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FAQ

Guides

Anyone who travels knows that the quality of a journey also depends on the guide. Since its foundation, TransAfrica has invested in training highly qualified tour leaders with extensive logistical expertise and a deep understanding of West African cultures and traditions.

Every year we organize training programs at our offices in Lomé and Dakar to ensure the highest professional standards.

Italian-speaking guides are available on selected tours.

All members of our staff are certified in first aid, with qualifications renewed annually.

Most of the countries we visit require an entry visa. Below is an overview of the current visa requirements. Where a visa is required, please also check whether a single-entry or multiple-entry visa is needed for your itinerary.

  • Morocco: No visa required for many nationalities, including citizens of the European Union.
  • Mauritania: Visa required. It can be obtained at the border (approximately €80).
  • Senegal: No visa required for many nationalities, including citizens of the European Union, the United States and Canada. Other nationalities should check with their local embassy or consulate.
  • The Gambia: Visa requirements vary according to nationality. Some travelers do not require a visa, while others may obtain one on arrival or may need a Letter of Invitation.
  • Guinea-Bissau: Visa required. Available on arrival at the airport or at the Consulate in Ziguinchor (Senegal).
  • Guinea: Visa required. Available online at https://www.paf.gov.gn/visa/
  • Sierra Leone: Visa required. Available on arrival (approximately USD 100).
  • Liberia: Visa required. Issued by the relevant embassy.
  • Ivory Coast: Visa required. An online application is available at http://snedai.com/e-visa/. The e-Visa is valid only if entering through Abidjan International Airport. For all other border crossings, a visa issued by the embassy is required.
  • Ghana: Visa required. Issued only by the embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
  • Togo: Visa required. Available at the border and valid for seven days.
  • Benin: Visa required. Available online at https://evisa.gouv.bj/en/

Yellow Fever

A Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory in almost all the countries we visit.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a single Yellow Fever vaccination provides lifelong protection. Travelers must carry their International Certificate of Vaccination.

If vaccination is not possible for medical reasons or due to age, an official medical exemption certificate issued by your physician is required.

Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Please consult your doctor before departure.

We recommend practical, lightweight clothing such as cotton shirts, long and short trousers, and comfortable walking shoes. There is no strict dress code—common sense and respect for local customs are the best guidelines, just as they are anywhere in the world.

Standards of modesty vary from one culture to another. If your itinerary includes a royal ceremony with the Ashanti King in Ghana, we recommend wearing simple yet respectful attire.

For departures between November and December, please be prepared for cooler evenings in some regions due to significant temperature variations.

We recommend bringing:

  • Towel
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Personal first-aid kit and medications
  • Insect repellent
  • Wet wipes
  • High-protection sunscreen
  • Moisturizing cream
  • Lip balm

Useful extras include a multi-tool pocket knife and a small sewing kit.

The best travel season varies depending on the region, but generally the dry season—from October/November to April/May—offers the most favorable conditions.

July and August are also excellent months for traveling.

During December and January, the Harmattan, a dry wind blowing from the Sahara, brings cooler evenings and lower humidity.

International flights to and from our destinations are not included in the tour price unless otherwise specified.

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory.

Your policy should include:

  • Medical assistance
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Personal liability
  • Coverage for trip-related accidents and damages

We recommend choosing a policy that provides adequate coverage for your entire journey.
https://transafrica.biz/travel-insurance/

Twin rooms (two separate beds) are available in very limited numbers.

Please check availability with TransAfrica when booking, as in some destinations twin rooms may not be available at all.

It depends on where you travel, who you travel with, and how your journey is organized. West Africa is not inherently more dangerous than many other parts of the world. The key is choosing an experienced and reliable tour operator.

At TransAfrica, your safety is our highest priority. We work with trusted local partners and carefully plan every itinerary to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

West African people are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Visitors are usually welcomed with warmth and generosity. As in any destination, we recommend taking normal precautions, particularly in busy places such as local markets. Please keep an eye on your personal belongings and photographic equipment at all times. In the unlikely event of theft, it should be reported to the nearest police station.

Bottled mineral water is widely available throughout the countries we visit.

Absolutely. Throughout West Africa, it is easy to enjoy meals based on cereals, vegetables and fresh fruit.

Whenever possible, our cooks and local restaurants are happy to accommodate vegetarian diets. Please let us know about any dietary requirements before departure.

Credit cards are accepted only in a limited number of hotels, restaurants and shops.

We recommend carrying cash, as ATMs are available in most major cities for withdrawals when needed.

Yes.

Our tour leaders will assist you with currency exchange whenever necessary. We recommend bringing Euros, which are generally easier to exchange than US Dollars in many of the countries we visit.

Yes.

We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter suitable for the countries included in your itinerary.

Mobile phone coverage is available across almost all the countries we visit.

Local SIM cards can easily be purchased upon arrival, offering affordable calls and mobile data throughout your journey.

Many travelers feel the desire to help when they encounter poverty, especially when children ask for money. While this reaction is understandable, giving cash directly can sometimes do more harm than good.

Even a small amount of money may represent more than a family’s monthly income, potentially creating dependency or disrupting local social dynamics.

If you wish to support local communities, we encourage responsible forms of assistance. Our guides will be happy to advise you on the most appropriate ways to help.

Absolutely.

The traditional ceremonies and festivals included in our itineraries are genuine cultural events, not performances organized for tourists.

This has always been one of TransAfrica’s core values: offering travelers the opportunity to experience authentic traditions and establish meaningful connections with the local communities they visit.

Due to the adventurous nature of our expeditions, parts of the itinerary may occasionally be modified because of local circumstances, weather conditions, logistical requirements, or decisions made by our local staff.

Should any changes become necessary, our Tour Leader will always do their best to preserve the spirit and quality of the original itinerary while ensuring the best possible travel experience.

Any additional costs resulting from such changes remain the responsibility of the participants.

Tipping is widely appreciated throughout West Africa as a way of recognizing the professionalism and commitment of guides, drivers, and local staff.

Because our travelers come from many different countries and cultures, TransAfrica does not impose a fixed tipping policy.

If you would like guidance on appropriate amounts, our team will be happy to advise you before or during your trip.