West Africa

The birthplace of Vodun, with royal palaces, stilt villages and a powerful slave-trade history.

Known for film, music and painted villages, but most governments advise against travel.

Atlantic islands with beaches, volcanoes, mountain hikes and soulful music.

A buzzing Abidjan, colonial Grand-Bassam and rainforest full of chimpanzees.

Welcoming, English-speaking and full of history, from the coastal castles to Ashanti culture.

Green highlands, waterfalls and very few tourists.

A quiet coastal country whose Bijagós islands are one of Africa’s hidden wonders.

Surf beaches, rainforest and a unique history.

Djenné, Timbuktu and Dogon Country, but most governments advise against all travel.

Where the Sahara meets the Atlantic, with ancient caravan towns and one of the world’s longest trains.

Sahara landscapes and the old caravan city of Agadez, currently off-limits.

Africa’s most populous country and cultural powerhouse, from Afrobeats to Nollywood.

Teranga hospitality, music, surf and history, with an easy-going capital.

Palm-lined beaches, chimpanzees and rainforest islands, still largely undiscovered.

A sliver of a country along the River Gambia, loved by birdwatchers and winter-sun seekers.

A narrow country with mud-tower villages, green hills and a relaxed capital.