In this article, we will take a look at the 15 best African countries for female sex tourism. In this context, “best African countries” means African countries that are perceived to be involved in female sex tourism the most. We don’t endorse any of these countries or any type of sex tourism; we are just reporting what’s going on in the shady corners of this world.
If you’re in search of a one-night stand or a week of romance, searching hard enough will likely lead you to what you desire, as the sex tourism industry is experiencing significant growth. Sex tourism involves traveling with the explicit intention of engaging in sexual activities, often with commercial sex workers. It is not the same as casual encounters during travel with fellow travelers or locals because sex tourism is commonly linked to prostitution. It also encompasses activities such as engaging in sex shows, and involving sex slavery. It’s important to note that sex tourism is considered illegal in many countries.
Traditionally, a sex tourist is characterized by their primary motivation, which involves seeking commercial sexual encounters while on vacation, as per Graburn’s definition. Opperman, on the other hand, contends that sex tourism is seldom the sole purpose or activity for tourists, suggesting that one can still be considered a sex tourist even if it’s not the primary reason for their travel.
The sex industry treats sex as just another tourist attraction, a profit-making commodity, marketed to travelers in various destination cities worldwide. Online advertisements specifically target individuals traveling to particular locations. However, it is crucial to recognize that human beings and their bodies should never be considered commodities. The situation worsens when we confront the distressing reality of child sex tourism, which has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. Shockingly, a significant number of individuals engage in child sex tourism, intentionally seeking sexual encounters with minors. Despite being criminalized in most countries, this industry is estimated to involve as many as 2 million children worldwide.
Western women are also engaging in sex tourism, particularly when seeking young, strong, and virile men in Africa. Unfortunately, this exploitative practice isn’t limited to adults; it has taken a disturbing turn towards younger children, some as young as eight years old. These children involved in sex tourism often find themselves abandoned or coerced into prostitution by their parents, guardians, or members of prostitution rings. Minors between the ages of 8 and 18 are sent to hotel rooms to cater to tourists seeking impunity from legal consequences in their home countries. The driving forces behind children entering this trade are the severe hardships and poverty they face. In certain African countries, the World Bank reports that the average population must survive on less than 2 euros a day.
The term “sex tourism” is not commonly used because the primary tourists engaged in exchanging sex for benefits are women. If the majority of those involved were men, it is likely that there would have been public outrage and a government crackdown. Additionally, these tourists often rent boys as local guides, making the sexual aspect less apparent but still acknowledged.
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Our Methodology
To compile our list of the top 15 African countries for female sex tourism, we conducted extensive research and gathered insights from five independent sources (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Initially, we identified over 20 countries mentioned across these sources and every time a country was mentioned in these sources, it was given a point. Through thorough data analysis, we were able to obtain the final list of the best 15 African countries for female sex tourism.
15 Best African Countries for Female Sex Tourism
15. Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso’s population is known for its high level of sexual activity, which, while having positive aspects, also comes with its drawbacks. The lack of sexual education and awareness contributes to a higher prevalence of HIV cases as more people remain uninformed. As of 2009, there has been a reported increase in the number of prostitutes in Burkina Faso, partly attributed to the country’s poverty. In 2015, the estimated number of individuals living with HIV in Burkina Faso was 95,000, a significant concern for a country with a total population of 18 million. Considering these statistics, it is not surprising that Burkina Faso ranks among the most sexually active countries in Africa.
14. Gambia
Gambia has gained notoriety for its female sex tourism. Starting from the 1990s, Gambia has emerged as a favored choice among European women seeking romantic encounters with African men often referred to as African ‘toy’ boys. The media has covered sex tourism in Gambia frequently in recent times, highlighting stories of middle-aged Western women seeking long-term relationships, holiday romances, and one-night stands. However, there is often more to it than relationships. Stories of Gambian love cheats, visa scams and polygamy are all too common.
13. Zambia
A study conducted on child sex tourism in Zambia confirms its existence. It was established that children below the age of 18 engage in sexual interactions with both local residents and foreign tourists from various parts of the world. These tourists visit Zambia for diverse reasons, including exploring tourist attractions. Regrettably, some of them also engage in sexual activities with children.
12. Gabon
Gabon serves as a destination and transit country for trafficked women and children. There are 90,000 Gabonese adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, who are either in a marital or cohabiting relationship, or unmarried but have engaged in sexual activity within the last three months.
11. Uganda
Promoting the people of Uganda as a tourist attraction is a positive concept. Ugandans are known for their exceptional hospitality and inspiring nature. Despite facing challenging poverty levels, they radiate happiness, and warmly welcome visitors. This unique trait has sometimes perplexed foreign tourists, ultimately leading to a strong bond as they earnestly seek to learn about Ugandan culture.
Sex tourism becomes evident through the presence of beautiful young Ugandan females accompanying aging white men at popular bars in town, or in Ugandan men seeking visas and opportunities abroad, often supported by relationships with mzungu women.
10. Ethiopia
Ethiopia serves as a destination and transit country for women and children who are victims of sex trafficking. In Ethiopia, prostitution is legal and prevalent, but procuring, which includes operating brothels and profiting from prostitution, is technically illegal.
9. Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, prostitution itself is legal, but associated activities are prohibited. The Congolese penal code specifically penalizes pimping, operating bawdy houses or brothels, exploiting prostitution, and engaging in forced prostitution. Additionally, actions that encourage or facilitate the involvement of minors in prostitution or promote the prostitution of others have also been criminalized.
8. Kenya
Sex tourism is a prominent and widespread phenomenon, with various countries experiencing distinct approaches to prostitution regulations. In Kenya, prostitution is largely legal, except in Nairobi where it remains illegal, yet it continues to be extensively popular and widely practiced across the nation. The allure of Kenya’s exotic locations and diverse cultural experiences often attracts tourists seeking these encounters.
7. Cameroon
In Cameroon, prostitution is considered illegal according to their law, but it is often tolerated, particularly in urban centers and tourist hotspots. The country has become a destination for sex tourism, drawing visitors from Western countries, particularly for exploitative activities like child prostitution.
6. Egypt
Sex tourism has become a well-known stereotype in Egypt. Despite prostitution being illegal in the country, the statistics paint a grim picture. In the bustling city of greater Cairo alone, it was found that a staggering number of child victims of sexual exploitation by tourists ranged from 200,000 to 1 million. Alongside this reality, there are also approximately 1 million sex workers in Egypt, making up nearly 1.6% of the entire Egyptian population.
5. Tanzania
In Tanzania, prostitution is illegal, yet it remains prevalent. UNAIDS has estimated the number of prostitutes in the country to be around 155,450. The grim reality is that many men and women, young girls and boys are compelled to enter prostitution due to various factors such as poverty, limited job opportunities, cultural pressures, and the breakdown of family structures. Even university students find themselves turning to prostitution out of economic necessity.
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4. Senegal
Senegal’s increasing female sex tourism finds its origins in the challenges of poverty and limited employment opportunities for the country’s young men. Senegal plays a role as a source, and destination country for women and children who become victims of sex trafficking. Additionally, Senegalese boys and girls also fall prey to sex trafficking.
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