31 days in Africa Itinerary

Ghana features a diverse economy, a strong and sturdy democratic tradition, and many of the natural and cultural highlights for which the continent has become known. National parks represent some of the main attractions in Ghana, with a diverse array of wildlife to be seen, including lions, monkeys, elephants, and birds. Forts dating back to the slave era act as focal points for explorations of the coast and help to connect the country to important points in global history.

Long, thin Togo makes the most of its shape, possessing an array of seemingly handpicked environments. White-sand beaches on the Atlantic coast act as the base for some of the most restful trips in the region, while the sparsely populated north of the country boasts towering mountains and a set of interesting cultural and historic sites, highlights of trips to Togo. The capital city sits beachside and offers the best partying in the country, as well as a number of religious and ethnic festivals throughout the year, celebrating the diverse cultures of the region's population.

With a distinctive culture and a history of global importance, Benin offers plenty of appeal outside its renowned national parks in the north of the country. The Atlantic coast in the south boasts many of the main cultural attractions in Benin, including ruins of old kingdoms, historical sites related to the slave trade, and Voodoo markets and places of worship and ritual. The road network and burgeoning eco-tourism industry allow visitors to create Benin itineraries that include both the cultural coast and the rugged wilderness of the interior.

Landlocked Burkina Faso offers a welcoming atmosphere, varied landscape, and rich cultural heritage. One of the poorest countries in the world, the country features largely undeveloped towns boasting lively music scenes and interesting markets filled with stalls selling handcrafted goods. Tourism in Burkina Faso remains a struggling industry, and with a largely undeveloped infrastructure, most travelers stick to the big cities and arrange short day trips into the wilder areas. The natural areas of the country remain known more for their topography than wildlife, with grassy sloping hills, Precambrian massifs, and rugged sandstone peaks dominating the terrain.