West Africa

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Mali, Djenne. The Great Mosque of Djenne - constructed in 1907 on the foundations of a 13th century mosque built by King Koy Konboro, the 26th ruler of Djenne. This very beautiful mosque is the largest mud structure in the world. The residents of the town

Getty Images/AWL Images RM

Overview

West Africa has cachet and soul. Home to stunning landscapes and inhabited by an astonishing diversity of peoples, this is the perfect destination to explore the expanse of rich culture and deep tradition found on this beautiful continent.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Abuko Nature Reserve

The Gambia

Abuko is rare among African wildlife reserves: it's tiny, it's easy to reach and you don't need a car to go in. With amazing diversity of vegetation and…

Cape Coast Castle

Cape Coast

Cape Coast’s imposing, whitewashed castle commands the heart of town, overlooking the sea. Once one of the world's most important slave-holding sites, it…

Kejetia Market

Kumasi

From afar, the Kejetia Market looks like an alien mothership landed in the centre of Kumasi. Closer up, the rusting tin roofs of this huge market (often…

Claudio Corallo Chocolate Factory

São Tomé

Claudio Corallo is both an extraordinary person and a local institution. For over 40 years this native Italian has pursued an overriding passion for…

Île de N'Gor

Dakar

For a quick escape from the frenetic streets of Dakar, head to peaceful Île de N'Gor, a tiny island just off Dakar's north shore. It has a few calm…

Pont Faidherbe

Senegal

Transferred to Saint-Louis in 1897, the Pont Faidherbe is the city's most significant landmark. The metal arches of this bridge linking Saint-Louis to the…

Osun Sacred Grove

Nigeria

The Sacred Grove is a large area of rainforest on the outskirts of Oshogbo. Within the forest is the beautiful Shrine of Oshuno, the River Goddess. In…