So, you’re thinking about travelling in West Africa and wondering, “is it safe?” With information on the region often limited, and a lot of its countries obscure, “is travelling in West Africa safe?” will be one of the first questions you’re likely to ask. With any news that does come out of the region usually being negative, many people are concerned. Having spent four months travelling from Morocco to Ghana along the West African coast with my wife in 2024, we can confidently say: Yes, travelling in West Africa is safe. In this post, we share our experience exploring the region – and what you can really expect.
Driving
During our four months in West Africa, the biggest safety concern was driving. Buses and public transport vehicles tend to be in a run-down state, often without seatbelts. Roads are busy with traffic, cows, pedestrians and street vendors selling all sorts of things.
That said, the condition of the roads is generally pretty average, which means speeding isn’t common possible in most cities – something that works in your favour. However, local driving habits are erratic, so be aware of this if you’re planning to drive.
The safest way to travel is during daylight hours, when visibility is good and drivers can see the road clearly. Night travel is best avoided.
So, is travelling in West Africa safe? Absolutely — and you can increase your safety by taking precautions and staying aware of your surroundings.
Police
There are police checkpoints along most major roads, and around cities and towns throughout West Africa, you’ll see plenty of police around the place. In our experience, they were always friendly and helpful – they are there to keep things safe.
Border crossings and airports can get a little busy and overwhelming at times, but there’s always plenty of security and police around to help manage the process. As long as you stay calm, follow instructions, and show respect, you won’t have any problems. Like anywhere else on the planet, police and security personnel appreciate respect. During our adventure, they would stop us for a friendly chat, a photo, or even to exchange phone numbers. More often than not, they were warm, welcoming, and genuinely curious about our travels.
So, is travelling in West Africa safe? Absolutely — with a little awareness and respect for local rules, you’ll find the people and authorities are there to help make your journey secure and enjoyable.
Attitude
My wife and I travelled all through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal and The Gambia in a car, without any problems at all. At no stage did we feel unsafe. Out of our comfort zone, yes, but unsafe? Never.
In Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Ghana we used public transport, again with no problems at all. There are plenty of checkpoints along the roads. If you’re driving, you’ll usually be asked where you’re going and where you are from. A couple of times we were asked for our passports; other times, we were simply waved through. We found that approaching these stops with a positive and friendly attitude worked really well. Smiling is infectious – complaining about being stopped or being rude won’t do you any favours.
So, is travelling in West Africa safe? Yes — having a friendly, respectful attitude goes a long way toward keeping your journey smooth.
In general, we also found that people in West Africa prefer not to have their photo taken without permission. To avoid any misunderstandings, always ask first and respect the wishes of the locals. Similarly, monuments, political buildings, and military compounds are typically areas where photography is restricted — always ask first.
In our experience, West African people are some of the kindest we have met in thirty years of travel.
Late nights
Obviously, like any destination in the world, if you want to find trouble, it’s not too hard. Cities like New York, Paris, or Sydney carry added risks late at night or in the early hours of the morning — and West Africa is no different. Avoiding being out during these hours is the first step to staying safe.
One of the main differences in West Africa is that they are not big drinkers. Nightclubs and late night bars are mostly places where locals go to dance and socialize, with drunken behavior being rare. Some countries do have issues with drug use, like everywhere else, but these are usually confined to specific neighborhoods that are easy enough to avoid.
Spending time in the same area allows you to get a feel for it, and you will become familiar with the community, the stall holders and street vendors. Connect with locals – they genuinely want you to feel safe and welcome. Over time, you’ll develop a sense of how comfortable you feel in different areas.
So, is travelling in West Africa safe? Yes – if you immerse yourself in local life and approach your journey with awareness and respect.
Busy Places
West African cities are full of people, with local markets and bus stations always among the busiest places. It’s a good idea to keep your valuables secure in these areas and carry small notes for shopping. Never pull out all of your money or wave around flash jewelry – standing out is something you want to avoid.
Hustler’s are common around markets and bus stations. They may approach you offering assistance and asking you to go with them, often with the goal of selling something or requesting a donation. Some will share personal stories about their struggles. It’s best not to follow them. We found that a simple hello, genuine acknowledgement, and then politely declining if you’re not interested works well. There’s no need to be rude or harsh – a little kindness and respect can make the interaction smoother for everyone.
You’ll see plenty people who are hungry and homeless, or in a difficult situation. Handing out money isn’t the best idea. We found that giving fruit and water purchased from the market was appreciated, helpful, and safe.
So, is travelling in West Africa safe? Yes — when you stay aware, trust your instincts, and treat people with kindness and respect along the way.
Travel Insurance
As with any trip, travel insurance is important. There are plenty of policies that cover all West African nations, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding one that suits your needs and budget. Most travel insurance agencies base their coverage on government travel advice. If your home government puts a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning for a specific country, it can be more difficult – but not impossible – to get insurance.
Currently, there are no countries in West Africa under a “Do Not Travel” advisory. Certain regions, such as the eastern Sahel area in Mauritania, can only be visited in a group, but the main areas of the country are generally safe to travel.
And really, the only problem you’re likely to face in many parts of West Africa? A sore arm from waving to everyone!
Final thoughts on travelling in West Africa and safety
“Is travelling in West Africa safe?” Yes – it is safer than it’s ever been. Today, the region is peaceful and rewarding, and none of the countries are classified as ‘Do Not Travel’ zones. Acts of violent crime are low – much lower than mainstream destinations around the world. While political situations can change quickly, and there have been a few coup attempts in recent years, travellers and foreigners are not the target. The people are friendly, most countries welcome visitors, and travel here doesn’t need to feel scary or dangerous. It can be incredibly rewarding and interesting. With the same sensible precautions you’d take anywhere else in the world, you will have a memorable adventure.
After spending four months in the region with my wife, we found that much of the media coverage and common perceptions about these countries are misconceptions. People are afraid of what they don’t know. In our experience, West African people are some of the kindest we have met in thirty years of travel. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Life and travel here are not always easy – but that’s part of the attraction and the adventure.
So, is travelling in West Africa safe? Yes – if you use your common sense, remain respectful and friendly, and immerse yourself in local life. Travel is what you want it to be. Travel is what you make it.