Additionally, we tried to keep cash on hand for as long as possible and use credit cards whenever we could. Each member of our group carried multiple currencies in case of emergency, including US dollars, euros and West African francs. While some accommodations and businesses may accept credit cards, don’t count on this. Visa costs, expensive flights (internal and external) and unexpected outlays can quickly add up, which means it’s important to have extra cash on hand to travel comfortably.Īs cash is still king in West Africa, plan ahead for how you will access money during your trip. With minimal infrastructure and limited access to essentials, be ready to spend more money than you would in other regions. It’s important to be prepared for the expenses that come with a long trip across West Africa. How much money are you planning to spend on transportation, accommodation and activities? For my trip, I chose Dakar as a starting point and Abidjan as the endpoint, a route that allowed me to travel along the West African coast, passing through seven different countries and covering a total distance of almost 3500km in just a few weeks. West Africa can be unpredictable, and sometimes the best plan is to have no plans – yet it’s still essential to figure out a rough route based on your timing and budget. Once you have a rough idea of your route, select your anchor destinations based on flight connections and accessibility to onward places. A distance of just 100km can take half a day to drive. Keep in mind that travel time can vary depending on the location, and borders can be time-consuming. It’s important to consider potential routes and how much time you want to spend in each country. With 19 different countries to explore, the first step in planning your West African adventure is to decide which ones you want to visit and the duration of your trip. Where do you want to go and how long will you be there? This is an aerial view of the only road connecting Guinea Bissau and Guinea, the main highway at their shared border © Juan Martinez / Lonely Planet Step 1: Determine your route
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