We know a few countries in Africa; probably South Africa or Egypt and that it offers mostly Safaris where we could get the Lion King feels. However, Africa is more than that. Africa has five regions; North, South, East, West, and Central Africa. Each is unique from the other. We will tell you more about West Africa in this post!

Photo by Djigiarov — Photo by **Djigiarov**

There are a lot of prejudiced notions about Africa; they are underdeveloped, the people are all poor, no water everywhere, there’s no forest, and you can have diseases when you get there, but these are wrong. Africa is more than that. If you can visit there, you could witness the diversity of their culture and the warmth of the people. Africa also has beautiful resorts, beaches, and nature reserves; be it forests or savannas. Plus, not all parts of Africa has many diseases, some are safe however it’s better to have vaccination just in case. The temperature in West Africa is the same as the Philippines, so you don’t have much to worry about adjusting to the temperatures.

This post will help know more about West African Countries, How to Get to West Africa, What are the West Africa Visa requirements for Philippine Passport Holders and the Best West Africa Travel Itinerary. May this will inspire you to go out of your comfort zone and travel there.

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ABOUT WEST AFRICA

There are 16 Countries in West Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Fifteen of them are in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) except for Mauritania. Although they are a group, only eight countries use the same currency.

West Africa borders from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Dessert. It also has the 3rd longest river in Africa the Niger River and extends to 4 countries. The biggest countries are Niger and Mali with an area of more than 1.2M km2, while the smallest is Cape Verde with an area about 4,000 km2 (Philippines, by the way, is about 300,000 km2).

With many amazing people, delicious food, cultural diversity, stunning landscapes; West Africa is a gem. Luckily, it’s not that touristy, so you’ll enjoy most places for yourselves. However, please be cautious in crowded areas, and also vaccines should be taken to avoid unwanted sickness. From many tourist experiences, they say West Africa is very safe and utterly stunning.

GETTING AROUND WEST AFRICA

Flights from the Philippines

There are no direct flights to any West African Country from the Philippines, but if you check this image, then you’ll see how to reach West Africa. Depending on your destination, you have one to four stops.

Quick Guide to Traveling to West Africa.png

On this summary, it will help you check the countries that you can quickly enter and the possible stops. You’ll see that you need a Transit Visa from Turkey to only have a stop there in most West African Countries. However, you can avail less hassle thru Ethiopia where you don’t need a visa thru HK/Singapore, an eVISA to pass thru and you could enter a lot of Countries. You could also pass through Qatar, which is eVisa then travel a bit in Morocco before entering a selection of 5 countries.

Traveling Within West Africa

West Africa is beside each other except for Cape Verde where you need to ride a ferry or a plane to get there. When you travel within there are available TRAINS available within specific countries; some even have first-class coaches. Most common system of travel is shared taxis and min-buses; they feel like jeepneys in the Philippines. There are also bus companies that travel between countries; you need to check that before traveling.

COUNTRIES IN WEST AFRICA

VISA FREE COUNTRIES FOR FILIPINOS

Gambia

The Gambia is a small country in West Africa and rivals the Caribbean with their unspoiled white beaches. The average tourist stays here for 14 days and spends about USD20 per day. The official language here is English plus people there are super friendly too!
Stay: 90 days
Note: Must obtain entry clearance from the Gambian Immigration before travel
Points of Interest: Kachikally Museum and Crocodile Pool, Kunta Kinteh Island, Bijilo Forest Park, Koto Beach, Abuko Nature Reserve

Ivory Coast

With French colonial heritage, abundant beach resorts and rainforest, Côte d'Ivoire is a must-see in West Africa. Though the majority is Muslims, Ivory Coast has the largest Catholic Church, which is a replica of the Cathedral in the Vatican. It also boasts of 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Stay: 90 days
Points of Interest: Tai National Park, Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Mount Nimbam, Grand Bassam, St. Paul’s Cathedral

E-VISA OR VISA ON ARRIVAL IN WEST AFRICA FOR FILIPINOS

Benin

Benin is the birthplace of voodoo and home to the Dahomey Kingdom. This French-speaking country is known to be peaceful and safe. Befriend the people, and you might get to voodoo and enemy (just joking)!

eVISA: to be done seven days before arrival, 50 Euro for 30-day visa, single entry
VOA: Yellow Fever Card is essential, CFA 10,000, eight (8) days

Points of Interest: Tata Somba, Pendjari National Park, Royal Palaces of Abomey, Pythons Temple, and Voodoo Ceremony

Cape Verde

The smallest in Africa, Cape Verde is a volcanic archipelago. You can get here through plane or ferry. The official language here is Portuguese due to them being under the Portuguese Empire until 1975. Expect a lot of stunning beaches and picturesque mountains here.

