The western region of Africa is commonly regarded as West Africa. The list includes the Gambia, Burkina Faso, Benin, Guinea, Southern Ivory Coast, Togo, and several others. This is the fastest-growing African continent in economics and demographics.
West Africa also has excellent tourism as it offers its tourists the chance to witness nature’s beauty. In addition, you can also explore different countries in this region, which would also mesmerize you with its hospitality and sights.
So, if you plan to explore West Africa, stick to this write-up until the end because it will brief you about the most popular countries, sights, food, and other stuff of this region.
Do you want to know about the long history of Western Africa? It is divided into prehistory, the colonial period, the iron age, major polities flourishing, and the post-independence era. The important dates in the history of Western Africa lie between 12000 BC to 1800 AD, 1800 to 1960, and 1960 till now.
From its establishment till date, this region has been growing. Today, it has become the fastest-growing continent in the African area. Tourism in West Africa has also evolved with time, and at present, people from different parts of the world prefer to visit West African nations. Some of the oldest countries in this region offer a great place to witness history. At the same time, other countries have famous tourist attractions in the form of wildlife sanctuaries, monuments, museums, and others.
Before visiting a region, a tourist always has a sense of consciousness in their mind, right? But you have chosen the best part of the globe to explore – West African military resistance. There are numerous interesting facts about the West African monetary union so let us know about them.
Are you looking for a list of the countries to visit in Western Africa? Below, you can find a brief description of the best 17 countries in West Africa.
Capital: Porto-Novo
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
International Airport: Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport.
Benin is one of the French-speaking nations among various West Africa nations. Officially it is named the Republic of Benin, while earlier, it was Dahomey. It shares its eastern border with Nigeria; on another side, you can find Togo, Niger, and other countries. The country is one of the coastal regions of West Africa that is famous for different kinds of sculptures and several popular tourist attractions.
Capital: Ouagadougou
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
International Airport: Thomas Sankara International Airport.
This landlocked country shares its border with Mali, Niger, Benin, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo. Earlier, the country’s name was the Republic of Upper Volta, which Thomas Sankara, the president, later changed. It is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mossi kingdom, and reserves of gold.
Capital: Praia
Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
International Airport: Amilcar Cabral International Airport.
Cabo Verde, or Cape Verde, is officially regarded as the Republic of Cabo Verde. It is an island country famous for its climate, cuisine, and music. During the winters, several Europeans escape to Cape Verde and enjoy their time.
Capital: Yamoussoukro
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
International Airport: Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport.
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is a country in Western Africa. Officially it is known as the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The country shares its borders with Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The official language of the country is French. But other languages include Baoule, Bete, Dioula, Dan, and others.
Capital: Banjul
Currency: Gambian Dalasi (GMD)
International Airport: Banjul International Airport.
The Gambia is officially named the Republic of the Gambia. This small country in West Africa is famous for its beaches and wildlife. It is becoming a popular tourist destination for people all around the world. So, when you explore Western Africa, don’t forget to visit Gambia.
Capital: Accra
Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
International Airport: Kotoka International Airport.
The Republic of Ghana is a country in Western Africa. This country spreads over 92,099 sq mi and shares its borders with Burkina Faso, the Gulf of Guinea, the Ivory Coast, and Togo. English, Dagaare, Ewe, Twi, Fante, Ga, and Frafra are some of the common languages of the country. It is also famous for cocoa, lush forests, gold, sandy beaches, and oil.
Capital: Conakry
Currency: Guinean Franc (GNF)
International Airport: Ahmed Sekou Toure International Airport.
The Republic of Guinea is a country in the coastal region of West Africa. It shares its borders with Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Mali, and Liberia. French is the country’s official language, while other languages like Arabic, English, Fula, and many more are spoken here. It is famous for its mosque, beaches, and many tourist attractions.
Capital: Bissau
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
International Airport: Osvaldo Vieira International Airport.
