Exploring Africa: Which Countries Have Google Street View?

Planning a trip to Africa and want to get a feel for the place before you go? Google Street View can be a great tool for virtually exploring the streets, landmarks, and natural beauty of different countries. However, Google Street View is not available in every country in Africa.

So, which African countries can you explore virtually? Let’s dive in!

African Countries Where You Can Use Google Street View

While Google Street View hasn’t mapped the entirety of the African continent, there are several countries you can explore virtually. These include:

• South Africa: Experience the bustling streets of Cape Town, the iconic Table Mountain, or take a virtual drive along the stunning Garden Route.

• Botswana: Embark on a digital safari through Chobe National Park, famous for its elephant herds, or explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Makgadikgadi Pan.

• Ghana: Wander through the historic streets of Accra, visit the bustling markets of Kumasi, or take a virtual tour of Kakum National Park.

• Senegal: Explore the vibrant capital city of Dakar, discover the colorful fishing village of M’bour, or take a virtual trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gorée Island.

• Lesotho: Journey through the mountainous landscapes of this small landlocked country, visit the capital city of Maseru, or explore the breathtaking Maletsunyane Falls.

Cape Town street scene in Google Street View

Why Isn’t Google Street View Available Everywhere in Africa?

There are several reasons why Google Street View hasn’t fully mapped the African continent:

• Infrastructure: Many areas in Africa lack the infrastructure necessary for Google’s Street View cars to navigate, such as well-maintained roads and reliable internet access.

• Cost: The cost of mapping vast and remote areas can be prohibitive.

• Privacy Concerns: As in other parts of the world, privacy concerns can sometimes pose a challenge to Google Street View’s data collection efforts.

The Future of Google Street View in Africa

Despite the challenges, Google continues to expand its Street View coverage in Africa. With advancements in technology and growing local partnerships, we can expect to see more of this fascinating continent become accessible virtually in the coming years.

Elephants crossing a road in Botswana on Google Street View

Tips for Using Google Street View to Explore Africa

• Plan your virtual itinerary: Identify specific locations and landmarks you want to see.

• Use the “Street View” layer in Google Maps: This will show you which areas have Street View imagery available.

• Look for blue lines: These lines indicate streets or paths that you can virtually explore.

• Use the navigation controls: Click and drag your mouse to look around, and use the arrows to move through the environment.

• Explore beyond the beaten path: Don’t be afraid to venture off the main roads and discover hidden gems.

A bustling market in Ghana on Google Street View

Embark on Your Virtual African Adventure

While nothing can replace the experience of actually traveling to Africa, Google Street View offers a unique and accessible way to get a glimpse of the continent’s diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. So, start exploring today and let Google Street View transport you to the heart of Africa!