"Africa Is What People Think America Is": US Traveller Says SA Outshines Florida in Cleanliness
- An American traveller and content creator compared her Florida experiences with what she found in South Africa
- South Africans responded with excitement and pride, saying they often forget how impressive their own country is
- The viral clip sparked conversations about the expectations versus reality of travel standards
South Africans resonated with her comparison, appreciating how it highlighted the country’s strengths in a way many overlook.
Source: TikTok
An American woman got South Africans talking after @mamarashaah posted a TikTok on 11 November 2025, comparing Florida to South Africa after spending time at a local safari destination. In the video, she said she was shocked at how clean everything was, especially the bathrooms, noting they were even cleaner than airport facilities back home in the United States. She mentioned that even Disney World, known for being a major tourist attraction, didn’t match what she had encountered in South Africa. Her clip was filmed while she explored a safari environment, giving her audience a glimpse of what she was experiencing in real time.
The caption she added to her post highlighted her belief that Africa is what people imagine America to be, but the reality often shows the opposite. Her comparison highlighted a narrative many South Africans have been pushing back against, that the continent lacks quality or infrastructure. Instead, her observations echoed what many international tourists confess once they visit: South Africa offers world-class sites, impressive service levels, and clean, well-maintained public spaces. Her message resonated with people who have travelled widely and often feel South Africa doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves.
Travel expectations versus reality
Within a week, the TikTok video posted by user @mamarashaah had gained strong traction, pulling in more than 22,000 likes and well over a thousand comments from South Africans. Viewers jumped in to say they needed to appreciate their home country more and stop assuming the US is always better. Many said her experience was a reality check for people who think life abroad is automatically superior, while others laughed and said South Africa must be doing something right if even Florida’s famous attractions couldn’t compete.
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As the video travelled further, more South Africans added that they often overlook how fortunate they are to live in a place with such natural beauty and well-maintained tourist spots. The discussion steered toward recognising the value of African destinations and celebrating the standard of hospitality that international visitors often rave about. Overall, people felt her honesty was refreshing and appreciated how her comparison shifted perspective for those who usually glorify life overseas.
Source: TikTok
Here’s what Mzansi had to say
Fiks said:
“Please don't publicise this, just enjoy the cleanliness quietly.”
KKSIza wrote:
“As a South African resident, I feel ashamed because I think SA bathrooms are dirty. That means my standards are too, too high… very, very, very high.”
MthoM asked:
“Kanti nenzani lapho eMelika? Translation: So what exactly are you all doing in America?”
EZASE_ZN wrote:
“I wish all my Black Americans could come stay with us in South Africa.”
Danish Phar said:
“Please stop advertising us. 😭😭😭 Tell them we live in huts because y’all are coming here in masses now and want to stay. Thank you for coming by, though. 😁😁”
Vintage Mshazi wrote:
“Please don’t expose us; we really are starving with no clean water.” (Sarcastic humour South Africans often use online)
Sampie2949220846444 wrote:
“Please don’t post lots of videos about us, let them stay there with their sympathy, please. 💔💔”
Sir Andy asked:
“Why do you say that’s crazy? What did you expect to find in South Africa? I’m asking because I’m trying to understand the misconceptions you guys have about us.”
Daryll🇿🇦 said:
“Hi, welcome to Southern Africa 🇿🇦. Enjoy your visit… and thanks a lot for the positive feedback. 🙌💖”
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 Other Briefly News stories about tourists
- A Japanese social media personality named Gump Suzuki ended his seven-month journey from Kenya in Cape Town.
- An American woman visiting Johannesburg shared a video responding to comments about her opinions on South Africa.
- An Afrikaner refugee sat down with a retired US Army Colonel to share what life is really like in Alabama after joining the refugee programme.
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Source: Briefly News