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a country in Western Africa. Portuguese is the official language of the country. In this country, people also speak Guinea-Bissau, English, French, Arabic, and other languages. It was part of the Mali empire and kingdom of Kaabu. It is famous for its cashews, women-leading islands, and top attractions.
Capital: Monrovia
Currency: Liberian dollar (LRD)
International Airport: Liberia Guanacaste International Airport.
Liberia is amongst the oldest countries in West Africa. It is officially named the Republic of Liberia, and its official language is English. Here, you can find a majority of Christians and Islamic people. The government has played a major role in empowering women as this country saw the first female president in Africa. If you love surfing, then this can be an ideal country for you.
Capital: Bamako
Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
International Airport: Modibo Keita International Airport.
Mali is a Western African country officially known as the Republic of Mali. This landlocked country is one of the major tourist spots to visit in Mali. The government is famous for its historical architecture, old villages, and culture.
Capital: Nouakchott
Currency: Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
International Airport: Nouakchott International Airport.
This country in Western Africa has a hot, dry, and windy climate. In Africa, it is the 11th largest, and in the world, it is the 28th largest. The country is famous for producing minerals like ore and iron. An interesting fact about Mauritania is that approximately two-thirds of the country is covered with desert.
Capital: Niamey
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
International Airport: Diori Hamani International Airport.
Niger is a country in Western Africa officially regarded as the Republic of Niger. This is one of the landlocked countries that shares its borders with Libya, Benin, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.
Capital: Abuja
Currency: Naira (NGN)
International Airport: Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Nigeria, or the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in Western Africa. The country covers an area of 356,669 sq mi which is 923,769 square kilometers. In Africa, Nigeria is the most populous country in West Africa. It is a popular country and a great place to visit annually.
Capital: Jamestown
Currency: Saint Helena Pound (SHP)
International Airport: Saint Helena International Airport.
This British overseas territory has English as its official language. However, what can be a better destination than this if you want to take some time and create memories?
Capital: Dakar
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
International Airport: Blaise Diagne International Airport.
The Republic of Senegal is a country in Western Africa. This country shares its borders with Mali, Mauritania, and Guinea. The country’s official language is French, and the major population belongs to the Islamic religion. Nearly 30 languages are spoken in the country, out of which most people speak Wolof.
Capital: Freetown
Currency: Leone (SLL)
International Airport: Freetown International Airport.
The Republic of Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa. It shares its borders with Liberia and Guinea. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 7,092,113, and the official language is English. It is well known for its hospitality, friendliness, culture, and beautiful sights.
Capital: Lomé
Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
International Airport: Lomé–Tokoin International Airport,Niamtougou International Airport.
Togo is officially regarded as the Togolese Republic, a country in Western Africa. It shares its borders with Benin, Guinea, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. The official language of Togo is French, but several other languages like Arabic, English, German, and Ewe are also spoken here. This country is famous for its beaches and because of this reason, several tourists visit here.
Are you planning to visit Western Africa? If yes, then when are you planning for the same? October, November, December, January, February, and March are the best months to visit this region. Now you might be thinking, why is it so right? It is because West Africa’s countries are closer to the equator. Therefore, throughout the year, you can observe the temperature variation.
During these months, exploring different countries in this region is best. You can see wildlife and enjoy the weather as well. So, plan your trip to West Africa and create lifetime memories.
In the entire West African region, there are numerous places where you can visit. But if you are searching for the top spots, then you can find a few below.
Lekki conservation center: Lekki conservation center was established in 1990 in Lekki, Nigeria. Nature and wildlife lovers would love this place.
Nike art gallery: The Nike art gallery is also a top tourist spot in Nigeria. Here, you can find great artworks by Nigerian artists. So, whenever you visit Lekki conservation center, do not forget to visit this five-story tall art gallery.
Cape Coast Castle: On West Africa’s golf coast, you can find the best sight to visit. Cape coast castle is located in Ghana and has a long history. Those who are interested in historical stuff must pay a visit to this sight.
Kakum National Park: This national park is located in Ghana’s central region. It was established in 1992 and spread over 145 sq mi. Here, you can find the Diana monkey, African elephant, giant bongo antelope, and other species.
