Solo female to West Africa (Ghana, Benin, Togo, Nigeria)

Hello, thank you in advance for reading.

I will be travelling through Togo to Ghana, and later from Lagos to Benin, in January. For context, I am a solo caucasian female traveller with extensive experience in the Middle East / Western Asia (Pakistan/Indian/Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan/Turkey/Iraq) and northern Africa, but haven't yet been to West Africa. I am planning to cross borders during my visit (Togo/Ghana and Nigeria/Benin). I have contacts there but am hoping for input on the level of safety I should approach these countries with. Should I arrange for a car upon my arrival or is a taxi ok? Am I safe (other than Malaria risk) to walk around at night alone? I don't have K&R insurance, and it was mentioned to me by a resident, but I remain unconvinced it is necessary.

If anyone could opine on this, I'd be very grateful. I do not speak French. I am American but often say Canadian to avoid politicisation. Thank you kindly!

As it will not be your first trip, if you use your common sense, everything should be fine. Be careful at night but travel there is not really "dangerous".

Michel

Walking around alone at night is not always advisable.
What means "should I arrange a car upon my arrival or is a taxi ok" ?

Michel

Of the places you mention, the only one I've been to is Lagos. I'm a guy, and I had extensive West African experience when I visited the city. I walked around alone at night, but only close to my hotel, and never anywhere empty or unlit. Basic common sense for big African cities. Some other places in Nigeria are more relaxed, but Lagos is crazy. Not a good introduction to Africa....

I (female) arrange a hotel pick up if I am arriving after dark, but happily take a taxi from the airport in daylight. Just don’t let any ‘friend’ of the driver get into the car with you.

If I am on my own, I would not wander around at night, particularly in large towns or cities. I also like to use a taxi recommended by my hotel in the evenings - even the cheaper places often have a couple of regular guys who can be trusted.

I don’t know what K&R insurance is, but you should certainly get good health insurance. I never bother about insuring my belongings (and don’t take anything I really wouldn’t want to lose) but if I get sick I want my insurance to cover me being flown home if necessary.

I’ve just looked up K&R insurance - it’s highly unlikely you will need cover for kidnapping if you are visiting west Africa as a tourist.

Thanks this is very helpful. I will be sure to be vigilant at night. When I do take taxis especially from airports, I conspicuously take a photo of the license plate and send it and usually the act of doing so is enough to scare a driver who might have less than kind intentions.

If you arrive by air, it's always possible to arrange a taxi through your accommodation. They know him and they have "always" a driver who has the habit to work with them. It's not an unknown driver.

Michel

It can be also a member of the staff.

Michel

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