Want to see the real Africa? Eight Instagram accounts to follow

In Africa, contemporary photographers are using Instagram to share African stories through an African lens. These photographers are challenging perceptions and shining a light on what they believe to be the real Africa.

Africa, the breathtaking continent stretching from Tunisia to South Africa, is as varied as it is large. From the lush jungles of Democratic Republic of Congo to the tropical beaches of Mozambique and the arid desert of Niger, each country is defined by its unique landscape, culture and people. To showcase the vivid beauty of this vast continent and to challenge your perceptions, we’ve pulled together some top Instagram accounts that depict the real, contemporary Africa.

Everyday Africa is a curated account that collates images from the best photographers, photojournalists and documentary photographers living and working in Africa. The pictures are warm and, as stated in biography, these professionals are, “finding the extreme not nearly as prevalent as the familiar, the everyday.”

The Liberian born Sierra Leonian artist Mamby Bayoh describes himself as a “social documentarian” and uses Instagram to allow users to appreciate life through his lens. His images are bold, creative and arresting, and it is no surprise that he has 87, 000 followers and rising. 

Looking for inspiration to travel Africa? This curated account brings together a community of travellers and showcases the top travel destinations in Africa. By encouraging users to tag their photos using #visiterlafrique, the account then reposts the most enticing images.

Nigerian-born Andrew Esisebo is a critically acclaimed photographer with a number of accolades and awards to his name. His Instagram account is a self-proclaimed “visual diary” and features images shot only with a smartphone.

African Cityzens is a shared Instagram account of two visual artists, Sarah Waiswa and Joel Lukhovi, who travel by road from one African city to the next. These artists document their trans-border journey, observing life as it unfolds across the continent.

East African-based Ley Uwera uses her talents as a photographer to document the social and cultural evolution of east Africa. With a strong focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ley’s photos document the ordinary, the extraordinary and the everyday.

Kenyan brother and sister duo, Velma Rossa and Oliver Asike or '2manysiblings' see themselves as adding positively to the thread of contemporary African narrative. These creative siblings express their style, identity and view of contemporary Kenya through their lens on Instagram.

Nana Kofi Acquah uses Instagram to chronicle his travels around Africa and the lives of those he meets. Bursting with colour and vibrancy, Nana’s photos depict an exciting and exhilarating Africa.

• Zimbabwean-based photographer Steven Chikosi
• Virunga National Park
• Concern Worldwide