Western Africa

Overview

The partitioning of West Africa during the nineteenth century by the European powers is in part responsible for the current social, political and economic turmoil that many of the nations are currently undergoing. This was the result despite vastly differing methods of colonialism. Whether it was the French annexation and near subjugation or the British attempt to use and control local leaders, today the ends are disquietingly similar. The turmoil is frequently great enough to limit travel to certain areas, but wondrous experiences await those who visit the safer places.

Mangrove swamps, beaches, vast rivers and lakes, semi-desert and rainforest are amongst the multifarious locales that could be seen in an exploration of the region. Diverse traditional lifestyles can be seen such as voodoo ceremonies around Lake Togo, barely discovered tribes in Equatorial Guinea and wrestling in Senegal. An open mind and the acceptance that travelling will not always be comfortable should mean that more is gained. Join locals with some sugar cane brew, listen to the Kindia people singing or observe the visceral comings and goings within the energetic markets. Activities are by no means difficult to find. If it is relaxation that is required then Sao Tome and Principe offers different and especially isolated destinations. Typical African wildlife can be seen although the larger examples are not quite as prolific in the east and southern regions of the continent, whereas bird populations are plentiful. Try climbing in Mali, water sports along the coast or perhaps a float in the Pink Lake near Dakar.