Why was Africa colonized last of the continents in the Age of Discovery?

Africa was colonized last because it was harder to reach and control than other continents.

Imagine you're playing a game where you have to catch as many fish as you can from different parts of the ocean. Europe is like your home, and Africa is a big island far away across the sea. At first, you had to use big ships to travel long distances, which was tiring and took time. The other continents, like Asia and America, were easier to get to because they were closer or there were fewer obstacles in the way.

• Europe had to wait until their ships got better, so they could sail faster and farther.
• Africa also had strong kings and armies who didn’t always want to be controlled by foreigners, it was like having a big, tough friend who wasn’t easy to trick or beat.

Once the ships were stronger and Europe was ready, it became easier for them to go to Africa and start taking over parts of it. But that took time, a lot of time!