VOA: You can get your tourist visa upon arrival on one of the four international airports of the Cape Verde Islands: Sal (SID), Santiago/Praia (RAI), Boa Vista (BVC) and São Vicente/Mindelo (VXE), 25 EURO
Points of Interest: Monte Verde, Praia de Santa Maria, Pedra Lume Salt Crater, Deserto de Viana, Farik de D. Maria Pia

Guinea-Bissau

There are 3 Guineas in Africa: Portuguese Guinea became Guinea-Bissau, so you would expect people to speak Portuguese here. This country is known for national parks and wildlife.
eVISA: 30 days (single entry), €61.45 + €2.50 (Transaction Fee) / 3 months (multiple entry), €70.45 + €2.50
VOA: issued at Guinea Bissau International Airport but you are required to have a letter of authorization from the Migration Office of Guinea Bissau together with a valid travel document, 90 days, €85
Points of Interest: Joao Vieira - Poilao Marine National Park, Presidential Palace, Ponta Anchaca, Bijagos Archipelago, Cacheu River Mangroves Natural Park

Mauritania

With its land mostly covered by the Sahara, Mauritania is a desert country. Mauritania also consists of plateaus. One interesting fact is that people here practice the nomadic lifestyle, maybe you could try it too!
VOA: 90 days, available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
Points of Interest: Sahara Desert, Chunguetti Mosque, Richat Structure, Banc d’Arguin National Park, Port de Peche

Senegal

Rich in French colonial heritage, Senegal doesn’t only have a lot of natural attractions but also diverse cultures. Senegal also has a sad history due to Slave Trade; you could learn this when you tour Goree Island.
VOA: 90 days, have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date, and a return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation, free of charge.
Points of Interest: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, House of Slaves, Lake Retba, Laguna de la Somone, Goree Island

Togo

With beautiful beaches and hilltop villages, Togo is a charming West African country. They have clay huts dating to the 17th century that reminds us of Ibatana houses in our Batanes. You could do windsurfing and water skiing in Lake Togo.
VOA: 7 days
Points of Interest: Lake Togo, Koutammakou, Mount Agou, Kran National Park, Lome Beach

VISA REQUIRED COUNTRIES IN WEST AFRICA

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is famous for its musical traditions and beautiful handicrafts. They also have beautiful landscapes and impressive cultures. However precaution must be made during your visit here as it has some terrorist attacks in the past few years,

Visa Guide: Valid passport, Two fully accomplished, duly signed application forms, Two passport-sized photos, Certificate of yellow fever vaccination, three (3) months single entry, $105
Nearest Embassy/Consulate: Burkinese Honorary Consulate in Manila, Philippines, Unit 31-D Marina Square Suites, Condominium M.H. Del Pilar cor Pedro Gil Malate, Manila, Philippines
Points of Interest: Sindou Peaks, Ouagadougou Cathedral, Cascades de Karfiguela, Reserve de Nazinga, Grande Mosquée de Bobo-Dioulasso

Ghana

Ghana offers diverse wildlife, old forts, and secluded beaches. There are also hiking trails available. You could also see colonial buildings and castles that are now museums that are due to the African Slave Trade.
Visa Requirements: Valid Passport, Hotel Reservation Confirmation, Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination, four copies each: Filled-out application form, passport photos and return ticket, $30 single entry, 30 days
Nearest Embassy/Consulate: Ghanaian Honorary Consulate in Manila, Philippines, Unit 9-2, 9th Floor, Net One Center, 26th Street, cor. 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, 1634 Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Points of Interest: Mole National Park, Cape Coast Castle, Wli Waterfalls, Lake Volta, Tafo Atome

Guinea

As written above, Guinea got divided into three, and this one is French Guinea, so expect French-speaking residents. Guinea is famous for its Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve and lovely beaches in Loos Islands.
Visa Requirements: Valid Passport, Duly accomplished visa application form, Passport size picture, Hotel Reservation, Bank statement, Confirmed itinerary including round-trip airline ticket, and Certificate of yellow fever vaccination, $160
Nearest Embassy/Consulate: Guinean Honorary Consulate in Manila, Philippines, Ground Floor, P & L II Condominium, 5598 Pres. Osmeña Highway corner Arellano Avenue, Palanan, Makati City, Manila, Philippines
Points of Interest: Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, Fouta Djallon, Grand Mosque Conakry, Iles de Los, Mount Loura

Liberia

Liberia is the only country in West Africa that was not subjected to colonial rule and is Africa’s oldest Republic. It is along the coast so there are palm-lined beaches here plus its borders are Mount Nimba that also is part of Ivory Coast and Guinea.
Visa Requirements: A valid Passport, Yellow Fever Vaccination, 2 Recent Passport-size photos, complete visa form, evidence of financial support, the process is at Liberia Embassy in Japan, 3 months single-entry, JPY 8,000
Nearest Embassy/Consulate: Liberian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, Shirokane K House 4-14-12 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046, Japan
Points of Interest: Liberian National Museum, Cece Beach, Mount Wuteve, Sapo National Park, Lake Piso

