Getty Images/AWL Images RM
West Africa
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.
Top Sights & Places
Unmissable- places
- sights
for your itinerary
- places
- sights
Articles
Latest stories from West Africa
Filter by interest:
Story
Trailblazers: Trekking in East Africa as a Lonely Planet writer in the 1990s
Jun 22, 2019 • 6 Min read
For more than 40 years, independent travellers have relied on Lonely Planet to provide advice and information, on anything from the cheapest beds to the…
Road Trips
Africa: what to expect on an overland tour
May 16, 2019 • 6 Min read
Bumping across Africa in a converted lorry isn’t exactly luxurious, but overland tours provide an ideal way to visit corners of the continent that are…
Food
How to live like a Local in Accra, Ghana
Apr 11, 2018 • 5 Min read
Lonely Planet Local Elio Stamm moved to Accra three years ago. Although the humidity and sheer volume of everything were a little overwhelming to start,…
Food
Beyond the beaches: exploring The Gambia
Apr 21, 2017 • 5 Min read
Justifiably famous for its beaches, the smallest country on the African continent has plenty more to offer than just being a suitably gorgeous place to…
Food
Dining in Dakar: the 10 best restaurants
Oct 25, 2016 • 5 Min read
With their generous servings of fresh grilled fish with Creole sauce, or sophisticated French or Lebanese-influenced dishes, Dakar’s restaurants will…
Wildlife & Nature
West Africa's best wildlife parks
Jan 9, 2014 • 4 Min read
Everyone knows about the great national parks of eastern and southern Africa – Masai Mara, Kruger and Serengeti all conjure up images of majestic…
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of West Africa with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.