WEST AFRICA
Nigeria – rhythms of a giant
Africa’s most populous nation is a land of energy, colour and contrasts. In Lagos, music pulses through crowded streets and beach clubs, while vibrant markets and art galleries showcase the country’s creative spirit.
In the north, the ancient walls of Kano and the Hausa emir’s palace recall centuries of trade and tradition, while the sacred Sukur Cultural Landscape rises from the Mandara Mountains. To the east, rolling hills hide waterfalls and caves, and in the south, Cross River’s rainforest shelters gorillas, rare birds and mysterious Afi canopies.
From bustling cities to wild landscapes, Nigeria is bold and alive – a nation of endless stories, rhythm and resilience.
Ghana – gold, rhythm and coastal memories
On the Atlantic shores of West Africa, Ghana welcomes with warmth and colour. In Cape Coast and Elmina, whitewashed forts stand as powerful reminders of history, their walls echoing stories of trade and resilience.
Accra hums with energy – from bustling markets and street food stalls to the beat of highlife and Afrobeats. Inland, the Ashanti capital Kumasi celebrates royal tradition, craft and culture, while Kakum National Park invites travellers to walk high above rainforest canopies alive with birdsong.
From golden beaches to forest trails, from ancient kingdoms to modern creativity, Ghana is a land of heritage and heart – vibrant, soulful, unforgettable.
Benin – kingdoms, spirits and Atlantic shores
In Benin, history and tradition run deep. Along the coast, the city of Ouidah tells powerful stories of the slave trade, its Door of No Return facing the endless Atlantic. Yet it is also a centre of Vodun, where rituals, masks and sacred forests keep ancient spirituality alive.
In Abomey, the palaces of the Dahomey kings reveal the legacy of one of West Africa’s great empires, while vibrant markets brim with colour and craft. To the north, Pendjari National Park stretches with savannah and wildlife – elephants, lions and antelope roaming free beneath wide skies.
Benin is a land of memory and mystery, where past and present, spirit and nature meet in a journey both moving and unique.
Togo – small country, rich spirit
Wedged between Ghana and Benin, Togo is a slender land of vibrant contrasts. In Lomé, lively markets spill over with colour – from fabrics and crafts to the sounds of drums and the scent of spices. Along the coast, palm-fringed beaches invite unhurried days by the Atlantic.
In the hills of Kpalimé, waterfalls tumble through lush forest alive with butterflies, while the traditional villages of the north keep alive age-old rituals and festivals. From sacred stone circles to animist ceremonies, Togo’s spiritual heritage is as captivating as its landscapes.
Though small, Togo brims with energy, tradition and charm – a hidden corner of West Africa with a big heart.
Côte d’Ivoire – cocoa, culture and coastal life
On the Gulf of Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire shines with golden beaches, bustling cities and a rich cultural heart. In Abidjan, gleaming towers rise above lagoons, while markets and music fill the streets with colour and rhythm. Nearby Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage town, recalls the elegance of colonial days with faded mansions and sea breezes.
Inland, the sacred masks and dances of the Guro and Baoulé tell stories passed down for generations, while the basilica of Yamoussoukro rises unexpectedly from the savannah in monumental splendour. To the west, Tai National Park shelters chimpanzees and some of Africa’s last primary rainforest.
From cocoa fields to coastal rhythms, Côte d’Ivoire is a land of flavour, heritage and vitality – West Africa at its most dynamic and diverse.