Backpacking Across 15 countries in W. Africa.

I was thinking of rather going from one capital to the other. This's what I have in mind.

Accra - Abidjan - Monrovia - Freetown - Conakry - Bissau - Banjul - Dakar - Cape Verde - Dakar - Bamako - Oughadougou - Niamey - Lagos -Cotonou - Lome - Finally back to Accra

If you want to go from one capital to another, you should change Abidjan for Yamoussoukro, Lagos for Abuja and Cotonou for Porto-Novo. BTW, the capital city of Cape Verde is Praia.

I don't mind how long its going to take, I just want to be able to get across all the countries. I am not really into seeing interesting places. I just want to be hopping from one bus to the other heading to these cities.

In that case, your route is as good as any other one. Geographically, it makes sense so if you only want to go across those countries go for it. However, in my opinion, it would be a better idea to proper visit some of those countries enjoying them and their interesting places.

Should be a great trip but some of the route is difficult in the rains, will make you realise how far Ghana has progressed!

Kira

There are flights to Cap Verde from Dakar, not sure about Banjul though, never been there - on my list of 'to-do's' to see the outlying part of W.Africa!!!

Somewhere in the back of my mind there is a ferry service to Cap Verde - not sure but something is making me think there is ... might be worth looking into!

Kira

Thanks a lot guys.

Kira, I suppose you have traveled across W. Africa. Do you have any info as to how to get to the Cape Verde Islands from Dakar? Do you recommend I go from Dakar or Banjul? I am not sure.

Dakar is the best departure point to Cape Verde from mainland West Africa. Senegal Airlines and TACV have non-stop flights from Dakar to Praia (and I guess that they will be the cheapest option).

The only alternative is Bissau but all the direct flights from Bissau to Praia make a stopover in Dakar (the flight is direct because it keeps the same code and theoretically you don't have to change planes in Dakar). Senegal Airlines and TACV covers the route between Bissau and Praia with a stopover in Dakar.

From Banjul, you'll have to fly with Senegal Airlines, you'll have to change planes in Dakar and the transit time in Dakar seems too long so not a good option; I think.

IF Senegal Airlines are still flying when the OP wants to go!

TACV aren't bad though!

Kira

That's an awesome itinerary...wish I had the time to do it. I'll be traveling to Ghana, Togo & Benin this November. Good luck!

Thanks Sayohat.

How long are you staying in each country?

Approximately 1 week each since I only have 3 weeks (probably a few more days in Benin and a few less in Togo). That's not how I'd prefer to travel but I'll take what I can. But first I have to get my Ghana visa!