Small Group West Africa Tours
Named us "ONE OF
THE BEST SENIOR-FRIENDLY TRAVEL COMPANIES"
THE BEST SENIOR-FRIENDLY TRAVEL COMPANIES"
Open Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm PDT.
CALL US: 1-800-665-3998
+
West Africa
West Africa has a magical feeling that few other countries can match. It’s where you’ll find a mosaic of people speaking hundreds of tribal languages, slave forts from a dark colonial past and stirring landscapes that encompass the Sahara Desert. Venture into jungle-draped mountains and dense rainforest or unwind on sun-baked beaches.
West Africa is also a place of immense cultural diversity and tradition is embedded in much of daily life. Our small West Africa tours will take into the heart of this fascinating region, including guided trips to Senegal, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Ivory Coast.
West Africa is also a place of immense cultural diversity and tradition is embedded in much of daily life. Our small West Africa tours will take into the heart of this fascinating region, including guided trips to Senegal, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Ivory Coast.
Travel + Leisure named us one of the best senior-friendly travel companies.
3 Tour Options
Filter By
<
01
Select a page number to see more tours
21 Days
Show Route
Macaronesia Tour
TOUR CODE: MS1
When To Go:
May, Oct
Arrive In / Depart From:
Ponta Delgada (PDL) / Praia (RAI)
Activity Level:
2
Countries Visited:
3
Tour Style:
Cultural
View Tour
✕
Countries Visited: 3
Cabo Verde; Portugal; Spain.
Cabo Verde; Portugal; Spain.
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our
tour styles
page.
Tour Style: Cultural
These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
To learn more about the Tour Styles, please visit our
These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
To learn more about the Tour Styles, please visit our
tour styles
page.
21 Days
Show Route
Macaronesia Tour
TOUR CODE: JHMA
When To Go:
May
Arrive In / Depart From:
Ponta Delgada (PDL) / Praia (RAI)
Activity Level:
2
Countries Visited:
3
Tour Style:
Cultural
View Tour
✕
Countries Visited: 3
Cabo Verde; Portugal; Spain.
Cabo Verde; Portugal; Spain.
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our
tour styles
page.
Tour Style: Cultural
These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
To learn more about the Tour Styles, please visit our
These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
To learn more about the Tour Styles, please visit our
tour styles
page.
24 Days
Show Route
24 Day West Africa Tour
TOUR CODE: MCWA
When To Go:
Jan, Feb, Nov
Arrive In / Depart From:
Dakar (DKR) / Abidjan (ABJ)
Activity Level:
2
Countries Visited:
8
Tour Style:
Cultural
View Tour
✕
Countries Visited: 8
Ivory Coast; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Liberia; Senegal; Sierra Leone.
Ivory Coast; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Liberia; Senegal; Sierra Leone.
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our
tour styles
page.
Tour Style: Cultural
These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
To learn more about the Tour Styles, please visit our
These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
To learn more about the Tour Styles, please visit our
tour styles
page.
<
01
Select a page number to see more tours
+
Filters
By Month
Jan
Feb
May
Oct
Nov
By Country
Place:
By Duration
5-10 Days
11-20 Days
21+ Days
By Tour Style
Select the style according to the interest of your trip.
Cultural
Active
By Activity Level
Select the level according to the effort of your trip.
1
2
3
Clear All
Filter Now
+
Tour Route
Can't find what you're looking for?
Custom Tour Quote
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get a Custom Tour Quote
What You'll See
Click below to see our West Africa photo gallery
What you'll see
Click below to see our West Africa photo gallery
Tour Leaders for Small Group West Africa Tours
Our West Africa tours let you experience the incredible diversity of this region at your own pace, with maximum group sizes of 18 participants. Local guides help you discover the culture and history of this remarkable land.
Some of our tour leaders who have led these tours.
Claude Morency
After fifteen years on the road worldwide, Claude joined the Adventures Abroad team in 1998. He enjoys challenging destinations with a strong adventure factor. He shows a definite interest in landscapes, wildlife, ecology, arts, traditions and history. International friendship has always been his ultimate travel objective and personal reward.
Read More
+
Biography
claude morency
EDUCATION:
B.A. Laval University. Multidisciplinary studies: geography, anthropology, communication, cinema and journalism. Training over the years: Red Cross, St-John’s Ambulance, Emergency Procedures, etc.
B.A. Laval University. Multidisciplinary studies: geography, anthropology, communication, cinema and journalism. Training over the years: Red Cross, St-John’s Ambulance, Emergency Procedures, etc.
LANGUAGE:
English, French and Spanish. Basic conversational in a few others.
English, French and Spanish. Basic conversational in a few others.
