8 Luscious Holiday Destinations in West Africa ...

Right in the heart of the mangrove forest, in the south westerly region of Senegal, lies the Sine-Saloum Delta. The mangrove forests overlook many islands, rivers and lagoons, that are teeming with some of the most exotic wild and bird life. Visitors will enjoy a trip gliding down the river and checking for flamingos and pelicans as they see all the quaint fishing villages along the way. Palmarin is earning a reputation as being one of the upcoming holiday destinations in West Africa – there are good hotels and even some built as Baobab tree houses. Great for those interested in eco-vacations.

The city of Djenne was founded way back in 800 AD, and is one of the most incredible places to go on vacation in West Africa. Perched on the banks of an island along the Niger River delta, a couple of hundred miles upstream from Timbuktu, the city had humble beginnings as a gateway for traders passing through from Guinea to the Sahara desert. The Djenne Monday market is one of the most incredible experiences to be had in Africa, and must not be missed.

The incredible Atlantic Coastline of Ghana is littered with a vast array of ancient castles and forts dating right back to the 17th Century. Once stores for export items like spices, gold and ivory, and then becoming dungeons for prisoners, the forts were a coveted piece of real estate that the Europeans fought tooth and nail for. These days some of them have been turned into holiday accommodation, so if you are looking for vacation destinations in west Africa with great places to stay and coconut fringed beaches, this is one of the best.

With a fascinating history being known as the hub of both culture and trade, the town of Agadez in Niger is a fascinating vacation destination in West Africa and opens the door out to the Tenere Desert and the Air Mountains. Visit the Grande Marche to see an effervescent mix of nationalities and culture. Hausa merchants don their long, flowing and brightly colored robes complete with big Chinese themed hats to log their wares, Tuareg nomads trade livestock and camels and loads of artisans sell their handmade items that they make on site. Enjoy the Grand Mosque and the sultan’s Palace as well as wondering the narrow winding streets lined with mud houses.

During the medieval times, Timbuktu was the gateway for education, culture and trade, and some of the buildings in the city are ancient. Salt caravans that come all the way from Taoudenni in the winter months, still make their stops in the town today. Not one of the most accessible places to go on vacation in West Africa, the easiest way to get there is travelling by boat along the Niger River, but that’s part of the adventure. Best time to go is during The Festival of the Desert.

West Africa’s highest peak –Mount Cameroon, is one of the last active volcanoes in Cameroon. Scraping the sky at an impressive 13,255 ft, the ‘’Mountain of Greatness’’ remains a popular tourist attraction for hikers and trail runners. The annual Guinness Trail is a marathon sponsored by Guinness Beer, which runs along the steepest and oldest trail on the side of the mountain. Visitors here need to have guides to take them along the trails that pass through rainforest jungle, farmlands and open Savannah.

Described by those in the know as the ‘Last Eden in Africa’ , Loango National Park is one of the essential places to go on vacation in West Africa if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Unlike any other national park in Africa (or anywhere really), the environment covers forest, swamp, savannah and beach. This makes it one of the few places where you can see elephants, gorillas and whales, during one stay. The diversity of the park is delicious, it’s no wonder this is fast moving up the list of best eco-destinations in West Africa.

Dakar is the capital city of Senegal and just off the coastline is the small island of Ile de Goree, or Goree Island. A complete slice of paradise, so far removed from the chaotic, heaving city streets of Dakar, Goree is an historic island and a must see location in West Africa. Once a major slave trading region, evidence of its colorful past is everywhere. The most popular site is the House of Slaves, or Maison des Esclaves, which was built in 1776 by the Dutch as a holding house before the slaves were shipped to the Americas and the Caribbean.

West Africa holiday locations are diverse, dynamic and breath-taking. Embarking on a vacation in Western Africa, will be one of the most memorable trips taken in a life time. Please do share if you have been to any of these places. We’d love to know.

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