Traveling within Africa has always been an exciting prospect, but it wasn’t until my recent trip to South Africa that I truly experienced the potential of seamless travel without the visa requirement. The journey was both thrilling and emotional, with a mix of heartwarming encounters and the realization of some challenges that still need to be addressed. In this blog post, I’ll share my firsthand account of exploring the beautiful continent, the progress in visa-free travel, and the cost-related concerns that need attention.

The Thrill of Visa-Free Travel

Upon arriving at the O.R Tambo International Airport and walking through the “Other Passports, Visa Exempted Countries” section, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It felt like the Africa we had dreamt of was becoming a reality, and the cumbersome visa processes were slowly becoming a thing of the past. I fondly recalled a previous experience where I had to spend a night at the same airport for not having a visa. This trip, however, was a celebration of the progress made in visa-free travel, fostering a sense of unity and ease of mobility among African nations.

A Night at the Airport – A Lesson in Human Kindness

During my first travel experience through the same airport in 2016, I found myself spending a night on the airport benches for not having a South African visa while transiting to Luanda, Angola. Despite the uncomfortable situation, the exceptional kindness of the airport staff amazed me. Even at the height of the 2016 xenophobic attacks in South Africa, they showed me extraordinary compassion, treating me like family and guiding me to a warmer place to rest while ensuring my well-being. This powerful display of human kindness not only served as a touching reminder that compassion can prevail even during challenging times but also reinforced the danger of relying on a single narrative about a place or its people.

My determination to obtain a visa for my return journey led me to an unforgettable encounter with the South African Consulate. Despite arriving past working hours, my persistence paid off, and within hours, I was granted my very first South African visa. This not only allowed me to explore the beautiful city of Johannesburg for the first time but also saved me from spending another night on the airport benches. This taught me to experience each country and its people with an open heart, free from preconceptions. Embracing this philosophy has enriched my travel experiences and granted me the ability to truly appreciate the diverse beauty of the world, beyond any preconceived notions.

The Struggle with Travel Costs

While visa-free travel is indeed a huge milestone, I couldn’t help but be disheartened by the exorbitant cost of flying within Africa. The expenses incurred during my trip to South Africa were comparable to what I paid for a journey to New York in March. Upon closer examination, I discovered that the actual fare constituted only 23% of the total cost, with the rest being accounted for by taxes and levies. Such high travel costs are a genuine concern, as they make exploring the continent financially prohibitive for many. This poses a challenge to achieving the Africa Free Continental Trade Area (AFCTA), which seeks to promote seamless trade and travel across the continent.

Embracing New Experiences

Despite the challenges, I firmly believe that the key to truly experiencing Africa’s beauty lies in embracing new adventures and dispelling any preconceived notions about the countries we visit and their people. My recent trip to South Africa was bittersweet – a celebration of the progress in visa-free travel and a realization of the urgent need to address high travel costs. As we continue to explore Africa, let us open our hearts to the diverse experiences it offers and work towards making travel more accessible and affordable for all. Together, we can create a continent where seamless mobility fosters growth, unity, and an appreciation for the beauty that lies within Africa’s borders.

I’m convinced that we can truly unlock the boundless beauty and potential that lies within Africa’s borders if we put the common good above self!