Explore West Africa

Before your make that decision to jet out of Africa to your usual vacation spots in Europe and the Americas, pause, and ask yourself if you have explored vacation places in at least West Africa. Visiting some West African countries for work and pleasure has been very illuminating.  West Africa indeed is blessed with beautiful cultures, a rich history, very friendly people, breath-taking sceneries, iconic landmarks and a superb array of food options.

It would interest you to know that while so many tourists come into Africa annually, tourism receipts are higher as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product in Eastern and Southern Africa (4.5% and 3% respectively) than in West Africa (2.1%).  West Africa has huge tourist potential and I encourage you to put visits to countries in West Africa on your bucket list. With a small budget, you can enjoy the variety West Africa has to offer. 

Some countries I would recommend you consider for your next vacation are lined up below. 

Cape Verde

Cape Verde, arguably, is the most beautiful country in West Africa due to its spectacular views and connection to nature. It is an archipelago consisting of 10 islands and several islets. Cape Verde is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, wonderful musicians, and pleasant, tropical atmosphere. It also has volcanic islands. Some attractions are the beaches, the seafood eateries and the neighborhood market for some artifacts. A visit to the salt lake (Salinas de Pedra de Lume) is a must if you would like to try a mud bath.

Ghana

For a more exciting getaway, visit the country’s capital – Accra.  You would find beautiful beaches (like Labadi beach), luxury hotels, with Movenpick leading the pack ,and fascinating museums. To experience the serenity, and connect to nature, try the Aqua Safari Resort. Ghana also has beautiful patterned materials and souvenirs at affordable rates.

Ivory Coast

It is a country with stunning beaches dotted with palm trees and an amazing attraction for tourists. The food in Ivory Coast is incredible. Make sure you try a bite of the kedjenou and poulet braise – you will surely thank me later! The Comoë National Park is the oldest park in Africa with animals like lions, hippopotamus and other animals cavorting in their natural habitat. A family vacation to Ivory Coast would be money well spent.

Senegal

Senegal, which is home to the Monument de la Renaissance Africaine, has made significant progress in its struggle for freedom. Senegal is renowned for its cuisine, much like many other West African nations are. The Senegalese draw inspiration for their cuisine from a variety of sources, fusing French and North African styles with age-old regional customs. Thiéboudienne is a common family favorite (fish and rice). Several varieties can be found all around the country.

The Gambia

The Gambia is the smallest nation in Africa and is recognized as West Africa’s best-kept. It provides visitors with an opportunity to reconnect with nature, thanks to its array of fauna, golden beaches, palm-fringed shores, picturesque lagoons, and vivid history and culture. Amazing reserves such as the Abuko National Reserve, Gambia National Park and Bijilo Forest Park, can be found in The Gambia, where you may witness a wide variety of animals and rare species of wildlife enjoying their natural habitat.

Togo

Togo is one of the few West African countries known for its white sandy beaches and picturesque scenery. The multi-storey Grand Marche Bazaar in Lomé (the capital) is also worth a visit. Learn about the end of Togo’s colonial rule, starting at the Independence Monument. Don’t miss the National Museum, Food Market and Lomé Cathedral.

Do share your stories with me when you visit any of these countries.  I enjoin you to enjoy West Africa.

htuR #EMBA28