For the African diaspora, the end of the year is not a time for slowing down to plan for the months ahead; it’s a period of vibrant festivities and celebration. The unofficial homecoming known as Detty December is a joyous occasion that originated in Nigeria and gained global prominence in 2019 during Ghana’s Year of Return. This month-long celebration honors community, rich history, delicious cuisine, and the infectious energy of Black joy.
Long before Detty December became a cultural phenomenon, Africans living abroad would return to their home countries during the holidays to reunite with loved ones and enjoy the unique end-of-year celebrations. This cherished tradition has since evolved into a multi-generational experience for Black travelers eager to reconnect with their roots and explore the richness of traveling across Africa.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the continent or a seasoned Detty December participant, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your trip.
Getting Around Town
By now, you should (hopefully) have your flights booked and your passport and visa sorted. If not, maybe it’s time to plan ahead with a group of friends or a travel agency for next year. For those who’ve successfully arrived at their Detty December destination, rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt will become your best friends as you navigate the city. Thanks to favorable conversion rates, rides are often surprisingly affordable—sometimes even cheaper than what you might have experienced in the early days of Uber.
However, don’t be surprised if your driver cancels last minute, especially if they’ve just been to the area you’re trying to visit. If you prefer to skip the drama, consider hiring a personal driver for the duration of your stay.
Pro tip: Many drivers prefer cash bookings and payments to avoid delays in payout processing.
Keep Your Health in Check
Being in a new environment can sometimes cause unexpected reactions. Before your trip, consult with your doctor about recommended vaccinations and any necessary medications. For those traveling to West, East, or even Central and Southern Africa, it’s wise to bring malaria tablets and follow the instructions carefully. Also, don’t forget to apply bug spray and sunscreen every time you head out. There will be plenty of sweaty days and nights, so consider packing waterproof versions of your favorite products.
Adventurous eaters, make sure you’ve got your go-to antihistamines and anti-diarrheal medications on hand, and remember to stay hydrated. It’s always better to be prepared than to regret not taking precautions.
Stay Charged
The goal of traveling is to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the experience, so don’t stress over things like unreliable Wi-Fi or random power outages (shoutout to NEPA!). Still, to ensure a smooth trip, bring the necessary travel adapters, portable chargers, and maybe even a mini fan or two. Before you leave, check with your cellular provider to review what’s covered in your plan—you’ll thank yourself later when the bill arrives.
Pro tip: Download apps like WhatsApp to stay connected with loved ones, and consider purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM for better data coverage during your trip.
Respect Locals & Stay Educated on Issues
While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of exploring and partying in a new country, remember that the locals you interact with have real-life experiences that extend far beyond your Detty December celebration. For you, it may be a brief and blissful getaway, full of drinking, eating, and discounted beauty services. However, once you leave, the locals are left to contend with the harsh realities of life—dealing with challenges like poverty, corruption, xenophobia, police brutality, and environmental struggles.
It’s important to remain mindful of these complexities and show respect for the lives and hardships of the people you meet during your visit.
Have Fun
From lively festivals and day parties to local tourist attractions and trendy hotspots, there’s always something fun to do during Detty December. The beauty of being in a new environment lies in embracing spontaneity and letting each day unfold naturally. Ditch any expectations and immerse yourself in the excitement and unpredictability of the month.
Pro tip: Do not, by any means, fall in love!