West Africa
An iconic sweep of African landscape: the Sahara, rainforests, oases and sculpted dunes, edged by glorious coastlines. A melting pot of cultures and eclectic cities filled with spectacular festivals, enchanting music, famous markets, striking architecture and age-old traditions. West Africa is home to dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with remarkable birdwatching and wildlife encounters.
Popular places to visit
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Congo
- Senegal
- Burkina Faso
- Côte d'Ivoire
Travelling to West Africa?
We arrange flights, accommodation, visa assistance, travel insurance and car hire.
When to go
- High season
- Mid season
- Low season
High season
Cooler temperatures and dry weather make getting around easy.
Mid season
It can be unbearably hot in the Sahara as the dry season begins in the tropical south. Rains can arrive in May and humidity is very high along the coast.
Low season
High humidity and heavy rains in coastal countries and extreme temperatures in the Sahara and Sahel, but dry conditions in the tropical south.
Money matters
- Money
- ATMs are arriving, but cash remains king. Bring euros in former French, Portuguese and Spanish colonies; US dollars are preferred in English-speaking countries.
- Currency
- The West African CFA franc (XOF, shared by eight countries), plus national currencies such as the Nigerian naira and Ghanaian cedi. Congo uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF).
- Bargaining
- Bargaining is a staple of most informal transactions. It's expected in markets and street stalls, especially those selling handicrafts to visitors. You can sometimes negotiate on taxis and even accommodation, though this varies from country to country.
- Credit cards
- You can rarely pay by card. Cards are usually limited to top-end hotels and restaurants, car-rental companies and air tickets, often with a commission of 3% to 15%.
Etiquette
Although West Africa is changing, social customs remain conservative. Most locals won't expect you to know all the rules and will forgive a faux pas, but keep these guidelines in mind.
- Attitude
- In a frustrating situation, stay patient, friendly and considerate. A confrontational attitude can easily inflame things, especially with police and immigration officials.
- Religious customs
- Be respectful of Islamic traditions and avoid revealing clothing; loose, lightweight clothing is best.
- Public displays of affection
- These are usually inappropriate, especially in Muslim areas.
- Photography
- Always ask permission before photographing people.
- Conversation
- Avoid openly criticising the government or the country. The first could get your hosts into trouble, and many West Africans take the second personally.
Plan a trip to West Africa
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you'd like to see, and a consultant will put together an itinerary for you.