Ahh, the holidays – that enchanted season when our hearts ache for exploration and our restlessness peaks! Humans are built to seek out novel faces and locations to escape the monotony of daily life. Our lives are made more interesting by the excitement of discovery.
As the holiday season approaches, we’ve compiled a list of places that will greet you warmly and provide breathtaking scenery to add extra shine to your vacation. These locations are ideal for making priceless memories, whether you’re a joyful family, a lone traveller, or a couple in love. Get ready for an unforgettable vacation adventure!
Senegal
Senegal holds some of the most valuable sights in African history. From the African Rennaisance Monument (which is the tallest statue in Africa) to the House of Slaves (a museum dedicated to the history of slavery in Africa), Senegal has a rich history and culture. This country also possesses enthralling sights of nature and religiously driven man-made wonders like the Great Mosque of Touba and the Mosque of Divinity.
According to travel creator and digital nomad Omotoke Alarinka, Senegal is the most beautiful location she has visited, and we must agree. To have a fulfilling experience in this beautiful destination this holiday, she has created a detailed itinerary of activities perfect for a day’s stay in Senegal.
Day 1
Dakar City Walk
- Explore the Renaissance and the mini-mosque
- Visit Mosque Divine
- Take a cab to downtown Dakar to take a boat to Goree Island
- Explore the Slave trade port
- City Walk of Goree
- Swim at the beach.
Day 2
Explore the ‘Not-so-Pink’ Lake
- Take a camel ride
- Quad biking
- Return to Dakar
Day 3
Travel To Saint Louis
- Explore the historical city
- Visit the Musee de la Photographer
- Spend a night at Veuve de la Maison
- Enjoy the serenity of nightlife in Saint Louis
Day 4
Fathala Reserve
- Early Morning Ride to Fathala Reserve for the 1:30 Pm ’Lion Walk’
- Explore the reserve
- Retire to Saly
Day 5
Saly
- Explore Saly in the early hour
- Enjoy the beach
- Return to Dakar
- Take the night train to downtown Dakar
- Nightlife at a local bar for the experience.
Day 6
Goodbye, Senegal.
Guinea
The Republic of Guinea is one of the most beautiful destinations along the coast of West Africa and one of the least explored destinations in Africa. The Republic of Guinea and Guinea Bissau are homonymous, and it is easy to confuse them both. Often referred to as Guinua Conakry, the essence of this destination’s waterfalls, mountains, and skylines cannot be fully captured with words. Its true magic can only be seen with one’s eyes.
To fully immerse yourself in the Guinea Conakry experience, use this travel itinerary to visit these five places, according to Omotoke’s Instagram feed.
Day 1: Arrival in Conakry
- Arrive at Conakry International Airport.
- Transfer to your accommodation.
- Rest and recover from your journey.
Day 2: Explore Conakry
- Visit the Central Mosque.
- Explore the local markets.
- Take a stroll along the Conakry waterfront.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Île de Los
- Take a boat to Île de Los.
- Explore the historical sites on the island.
- Relax on the beaches.
- Return to Conakry in the evening.
Day 4: Kassa Islands
- Take a boat to the Kassa Islands.
- Enjoy the pristine beaches and relax.
- Engage in water activities.
- Return to Conakry in the evening.
Day 5: Travel to Pita
- Depart for Pita, where Kambadaga Waterfall is located.
- Enjoy the scenic drive.
- Arrive in Pita and check into your accommodation.
Day 6: Kambadaga Waterfall
- Visit Kambadaga Waterfall and explore the surroundings.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch.
- Return to Pita for the night.
Day 7: Saala Waterfall and Departure
- Travel to Labé to visit Saala Waterfall.
- Explore the waterfall and its surroundings.
- Return to Conakry for your departure or overnight stay.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso doesn’t have fancy beaches because it is a landlocked area. However, that doesn’t detract from the fascinating natural sights like the Karfiguela Waterfalls and the Sacred Hippos of Tengrela Lake. To get a unique experience in this country, you need to have a local by your side. Don’t be shy about indulging in local cuisine and getting acquainted with people in the area during your trip. For a structured activity list, check out our travel itinerary for a fun visit to Burkina Faso.
Day 1: Arrival in Ouagadougou
- Arrive at Ouagadougou International Airport.
- Transfer to your accommodation.
- Rest and recover from your journey.
Day 2: Explore Ouagadougou
- Visit the National Museum of Burkina Faso.
- Explore the Moro-Naba Palace.
- Discover the Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou.
- Experience local cuisine for dinner.
Day 3: Bobo-Dioulasso
- Travel to Bobo-Dioulasso (about a 6-hour drive or a short flight).
- Visit the Bobo-Dioulasso Grand Mosque.
- Explore the Old Town and its traditional mud-brick architecture.
Day 4: Banfora
- Head to Banfora.
- Visit the Karfiguéla Waterfalls and the Dômes de Fabedougou.
- Take a boat tour of Tengrela Lake to see the sacred hippos.
Day 5: Sindou Peaks
- Explore the Sindou Peaks, a unique geological formation.
- Visit the nearby villages.
- Return to Banfora for the night.
Day 6: Nazinga Game Ranch
- Travel to Nazinga Game Ranch for a safari experience.
- Explore the wildlife and enjoy a guided tour.
- Return to Ouagadougou in the evening.
Day 7: Departure
- Depending on your departure time, explore any remaining attractions in Ouagadougou.
- Depart from Ouagadougou International Airport.
Sierra Leone
If you’re looking for a home away from home, Sierra Leone is your dream destination. Despite a history of war and slavery, Sierra Leone now boasts a vibrant nightlife, highlighting positive progress for the nation. With its beaches, wildlife, and historical sights, you are guaranteed an experience of a lifetime.
A complete experience is not possible without a good travel itinerary. Here’s a seven-day itinerary you can use to explore Sierra Leone fully
Day 1: Arrival in Freetown
- Arrive at Lungi International Airport.
- Transfer to your accommodation in Freetown.
- Relax and recover from your journey.
Day 2: Explore Freetown
- Visit the Cotton Tree, a historic landmark.
- Explore the National Museum.
- Relax on Lumley Beach.
- Enjoy local cuisine at a Freetown restaurant.
Day 3: Bunce Island Tour
- Take a boat to Bunce Island, known for its historical significance.
- Explore the ruins and learn about the island’s role in the slave trade.
- Return to Freetown in the evening.
Day 4: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
- Learn about chimpanzee conservation efforts.
- Return to Freetown for the night.
Day 5: Outamba-Kilimi National Park
- Fly or drive to Makeni.
- Transfer to Outamba-Kilimi National Park.
- Enjoy a safari experience and observe wildlife.
- Overnight at a lodge in the park
Day 6: Bureh Beach and Banana Islands
- Head to Bureh Beach for a relaxing day.
- In the afternoon, take a boat to the Banana Islands.
- Explore the historical sites and enjoy the beach.
Day 7: Departure
- Return to Freetown.
- If time allows, visit the bustling markets for souvenirs.
- Depart from Lungi International Airport.
When exploring these charming, lesser-known destinations this holiday season, take the time to get to know the locals. They’ll be your best companions, offering guidance through the streets, uncovering delicious food spots, and revealing hidden gems for sightseeing. So, as you embark on this holiday journey, let the warmth of local hospitality enhance your experience, creating enduring memories. Let us know if you plan to explore any of these locations in West Africa this holiday season. Happy holidays!
