don't want to get on the wrong side of Africans, don’t point at them with your index finger. It's considered rude and disrespectful, so don't go around wagging your finger. Different communities have different substitutes, like pointing using your chin or elbow.
Do not beckon someone with your palm up. Instead, your palm should face down, and your fingers should curl inwards.
3. Showing emotions
During your African safari, you might end up becoming angry, frustrated, impatient, unhappy, etc. While it's understandable to feel that way, don't show those emotions publicly. Africans usually release those feelings privately so as to avoid embarrassing themselves and others.
In fact, it's important to focus on the positive side of things. When you're having a conversation, don't jump to negative topics.
4. Keeping time
African people have a relaxed attitude about time. You’ve probably heard the phrase “African timing” or “There’s no hurry in Africa.” Africans don't adhere to a rigid schedule unless they have to.
It's not uncommon for someone to be late to a meeting or for an event to start later than scheduled. Things might not happen quickly or precisely as you'd like. Don't be too frustrated by this aspect of African life. You're on an African holiday, after all, so take your cues from the locals.
5. Silence
Sometimes you're having a conversation with someone, but it ends up gradually coming to a stop. Your instinct might be to try and fill the silence that follows in order to avoid feeling awkward. In Africa, that's not necessary. Silence is peaceful and a chance to enjoy the company of someone without saying anything.
6. Respect elders
In traditional African cultures, elders are considered fountains of knowledge and are highly respected for that reason. In many communities, disrespecting elders can cause you to be cursed.
Some communities don't allow young people to have any form of intimacy in the presence of an elder, while other communities don't even think young people should speak in the presence of an elder. It's that big of a deal.
So, if you are in the presence of an elder:
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Always acknowledge them,
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Let them speak first and listen keenly,
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Let them eat first,
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Give up your seat for them etc.
If you’re taking a Tanzania safari and you have to shake hands with an elder, bow slightly, and hold your right elbow with your other hand as a sign of deep respect.
7. Dress code
Africans like to dress well, even in second-hand clothing. Wearing clean, neatly pressed, and well-maintained clothes will help you gain approval. For both men and women, dressing conservatively is important. Avoid any clothes that show excessive skin.
In the Coastal regions, it's better to wear loose-fitting and long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Long, loose hair is frowned upon in that region, so wear your hair up or put on a scarf. Nudity is prohibited.
8. Gift giving
Remember, when giving and receiving gifts, use either your right hand or both hands. The gifts don't have to be expensive, but you should keep them wrapped. There are things you should ask before buying alcohol, for example, since not everyone takes alcohol.
9. Public displays of affection
Public display of affection is frowned upon in most African countries. Not all acts of intimacy are treated the same. Two people of the opposite sex can hold hands in Nairobi, for example, but not in Tanzania. Kissing and hugging in public are considered a no-no in many communities. It's best to keep that in your hotel room.
10. Personal space
Personal space is different in Africa. People are used to sharing space with others. Large families are very common and so is sharing a room with more than one person. So, if you're on a bus or train and someone comes to sit next to you despite all the other seats available, that's just normal. It might feel weird, but it's best to just accept it. In some parts of East Africa, particularly the coastal areas, people will hold your hands casually.
11. Mzungu
Over the course of your African travels, you'll probably hear the term “mzungu” a lot, and you might be wondering if it’s an insult. I have good news, the word mzungu just means 'wanderer.' Today, most people use it to describe white people. If you come across people calling you mzungu, take it in stride.
12. Politics
There are some touchy subjects that you should avoid, one of them being politics. It's understandable to want to discuss the socio-political realities of the African country you're visiting but it can put local people in an awkward spot.
Africans are conservative and while LGBT+ people are slowly being accepted, it's still a contentious issue. Don't go on an African holiday just to get into debates about politics.
13. Taking selfies
Please don’t take selfies of locals without asking for permission. Avoid travelling to the poorest parts of East Africa to take pictures of the poverty you see, as that can be seen as exploitation. It's alright to help someone in need when you can but it's important to remember that just because these people are poor doesn't mean they're waiting to be rescued. Be respectful of their dignity.
There's a whole myriad of African values and traditions you should consider before travelling to Africa. How to greet people, how to navigate public spaces, what type of clothes to wear, etc. Luckily these guidelines are easy to follow and the locals can be pretty forgiving so as long you try and remain respectful, your African trip should go smoothly!