American traveller seeks advice

In message , Charles
Jones writes
I'm an American, I am going to be doing some world travel, entailing a
combination of education and business. Some of my travels may include
at least some brief time in a variety of African nations (both north
and south of the Sahara). Can someone give me some advice on the most
blatant ways that Americans sometimes fail to appreciate the cultures
in various African nations, in thought or deed, and how I might best
avoid making an idiot of myself? Contexts of interest include not
just business and school settings, but social settings, restaurants,
shopping places, even visits to people's homes -- hell, even the
dating scene, one never knows -- really anything you can think of.
It's kind of a broad, open question, I realize, but since I'm not sure
what exactly I'm looking for, I thought an open-ended question would
be best. All replies much appreciated.

CJ
Charles,
It`s good to be prepared before you go.
One thing I did notice whilst in a lodge in the Samburu Reserve in
Kenya, where every night the staff there put a dead goat in a tree for
bait for leopards, was that the Americans all made a lot of noise when
the leopard arrived, instead of being quiet!
Another noticeable thing about Americans is they arrive in full safari
gear, and I mean FULL! So you could dress down a bit and not have so
much Affluence about your person.
If you do date, be mindful about HIV and Aids!
I`m sure you will be fine and you will receive a great welcome.
Africans are genuine in their pleasure to meet you.
Good luck!
Pat
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Pat Anderson