44 days in Africa Itinerary

Situated on the western edge of mainland Africa, the crowded and dynamic city of Dakar offers visitors booming shopping, dining, and entertainment scenes.

Explore Dakar's surroundings by going to Paroisse Saint Charles Borromee (in Goree Island), Lagune de la Somone (in Somone) and Reserve De Bandia (in Saly). The adventure continues: pause for some photo ops at Le Monument de la Renaissance Africaine, contemplate the long history of Dakar Railway Station, don't miss a visit to Village des Arts, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mosque of the Divinity.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read Dakar trip maker site.

Newark, USA to Dakar is an approximately 20-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Newark to Dakar is 5 hours. When traveling from Newark in October, plan for somewhat warmer days and much warmer nights in Dakar: temperatures range from 36°C by day to 30°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can catch the flight to Banjul.

Banjul, officially the City of Banjul and formerly known as Bathurst, is the capital of The Gambia and is in a division of the same name. Kick off your visit on the 4th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Fort James Island, kick back and relax at Kotu Beach, explore the striking landscape of River Gambia National Park, then explore the striking landscape of Kiang West National Park, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Abuko Nature Reserve, and finally hunt for treasures at Albert Market. On the 5th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to Arch 22, then stroll through Bijilo Forest Park, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Katchikally Crocodile Pool.

To see maps, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Banjul trip itinerary site.

Fly from Dakar to Banjul in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Banjul are 39°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Wed) so you can fly to Bissau.

Looking out from the Geba River across the Atlantic Ocean, the little-known capital of Bissau offers the authentic experience of a West African fishing port.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Thu): get a sense of history and politics at Presidential Palace, contemplate the long history of Fortaleza de Sao Jose da Amura, then pause for some serene contemplation at Igreja Catolica da Bissau, and finally hunt for treasures at Mercado Central.

For where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Bissau trip planner.

You can fly from Banjul to Bissau in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Bissau can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) so you can fly to Conakry.

Guinea's capital and largest city, Conakry acts as the nation's economic and cultural center, containing nearly a quarter of the population.

Go for a jaunt from Conakry to Dubreka to see Les Cascades De La Soumba about 46 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: head off the coast to Iles de Los, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, enjoy some diversion at CanalOlympia Kaloum, and explore and take pictures at Sante Marie Cathedral.

For photos, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Conakry trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by flight from Bissau to Conakry takes 10 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In October, daily temperatures in Conakry can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 27°C. On the 9th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Freetown.

Straddling an undulating coastline, Freetown serves as the capital and largest city of Sierra Leone.

On the 10th (Mon), kick back and relax at Bureh Beach, see some colorful creatures with Banana Divers Sierra Leone, and then stroll through River Number Two Beach. Here are some ideas for day two: look for all kinds of wild species at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, then stroll through Lumley Beach, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Lakka Beach.

To find more things to do, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Freetown online trip itinerary builder.

You can drive from Conakry to Freetown in 4.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of flight and car. October in Freetown sees daily highs of 35°C and lows of 29°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) early enough to travel to Monrovia.

The capital of Liberia and its most populous city, Monrovia lies on the Atlantic Coast of Cape Mesurado.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sacred Heart Cathedral, explore and take pictures at Matadi Central Mosque, then contemplate the long history of Providence Island, then browse the exhibits of Liberian National Museum, and finally steep yourself in history at Centennial Pavilion.

For photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Monrovia tour itinerary maker site.

Traveling by combination of car and flight from Freetown to Monrovia takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 35°C in October, and nighttime lows around 28°C. You will leave for Yamoussoukro on the 13th (Thu).

Unlike many of the world's cities with infrastructure trying to keep up with population, Yamoussoukro has no such problem--many of the city's sprawling six-lane highways and hotels were built before anybody lived here.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Fri): ponder the world of politics at Palais Presidentiel, then pause for some serene contemplation at The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Grande Mosquee. Here are some ideas for day two: look for all kinds of wild species at Abokouamekro Game Reserve.

To see other places to visit, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Yamoussoukro itinerary builder app.

Do a combination of flight and bus from Monrovia to Yamoussoukro in 11 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 37°C in October, and nighttime lows around 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Sat) to allow time for the car ride to Abidjan.

As Cote d'Ivoire's largest city and economic hub, Abidjan boasts the reputation of West Africa's party capital, while its rich culture remains evident in its numerous film festivals and a booming music scene.

Explore Abidjan's surroundings by going to Assagny National Park (in Grand-Lahou) and Pont De La Victoire (in Grand Bassam). There's lots more to do: relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, take in the spiritual surroundings of Mosquee SALAM du Plateau, look for gifts at CAVA - Centre Artisanal de la Ville, and get engrossed in the history at Musee des Civilisations de Cote d’Ivoire.

Klarna Trips's itinerary builder makes planning a Abidjan trip simple and quick.

Traveling by car from Yamoussoukro to Abidjan takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In October, daily temperatures in Abidjan can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) early enough to catch the flight to Accra.

On a tour of Accra, you can experience the vivacious and dynamic atmosphere of Ghana's sprawling capital city, a commercial and tourist hub of the region.

Step out of Accra with an excursion to Aburi Botanical Gardens in Aburi--about 52 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: appreciate the history behind Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, kick back and relax at Bojo Beach, stop by Trashy Bags, and take an in-depth tour of National Museum of Ghana.

To find reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Accra trip itinerary planner.

You can fly from Abidjan to Accra in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in October, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can go by car to Lome.