Aklowa: Do you like waterfalls? If yes, then Aklowa in West Africa can be a great place to visit. It is a waterfall of 100 meters and is located near Badou. Visiting this place can be a great experience as it offers a great view and provides peace.
Zoo National Du Mali: Zoo National Du Mali is situated in Bamako and was opened in 1946. Here, there are 100 species, and it is home to monkeys, elephants, lions, turtles, and others.
Djenné-Djenno: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Mali. This place is said to be as old as 250 B.C., and people from different parts of the world visit here.
Jamestown Glasshouse: It is located in Jamestown, Saint Helena. The original and first glasshouse was built in 1608. But the one that you see now was recreated during the 1970s. It is a popular tourist place that is very much similar to the glasshouse built in the colonial era.
African Renaissance Monument: It is a monument in Dakar approximately 52 m tall. The African Renaissance Monument was opened on 3rd April 2010 and had a bronze statue.
Sierra Leone National Museum: The Sierra Leone National Museum is located in Freetown and was established in 1957. This museum will give you a brief history. It is a great place to visit alone or with family as well.
Are you all set with your tour plan to Western Africa? But have you noted down the popular food items in this region? Don’t worry; below, you can find a brief description.
Moin Moin: It is a popular food item in Nigeria that is quite versatile. This steamed bean pudding consists of onions, black-eyed peas, and freshly ground peppers as the major ingredients.
Waakye: Waakye is a popular breakfast in Ghana, but one can eat it at any time of the day. This dish combines rice, beans, ground cassava, and spaghetti.
Thieboudienne: Whenever you visit West African countries, do not forget to try their traditional dishes. Thieboudienne is a popular dish in Senegal made from fish, rice, and tomato sauce.
Egusi soup: It is a popular Nigerian food item rich in protein and fat. It contains fish, meat, and leafy vegetables accompanied by pounded yam.
Kedjenou: It is a popular dish on the Ivory coast that is a bit spicy and consists of chicken or fowl. When you try it with flaked cassava, you will fall in love with this dish.
Superkanja: Superkanja is a Gambian stew with a flavourful punch and nutrition in one plate. It combines spinach, sweet potato leaves, leafy greens, okra, and collards.
Eddoe: Eddoe is a popular soup from Liberia. The soup is simmered with your choice of fish or meat. So, when you are in West Africa, try this mouthwatering dish.
Ogbono: This edible Nigerian dish might include chicken, shrimp, goat, beef, nuts, and other ingredients. You can eat it along with rice, pounded yam, or fufu.
Yassa: Yassa originally belonged to Senegal, but it is popular in the entire West Africa region. Whether you eat Yassa made from chicken or fish, you will like the taste of both.
Nicole: It is a blend of spices, bitter green leaves, groundnuts, oil, and fish or meat. This rich dish is quite popular and can be found at festivals or parties.
Before traveling to many West African nations, here are some travel tips.
The climate in different West African states varies at other times of the year. Therefore, when you plan to visit most countries in West Africa, you must know the weather conditions as the environment will let you pack the right stuff. For example, October is the coldest month in Liberia, where you can observe temperatures as low as 75°F. In some countries, the coldest months are December, January, and February.
West Africa is a developed region where you can opt for suitable transportation. People travel to different countries of West Africa by air, water, or even road. So, you can choose the easiest and best transportation mode for traveling to Western Africa.
You need not worry about how to get around in West Africa. This region offers the cheapest railways that can take you around the country. You can also prefer to travel by road as you can enjoy the scenic beauty of different parts of the country.
Traveling to West African countries can be a great experience when you visit various West African empires. Above, in the write-up, you got to know about some of the most popular countries of West Africa. Not only this, but you can also enjoy visiting the top sights in these countries. West Africa can offer you worth visiting sights, food items, and activities to do.
You can plan a solo or a group tour of West African nations. Indeed, it will be worth visiting as this region has a lot to offer its tourists. So, when are you taking your first step on this journey?
