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West Africa

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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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

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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.

Must-see attractions

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Attraction in The Gambia
Abuko Nature Reserve
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Attraction in Cape Coast
Cape Coast Castle
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Attraction in Kumasi
Kejetia Market
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Attraction in São Tomé
Claudio Corallo Chocolate Factory
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Attraction in Dakar
Île de N'Gor
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Attraction in Senegal
Pont Faidherbe
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Attraction in Nigeria
Osun Sacred Grove
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Attraction in São Tomé & Príncipe
Praia Banana
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Go Beyond

West Africa and beyond

Beyond West Africa

The Independence Square of Accra, Ghana, inscribed with the words "Freedom and Justice, AD 1957", commemorates the independence of Ghana, a first for Sub Saharan Africa. It contains monuments to Ghana's independence struggle, including the Independence Arch, Black Star Square, and the Liberation Day Monument.
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1957, Accra, Africa, African Descent, Arch, Architecture, Black, Black Star, British Colony, Day, Dusk, East, Famous Place, Flag, Freedom, Ghana, Horizontal, Independence, Justice, Monument, Night, People, Side View, Square, Star, Star Shape, Stone, Struggle, Sunset, Town Square, Travel, colonialism, indepedence

Cape Verde, Fogo Island, Pico Volcano (9 281,50 ft)
Cape Verde, Fogo Island, Pico Volcano (9 281,50 ft)

Ile de Goree Island, Senegal

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africa, landscape - scenery, tranquil scene, flowing water, rainforest, lush foliage, footbridge, rock - object, national park, cameroon, no people, tree, water, travel, nature, forest, river, scenics - nature, stream - flowing water, environment, flowing, leaf, beauty, idyllic, backgrounds, woodland, national landmark, plant, natural parkland, travel destinations, public park, stone - object, rapids - river, No People
Mana River Foot Bridge, entrance to the Korup National Park. One of Africa's oldest and richest rainforests in terms of floral and faunal diversity, Korup National Park is 1,260 km2 of mostly undisturbed primary forest

Beach In Sierra Leone

Africa, West Africa, Benin, Lake Nokoue, Ganvié. Pirogues in the water streets of the lakeside town of Ganvié.
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Cityscape and skyline of Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria.

Palm trees and wooden umbrellas in the Sanyang area.

Beyond West Africa