Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
West Africa moves to one of the most alluring beats on the planet, from soulful Cape Verdean mornas to frenetic Ghani-
an and Nigerian Highlife.
+233, Accra, Ghana
One of the region's best venues with live acts from all over the continent turning up. (
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)
Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
This languid Burkina town is the epicentre of the country's music industry. Try Le
Samanké, Les Bambous or Le Bois d'Ebène. (
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)
Mognori, Ghana
Traditional drumming and dance performances in Ghana's north with an emphasis on participation.
(
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)
Dakar, Senegal
Get down and groove to Senegal's
mbalax
, a blend of Cuban sounds and traditional drum beats. Try
Just 4 U. (
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)
Mindelo, Cape Verde
A wonderful mix of Portuguese melancholy with sultry Cape Verdean sounds. (
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)
Moroccan Festivals
Don't miss the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music and Essaouira's Gnaoua & World Music
Festival (both in June). (
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)
Unesco World Heritage Sites
Tracking down even some of West Africa's more than 40 Unesco World Heritage Sites can provide an evocative focal
point for your exploration of the region; check online for the full list.
Fez and Marrakesh, Morocco
North Africa's finest medinas and the essence of Morocco's charm. (
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and
Royal palaces of Abomey, Benin
Fabulous bas reliefs, tapestries and a museum mark ancient Dahomey. (
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)
Saint-Louis, Senegal
Decaying colonial architecture. (
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)
Ashanti traditional buildings, Kumasi, Ghana
The heartland of one of West Africa's most enlightened precolonial
civilisations. (
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)
Koutammakou, Togo
Homeland of the Batammariba, with picturesque mountain scenery and unusual architecture.
(
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)
Old Saharan towns, Mauritania
The
ksour
(fortified strongholds) of Ouadâne, Chinguetti and Oualâta are among the
Sahara's prettiest towns. (
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)
Osun Sacred Forest & Groves, Nigeria
At once tranquil oasis and centre of Yoruban spirituality; a potent combina-
tion. (
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)
Volubilis, Morocco
West Africa's largest and best-preserved city of Roman ruins. (
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)
Hiking
From the mountains of Morocco to the soul-filled hikes south of the Sahara, these trails take you deep into an ex-
traordinary human and natural landscape.
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
High-altitude trekking through the land of the Berbers in Jebel Toubkal and the southern
gorges. (
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)
Sindou Peaks, Burkina Faso
Otherworldly rock formations and intriguing cultural backdrop in Burkina's southwest.
(
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)
Kpalimé, Togo
Outstanding hiking amid lush, forested hills in the heart of coffee country. (
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)
