West Africa Holidays for First Timers

It’s one of the most culturally diverse destinations on the planet, with over 600 languages spoken and many more dialects. And, because many of its countries are compact means it’s possible to travel through several in a single, two-week trip, unlike many other African destinations.

It’s these two factors that make West Africa holidays for first-timers such a fascinating, immersive and ‘every day is different’ adventure.

If you’ve travelled elsewhere in Africa, particularly those in East Africa, prepare for a dramatically different experience. What you’ll discover here aren’t the safari lands and endless, wildlife-rich grass plains. Instead, in an area stretching from the Sahel through dense jungles, to the wild and empty Atlantic coast beaches you’ll enjoy landscapes every bit as diverse as the peoples and cultures you’ll encounter.

Comprising 15 countries, some as tiny as Togo or Benin, where Voodoo is still practised, whilst others, including Mali, Niger and Nigeria are vast and much more densely populated.

Wherever you choose to travel, a journey through West Africa feels more intrepid, more off the beaten track than much of the rest of the continent, promising an intriguing mix of culture and history.

Top 10 Tips for Holidays in West Africa

1 – If you’ve been to Africa before, be aware that this is completely different from the more visited safari destinations, and expect less infrastructure, and less experience with tourists.

2 – Embrace the more relaxed approach that is taken here – you won’t achieve anything if you get frustrated that things are working slightly ‘differently’ – in fact usually the opposite.

3 – Anticipate some terrible roads. Generally speaking, the more remote the destination, the worse the roads. Similarly, be prepared for some long – and bumpy – drives. You can always ask the driver to stop if you see anything interesting en route (people going about their daily chores, a fruit stall, cotton being harvested). And remember, the rewards for getting off the beaten track are more intimate experiences with little-visited tribal cultures.

4 – Talk to local people. They’re not exhibits, and you’ll get a huge amount from any local interaction you might have.

5 – Be respectful when taking photographs. Put the camera away! Whilst it’s tempting to capture the perfect shot, memories enduring far longer than a moment, it’s much more respectful to (and by) tribal cultures to treat them with the sensitivity they deserve.

6 – Expect the unexpected! Sometimes the unexpected encounters can be more rewarding than the planned ones.

7 – The best time to go to West Africa is in the dry season, from October to March. If you’re travelling from December onwards, it’s best to pack some moisturiser, to mitigate the drying effects of the arid harmattan wind.

8 – When exchanging currency, ask for some smaller value notes. Small change is almost impossible to come by in Ghana, Togo and Benin (and other parts of West Africa), which can mean you may not receive change when paying for goods, and may have to pay more for items than you would otherwise.

9 – When visiting mosques and church services, female travellers are required to cover their heads and wear a robe or long, loose cloth around their waists.

10 – Be prepared for very basic toilet facilities in places, bush stops along the road and it’s always a good idea to bring some toilet paper.

Did you know?

– French is the most common official language, followed by English as the official language of Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone. It’s only in Guinea Bissau where you’ll find Portuguese is spoken.

– 70% of West Africans are Muslim, with Christianity the second most common religion, particularly the further south you go.

– Nigeria is the most populated West African nation, with 186 million people and approximately 500 ethnic groups.

Top 5 West Africa holidays tours for first-time travellers

1. West Africa Explorer

14 days from £3,499 travelling through Senegal and Guinea Bissau.
Highlights include:
See one of Africa’s largest gatherings of birdlife (flamingos, pelicans etc.) in Djoudj National Park

– Sail to the stunning Bijagos Islands, home to turtles, saltwater hippos and ancient culture

– Visit the astonishing megalithing stone circle site of Sine Ngayene, a UNESCO world heritage site

– Take a traditional horse and carriage through the colonial town of St Louis

– Meet a Dioula monarch and get to grips with the complex belief systems here

– Visit the holy town of Touba, centre of Senegal’s marabout movement

2. Gold and Magic

12 days from £2,499 travelling through Ghana, Togo and Benin
Highlights include:

– Meet the fiercely traditional Tamberma people who live in extraordinary, fortress-style houses

– Witness traditional Voodoo rituals

– Explore the Lome fetish market

– Learn about the Ashanti people in the Ashanti capital, Kumasi

– Visit the colourful fishing village of Elmina and its imposing slave castle

– Enjoy Accra, one of the region’s liveliest cities

3. Ouidah Voodoo Festival

13 days from £2,825 travelling through Ghana, Togo and Benin.
Highlights include:

– Meet the unique villages of the Tamberma people and be guests at a fire dance

– Witness the extraordinary annual Voodoo festival

– Explore the bizarre fetish market at Lome

– Learn about the Ashanti and Krobo people

– Delve into the tragic history of the slave trade at Elmina

4. Ancient Gods of West Africa

13 days from £2,899 travelling through the Ivory Coast.
Highlights include:

– Be awed by the colourful spectacle of incredible mask dances and rituals

– Meet the Fulani people

– Visit the enormous basilica at Yamoussoukro, and see how a tiny village was transformed into a political capital

– Soak up the languid tropical atmosphere and French colonial architecture of Grand Bassam

5. Senegal Uncovered

10 days from £2,399 travelling through Senegal.
Highlights include:

– Visiting Lac Rouge, a shallow salt lake which, as the name suggests, appears pink

– Visiting Goree Island, once a centre of the slave trade

– Witness flamingos, pelicans and other amazing birdlife at Djoudj National Park

– Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sine Ngayene, an astonishing megalithic site of over a thousand carved stones arranged into 52 circles

– Meet the king of the oldest Dioula kingdom

West Africa holidays and tours – next steps

If exploring this fascinating region’s wild landscapes and meeting its diverse peoples has piqued your interest, we’d be delighted to tell you more – simply call us on 01473 328 546 or email us using our website form.

Other blogs you might enjoy include:
A pictorial journey around West Africa
Small group tours – Our top 15
Best cultural festivals
The world’s most unusual travel experience
Remote travel destinations – Top trips