TOURS LED:
Mexico, Central & South America, Spain & Portugal, North, West & Central Africa, Ethiopia, Sudan, Middle East, Gulf States, Iran, Caucasus, Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia, Indochina, Australia & New Zealand.
Mexico, Central & South America, Spain & Portugal, North, West & Central Africa, Ethiopia, Sudan, Middle East, Gulf States, Iran, Caucasus, Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia, Indochina, Australia & New Zealand.
FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Wherever there’s real authenticity, content and depth. Recent favourites: Sudan, Oman, Georgia, Armenia and Iran. Long-time ones: Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Spain, Morocco, Mali, Ethiopia, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines.
Wherever there’s real authenticity, content and depth. Recent favourites: Sudan, Oman, Georgia, Armenia and Iran. Long-time ones: Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Spain, Morocco, Mali, Ethiopia, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines.
ABOUT:
After fifteen years on the road worldwide, Claude joined the Adventures Abroad team in 1998. He enjoys challenging destinations with a strong adventure factor. He shows a definite interest in landscapes, wildlife, ecology, arts, traditions and history. International friendship has always been his ultimate travel objective and personal reward.
After fifteen years on the road worldwide, Claude joined the Adventures Abroad team in 1998. He enjoys challenging destinations with a strong adventure factor. He shows a definite interest in landscapes, wildlife, ecology, arts, traditions and history. International friendship has always been his ultimate travel objective and personal reward.
Chris Tripodi
Chris travels because it is the most interesting thing he can think of doing between meals.
Anyone can buy a plane ticket, but helping a country come alive through its people, sights, culture, cuisine and customs is what Adventures Abroad is all about. Chris enjoys the inevitable challenges, the unforgettable moments, the warm people, the stories shared, the memories made, and every single morsel of each tour.
Read More
+
Biography
chris tripodi
EDUCATION:
Instead of the 3 R's, Chris studied the 3 M's; Math, Music & Maps. University for Mathematics. College for Music. Travel for Understanding.
Instead of the 3 R's, Chris studied the 3 M's; Math, Music & Maps. University for Mathematics. College for Music. Travel for Understanding.
LANGUAGE:
Chris spent the pandemic era taking Spanish, Italian & French lessons, learned the Cyrillic & Arabic alphabets, and is currently inspired to improve his Greek vocabulary in order to impress η νονά του στο Ροδος.
Chris spent the pandemic era taking Spanish, Italian & French lessons, learned the Cyrillic & Arabic alphabets, and is currently inspired to improve his Greek vocabulary in order to impress η νονά του στο Ροδος.
TOURS LED:
Chris has not led tours to Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, or Grenada. But he has led tours in over 110 of the remaining countries.
Chris has not led tours to Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, or Grenada. But he has led tours in over 110 of the remaining countries.
FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
There it has always been, where he has never been.
There it has always been, where he has never been.
ABOUT:
Chris travels because it is the most interesting thing he can think of doing between meals. Anyone can buy a plane ticket, but helping a country come alive through its people, sights, culture, cuisine and customs is what Adventures Abroad is all about. Chris enjoys the inevitable challenges, the unforgettable moments, the warm people, the stories shared, the memories made, and every single morsel of each tour.
Chris travels because it is the most interesting thing he can think of doing between meals. Anyone can buy a plane ticket, but helping a country come alive through its people, sights, culture, cuisine and customs is what Adventures Abroad is all about. Chris enjoys the inevitable challenges, the unforgettable moments, the warm people, the stories shared, the memories made, and every single morsel of each tour.
Jonathan Hodgson
Jonathan has lived much of his life dedicated to the idea that he would rather have a wealth of experiences than a wealth of riches. Having taken up a nomadic lifestyle shortly after finishing his undergraduate degree, he has been on the move on and off over the last 25+ years. The wanderlust has taken him to basing himself in places such as Scotland, Australia and Uzbekistan, and to visiting many more locations around our planet. Now (sort of) settled in Vancouver with his wonderful (and patient) family, he still loves the idea of having the world as his office and always enjoys trying to capture the essence of the locations he travels and tours in with his photography.
Read More
+
Biography
jonathan hodgson
EDUCATION:
BA in Psychology at McGill University; MBA at the University of British Columbia; self-educated passion for history and culture.
BA in Psychology at McGill University; MBA at the University of British Columbia; self-educated passion for history and culture.
LANGUAGE:
English; conversational French; improving Spanish and Russian. And a decent Scottish accent.
English; conversational French; improving Spanish and Russian. And a decent Scottish accent.
TOURS LED:
I have led tours in over 100 countries over the last 17 years of working for Adventures Abroad on all of the continents except for Antarctica.
