Tips and Advice

While things tend to change quickly in West Africa, we’d like to think we have accumulated some reliable first-hand knowledge that could come in handy. 

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The Best Route from Dakar to Bamako

The Best Route from Dakar to Bamako

Far and away the easiest route to travel between Senegal and Mali is the one that takes you from Tambacounda to Kédougou in Senegal, and then to Kéniéba, Kita, Kati then Bamako in Mali. The route from Kayes via Diema has really declined over the past several years and...

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Getting a Visa for Guinea-Bissau in Ziguinchor, Senegal

Getting a Visa for Guinea-Bissau in Ziguinchor, Senegal

Getting your visa for Bissau in Ziguinchor just may be the most pain-free interaction you will ever have with bureaucracy in West Africa. The whole thing takes about 5 minutes. What's more, the friendly consular officer will even fill out the paperwork for you. The...

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Getting to and from the Casamance

Getting to and from the Casamance

We enjoy traveling throughout West Africa, but we are often stuck in the orbit of Senegal's southern province. The Casamance is naturally beautiful, culturally fascinating and incredibly easy to travel given the limited tourist infrastructure. Unfortunately, a lot of...

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How to Survive Marathon Bus Trips Through West Africa

How to Survive Marathon Bus Trips Through West Africa

I am writing this on a bus in the United States. I am traveling to Washington, DC and eventually, Abidjan. This bus trip is the first leg of my trip. Some of the in-bus amenities include leather reclining seats, power outlets, wi-fi, on-board toilet and...

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