Dig deeper into culture-packed West Africa

Small and spirited, this corner of West Africa is one of the most culturally rich places on earth. It’s a region full of history and captivating natural beauty. From the ancient mud houses of Benin to the vast national parks of Ghana, there’s so much to see and learn. You can hike through butterfly forests, safari in African plains, and paddle on palm-fringed lakes. Then discover ancient traditions, mingle in the markets, and immerse in spiritual ceremonies with local communities. It’s a land of magic and mystery, primed for travellers who think they’ve seen it all but are willing to go further. With that in mind, here’s our rundown of the best places to visit in West Africa.

Seek wildlife at Mole National Park

Unlike the tiny burrower, Mole National Park (pronounced ‘Moh-lay’) in Ghana is humongous. It’s home to over ninety mammal species, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, lions and, yes, we checked — eleven species of mole. It also hosts hordes of pretty deer-like animals and you might see eagles, vultures, and hoopoes (not hippos!) in the trees. Plan accordingly as your best bet for spotting wildlife is early morning and late afternoon.

Reflect at Cape Coast Castle

One of about forty ‘slave castles’ built by European traders in the mid-16th century, Cape Coast Castle tells the harrowing history of African slaves before they were shipped off and sold in the Americas. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can visit the dark and deathly underground dungeon where enslaved Africans were kept. In stark contrast, you can also tour the once-luxurious European living quarters on upper floors. Seen together, it’s a chance to learn and reflect on a sobering moment in human history.

See it for yourself on: West African Adventure: Highlights of Ghana, Togo and Benin

Wander Kakum National Park canopies

If you’re sick of craning your neck to see birds and other tree-dwellers then Kakum National Park in Ghana has just the answer — a 30-metre-high (98.42 ft) canopy walkway. Stroll over the treetops looking down on the wildlife below. The park is home to 300 species of bird, endangered forest elephants, and branch-shaking colobus monkeys. There are also over 600 species of butterfly! The best time to explore the rainforest is at first light when the residents have that early morning energy.

See it for yourself on: Ghana: Beaches & Breathtaking Coastlines

Hike Mount Afadjato butterfly forests

Home to the spirits of ancestors watching over the region’s indigenous people, Mount Afadjato (aka Mount Afadja) is one of the highest points in Ghana. The climb to the top takes about 2.5 hours and you’ll be rewarded with stunning valley views. For a shorter hike, try Tagbo Falls taking you through butterfly forests and coffee farms. When you reach the waterfall, strip off and dive in for a well-earned swim.

For the ultimate cultural adventure, we can take you from Accra through the Shai Hills Reserve to a small village where you’ll learn about traditional Ghanaian bead jewellery. Then from Akosombo you can attempt the Afadjato hike. Along the way, our local guide helps you spot birds, butterflies, and fruit bats fluttering across the cliffs.

See it for yourself on: Complete Ghana: The Beauty of Travelling West Africa

Dance with locals at Kokrobite Beach

Only one hour from Ghana’s capital, Kokrobite Beach is a world away from the chaos of the city. Locals and travellers share the golden sands, some opting to surf and swim, others happy to lounge under the swaying palms. The shore-side shacks sell cold drinks and fresh food, while local musicians happily serenade anyone who will listen. If you visit on a Friday or Saturday, bring your dancing shoes and head to Big Milly’s for a Reggae and Highlife party to remember. This is by far the best beach close to Accra.

Go green in the hills of Kpalimé

Kpalimé is a playground for walkers and the jump off point for hikes to Mount Agou and Mount Kloto. It’s a kingdom of coffee farms, butterflies, and numerous waterfalls. You can spend a few days surrounded by nature, recharge your batteries, and completely switch off. It also hosts a lively market bringing together handcrafted goods from the region, including batik fabrics dyed with pigments from local plants. The local people also love a singsong so be prepared!

To make the most of West Africa, you can travel along the Ghana coast, up into Togo, and back down through Benin. Enjoy staying the night in Kpalimé after visiting Atitovou for a hands-on demo by its community of traditional Kente cloth weavers. In the afternoon, head out on a hike through clouds of butterflies to Mount Kloto.

See it for yourself on: Ghana, Togo, & Benin: Castles, Coastlines and Voodoo Discoveries

Summit the great Mount Agou

The highest point in Togo is a moderate climb through forests and farms. Take the unpaved paths and you’ll weave through banana plants, traditional villages, and working fields. Summit Mount Agou for a great view into neighbouring Ghana.

Find handicrafts at Lomé Grand Market

Checking out the local market is a must when visiting a new place. You’re immediately thrown into a microcosm of the city, where people shop, eat, drink, barter, and earn their money. Grande Marché in Lomé, Togo is a colourful maze of cheap cosmetics, knock-off sportswear, fresh food, and locally crafted goods. Chat to the sellers, learn about their art, and be prepared to haggle!

