Ghana
So-called "Africa for Beginners"—West Africa's richest, most-English speaking country, with highly varied landscapes, a few off-the-beaten-path beach getaways, and the solemn, imposing slave castles of the coast west of Accra.
Gambia
Tiny coastal nation popular with European beach package tourists and birdwatchers.
Côte d'Ivoire
Formerly something of a jewel in the West African crown, this nation has taken huge steps backwards due to recent political driven conflict.
Cape Verde
Tiny Atlantic Island group off the coast of Senegal with wonderful beaches.
Burkina Faso
Landlocked country that is very off the beaten path for visitors.
Benin
A safe and relatively easy country for travelers to visit, birthplace of the Voodoo religion and former home of the Kingdom of Dahomey.
Sudan
One of the largest countries in Africa and home to one of the continent's oldest continuous major civilizations; sadly, very prone to conflict in recent years
Niger
Similar in nature to neighboring Mali and perhaps the most popular Sahelian country with travelers
Mauritania
Interest for the traveller here is primarily centred on the Saharan dune regions
Mali
A country with a remarkable history and heritage; home to the ancient trade capitals and seats of learning of Djenné and Timbuktu