Welcome to West Africa!
West Africa
West Africa according to United Nations consists of sixteen westernmost countries of African continent. These countries are Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritania, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Sierra Leone, Guinea, The Gambia, Senegal, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Togo, Guinea – Bissau, Cape Verde, Niger, and Mali. All these sixteen nations except Mauritania belong to ECOWACS (Economic Community of West African States).
These sixteen countries appear to be bonded by similar traditions, food habits, and culture. Tribes inhabiting these countries have formed a bridge between Sub-Saharan and interiors of Africa. Countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire are areas of development in economic and social spheres.
West Africa Geography and Climate
Area-wise, West Africa makes up one-fifth of total African landmass. Major portion of this area is flat land with height below 300 metres, with certain isolated elevated areas. ‘Sahel’ lying in the northern areas of this region forms an intermediary zone between tropical grasslands ‘savannah’, and the Sahara. A third of Western Africa is occupied by Sudan forests.
The climate of this place varies and goes northwards from Ghana and Nigeria towards the south. Ghana being close to the equator has predominantly two climates, humid and dry. Rains occur from March to November. In comparison, Mauritania and Mali are characterized by desert climate with extremes of temperature and little precipitation. Vegetation takes forms of stunted bushes and shrubs.
Getting in and around West Africa
For touring West Africa you could either enter through Nouakchott International Airport in Mauritania and travel across to Nigeria, or enter through Lagos and move westwards to end your tour at Mauritania. Or else, you could also enter through Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana. All these airports are reachable by direct flights from European, Asian, African and American cities. Within West Africa cheap flights are available between cities. As train routes are not well developed cheap flights are the best option to travel form one country to another while touring Western Africa.
International bus services exist between neighbouring countries like Accra in Ghana to Lagos in Nigeria, or between Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire and Accra. Boat services exist sparingly between neighbouring nations. Within any of the countries taxis or buses are the best form of transportation. Taxis are available at affordable rates for sight seeing.
West Africa Accommodation
Accommodation in West Africa depends on your place of visit. Capital cities like Abuja, Accra, Porto Novo, and Nouakchott have luxury hotels as well as cheap accommodation to put up. However as one moves ways from these capital cities to interior regions you might only have cheap accommodation like village homes, or inns to put up. The usual practice in touring West Africa is to travel by car to the desired tourist site from the nearest town or city by day and return by sundown.
West Africa attractions and activities
Attraction of West Africa ranges from beaches to sand dunes, and from fishing villages to face rock destinations. The most remarkable site to visit in West Africa is Richat Structure in Mauritania. This huge circular geological structure in Mauritanian Maur Adrar Desert is 50 km across. It represents ‘eye of the earth’ and is taken as a landmark of the earth by astronauts. It is approachable by jeeps from Oudane in Mauritania.
Ghana is a place of castles and natural wonders. Among the many castles, Elmina Castle in Cape Coast stands out as a slave castle. Dungeons inside this castle were used to keep slaves before they were shipped to America and Europe. This is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Osu-Christianborg castle in capital city Accra is the official residence of the President of Ghana. Kakum forest in Ghana offers incredible opportunity to go canopy walking. The Bhu National Park is a fascinating place to watch Volta River and surrounding forests.
King JuJu Shrine in Arochukwu in Nigeria is famous for its cave and oracles. According to local traditions it is believed that gods speak to mortals through a long metal pipe. Igbo-Ukwu is an ancient town renowned for its bronze craftwork. Bronze available here are believed to date back to 9th century AD. Yankari National Park is amongst the premier wildlife reserves in this part of Africa. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, baboons, warthogs, and waterbucks are seen in this park. Birni Kudu Town is well known for its ancient rock paintings.