Mali

Only travel in selected parts of Mali as there are off-limits places due to the risk of kidnapping and terrorist attack. Mali is known for salt mines and as the 3rd largest producer of Gold. It is another picturesque desert country.
Visa Requirements: Valid passport, three duly accomplished visa application form, three passport-type photos, one photocopy of the bio page passport, processed at Mali Embassy in Tokyo, 90 days, JPY 7,500 + 4,000 charge
Nearest Embassy/Consulate: Malian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, 3-12-9, Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021, Japan
Points of Interest: Great Mosque of Djenne, Tomb of Askia, Mali National Park, La Dune Rose, Bandiagara Cliffs

Niger

Niger is the largest country in West Africa and is also landlocked. It gained its name from the famous Niger River. 80% of it is in the Sahara desert, and Niger is considered one of the world’s most impoverished countries. However, they have fabulous natural reserves and unique culture.
Visa Requirements: Valid passport, 3 visa application forms, 3 recent passport-size photo, International Vaccination Certificate, a letter (2 copies) from the travel agent certifying that you have purchased round trip tickets, a letter (2 copies) from the bank confirming that the traveler has at least $500.00 in his/her savings account, $25.20
Nearest Embassy/Consulate: Nigerien Honorary Consulate in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Unit B, 1st floor, Kowloon Centre, 29-39 Ashley Road, Kowloon Centre, Hong Kong
Points of Interest: The Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve, Agadez Mosque, UTA Flight 772 Memorial, W National Park, Mount Greboun

Nigeria

Nigeria has natural landmarks and wildlife reserves. These National parks have amazing waterfalls, flourishing rainforest, vast savanna, and rare primate habitats. It would be best if you did a safari here.
Visa Requirements: Invitation letter addressed to the Embassy from Nigeria, Passport Copy of the person who is inviting, Bank Certificate, Medical Certificate, Certificate of Employment, Three (3) pieces of 2x2 colored picture, Valid passport, Proof of Accommodation, Airline Ticket (Round trip), Php 8,000 + 1,000 charge
Nearest Embassy/Consulate: Nigerian Embassy in Manila, Philippines, 2211 Paraiso Street, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City, Manila, Philippines
Points of Interest: Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Yankari National Park, Elegushi Beach, Zuma Rock, The Synagogue Church of All Nations

Sierra Leone

Near the Atlantic Ocean, Sierra Leone has striking beaches. The capital is Freetown because it was the place of refuge for the returned slaves. There are also famous islands for snorkeling or diving.
Visa Requirements: Valid Philippine passport & one copy, Fully completed visa application form, Two (2) passport photographs, a Confirmation letter from your health insurance stating coverage & one copy, Proof of group travel/ hotel booking or reservation for Sierra Leone, Current bank statement, $160
Nearest Embassy/Consulate: Sierra Leonean Honorary Consulate General in Tokyo, Japan, c/o Office IIJIMA, Mori Building, No. 33, 3-8-21, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan or Sierra Leonean Embassy in Beijing, China, No. 7, Dong Zhi Men Wai Da Jie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600, China
Points of Interest: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Bunce Island, Sierra Leone Peace Museum, Bureh Beach, Mount Bintumani

ADDITIONAL TIPS IN TRAVELING TO WEST AFRICA

It is better to have an International Vaccine Certificate especially for Yellow Fever and Cholera when traveling to West Africa
Not all countries have functioning ATM, so it’s better to bring cash either EURO or USD
Practice precaution in traveling, avoid traveling by night if possible, check travel warnings in the area and don’t go to places where there are possible tourist attacks or kidnapping
Always use insect repellent especially in exposed skin to avoid Malaria
Dress conservatively in West Africa as it is predominantly a Muslim country
Be flexible: West Africa is not that luxurious or rich as European countries, so there’s probability water would be less, electricity would be out or no internet
Have travel insurance in case of emergencies
Enjoy!

FLIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS TO WEST AFRICA

With Philippine Passport, Filipinos can enter Gambia and Ivory Coast without a visa. However, there are two stops before reaching them. It is better to get a transit visa thru Turkey or Ethiopia to get to West African Countries.

If you want to travel in West Africa, it’s better to fly in Niger and tour counter-clockwise; Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin and end in Nigeria. You could also start in Nigeria and tour it clockwise (Nigeria, Benin, to Niger; refer to the list above). Just prepare your VISAs before your trip.

We hope with this article, you would want to go to a gem called West Africa, and you’ll start making that West Africa Travel Itinerary. I promise you it’s not scary nor dull, it’s stunning and gorgeous and you’ll come home with many stories of your adventure. Traveling to West Africa is a journey you wouldn’t regret. Also, remember, even though we have a Philippine passport, we can still go around the world!