West Africa is a fascinating destination with warm, welcoming people. Like any travel destination, it requires awareness and preparation. This guide provides essential safety tips to ensure your journey is both enjoyable and secure.
Health and Medical Safety
Required Vaccinations
Yellow Fever (MANDATORY)
Required for entry to all West African countries
Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel
Certificate valid for life
Keep certificate safe—you'll show it multiple times
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Meningitis (especially during dry season)
Rabies (if planning extensive outdoor activities)
COVID-19 (check current requirements)
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is present throughout West Africa. Take it seriously.
Prevention Strategies
Take prophylaxis (consult your doctor for best option)
Use mosquito repellent with DEET (30%+)
Sleep under treated mosquito nets
Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk/dawn
Use air conditioning or fans when possible
Common Antimalarials
Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil): Fewest side effects
Doxycycline: Affordable, can cause sun sensitivity
Mefloquine: Weekly dose, not for everyone
Food and Water Safety
Water
Drink only bottled or purified water
Check seal on bottles before drinking
Avoid ice in drinks unless at reputable establishments
Use bottled water for brushing teeth
Food
Eat freshly cooked, hot food
Avoid raw vegetables and salads unless at trusted restaurants
Peel fruits yourself
Street food is generally safe if cooked fresh and hot
Avoid seafood far from the coast
Medical Kit Essentials
Pack these items:
Prescription medications (in original containers)
Antimalarials
Diarrhea medication (Imodium, rehydration salts)
Pain relievers
Antihistamines
Antiseptic wipes and bandages
Sunscreen and after-sun care
Insect bite cream
Thermometer
Personal Security
General Safety Tips
Stay Aware
Keep valuables out of sight
Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash
Be cautious in crowded areas (markets, transport hubs)
Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, leave
Money Safety
Don't flash large amounts of cash
Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers
Carry a decoy wallet with small amounts
Keep emergency cash hidden separately
Use money belts for large amounts
Transportation Safety
Taxis
Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps where available
Agree on fare before starting journey
Don't share taxis with strangers at night
Note taxi details if traveling alone
Public Transport
Keep bags secure and in sight
Avoid overnight buses when possible
Book with reputable companies
Keep valuables in daypack, not overhead
Driving
Drive during daylight hours
Avoid remote areas without local guidance
Keep doors locked and windows up in cities
Don't stop in isolated areas
Accommodation Security
Hotel Safety
Use reputable, reviewed accommodations
Request rooms above ground floor
Use all locks available
Don't open door to unexpected visitors
Know emergency exits
Regional Considerations
Areas to Approach with Caution
Nigeria
Avoid northeastern states (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa)
Exercise caution in Niger Delta region
Lagos and major cities are generally safe with normal precautions
Benin, Togo, Ghana
Generally safe for tourists
Standard precautions apply
Avoid isolated beaches at night
Safe Zones
Tourist areas in all countries are generally well-patrolled and safe:
Cape Coast and Accra in Ghana
Ouidah and Cotonou in Benin
Lomé in Togo
Lagos Island and Victoria Island in Nigeria
Scams to Avoid
Common Scams
Currency Exchange
Use official forex bureaus
Count money carefully before leaving
Avoid street money changers
Fake Police
Real police rarely demand money
Ask for badge numbers
Go to police station if in doubt
Overcharging
Research typical prices beforehand
Always negotiate before purchase/service
Get recommendations from hotels
"Helpful" Strangers
Be cautious of unsolicited help
Don't follow strangers to "better" shops
Stick to planned itineraries
Emergency Preparedness
Important Numbers
Save these contacts:
Your country's embassy in each nation
Local emergency services
Tour operator emergency line
Travel insurance helpline
Hotel contact numbers
Embassy Locations
Keep addresses of your embassy in each country
Register with your embassy's travel notification system
Know location of nearest medical facilities
Insurance
Essential Coverage
Medical treatment and evacuation
Trip cancellation
Lost/stolen belongings
Emergency repatriation
Carry printed and digital copies of your policy.
Cultural Safety
Respectful Behavior
Photography
Always ask before photographing people
Never photograph military installations
Be sensitive at religious sites
Some locals may request payment for photos
Dress Code
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas
Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites
Respect local customs
Religious Sites
Remove shoes when required
Follow local guidelines
Don't interrupt ceremonies
Women Travelers
Additional Considerations
Dress conservatively
Avoid walking alone at night
Be firm but polite with unwanted attention
Connect with other travelers
Book reputable accommodations
Consider female tour guides when available
Digital Safety
Cyber Security
Use VPN on public WiFi
Avoid online banking on shared computers
Keep devices password-protected
Back up important documents to cloud
Be cautious of WiFi network names
Emergency Evacuation Planning
Know Your Options
Keep emergency fund accessible
Know location of international airports
Have travel insurance with evacuation coverage
Keep embassy number readily available
Maintain charged phone and power bank
Final Safety Checklist
Before You Go:
[ ] Vaccinations complete
[ ] Travel insurance purchased
[ ] Embassy registration done
[ ] Emergency contacts saved
[ ] Copies of documents made
[ ] Medical kit packed
[ ] Trusted contacts informed of itinerary
Stay safe and enjoy your West African adventure with Evans Tours!
