Finding another black African woman who shares my love for traveling has been a rare occurrence.

Back in Cameroon, the idea of jetting off to explore the world wasn’t a common pursuit. In my city, encountering someone who has intentionally traveled to multiple countries solely for tourism is quite unheard of.

Many who venture abroad tend to settle in one destination for education or work. Some have explored nearby European countries due to the convenience of the Schengen zone. However, extensive leisure travel isn’t a prevalent practice among Cameroonians.

Some might journey to neighboring places like Nigeria for business purposes.

Am I an exception? Absolutely. I possess a deep passion for traveling. My journeys across 14 different countries have been incredibly rewarding, and I eagerly anticipate exploring even more destinations. Each trip has presented unique challenges, often catching me by surprise.”

After reading several articles of solo women or black American female travelers, there weren’t any about black African women.

The undeniable fact is that traveling alone is different based on our nationalities. People all around the world are familiar with Americans, Europeans, etc, visiting their countries, so they get slightly surprised when they see a non-South African. 

What is my experience as a black African woman?

As a black African woman traveling alone, I’ve encountered situations that offer unique insights. Sharing these experiences aims to shed light on an important issue, not promote hate.

Some people, knowingly or not, treat those from presumed underdeveloped countries as lesser. Despite education on respect, some harbor prejudiced views unknowingly.

Racism persists subtly, often only realized through personal experiences. While not encountered in all countries, challenges tied to ethnicity have arisen.

Sharing these experiences aims to raise awareness, foster conversations on understanding, acceptance, and compassion, regardless of backgrounds.

My travels span Asia and Africa, including neighboring countries during my 6-year stay in South Korea.

Advantages of solo travel will be explored here, focusing on the positives.

I’ll address navigation for black African women in a future post. Here’s what to expect when embarking on solo adventures.

1. You will feel free

Does this title sound unusual? Embracing familiarity while traveling in Africa.

By “freedom” here, I mean you won’t feel like a complete stranger. This applies particularly if you travel within the African continent to non-white (Northern African) countries.

For instance, during my trip to Nigeria, I blended in effortlessly, almost as if I hadn’t left home.

Common Nigerian pidgin filled the streets, and as I spoke my Cameroonian pidgin, communication flowed seamlessly. Ghana, too, felt stress-free; English was our shared language, and their progress was admirable.

In all the African countries I’ve explored, my skin color proved advantageous. I was treated with the same respect upon sight.

While my Cameroonian English accent sometimes gave me away, it rarely led to lesser treatment.

People often showed curiosity about my African origins, sparking conversations at markets and on streets.

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Culture While Traveling

Unfortunately, my foreign accent sometimes led to locals assuming I was unfamiliar with their country, resulting in overcharging by taxi drivers, bike riders, and market vendors. However, I’ve devised a solution: before going out, I seek local transport fare information from my Airbnb or hotel host.

This empowers me to confidently negotiate using regular rates locals pay.

This strategy has been successful, as they can’t contest the rates I cite.

This practice of charging higher fares to foreigners is common worldwide, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected.

This sense of freedom extends to food and culture. I fondly remember the thrill of discovering plantains in Uganda.

Cooking and savoring a familiar dish filled me with joy, momentarily easing my longing for home.

Embracing aspects of my own culture while traveling has truly enriched my experiences.

2. You will get support

Traveling to foreign countries often comes with hopes of warm welcomes and support. While such experiences do occur, they can be complex and two-sided.

During my journeys across Asia, I observed a particularly positive reception as a black African woman in some countries.

In the Philippines, for instance, I felt like a celebrity. Their genuinely impressed and curious stares were endearing.

I was welcomed with open arms, and locals enthusiastically engaged with me, asking about my homeland and inviting me to share meals in their homes.

Heartfelt gestures like giving me gifts and writing thoughtful letters made me feel embraced and accepted.

These connections led to lasting friendships that transcended any differences in skin color. In their company, I found a sense of belonging that made my travels feel like finding a home away from home.

Why should you share your culture?

Traveling through various Asian countries, I encountered differing reactions to my presence as a black African woman.

While some Asians were hesitant to engage with strangers, particularly those who looked different, I faced instances where seeking help on the streets yielded no assistance. It seemed that certain locals were more receptive to non-black foreigners than to me, and while I couldn’t fully understand their motivations, I sensed an underlying reluctance.

This experience, though challenging, offered valuable insights into cross-cultural interactions and the impact of stereotypes.

