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What should foreigners know about African culture before traveling to different African countries?

Are there any important customs to observe or taboos to avoid?

Hi Lori!

This is a HUGE question. Each country and tribe have their own traditions and customs. What is acceptable in one area is not acceptable in another.

For example, what I may wear on a trip to southern Nigeria to visit my husband's family (Igbo) may not be acceptable in northern Nigeria where the Hausa tribe lives.

So the best thing to do is to first get a travel guide book for the area you are planning to visit. The second thing I would I would do is find out the major tribes living in that area and read up on their customs and traditions to find out what is acceptable and unacceptable.

total agree Jeanne, different countries and tribes have their own traditions and customs. What is acceptable in here but may be not acceptable in another.

That's the thing. The culture can vary greatly from tribe to tribe - even those living right next to each other. Unfortunately, sometimes tribes are not very tolerant and end up warring against each other.

I just returned from a trip to Kenya and Tanzania with my daughter.
The wildlife was spectacular and the people were wonderful. They made us feel welcome and enjoyed sharing aspects of their culture.

You can read about my trip in my Adventure Living column.
Thanks,
Candyce