I have led tours in over 100 countries over the last 17 years of working for Adventures Abroad on all of the continents except for Antarctica.
FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Where to begin? Each place has something that makes it a special destination. A few that spring to mind: Kaieteur Falls in Guyana; the snow-covered mountains of Ladakh, India; sipping tea in a chaikhana of the old town of Bukhara, Uzbekistan; and watching the changing colours of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset.
Where to begin? Each place has something that makes it a special destination. A few that spring to mind: Kaieteur Falls in Guyana; the snow-covered mountains of Ladakh, India; sipping tea in a chaikhana of the old town of Bukhara, Uzbekistan; and watching the changing colours of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset.
ABOUT:
Jonathan has lived much of his life dedicated to the idea that he would rather have a wealth of experiences than a wealth of riches. Having taken up a nomadic lifestyle shortly after finishing his undergraduate degree, he has been on the move on and off over the last 25+ years. The wanderlust has taken him to basing himself in places such as Scotland, Australia and Uzbekistan, and to visiting many more locations around our planet. Now (sort of) settled in Vancouver with his wonderful (and patient) family, he still loves the idea of having the world as his office and always enjoys trying to capture the essence of the locations he travels and tours in with his photography.
Jonathan has lived much of his life dedicated to the idea that he would rather have a wealth of experiences than a wealth of riches. Having taken up a nomadic lifestyle shortly after finishing his undergraduate degree, he has been on the move on and off over the last 25+ years. The wanderlust has taken him to basing himself in places such as Scotland, Australia and Uzbekistan, and to visiting many more locations around our planet. Now (sort of) settled in Vancouver with his wonderful (and patient) family, he still loves the idea of having the world as his office and always enjoys trying to capture the essence of the locations he travels and tours in with his photography.
Martin Charlton
For as long as I can remember I have always had a deep-rooted need to travel and discover new places. Today I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent almost three decades researching, organizing and leading tours worldwide.
Read More
+
Biography
martin charlton
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's Degree in Geography; further studies in Archaeology & Anthropology. Life's real education happens outside the classroom.
Bachelor's Degree in Geography; further studies in Archaeology & Anthropology. Life's real education happens outside the classroom.
LANGUAGE:
English and some French & Spanish.
English and some French & Spanish.
TOURS LED:
Having designed and led tours for Adventures Abroad for almost 30 years, there are few corners of the globe where Martin’s left a stone unturned: everywhere from North Korea to Nauru, Saudi Arabia to Sudan, Guinea-Bissau to French Guiana. With over 200 tours through over 125 countries under his belt, it might be faster to list the regions where he hasn’t led a tour.
Having designed and led tours for Adventures Abroad for almost 30 years, there are few corners of the globe where Martin’s left a stone unturned: everywhere from North Korea to Nauru, Saudi Arabia to Sudan, Guinea-Bissau to French Guiana. With over 200 tours through over 125 countries under his belt, it might be faster to list the regions where he hasn’t led a tour.
FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
"My love of travel and infectious enthusiasm for different cultures has taken me to over 150 countries. The further off the beaten path, the better. For a favourite place: perhaps South Georgia Island, the Canadian Arctic, Tasmania or Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. World's best city = Istanbul!"
"My love of travel and infectious enthusiasm for different cultures has taken me to over 150 countries. The further off the beaten path, the better. For a favourite place: perhaps South Georgia Island, the Canadian Arctic, Tasmania or Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. World's best city = Istanbul!"
ABOUT:
For as long as I can remember I have always had a deep-rooted need to travel and discover new places. Today I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent almost three decades researching, organizing and leading tours worldwide.
For as long as I can remember I have always had a deep-rooted need to travel and discover new places. Today I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent almost three decades researching, organizing and leading tours worldwide.
Victor Romagnoli
I love the excitement of getting up each morning on a tour and not knowing exactly how a day will unfold. It keeps me on my toes so to speak, and adds a breath of excitement to each day on tour. With almost 30 years of tour leading under my belt, I thank all of you for being a part of this exciting journey.
Read More
+
Biography
victor romagnoli
EDUCATION:
HBA English BA History
HBA English BA History
LANGUAGE:
Being able to speak several languages has made travelling an enriching experience; the conversations one can so easily slip into with locals - who come from all walks of life - adds greatly to my feel for a place.
Being able to speak several languages has made travelling an enriching experience; the conversations one can so easily slip into with locals - who come from all walks of life - adds greatly to my feel for a place.
TOURS LED:
Over a span of almost 30 years, I have lead tours virtually all over the globe.
Over a span of almost 30 years, I have lead tours virtually all over the globe.