I realized that some of their behavior stemmed from misconceptions about black Africans, shaped by media portrayals of poverty and despair.

This taught me the significance of dispelling stereotypes and forming authentic connections across borders.

I learned that empathy and understanding can bridge gaps created by ignorance, allowing us to connect on a deeper level despite our diverse backgrounds.

3. You will become more self-confident as a black African woman

The impact of travel on self-confidence is a debated topic. Some claim that confidence is inherent in Sanguines and Cholerics, while others argue that Melancholics and Phlegmatics benefit more from such experiences.

Regardless of personality type, I’ve found that my journeys as an African woman have significantly boosted my self-assurance.

You might wonder how this transformation occurs. Every encounter during my travels has nurtured courage within me.

Growing up, helping others was a norm in my community. Yet, while exploring new places, I’ve had to proactively seek assistance.

Despite my preparations, unexpected challenges arose. I realized that solutions depended on my willingness to ask questions and seek help.

These experiences taught me assertiveness and the value of taking initiative, fostering greater self-confidence as I tackled diverse challenges on my journeys.

What are some lessons I have learned?

Emerging from my comfort zone and engaging with strangers was a daunting task initially, yet I compelled myself to do so during my journeys.

This endeavor has resulted in increased confidence and positivity in my interactions.

Astonishingly, in seven out of ten instances when I sought guidance, people readily extended their help.

These informal exchanges have honed my cross-cultural communication skills, proving invaluable.

Furthermore, my travels have instilled in me the art of approaching people with an open mind, not solely when I require assistance.

I’ve grown more affable and empathetic, realizing that a warm smile and a simple conversation often pave the way for meaningful connections.

Being receptive entails being approachable and willing to converse, offering me profound insights into diverse cultures.

By bravely asking questions and displaying genuine curiosity about others, I’ve unlocked a wealth of knowledge about their lives and traditions.

My expeditions have widened my perspectives, deepened my global comprehension, and fostered a more inclusive and understanding outlook, enriching my approach to forging connections.

4. You can share your African identity

Undoubtedly, purchasing that flight ticket can open doors to remarkable opportunities, my fellow traveler.

You might question how this unfolds. Particularly in non-African nations, I’ve often been mistaken for a black American due to geographical misconceptions, a trend notably prevalent in several Asian countries I’ve explored.

Yet, I embrace these instances with delight, using them as platforms to converse about Africa.

While I proudly announce my Cameroonian identity, I also utilize the opportunity to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of the entire African continent.

Through my elegantly adorned African fabric attire, jewelry, and shoes, I narrate the tale of my region without uttering a word.

Frequently, my distinctive attire prompts interactions, sparking captivating dialogues.

With enthusiasm, I leverage these encounters to share insights about Cameroon, my culture, and my people.

Each of us can exude pride in our roots and boldly express our identities.

As an African woman, I am steadfast in seizing every avenue to introduce the world to our story. Come alongside me, and let us jointly celebrate and disseminate the opulence of our African heritage worldwide.

Why should you travel?

Absolutely, you’ve eloquently captured the essence. Traveling, especially as an African woman, affords a unique chance to serve as an informal cultural ambassador of your homeland. Embracing this role empowers us to illuminate our traditions, heritage, and diversity to a global audience.

People often hold admiration for different cultures, and by narrating our narratives and encounters, we can chip away at the ignorance that fuels stereotypes and racism.

Undoubtedly, racism often springs from a lack of understanding and misconceptions.

A potent method to educate and shape respectful interactions is to confidently and proudly articulate our origins and background.

Through this, we challenge any misconceived notions about black African women.

Additionally, a notable edge of being a lone African woman traveler lies in dispelling the misguided belief that we are uneducated, marginalized, or subject to early marriages.

While it’s true that certain areas in Africa may still hold onto traditional customs limiting girls’ education or advocating early unions, the majority of Africans highly value education and equality.

Our independent and self-assured travels serve as a counter to these stereotypes, highlighting the diversity and determination of African women.

Our actions resonate louder than words, and as solo travelers, we shatter barriers, exemplifying that black African women are accomplished, educated, and empowered individuals, dispelling archaic preconceptions.

How do some people consider African women?

It’s astonishing that even in the 21st century, questions like whether all African women are illiterate still arise. I encountered a similar situation when a school friend in Korea asked me this question.

The surprise on my face mirrored his astonishment. It’s almost comical, isn’t it? I simply replied, “Who am I?” leaving him speechless.

