Nine Things Tayo Aina Says You Should Know About Traveling Across the Continent Right Now

1.Visit Namibia, South Africa and Morocco

“They’re the top three African countries every traveler should visit at least once,” Aina tells OkayAfrica. He explainsNamibia is unique in ways that words can hardly capture — you have to experience it yourself.

“South Africa has a lot to offer in terms of activities; you’ll never run out of things to do,” he shares. If he had to choose one African country to live in forever, it would be South Africa. Why? “It gives a semblance of a place open to self-expression,” he explains.

2.Don’t overlook Botswana

“Botswana is underrated,” says Aina. “It’s a small but fast-developing country with amazing landscapes, affordable travel, and unique attractions.” For example,Botswana is home to the second-largest diamond mine in the world. “There’s a lot to see if you give it a chance,” he adds.

3.Let go of your preconceived notions

“There’s a common misconception that traveling across Africa is unsafe,” Aina says. “Don’t believe everything you read online — it’s often sensationalized. Do your research and keep an open mind.”

In his opinion, Africa is much safer than it’s often portrayed. And if you’re looking for the safest country on the continent? “That would be Namibia,” he says. “With a population of just around 2.5 million, it’s quiet, peaceful and perfect for travelers who enjoy exploring on foot – at any time of day.”

4.Avoid keeping it generic

One of people’s biggest mistakes when traveling in Africa is sticking to the basics. “Traveling is more than just ticking off the usual spots, like going on safari,” Aina explains. “Everyone does that.”

Instead, he encourages travelers to step outside their comfort zones and engage with the culture. “Take time to explore beyond the surface. Meet the locals, try the food, and embrace experiences you weren’t expecting,” he advises.

5.Travel with local guides

“If you want to immerse yourself in the culture, go with local guides,” Aina says. He believes they offer richer experiences than big travel companies.

“Locals will show you places you didn’t even know existed,” he explains. “Exploration is all about having an open mind, and the best way to experience a place is to connect with the people who know it best.”

6.The best mode of travel? On foot

“For me, walking is the best way to experience a country,” Aina says. “When you’re in a vehicle, you miss so much. On foot, you see and feel the little things that make a place special.”

His packing advice? Keep it light. “Everyone has their style, but I travel with essentials only. Warm clothes, your phone or camera, and just what you need — you might surprise yourself with how little you require.”

7.Visit the Hyena Men of Kano, Nigeria

Aina recommends theHyena Men of Kano if you’re looking for something unique. “It was one of the most unexpected experiences of my life,” he says.

“These men live and work with hyenas. They raise them from a young age, train them — it’s an entire culture,” he explains. “I never expected to find something like this in Nigeria. It completely blew my mind.”

8.Start small if you have a weak passport

As a Nigerian, Aina knows the struggles of traveling with a passport with limitations. “It can be tough, and it’s something manyAfricans deal with,” he says.

His advice? Start small. “Begin with neighboring countries like Ghana or Kenya to build your travel history. That’s what I did — I started with Ghana, then moved on to Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Over time, I expanded to Morocco and Egypt.”

He adds, “Starting small helps you build momentum; eventually, you can tackle those tougher-to-get visas.”

9.Remember: everybody wants to connect

“At our core, we’re all human, and we all crave connection,” says Aina. “In my travels, I’ve realized that everyone, in some way, is seeking connection. When I open myself up to people, they always respond in kind, and that’s where the magic happens.”