Africa is a continent constantly battling to eliminate the preconceived stereotypes that typically surround it. We have all seen the late night commercials asking for donations to feed children with bloated stomachs due to malnutrition. Or been subject to the news coverage of celebrities visiting villages with an entourage of photographers and reporters in tow. Thanks to lopsided media coverage, many people only equate Africa with poverty and disease. Take for instance the recent Ebola outbreak. Many outside observers would have you believe that all of Africa is suffering from an outbreak, when in reality, it is contained to a tiny portion of a massive continent. In fact, according to Rhino Africa, cities such Lisbon, Madrid, Paris and London are geographically closer to the outbreak zone than many large countries and tourist hotspots in Africa.
The perceived misinformation shared by the media has led to a recent viral social media campaign titled #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou. Tourism Boards, African media outlets and proud residents have all shared some of Africa’s beauty on Twitter to help spread the word.
Africans share positive images to combat media stereotypes. #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou http://t.co/2wF7pVaZ8R pic.twitter.com/a5WcZn9AS3
— GOOD (@good) June 30, 2015
the Amazing pink lake in senegal #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou pic.twitter.com/A2BDghfbMc
— K.Diallo (@nyeusi_waasi) June 24, 2015
let’s go to Mozambique 😍 #UnseenAfrica #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou pic.twitter.com/FXYRjfRKkT — R. (@WestAfricanne) June 26, 2015
The Pearl Of Africa, UGANDA. #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou pic.twitter.com/zp9UBGm1Wf
— This Is Uganda (@ThisIsUganda_) June 24, 2015
World famous white sandy beaches of Kenya. #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou pic.twitter.com/g5sJ3HVU6X — KENYA PICS (@KENYAPICS) June 24, 2015
Africa has 3 female heads of state. #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/oH4AYRRV3w
— Nad!a A. (@Nadiaalie) June 24, 2015
To help the cause, we have put together some of our favorite images to show that Africa is a beautiful, safe and friendly tourist destination. If you really want to help support the people of Africa, visit them, get to know them, and spend your money on an experience of a lifetime. In addition to some remarkable images on 500px, I have even included some of our images from a recent trip to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe to produce a Productions of the World travel guide, “Namibia & Beyond”.
Namibia
The sand dunes that back Swakopmund, Namibia and the surrounding coastline seem to venture off as far as the eye can see. Photo By Michael Bonocore
Etosha National Park, Namibia – Photo by Tessa Kit Zawadzki
Where The Dunes Meet The Sea, Namibia. Photo By Tessa Kit Zawadzki
Deadvlei, Namibia. Photo By Tessa Kit Zawadzki
Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Photo By Michael Bonocore
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Photo By Michael Bonocore
Ethiopia
Lake Asale, Ethiopia. Photo By Natalia Stone
Priest in Lalibela, Ethiopia. Photo By Natalia Stone
Tanzania
A Maasai Boy. Photo By Kate Siobhan
The Maasai Chief. Photo By Colby Brown
Morocco
South Africa
Mazambique
The Albartine Rift
Egypt
Kenya
