Is it safe to travel alone?

It is possible, but not recommended for first-time visitors to the region. Always use local 'fixers' at border crossings and avoid traveling by road after dark.

How do I move between countries?

Expect to use 'sept-places' (7-seater shared taxis) or 'bush taxis'. They depart when full, meaning you may wait 4-6 hours at a station before leaving.

Planning an Overland Backpacking Trip Through West Africa

Plan a north-to-south or coastal route sticking to major transit corridors like the Dakar-Lagos Highway. Secure your primary visas in your home country and budget at least six weeks to account for inevitable border delays and slow public transport.

Choose your primary transit axis. Most travelers follow the coast from Senegal to Benin. Stick to the 'Trans-West African Coastal Highway'—it is the most reliable route for bush taxis and collective transport.
Batch your visa applications. Do not assume you can get visas at every border. Apply for your E-visas (like Côte d'Ivoire) or physical embassy visas (like Guinea or Sierra Leone) 8 weeks before departure. Check current reciprocity rules as they change monthly.
Budget for 'dash' and logistics. Keep a separate stash of small-denomination USD or local currency for informal border fees or checkpoint 'tips'. Always have 20% of your total budget set aside for emergency private car hires when buses fail.
Prioritize health documentation. You must have a physical Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (the 'Yellow Card'). You will be denied entry to most West African countries without it.

Is it safe to travel alone?: It is possible, but not recommended for first-time visitors to the region. Always use local 'fixers' at border crossings and avoid traveling by road after dark.
How do I move between countries?: Expect to use 'sept-places' (7-seater shared taxis) or 'bush taxis'. They depart when full, meaning you may wait 4-6 hours at a station before leaving.