"The Region Adorned with Natural Beauty and Culture"
Western Africa Tourism
Western Africa consists of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, C™te d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. This is not extremely wealthy but it has a lot to offer. The cuisines and art forms are very unique and different from what most people have seen. The people are warm and friendly. Additionally, the region is packed with natural beauty.
Western Africa Photos
Holidify's Opinion
What's Great?
Rich Culture. Natural Beauty. Affordable.
What's Not So Great?
Underdeveloped roads. Pickpockets.
For Whom?
Food Enthusiasts. Culture Enthusiasts.
Details of Western Africa
About places in Western Africa
West Africa enamors its visitors with its rich culture, breathtaking beauty and vibrant art. Benin has some of West Africas most beautiful palaces and national parks. To feel a fresh burst of adrenaline, visit Cape Verde. It is an ideal destination for water sports and allows the tourists to observe its majestic marine life. People also enjoy mountain trekking, the sand dunes, and salt mines of Cape Verde. C™te dÕIvoire is known for its lagoons. Gambia has a variety of cuisines that make all the food enthusiasts swoon.The best place to meet the people of West Africa is Ghana. Known for its hospitality and culture, this country has some of the best events and festivals guaranteed to plaster a long lasting smile on your face. New Guinea attracts visitors through its hiking trails, local markets, coral reefs, and World War 2 hotspots. Nigeria, one of the most visited countries of West Africa has everything a traveller will look for in one place. Its natural beauty is breathtaking; It has some beautiful lanscapes, and a note - worthy architecture. Senegal has some beautiful lakes and islands. It is also an ideal location to get some shopping done. Visitors of Sierra Leone get to observe some of the rarest wildlife in a land adorned with some beautiful beaches.
Stay Option in Western Africa
You would find a wide range of accomodation choices in Western Africa ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels. There are also many youth hostels in this region. It is preferable to make your bookings in advance, especially during high season. If you're up for the adventure, you could also opt for cabins, games and safari lodges.
Food in Western Africa
Major ingredients used in West African cuisine include yams, millet, corn, rice, peas, cassava and sweet potatoes. Due to the ample amount of sunlight, many fruits and vegetables are also consumed in this region. Chicken, goat, pork, fish and other seafood are common meats of this region. Grilling, steaming and boiling are the most commonly used preparation methods.
Culture, Religion & Language of Western Africa
Countries of West Africa are deeply religious and cultural. lslam and Christianity are the major religions of Western Africa. Western Africa is one of the most linguistically diverse regions of the world. Some of the language families of this region include Niger-Congo, Afro-Asiatic and Nilo-Saharan languages. Many countries in this region have English as one of their official languages. So knowing English should help you get by. However, it is best to learn some common phrases in the local language of the country you're visiting.
Tips for visiting Western Africa
Don't travel at night, especially alone. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Always carry a copy of your passport. Wear long pants and long-sleeved tops to protect yourself from mosquitos. Carry a mosquito repellant. Beware of bag snatchers/pick pocketers.
Shopping in Western Africa
Woodwork, bronze figures, pottery, masks, jewellery, fabrics, hand woven blankets and leather goods are the most commonly bought items by tourists. There are many shops and markets that can get you all the souvenirs you need.Bargaining is acceptable in most places of Western Africa so make sure to get your things at the best prices. Guinnea Bisau' s Carnival is features parades, people wearing body paint, masks , and colourful costumes. Dance, music, food, and wine sales raise the standards of this festival. One of West Africa's most famous festival is NIgeria's Calabar Cranival, also known as Africa's Biggest Street Party. It features innumerable events that diplsay the region's culture, talents, and zest for life.
Festivals in Western Africa
West Africa has some of the most unique festivals one would come across. Fete Des Masques is one such festival in which masked men dance to instrumental beats to ward off evil while they honor the deceased. Benin'sFestival of Voodoo is also a popular West African festival. It features voodoo dolls and devotees in animal skins chanting and dancing to drumbeats, as well as horse racing on the beach. Mali's Festival au DŽsert which started off as a festivals for Nomadics who met to celebrate their culture, music and stories from their yearÕs wanderings has now evolved into a celebration filled with music, dance, camel races, and competitions. Nigeria's Calabar festival is an event one wouldn't want to miss.
Hygiene in Western Africa
Some areas and streets are not so clean. Make sure to drink bottled water only. Be up-to-date on routine vaccines which include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Also get vaccines and medicines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid , and Malaria.
Customs of Western Africa
People of West Africa, especially those resisiding in the Islamic communities dress conservatively. They place a lot of emphasis on respecting their elders. Divorce is frowned upon. People greet by shaking hands. Tipping is not mandatory but the gesture is appreciated.