Cameroon
This semi-sprawling compound feels like a down-at-heels villa evolved into a low-rent flophouse. Some rooms are good value, but at the cheapest end you're…
Must-see hotels in West Africa
Mauritania
Also known as Chez Ali, this auberge-style place has a good location. Rooms are a bit cell-like, and bathroom facilities are shared, but there is a tent…
Cotonou
While it lacks charm, rooms here are spotless and well equipped. It's one of the few places in Benin where the wi-fi is reliable. Water views and a…
Burkina Faso
One of the few central establishments in Bobo, Entente has clean, tidy rooms. The fan rooms are rather small for the price, but there is plenty of space…
Abidjan
This boutique hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms, complete with Ivoirian art and coffee-table books. With friendly staff, great food, wi-fi and a…
Lagos
The name's a bit of a misnomer, but this hotel is a reasonably decent budget option. Rooms are fine in a grubby 'by the hour' sort of way, but they're…
Guinea-Bissau
Hotel Gã-Djau is basic, but it's the smartest option. It's a 15-minute walk from the market (ask for directions there). The rooms have fans, but the…
Guinea
A dilapidated and, by the looks of things, half-closed place on the edge of town. Water comes by the bucket, there's a couple of hours of electricity and…
Guinea-Bissau
You can rent a breezy room at the fishing training centre around 200m north of the port. There is electricity, but the rooms do not have fans. Meals can…
Guinea-Bissau
This low-slung building near the entrance to town passes as Gabu's classiest option. Rooms are in stand-alone bungalows, and there's a pool that can get…
Guinea
If you like low prices and mildewed rooms with saggy beds then this place will pass muster. The biggest selling point is the open fire in the dining room …
Lagos
The best option for the money on the island, this family-run hotel is clean, friendly and well run. Given the deal, it fills up fast. Just make sure the…
Cabo Verde
At the leafy northern end of Platô, this guesthouse has seen better days, and its basic rooms are overpriced, but at least there's free wi-fi and the…
Liberia
Around 5km from town on the Ganta Hwy, this secure place offer above-average friendly service. The on-site restaurant cooks up Lebanese and African dishes…
Abidjan
This place has several types of room, including charming duplexes and cute apartments with miniature kitchens and balconies. There's also a small pool and…
Côte d'Ivoire
La Madrague taps into Grand Bassam's spirit with its smart, lovingly decorated rooms. There's local art on the walls and Ivoirian cloth swaddling the…
Côte d'Ivoire
Simple, clean and minimally furnished rooms in Taï town that are perfect for an overnight stay before you hit the park. There's air-con and en suite…
Mauritania
The main spring has been taken over by Auberge Oasis de Terjît, where a mattress in a tent by the trickling stream is on offer. A meal costs about UM1500.
Guinea-Bissau
Hardly a vision and just barely a sight for sore eyes, this hotel located in the northeastern part of town at least has large rooms with windows.
Côte d'Ivoire
Recently renovated, this place has lovely bungalows underneath a canopy of bougainvillea. The decor is simple and bright, and the pool is large.
Liberia
The Pastoral Center offers basic dorm beds at low prices – worth it if you are truly on a budget and need a secure place to rest your head.
Abidjan
Le Marly offers simple, plantation-style huts in a pretty garden setting. At the end of a short track just off Blvd de Marseille.
Côte d'Ivoire
Overlooking the waters and with simple and clean rooms, Le Canelle also has a decent restaurant on the beach.
Côte d'Ivoire
The centrally located Hôtel Leveneur has the dishevelled backpacker thing down to a T, though we suspect it's not deliberate.
Côte d'Ivoire
Located in the Balmer area of town, Les Jardins d'Ivoire has a pretty garden, a swimming pool and clean, smart rooms.
Mauritania
A traveller-friendly place at the entrance of the village. Breakfast (UM1000) and dinner (UM1500) are available.
Côte d'Ivoire
Hôtel le Pollet overlooks the Sassandra River. The rooms are simple and clean, and there's access to the beach.
Liberia
Basic rooms and a simple place to stay; makes a convenient base for jumping off to Mt Nimba. Book in advance.
Abidjan
A good, upmarket chain hotel. Plush rooms come equipped with wi-fi and everything you could possibly need.
Abidjan
The Novotel has smart rooms, four-star amenities and a large outdoor pool, all in the heart of Le Plateau.
Guinea-Bissau
Simultaneously scruffy and tacky, the most that can be said is that 1st-floor rooms have balcony spaces.
Lésio Louna Gorilla Reserve
This simple guesthouse by the Louna River has eight rooms accommodating a total of twelve people.
Guinea-Bissau
A basic hotel on the riverfront in Buba. Electricity is 24-hour and breakfast is available.
Guinea-Bissau
The most acceptable lodging in Buba; located next to the river at the eastern end of town.
Côte d'Ivoire
A good hotel in the centre of town, with simple and clean rooms and efficient service.
Mauritania
Rooms at Auberge Warane are a bit bunker-like but the place is friendly enough.
Auberge Tayib/Gamni – Auberge de l'Hotel de Ville
Oualâta
Built in the traditional style, this place has five bedrooms.