FAVOURITE DESTINATION:
Some of my favourite tours just come into being suddenly as a result of a request; someone will ask me to put together an itinerary that will include the highlights of several countries and the next thing you know we have, for example, a tour to Uruguay, Paraguay & Bolivia, or Lesotho, Namibia & Botswana. Sometimes I will be asked to arrange a detailed itinerary to just one region within a country - like a close up look at Sicily or Crete or the Basque Country or Newfoundland. Without the keen curiosity that so many of you travellers have, none of these "spontaneous" tours would come into being. But they do.
Some of my favourite tours just come into being suddenly as a result of a request; someone will ask me to put together an itinerary that will include the highlights of several countries and the next thing you know we have, for example, a tour to Uruguay, Paraguay & Bolivia, or Lesotho, Namibia & Botswana. Sometimes I will be asked to arrange a detailed itinerary to just one region within a country - like a close up look at Sicily or Crete or the Basque Country or Newfoundland. Without the keen curiosity that so many of you travellers have, none of these "spontaneous" tours would come into being. But they do.
ABOUT:
I love the excitement of getting up each morning on a tour and not knowing exactly how a day will unfold. It keeps me on my toes so to speak, and adds a breath of excitement to each day on tour. With almost 30 years of tour leading under my belt, I thank all of you for being a part of this exciting journey.
I love the excitement of getting up each morning on a tour and not knowing exactly how a day will unfold. It keeps me on my toes so to speak, and adds a breath of excitement to each day on tour. With almost 30 years of tour leading under my belt, I thank all of you for being a part of this exciting journey.
More Tour Leaders
Tour Leaders Small Group West Africa
Our West Africa tours let you experience the incredible diversity of this region at your own pace, with maximum group sizes of 18 participants. Local guides help you discover the culture and history of this remarkable land.
Some of our tour leaders who have led these tours.
+
Biography
Where To Go on Small Group West Africa Tours
Our small West Africa tours show you the highlights of this captivating region. Explore the colourful markets and Grand Mosque of Dakar in Senegal, learn about Liberian culture in the Worlakor Cultural Village, visit the castles and slave dungeons of Ghana and see the UNESCO site of Grand Bassam in Ivory Coast.
Gambia
The continent’s smallest country, Gambia is easy to explore and undeniably beautiful. There’s a lot to love, including dazzling beaches, buzzing cities and friendly people.
View Tours
Ghana
Discover a bundle of lush national parks, palm-fringed beaches and the sparkling blue of the Atlantic Ocean. Ghana is a destination with incredible wildlife and some of the worlds biggest markets.
View Tours
Ivory Coast
Despite a troubled history, Ivory Coast is a country enjoying a resurgence. Visit the site of Grand Bassam, take a tour of Ebrié Lagoon and explore the sophisticated town of Abidjan.
View Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
01. When is the best time to visit West Africa?
Being so close to the equator, temperatures in West Africa don’t vary greatly throughout the year. In terms of the ideal time to visit, it’s best to think of things as being dry or wet, rather than hot or cold.
October to March is a great time to travel here, with drier weather and pleasantly warm days. This is also the best time to see wildlife. However, from the end of November to the middle of March, dusty winds from the Sahara Desert can cause hazy and dry conditions. Be sure to pack lip balm and moisturizer if you’re travelling during this period.
October to March is a great time to travel here, with drier weather and pleasantly warm days. This is also the best time to see wildlife. However, from the end of November to the middle of March, dusty winds from the Sahara Desert can cause hazy and dry conditions. Be sure to pack lip balm and moisturizer if you’re travelling during this period.
02. What countries are in West Africa?
West Africa is composed of 16 countries, which together cover an area of over 6 million km2 (over one-fifth of Africa). The geography is a mix of semi-arid terrain, savannas, forests, and the Sahara Desert. The 16 countries in West Africa are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
People Also Searched For...
East Africa
From tropical beaches to lush rainforests and rolling savannah, East Africa delivers all types of adventures. Especially if you want a glimpse of the fabled "Big Five."
View Tours
North Africa
Egypt may be the best-known attraction in North Africa, but this region offers much more to explore. Tour the Sahara Desert, visit Roman ruins or barter in the souks of Algiers.
View Tours
Southern Africa
Known an ideal destination for safaris, South Africa gives travellers a mix of rich culture, fascinating history and natural wonders. There are also plenty of lesser-known places to explore.
View Tours
Can't find what you're looking for?
Custom Tour Quote
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get a Custom Tour Quote
Subscribe to our e-Newsletter
Travel Insurance
We encourage you to get trip cancellation and interruption insurance to protect against unforeseen events.
We encourage you to get trip cancellation and interruption insurance to protect against unforeseen events.
Get Insurance Quote!