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[whereshegoes]

Has anyone backpacked around Western Africa? I know is Southern Africa there is quite a good backpacker trail set up. How easy is it to get around and find accomodation in Western African countries?

Thanks in advance.

[kevandsian]

Hi Carmella,

I travelled through west Africa a couple of years ago and it really does depend on where you plan to go. I was travelling with a group of friends using our own transport but we picked up many a stranded traveller along the way!

For places like Ghana, it's easy enough to get around on public transport, Burkina Faso is easy enough and so is Senegal to a degree although coastal Senegal and it's main cities are by far the easiest. Mali is do-able but it is harder to find public transport than in other surrounding countries. Mauritania is almost impossible without your own transport as you would need to hitch hike long sections.
The problem arises when you want to go to more remote areas, away from the main cities. Usually the most interesting places are not served by regular public transport.

As for accommodation, this isn't a problem at all. There are always hotels and campsites although many hotels are brothels too but friendly enough! I would recommend taking a tent as you can always find somewhere to pitch it and when you wake up in the morning you'll have many new friends waiting to greet you outside your door!

There definitely isn't a backpacker trail or route in West Africa, not at all like Sth Africa, but there are plenty of travellers around.

Hope this helps,

Sian

[Barrett]

Anyone been backing through Eastern Africa lately? What's the general experience like? Easiest places to be a backpacker? Which country has the best access to worthwhile activities or sights?