He quickly realized that his question was baseless and irrelevant. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, he genuinely apologized for his misguided assumption about the African continent.

Instead of showcasing my multiple Master’s degrees or delving into elaborate explanations, I used the moment to enlighten him about Africa and Cameroon. I encouraged him to do a quick online search whenever possible.

This encounter prompted me to ponder the lack of awareness about Africa and its people, given its limited inclusion in many educational curricula.

Consequently, many individuals remain uninformed about the region, relying on hearsay and preconceptions.

However, some are truly curious and willing to learn. This is where being a solo African woman traveler becomes an ideal way to share our narratives and educate others about our reality and the depth of our continent.

Through these meaningful interactions, we can dismantle stereotypes and foster deeper understanding and appreciation for Africa and its people.

Did you know people don’t think you are poor when you travel as an African woman?

This is a crucial point to consider. Traveling does require financial resources, and this often leads people to respect those who can afford it.

During my trips abroad, I noticed that the notion of poverty seemed to dissipate when people saw me.

While I can’t be certain of how they perceived my financial status, it was clear they didn’t view me as economically disadvantaged.

Undoubtedly, financial constraints hinder many Africans from traveling, with low purchasing power being a significant obstacle in some areas. This reality limits travel opportunities for some of my friends. Yet, it’s worth acknowledging that life abroad can also be costly.

Nevertheless, as a single black African woman traveling solo, I’ve observed that I’m often treated with more respect.

People recognize my ability to finance my journey, eradicating assumptions of dependency, exploitation, or criminal intent. Instead, they see an empowered woman exploring the world on her own terms.

Being a solo African woman traveler highlights our resilience, determination, and capacity to seize control of our lives. It challenges stereotypes and showcases that we aren’t defined by poverty or constraints.

Rather, we’re empowered individuals enriching our lives through travel, while simultaneously dismantling barriers and reshaping perceptions about black African women.

5. You will broaden your horizon for what’s possible as an African woman

This is a crucial point to consider. Traveling does require financial resources, and this often leads people to respect those who can afford it.

During my trips abroad, I noticed that the notion of poverty seemed to dissipate when people saw me.While I can’t be certain of how they perceived my financial status, it was clear they didn’t view me as economically disadvantaged.

Undoubtedly, financial constraints hinder many Africans from traveling, with low purchasing power being a significant obstacle in some areas.

This reality limits travel opportunities for some of my friends. Yet, it’s worth acknowledging that life abroad can also be costly.

Nevertheless, as a single black African woman traveling solo, I’ve observed that I’m often treated with more respect. People recognize my ability to finance my journey, eradicating assumptions of dependency, exploitation, or criminal intent.

Instead, they see an empowered woman exploring the world on her own terms.

Being a solo African woman traveler highlights our resilience, determination, and capacity to seize control of our lives. It challenges stereotypes and showcases that we aren’t defined by poverty or constraints.

Rather, we’re empowered individuals enriching our lives through travel, while simultaneously dismantling barriers and reshaping perceptions about black African women.

How black Tanzanian women inspired me

The astonishment on my face was unforgettable as I observed women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, breaking stones for construction.

It was a role I had never envisioned women partaking in. In my homeland of Cameroon, stone cracking was traditionally considered a male task, reserved for those with physical strength.

Contemplating the impressive houses in the city and the expenses of my accommodations, I recognized that these women were likely earning a substantial livelihood from their labor. Enduring physical demands and harsh weather, they provided for their families without hesitation.

This eye-opening encounter shattered my preconceptions and expanded my horizons, teaching me that our potential is boundless with determination.

While I might not pursue stone cracking as a profession, observing these women’s triumphs motivated me to be open to new endeavors and self-challenges.

If black African women like them could achieve such feats, then I too can strive for greatness with the right mindset and resolve.

Throughout my travels, I’ve encountered numerous inspiring instances of women transcending stereotypes and pursuing varied careers and passions.

Each encounter has bestowed valuable insights and broadened my perception of my own capabilities.

Hence, I share this to inspire you, a fellow black African woman, that your journey abroad will undoubtedly be enriching.

Travel will unveil a realm of potential and empower you to embrace your full capabilities.

Beyond local comparisons, a world of knowledge and experiences awaits you. So, take that leap, explore, and uncover the incredible woman you are destined to become.

Go to this link to read more blogs about what you can do in 14 countries.