The Republic of Ghana is an economic success and the most politically stable country in the region. It was the first Sub-Saharan country to gain independence from a European power when it separated from Britain in 1957, and UNESCO-listed buildings from this period still remain. About the same size as Victoria, the population of Ghana is around 23 million. There are more than 100 different languages spoken. However, luckily for us, English is the official language and most widely used. The capital city, Accra, sits on the South Atlantic Ocean and is a mix of modern glass and steel facades, with sleepy villages on the outskirts.
Togo is a tiny country, smaller than Tasmania, with a population of around 6 million. The capital, Lome, sitting on the coast, has almost 20% of those. Togoland was originally part of Ghana; however, the Germans colonised it in the late 1800s. In the 1920s, the League of Nations partitioned this region between France and the U.K./Britain, with France taking over what is now called Togo. Despite its colonial history, ancient traditions remain, making it a fascinating melting pot of cultures. Bordering Togo to the East is Benin, also located on the Gulf of Guinea. It used to be known as the Kingdom of Dahomey up until the late 1800s.
The French colonised Benin in the early 1900s; however, it became independent in 1960. Benin is the ideal travel destination, with its world heritage-listed mini-fortified castles and its fascinating history of Voodoo. Senegal is a land of contrast and one of the West’s culturally diverse countries. Its combination of African and French cultures provides a mix of sophistication and rawness. Its slave past is evident, with many monuments dotting the nation. The locals love their music, which is apparent with bars on nearly every corner of the capital, Dakar. If you’re a birdwatcher, it happens to be one of Africa’s best places to visit, as it sits on the migration path between Africa and Europe.
This fascinating itinerary offers diverse countries that represent the best West Africa has to offer. So grab your camera and your sense of adventure!
