What is the first thing that pops into your mind when you think about moving to Africa? As if the whole relocation process isn’t hard enough on its own, but now, with moving to a such a big place, there is a vast pool of new problems and issues that might come up. At the end, there is only one thing that could possibly keep you wanting to go through with the process; the rewarding side of it. In case you are wondering what is there to be rewarding about moving to Africa, let your inner humanitarian speak for you. Before we begin with the actual locations which you should consider when moving to Africa, let us debunk a few untruths about this great continent.
Moving to Africa: Yes or Yes?
I imagine that up to this point you have seen enough of movies where Africa was presented in a certain light, or, if you haven’t been hiding under a rock for the previous two years, you have most definitely witnessed all of the disasters that have been going on there, and it’s only natural that you have a certain imagine carved in your head, about life in Africa. Although that is completely understandable, it’s also quite depressing, because Africa has some of the most beautiful cities you could imagine, and some amazing perks you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. By conducting a little survey of what is the first thing that pops into someone’s mind when they hear Africa, I’ve gathered some very interesting insights. While the majority of people still believe that it’s all poverty, famine and diseases over there, there was a – surprisingly – small group of people who had been there, or explored Africa in some other way, and was stricken by the diversity that it offers, in the sense of culture, experience, tradition, and opportunities. If you’re anything like me, and are always saddened upon hearing a heartbreaking news about how some people from the third world countries have it hard, then this is a great opportunity to combine your personal sense of accomplishment, along with doing something that matters and making a positive impact. This brings me back to that rewarding feeling you will most likely acquire after even one month in Africa. Later, we’ll talk about what are some minor steps you could partake to make the whole experience that much better, and have an easy and seamless integration into the society.
Moving to Africa: Why?
Let’s say that you’re starting to plan your retirement – maybe even an early one – and your estimated income once you retire isn’t as high as you would expect it to be, so you’re forced to move to someplace that is cheaper than what you’re used to. Moving to Africa will allow you to:
- Experience an exotic location through the everyday life,
- Fulfill your insatiable need for adventure
- Make a direct positive impact on your surroundings
- Afford an easy and relaxed lifestyle; it’s like being on a vacation, all the time!
Jokes aside (the last one was a joke, in case you were confused), there indeed are a lot of advantages when it comes to choosing a city in Africa to move. One of the important reasons that is certainly not a last minute matter is the cost of living. Well, you’ll be extremely satisfied to hear that living cost In Africa is about 50% less than in the United States. Which means that with only the half of your paycheck, you could afford the same – if not a better – life for yourself, and maybe even for your family. And these are not the only great news. When it comes to supplying yourself with food and other necessities, it is always an imperative to by fresh, and organic produce, if you take care of your body that is. By shopping local, you are not only saving up, but also helping out the local businesses, and making someone’s hard work pay off, without being exploited for it.
Moving to Africa: Where?
It seems like a good idea to cover the topic of best places to live in Africa. First, I’ll assemble a small list of those which seem to be the ideal destinations for relocation, according to general living standards, and afterwards, I’ll talk a bit more about some things which you probably didn’t know, or had no idea were an option. Without further ado, here is the list of 10 best cities in Africa:
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Accra, Ghana
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Gaborone, Botswana
- Libreville, Gabon
- Tunis, Tunisia
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Windhoek, Namibia
- Kigali, Rwanda
These are all grand, beautiful cities, which offer a variety of things to do, job opportunities, and some are even blessed enough to be on a sea-side, so besides having a warm weather all-year round, you have a spot to enjoy it as well.
I will be quite satisfied if after reading this, a little spark made its way to your brain and is having you consider the option of moving to Africa. If not, there is always google as an unlimited source of photos which only enhance the whole experience that I tried to put into words. This was just a brief intro into the general ideology of life in Africa, in case you feel really passionate about it, you can contact us, or wait for some of the next posts where we plan to go even more into detail on few of the really important topics.