Exploring Africa with Google Maps Street View: A Virtual Journey through the Continent

Google Maps is undoubtedly one of the most widely used navigation tools across the globe. With its extensive coverage and user-friendly interface, it has revolutionized the way we navigate and explore our surroundings. One of the standout features of Google Maps is Street View, which allows users to virtually explore streets and landmarks as if they were there in person.

In Africa, Google Street View has made significant progress in recent years, providing users with a unique and immersive experience of the continent. Currently, Street View is available in various African countries, including Botswana, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Eswatini, Lesotho, Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia, Nigeria, Rwanda, the Canary Islands of Spain, and Egypt’s famous landmarks.

This expansion of Street View in Africa has opened up new possibilities for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you are planning a trip to the bustling streets of Nairobi or exploring the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town, Street View offers a glimpse into these destinations from the comfort of your own home. It allows you to visualize the surroundings, get a sense of the local culture, and plan your journey more effectively.

What makes Street View particularly impressive is its accessibility even in remote areas where there may not be a phone network signal. In countries like South Africa, Street View works seamlessly, providing users with a seamless navigation experience even in the most isolated regions. All you need is a phone with a GPS chip and a downloaded country map or specific route map to utilize the app’s satnav capabilities.

To access Street View in Google Maps, simply open the app on your Android device. At the top of the screen, you will find the “Layers” option. Tap on it, and then select “Street View.” The map will display blue lines indicating areas with Street View coverage. By tapping on any of these blue lines, you can enter Street View and explore the location in detail.

It’s important to note that there are certain countries where Google Street View is not available due to government restrictions. China, for example, blocks many Google services, including Street View, because of concerns regarding censorship and data privacy. Similarly, North Korea’s strict internet censorship laws prevent access to Google Street View.

Google Maps and Street View have transformed the way we navigate and explore the world, including Africa. The availability of Street View in various African countries allows users to virtually experience the continent’s diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant streets. Whether you are planning a trip or simply curious about a particular location, Street View offers a convenient and immersive way to explore Africa’s beauty.

Is There Google Street View In Africa?

There is Google Street View available in several countries across Africa. Currently, users can access Street View in parts of Botswana, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Eswatini, Lesotho, Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia, Nigeria, Rwanda, the Canary Islands of Spain, and Egypt’s landmarks. This means that users can virtually explore various streets, neighborhoods, and landmarks in these countries through the Street View feature on Google Maps.

Google Street View provides users with a 360-degree panoramic view of different locations, allowing them to virtually navigate streets and explore the surroundings. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who want to get a visual understanding of a place before visiting or for those who simply want to explore different parts of the world from the comfort of their homes.

It is important to note that Google Street View coverage may vary within each country. While some areas may have extensive coverage, others may have limited or no coverage at all. Additionally, Street View is continuously expanding, so it is possible that more areas in Africa will be added to the coverage in the future.

Google Street View is available in select countries in Africa, including Botswana, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Eswatini, Lesotho, Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia, Nigeria, Rwanda, the Canary Islands of Spain, and Egypt’s landmarks. This feature allows users to virtually explore streets and landmarks, providing a unique perspective of various locations in these countries.

google maps africa street view

What Countries Do Not Allow Google Street View?

Google Street View is not available in China and North Korea due to government restrictions on Google services and internet censorship laws, respectively. Here is a breakdown of the reasons behind the unavailability in each country:

China:
– The Chinese government blocks many Google services, including Google Street View, as part of its broader efforts to control and censor online content.
– Concerns about censorship, data privacy, and security are the primary reasons for restricting access to Google services.
– As a result, users in China do not have access to Street View’s immersive 360-degree panoramic views of streets and landmarks.

North Korea:
– Google Street View is also not available in North Korea due to the country’s strict internet censorship laws.
– The North Korean government tightly controls the flow of information and restricts access to the internet.
– This censorship extends to blocking Google services, preventing users in North Korea from accessing Street View or other Google products.

China and North Korea do not allow Google Street View due to government-imposed restrictions and internet censorship laws in each country.

Does Google Maps Work In Africa?

Google Maps works in Africa. Google Maps is a widely used navigation and mapping service that provides detailed information about locations, routes, and directions. It offers coverage in various countries across the continent, including South Africa.

Google Maps utilizes a combination of GPS technology and internet connectivity to provide accurate location information. While internet connectivity is required to access real-time traffic updates, search for specific locations, and use some additional features, the basic functionality of Google Maps, such as viewing maps and getting directions, can be accessed offline as well.

In areas with limited or no internet connectivity, users can download specific maps for offline use. This allows them to navigate and explore the map even without an active internet connection. However, it’s important to note that offline maps do not provide real-time updates, such as traffic conditions and the latest points of interest.

Moreover, Google Maps also offers turn-by-turn navigation, which guides users with voice instructions and visual cues along their chosen route. This feature can be particularly useful for travelers in Africa, including remote areas, as it helps them navigate unfamiliar roads and find their way to their desired destinations.

Google Maps is a reliable and convenient navigation tool that works in Africa, including remote areas. It provides detailed maps, directions, and turn-by-turn navigation, both online and offline, making it a valuable resource for users traveling within the continent.

How Do I View Street View In Google Maps?

To view Street View in Google Maps on your Android device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Maps app on your Android phone or tablet.
2. At the top of the screen, you will see a series of icons. Tap on the “Layers” icon, which looks like a stack of three horizontal lines.
3. A menu will appear with various options. Tap on “Street View” to enable the Street View layer.
4. Once the Street View layer is activated, you will notice that the map displays blue lines in certain areas. These blue lines indicate the availability of Street View coverage.
5. To explore a specific location in Street View, simply tap on one of the blue lines on the map. This will take you directly into Street View mode for that particular area.
6. In Street View, you can navigate by swiping your finger across the screen to look around, and you can move forward or backward by dragging the screen up or down. You can also use the on-screen arrows to move in the desired direction.
7. To exit Street View and return to the regular map view, tap the “Back” button on your device or swipe down from the top of the screen.
8. Repeat the process to view Street View in different locations as desired.

Remember, the availability of Street View may vary depending on the location and coverage provided by Google.

Conclusion

Google Maps is a powerful and widely used mapping service that provides users with a plethora of information and features. It offers accurate and up-to-date maps of various countries and cities, allowing users to navigate and explore their surroundings with ease.

One of the standout features of Google Maps is its Street View functionality. With Street View, users can virtually explore different locations and get a 360-degree view of the area. This feature is particularly useful for those unfamiliar with a place or needing to visualize a specific route or landmark.

Additionally, Google Maps offers a range of layers and overlays that provide additional information, such as traffic conditions, public transportation routes, and even satellite imagery. These features enhance the user experience and provide valuable insights when planning a journey or exploring a new area.

Google Maps is available on various platforms, including desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It is also constantly being updated and improved, ensuring that users have access to the latest maps and features.

Google Maps is an indispensable tool for both casual users and professionals alike. Whether you need to find your way around a new city, plan a road trip, or simply explore the world from the comfort of your own home, Google Maps has you covered. Its comprehensive mapping data and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for navigation and exploration.

Photo of author

Ilona

Ilona is an experienced travel counselor who loves everything about Africa! She studied Tourism and Hospitality Management at Middle Tennessee State University, and now lives in Nashville. With 15 years of experience under her belt, Ilona is well-equipped to plan your perfect African adventure.