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!