Lonely Planet West Africa

"I tore apart my book before the trip because I was planning to visit only Togo and Ghana. I have the complete portions of all the West Africa countries except Togo. They include Ghana, Mali, Libya, Chad, Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Liberia, etc. Great book if you are visiting any of the west Africa countries."

If you decide to pick up this guide, please be sure to print our Vintage Microwave West African Travel Supplement, created with the help of the U.S. Department of State. It's not only full of important information, it can also be used to create fun games for the kids while waiting for your flight at Mali's Bamako Airport. Games like: (1) count the number of times the word "avoid'"appears; (2) which sounds more dangerous - Chad or Algeria?; (3) which is a greater threat - the drunk drivers of Cameroon, or the kidnappers of Nigeria?; (4) a Benin madlib - "the beaches are so _[adverb]__ dangerous because of all the __[adjective]__ __[plural noun]__."

But mostly, use it to remind yourself why you are not going to take that trip you planned.

Ghana

Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political rallies and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.

Mali

The U.S. Embassy in Bamako strongly advises American citizens to avoid traveling to the northern regions of Mali, including the areas north of Timbuktu.

Libya

Any American citizen who decides to travel to Libya should maintain a strong security posture by being aware of surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, and varying times and routes for all required travel.

Chad

March travel warning: American citizens should defer all travel to Chad due to the unstable security situation throughout the country. Americans in Chad are advised to avoid all travel after dark and exercise caution at all other times; bearing in mind the political situation remains fluid and potentially dangerous.

Algeria

U.S. citizens should avoid overland travel in Algeria without security escort, including tourist excursions in the Sahara. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to evaluate carefully the risks posed to their personal safety. Small-scale terrorist attacks including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur regularly.

Nigeria

American citizens should defer all but essential travel to Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states because of the very high risk of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas.

Cameroon

Embassy employees have been instructed to refrain from travel outside of city limits after dusk, and to monitor their movements in centrally located areas within cities and towns. Private American citizens are urged to follow the same guidelines and are strongly advised against nighttime travel. Armed highway bandits (most notably in border areas); poorly lit roads; hazardous, poorly maintained vehicles; and unskilled, aggressive and/or intoxicated drivers pose a threat to motorists.

Benin

U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. U.S. citizens should not walk on the beach, at any time of day, alone.

Liberia

U.S. citizens in Liberia should be aware of their surroundings at all times and use caution when moving around, especially at night.

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That all sounds fun, doesn't it? Travel!!

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