Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
REGION BY REGION
The Sahel & Sahara
The major concern at present is the Sahara. Much of Mali remains off-limits, with the north (including Timbuktu and
Gao) under the control of Islamist rebels; in the past two years, foreigners have been kidnapped in Timbuktu and Hombori
and there is growing evidence that al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) now controls much of Mali's north. Neigh-
bouring Niger is considered a little safer, but we still recommend against travel to Niger (its Saharan regions in particular)
for the same reasons. Burkina Faso, on the other hand, neighbours both countries but is considered to be one of West
Africa's safest countries. Our author visited Chinguetti and Ouadâne and other towns in the Mauritanian Sahara and these
are generally considered to be safe, but always check the prevailing security situation before setting out.
The Coast
Most coastal countries in West Africa are considered safe for travel, including Cameroon, Benin, Togo, The Gambia,
Ghana, Liberia, Morocco and Sierra Leone; this includes inland regions of these countries. Offshore, Cape Verde could
just be the region's safest destination.
Senegal is considered safe, but check the prevailing security situation if you're travelling to the Casamance region.
The security situation in Côte d'Ivoire is improving with each passing year, but the fragile nature of the peace means
that you should exercise great caution, especially in the north and west of the country. Safe travel is possible in Guinea
and Guinea-Bissau, but the ongoing potential for instability there makes most travellers think twice.
SAFETY TIPS
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Avoid conspicuous displays of wealth, including expensive watches, mobile phones and bulging wallets.
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Walk purposefully and confidently and be discreet about consulting maps and guidebooks.
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Always take a taxi at night in city areas.
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Consider hiring somebody locally to accompany you when walking around a risky area - ask at your hotel for a
reliable recommendation.
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Keep your backpack or suitcase locked whenever you leave it anywhere, whether it's on the roof of a bush taxi or
in your hotel room.
Nigeria
As with most things in West Africa, Nigeria deserves special mention. This perennially complicated country has one of
the highest road accident rates in the world, the extremist group Boko Haram poses a growing threat across the country,
crime is endemic in Lagos and outbreaks of violence from the north to the Niger Delta are always possible. And yet, for
all its challenges and potential pitfalls, we don't recommend against travelling to Nigeria. Just be careful...
