Senegal and Ghana are two of the easiest and most rewarding places to start exploring West Africa. Both are politically stable by regional standards, have well-developed tourism and offer strong music, food and history. The sights below are the ones most visitors put at the top of their list.
Senegal
Dakar. Senegal’s capital sits on a peninsula on the Atlantic coast. The African Renaissance Monument, a huge bronze statue on a hill, gives city views. The Museum of Black Civilisations, which opened in 2018, covers African history and art, and the IFAN museum has a wide collection of masks and traditional objects. For markets, try Soumbédioune for crafts and the evening fish catch, and Marché Kermel for produce. Dakar’s music scene is a major draw: mbalax, the Senegalese pop style made famous by Youssou N’Dour, is performed in clubs around the city, usually late at night. Allow two or three days.
Gorée Island. A 20-minute ferry from Dakar’s port takes you to this small car-free island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The pastel-colored colonial houses, cobbled lanes and artists’ studios make it a pleasant day trip. Gorée is associated with the Atlantic slave trade, and the House of Slaves is its best-known site, though historians debate how many people were shipped from Gorée compared with other ports. It remains a place for reflection and for learning about the broader history of the trade. Go early to avoid the midday heat and the largest groups. Official guides carry badges, so use them for explanations.
Beyond Dakar. If you have extra time, Saint-Louis, a former colonial capital about four hours north, has a UNESCO-listed island center and a jazz festival. Lac Rose (Lake Retba) is known for its pink water and is a half-day trip from Dakar. The Saloum Delta has mangroves, birdlife and boat trips.
Ghana
Accra. Ghana’s capital is lively and spread out. Visit the National Museum for background, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum, and the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre. Makola Market is the city’s busiest marketplace, with fabrics, spices and everyday goods. Jamestown, the old fishing district, has a lighthouse, street art and boxing gyms. In the evenings, highlife and Afrobeats venues and rooftop bars are the best way to see the city’s energy. Beaches such as Labadi and Bojo are popular, but choose swimming spots carefully because of currents.
Cape Coast and Elmina. Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, were used in the Atlantic slave trade and are among the most important heritage sites in West Africa. Guided tours show the dungeons, the “Door of No Return” and the history of the European trading companies. They are emotional visits, so allow time to absorb them, and avoid scheduling too much else on the same day. Elmina also has a working fishing harbor with colorful boats. About 30 km inland, Kakum National Park has a canopy walkway, which is best visited in the morning.
Two compact routes
Senegal core (5–7 days). Spend 3 nights in Dakar, with a day trip to Gorée. Add 1–2 nights at the coast near Saly or the Saloum Delta, or travel north to Saint-Louis if you prefer a historic town. Senegal is small, but roads can be slow, so choose either north or south rather than both on a short trip.
Ghana core (5–7 days). Spend 2 nights in Accra, then take a bus or private car to Cape Coast, about 3 to 4 hours away depending on traffic. Stay 2 nights in Cape Coast or Elmina, visit both castles and Kakum, then return to Accra. If you have an extra day or two, add Akosombo and the Volta region, or fly north to Mole National Park for elephants.
The two countries are around a five-hour flight apart, so for a short trip choose one.
Practical advice
- Travel in daylight. Do your long transfers during the day, and use pre-booked or recommended drivers. Use ride-hailing apps in Accra and Dakar where available.
- Use official guides. At Gorée and the castles, official guides give you reliable background and help avoid pushy touts. Ask for the rate in advance.
- Dress and behavior. Dress modestly in religious and rural areas, and always ask before photographing people.
- Vaccinations. Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination, and malaria prevention is advised for both countries. Check entry requirements, because Ghana requires a visa for many travelers.
- Money. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is needed for markets, taxis and small shops. ATMs are common in cities, but not always reliable.
- Season. The dry season, from November to April, is the most comfortable time.
The short version
If you have a week, choose Senegal or Ghana, not both. Dakar and Gorée are best for music, markets and an introduction to French-speaking West Africa. Accra and the Cape Coast castles are best for beaches, heritage and English-speaking ease.
For timing and more routes, read our best-time guide, the top destinations guide and the Africa travel guide.