West Africa is a region of immense geographical and cultural diversity. From the Saharan sand dunes to dense unexplored rainforests to bustling pulsating cities, this side of Africa has an energy and beauty like no other. Strong tribal identities with literally hundreds of local languages and dialects, plus french, endure today. Ancient ceremonies with bewildering masks, colourful costumes and energetic dances are still performed. West Africa is also a musical hothouse with a powerful drum beat the engine of many different local musical traditions from Senegal’s mbalax, the home grown hip-hop of Mali, Ghana’s highlife to Nigeria’s fuji and juju. While West Africa is not as well know for its wildlife as East Africa is, it is still possible to see a vast array of animals, from teaming bird and water life, monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas and even elephants amongst many unique animals to the region. Travel in West Africa can sometimes be challenging with often little infrastructure, dodgy roads and basic accommodation. However the rewards of travel in this region is true adventure that is getting so much more difficult to find elsewhere