Africa as a global tourism powerhouse? It's not impossible, says travel expert

Rwanda’s cultural dance is vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition. Men often showcase their strength and agility with high jumps and powerful steps, while women display grace and precision in their swaying. — Photos: LEESAN

Before we set off for Uganda and Rwanda to see the great apes, people consistently warned me: Africa is so dirty, messy, underdeveloped and dangerous. Why are you taking the risk?

Let me educate you a little: There are 48 countries in the African continent, plus six island states. With the exception of probably South Africa, Kenya and Morocco, the rest of the continent has invariably been viewed in the same negative stereotype – vast expanse of land mass but deeply impoverished, infested with pirates, kidnappers, drugs, diseases, racism, violence and civil wars.