See it for yourself on: West African Adventure: Highlights of Ghana, Togo and Benin

Sail to Lake Togo's sacred forests

Lake Togo is the country’s largest lake, fringed by sacred forests and historic towns. There’s Togoville, still watched over by a king and home to the country’s most powerful high priestess. It’s small, slow, and very spiritual. Then there’s Aného, widely regarded as the ancestral home of Vodun aka voodoo. And Glidji, known for Vodun temples and the Storming of the Sacred Stones festival. From shore to shore, there’s plenty of culture to explore. And when you’ve had your fill, paddle to Agbodrafo to unwind on the palm-lined beaches.

Enter Koutammakou's living landscape

Transcending the border of Benin and Togo, Koutammakou is the home and birthplace of the Batammariba, which translates as ‘those who shape the earth'. It’s a seldom visited wonder known for its unique mud tower-houses, or sikien, which have been an important cultural tradition for hundreds of years. The conical buildings are grouped in villages and include ceremonial sites, granaries, and sacred spaces. It’s a truly unique living landscape where nature, society, and ritual are entwined. Now a UNESCO Heritage site, we could learn a lot from the Batammariba — caretakers of land, not the owners.

See it for yourself on: Togo and Benin: Local Markets, Koutammakou and Voodoo Traditions

Immerse in West African Voodoo in Ouidah

Ouidah in Benin is considered the spiritual capital of one of the world’s most misunderstood religions — Vodun (often referred to as Voodoo in popular Western culture). Every January in Ouidah there’s a celebration where people dress up, dance, feast, perform rituals and sacrifices in the name of Vodun. It draws fetish priests and fans from far and wide. Devotees dress up as gods emerging from the forest, scaring onlookers and tourists daring to get too close. It’s fun, theatrical, and frankly unmissable if you’re planning a trip to West Africa in January.

See it for yourself on: Ghana, Togo, & Benin: Castles, Coastlines and Voodoo Discoveries

Snake around Ouidah Python Temple

Like something from the final scene in an Indiana Jones movie, the Ouidah Python Temple in Benin is full of (you guessed it) huge snakes. These resident pythons are sacred symbols, worshipped by followers of Vodun, a religion that inspired the practice of Voodoo and Vodou. The temple is home to some sixty snakes, all fairly sleepy and harmless, unless you’re a local chicken or a mouse. Once a week the snakes get released to find food, like a slithery serpentine Hunger Games. Many end up in homes where they are looked after and returned in time for their nap.

Stand before the Door of No Return

The Door of No Return in Ouidah is a bronze arch built on the beach to remember the one million enslaved Africans taken to be sold in the Americas. For many of them, the doors of slave castles or the beach at Ouidah was their last sight of Africa. This memorial is part of the Slave Route Project, which maps the journey many of these Africans took before being deported. On either side of the arch are murals of the men and women forced to leave their homeland. It’s a sombre and important place, a must-visit.

See it for yourself on: West African Adventure: Highlights of Ghana, Togo and Benin

Help protect Pendjari National Park

Benin’s Pendjari National Park has become the last refuge for the region’s elephants and endangered West African lions. It’s a long suffering region, battered by political instability, poor management, and dwindling resources. The wildlife and local communities have struggled but are now protected thanks to a new partnership recognizing the beauty and importance of these areas. It’s now a haven for wildlife, employment, education, and, luckily for you, eco-tourism. Along with the African forest elephant, you might see hippos, buffalos, cheetahs, leopards, and plenty of antlered quadrupeds.

Ponder ingredients at Dantokpa Market

If you’re in the market for fish, goats, or spell ingredients, then you’ve come to the right place. Grand Marché de Dantokpa is big, buzzy, and bursting with goods you never knew you needed. You will get lost, but that’s okay, there’s plenty to see. Head to the fetish market at the northern end for everything Vodou. You’ll find dried animal parts, live rats, and traditional medicines. The smells are quite overpowering so make sure you’ve strengthened your stomach muscles before visiting.

See it for yourself on: Togo and Benin: Local Markets, Koutammakou and Voodoo Traditions

Learn a new but ancient skill

Picking up new skills on holiday is part of the adventure but West Africa has more on offer than most. You can learn the historical art of Batik in Ghana, creating colourful cloths printed in hot wax to make unique designs. Or, try your hand at Djembe drumming, perfect for those nights around the campfire. Ever wondered how to make Shea butter? Well, a trip to Benin can change that. West Africa is full of heritage arts going back centuries, perfect for a vacay of self improvement.

See it for yourself on: West African Adventure: Highlights of Ghana, Togo and Benin

So there you have it, the best places to visit in West Africa especially for those eager to visit locally-run community partnerships and getting a true understanding of ancient traditions and cultures. From African art and weaving workshops to learning about endemic bees, this region of West Africa is an adventure for the mind, body, and soul.