7 Myths About Africa That Brits Still Believe: And Why They’re Rubbish
1. Africa is One Big Country
If you ever want to make an African geography teacher groan, just suggest that Africa is “one country.”
It’s a continent with 54 recognised countries and over 1.4 billion people. That’s more nations than Europe and North America combined, each with its own culture, politics, and quirks.
The UK is about the size of Madagascar, so the idea of lumping all of Africa together is a bit like calling everything from Wales to Warsaw “just Europe.” Lazy and inaccurate.
2. It’s Always Hot
It’s true that Africa boasts some of the hottest temperatures on Earth (the record-holder being Kebili, Tunisia, at 55°C). But blanket statements about heat miss the fact that this continent is also home to snow-capped peaks, ski resorts, and freezing highland cities.
Add altitude, seasonal variation, and location into the mix, and you’ll see why Johannesburg in winter can feel like a brisk autumn day in Manchester, complete with scarf weather.
3. Wild Animals Roam the Streets Everywhere
This is the myth that Hollywood can’t resist. The image of giraffes casually walking past the supermarket is fun, but the truth is most wildlife lives in national parks or protected reserves.
If you’re in Nairobi, you might spot a zebra from the motorway on the way to Nairobi National Park, but you’re far more likely to be dodging rush-hour traffic than elephants.
Think of it like expecting to see puffins in Piccadilly Circus just because the UK has seabird colonies.
4. The Whole Continent is Dangerous
Africa is often painted with the broad brush of conflict or instability, usually by people who’ve never been.
In reality, most African nations are as safe, or safer than many popular travel spots when you take the usual precautions.
Botswana is consistently ranked as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Rwanda has one of the lowest crime rates anywhere. And Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, has less violent crime per capita than parts of the US and Europe.
The UK Foreign Office even actively promotes tourism to many African destinations.
5. It’s All Poverty
While some African nations face serious economic challenges, the continent is also home to fast-growing economies, thriving tech hubs, and luxury tourism.
Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, is the second-largest in the world by volume. South Africa produces award-winning wines. Kenya’s “Silicon Savannah” is a hotspot for fintech innovation.
Africa is diverse: economically as well as geographically — and the idea that it’s “all poverty” says more about the source of the statement than about Africa itself.
6. Everyone Speaks the Same Language
With over 2,000 recognised languages, Africa is the most linguistically diverse place on the planet. English, French, and Arabic are widely spoken in some countries, but local languages — such as Swahili, Zulu, Yoruba, and Amharic — dominate daily life.
South Africa alone has 11 official languages. Imagine ordering your morning tea in Liverpool, Leeds, and Llandudno and having to switch tongues each time.
7. It Never Snows
Here’s where the British eyebrow usually arches — because yes, it does snow in Africa.
The Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria see regular snowfall. Lesotho and parts of South Africa have ski resorts. Mount Kilimanjaro’s glaciers in Tanzania are legendary. Even Nairobi has seen snow flurries in recorded history.
For a deeper dive into the frosty side of Africa, here’s a guide that busts this chilly myth once and for all: Does It Snow in Africa?
Why Myths Stick: and How to Ditch Them
A lot of these misconceptions stem from selective media coverage, outdated school textbooks, and pop-culture stereotypes.
The solution? Seek out diverse sources, listen to Africans tell their own stories, and — if you can — see the continent for yourself.
Bonus Tip: How to Fact-Check Travel Myths
If you want to avoid falling for the next viral “Did you know?” travel claim, here are a few easy checks:
- Google Street View – You can “walk” parts of Marrakesh, Lagos, or Cape Town without leaving your sofa.
- Tourism Board Websites – They’ll show current events, weather, and realistic imagery.
- Speak to Locals – Forums like Reddit’s r/travel or country-specific Facebook groups are full of people who can give firsthand insight.
- Use Multiple Sources – Don’t just trust one documentary or travel vlog.
Closing Word
Africa is vast, varied, and endlessly surprising. The more myths we bust, the more open we are to the richness and complexity of this incredible continent.
And next time someone in the UK insists Africa’s “just hot and dangerous,” you’ll have seven reasons — and a snowy one for good measure — to set the record straight.