Sometimes called the Pearl of West Africa, Lome contains a cheerful spirit shown through its bustling street markets where both locals and visitors meet on a regular basis.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mount Agou, contemplate the waterfront views at Lac Togo, pause for some serene contemplation at Lome Cathedral, then see the interesting displays at Musee International du Golfe de Guinee, then get a taste of the local shopping with La Civette, and finally steep yourself in history at Tamberma Villages. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Grande Mosquee, then hunt for treasures at Grand Marche, then appreciate the history behind Monument de l'Independance, and finally take an in-depth tour of National Museum.

For traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Lome driving holiday planning app.

Traveling by car from Accra to Lome takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in October, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough to catch the flight to Porto-Novo.

Porto-Novo is the capital of Benin, and was the capital of French Dahomey. On the 24th (Mon), make a trip to Jardin Place Jean Bayol, then take an in-depth tour of Ethnographique Museum of Porto Novo, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedrale Notre Dame de l'Immaculee Conception, and finally explore the historical opulence of Musee Honme (Palais Royal).

To see photos, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Porto-Novo travel itinerary planner.

Drive from Lome to Porto-Novo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Lome to Porto-Novo, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In October in Porto-Novo, expect temperatures between 35°C during the day and 28°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Mon) so you can drive to Lagos.

Protected from the Atlantic by sand spits and barrier islands, Lagos quickly grew into a mega city due to its location, and currently operates one of the continent's largest and busiest ports.

When in Lagos, make a side trip to see Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, approximately Abeokuta away. There's much more to do: take in the exciting artwork at Nike Art Gallery, pause for some serene contemplation at The Cathedral Church of Christ, examine the collection at The National Museum, and relax and rejuvenate at Jane’s Haven Beauty Spa.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Lagos vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Porto-Novo to Lagos takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. In October, daytime highs in Lagos are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) to allow time to fly to Douala.

Cameroon's largest city and capital, Douala prides itself on its busy, commercial, and business-centric way of life.

Change things up with these side-trips from Douala: Mount Cameroon (in Buea) and Limbe Wildlife Centre (in Limbe). Next up on the itinerary: explore the engaging exhibits at Musee Maritime de Douala, make a trip to La Nouvelle Liberte, admire the landmark architecture of Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, and browse the eclectic array of goods at Marche Artisanal de Douala.

To see reviews, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Douala trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Lagos to Douala takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In October in Douala, expect temperatures between 36°C during the day and 27°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can catch the flight to Malabo.

The oldest city in Equatorial Guinea, regional capital Malabo represents a monument to Spanish colonial architecture, mingled with modern buildings commissioned since decolonization.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Mon): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de San Fernando, get advice or help at Centro Cultural de Espana en Malabo, make a trip to La Casa Verde, then tour the pleasant surroundings at The Malabo National Park, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral de Santa Isabel. On the 1st (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the awesome beauty at Pico Basile and then stroll through Arena Blanca.

For more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Malabo online trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by flight from Douala to Malabo takes 2.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in October, and nighttime lows around 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Yaounde.

Taking a central place in the country of Cameroon, the capital of Yaounde represents a hub for expats, foreign embassies, and trading.

On the 2nd (Wed), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Lamido Grand Mosque, then catch a movie at CanalOlympia Yaounde 1, then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Mefou National Park, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apotres. On the 3rd (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the world behind art at Benedictine Museum of Mont-Febe, then explore the world behind art at National Museum of Yaounde (Le Musee National de Yaounde), then take an in-depth tour of Musee Ethnographique des Peuples de la Foret, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Mosquee Centrale.

For ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Yaounde online route planner.

You can do a combination of flight and train from Malabo to Yaounde in 8 hours. Another option is to fly. Traveling from Malabo in November, plan for slightly colder nights in Yaounde, with lows around 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Thu) early enough to drive to Bata.

Bata is a port city in the Litoral Province of Equatorial Guinea. Kick off your visit on the 4th (Fri): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Bata Cathedral.

To find more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Bata online travel planner.

Traveling by car from Yaounde to Bata takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight; or do a combination of train and flight. Traveling from Yaounde in November, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Bata, with lows of 28°C. On the 5th (Sat), you're off to Libreville.

The capital of Gabon and home to almost half of the country's residents, Libreville differs from many African cities, with paved roads, clean streets, and luxurious residences.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Sun): try to win big at Casino Croisette, kick back and relax at Pointe-Denis Beach, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St Marie Cathedral. On the 7th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Notre-dame de Lourdes, admire the striking features of L'Eglise St-Michel Libreville, then get a taste of the local shopping with Marche du Mont-Bouet, and finally ponder the world of politics at Cour Constitutionnelle.

To find more things to do, photos, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Libreville online holiday planner.

You can drive from Bata to Libreville in 11 hours. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in November, and nighttime lows around 28°C. You will have some time to spend on the 8th (Tue) before leaving for Sao Tome.

São Tomé is the capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe and is by far the nation's largest town. Start off your visit on the 8th (Tue): kick back and relax at Praia Micondo, stroll through Praia dos Tamarindos, then kick back and relax at Lagoa Azul, and finally step off the mainland to explore Ilheu das Rolas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 9th (Wed): see the interesting displays at National Museum, steep yourself in history at Forte De Sao Sebastiao, and then admire the sheer force of Cascata de Sao Nicolau.

For photos, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Sao Tome sightseeing planner.

Traveling by flight from Libreville to Sao Tome takes 5.5 hours. The time zone changes from West Africa Standard Time to West Africa Standard Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. In November, daytime highs in Sao Tome are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight to Principe.

Life slows down in Principe, and visitors appreciate the laid-back vibe.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Fri): see what you can catch with Makaira Adventure and then enjoy the sand and surf at Banana Beach.

To see maps, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Principe trip planner.

Getting from Sao Tome to Principe by flight takes about 3 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.