15 days in Africa Itinerary

With the largest population and economy on the continent, Nigeria plays a big part in the rise of African tourism. The country's cities and villages provide a glimpse into a culture rich in musical and culinary heritage. Visitors on vacation in Nigeria tend to explore the southern and central regions, where the lively urban areas give way to a wealth of protected rainforests and river deltas, home to traditional communities with proud and distinct cultural traditions.

Ghana features a diverse economy, a strong and sturdy democratic tradition, and many of the natural and cultural highlights for which the continent has become known. National parks represent some of the main attractions in Ghana, with a diverse array of wildlife to be seen, including lions, monkeys, elephants, and birds. Forts dating back to the slave era act as focal points for explorations of the coast and help to connect the country to important points in global history.

Rich in history, natural wonders, and picturesque landscapes, Sierra Leone remains an unappreciated destination largely thanks to the impact the civil war of the 1990s had on the country's international reputation. The coastal areas offer easy access to fine sand beaches and offshore islands, little explored by foreign visitors and therefore unspoiled by commercial tourism. The capital, established by freed slaves from the Caribbean, represents a popular starting point for trips to Sierra Leone, with a colorful look to it, a lively atmosphere, and good onward connections to the mountains of the north and mangrove swamps and rainforest to the east.

The coast and hinterland of Guinea hold many hidden areas of attractive scenery, largely untouched by human hand. Explorations of the inland forests top many Guinea itineraries, with forest elephants marching through the lush greenery and exotic birds up in the trees just waiting to be spotted.

The smallest country of mainland Africa, the Gambia consists of the Gambia River valley and the hills that run along its edges. Taking off on a journey down the river during your vacation in Gambia allows you to discover a landscape known worldwide as a bird-watcher's paradise--you might want to keep your binoculars and camera handy at all times. The Atlantic coast boats a number of beach resorts with large hotels and shining sands, while the fishing villages farther inland offer an altogether more rustic and basic take on Gambian charm.

Guinea-Bissau offers a slew of colonial-era towns and picturesque beaches, as well as some remote areas tailor-made for those eager to get off the tourist path. An adventure to the southeastern hinterland, with its forests, savannahs, and small farms, represents one of the most daring and exciting things to do in Guinea-Bissau. Though the post-independence history of the country has been bleak at times, the locals remain remarkably upbeat and hopeful for the future--their spirit and welcoming nature provide additional reasons to plan a vacation in Guinea-Bissau.

Senegal boasts plenty of natural and cultural attractions to make it attractive to an international audience. The buzz surrounding the Senegalese music scene is justified, with mbalax dance music particularly popular and influential internationally. Street markets in the main towns, overlooked by the minarets of attractive old mosques, remain among top attractions in Senegal--they're ideal spots to get to know the local culture and eat and shop like a native. The wide river deltas rich in wildlife provide an alternative for visitors looking to escape city life and discover the country's natural charms.