Having traveled this route through West Africa, I am lucky enough to have visited all eleven countries on the coast from Dakar to Lagos.

Using my Top 10 destinations in South East Asia as a template, I will using the following criteria.

These places/countries are judged on:

•   - Natural beauty / Historical wonders
• – Unique Experiences offered
•  - The Chill-out Factor (Off the beaten track, smoke etc.)
• – The Craic! (Irish term meaning fun or entertainment)
•  - The Girls  (the real X factor)

 

So here they are…

Naughty Nomad’s

TOP 10 Spots in West Africa!

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10. Cap Skirring, Senegal

In a word: Moo.

  I’ts got an alright beach with lazy cows.

 Meeting random cows on the road and the Beach. Enjoying fresh fish by the sea where you effectively rent the whole restaurant. The atmosphere is enhanced when the owners come out with the Djembe drums.

Many hotels have pools and you’re not far from the beach. Smoke is easily available, albeit overpriced considering the area is touristy by WA standards.

Night time options are limited but the two or three venues open late are really good fun.

 A decent gaggle of friendly girls around at night. Most speak French.

Bottom Line: The best that Senegal has to offer, but that’s ain’t saying much.

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9. Senegambia, The Gambia

In a word: Simple.

  I’ts got a pretty good beach and a laid back village feel.

 Checking out all the old grannies getting stuck in the young local guys… Hilarious.

Hammocks, beach, weed everywhere – not a bad spot for chilling.

Good Restaurants and wild nightlife (but only one or two options). Check out my Gambian Coast guide for info.

 Party most nights with a good few girls about at night. They come from all over the region and nearly all speak English.

Bottom Line: Better than Senegal, but local guys can be pretty bothersome.

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8. Labadi Beach, Ghana

In a word: Slick.

  Beach and babes, that’s enough.

 Smoke Sheesha and check out a beach concert.

There’s lots of people around but your still by the beach drinking, it’s hard not to relax.

Plenty of people having fun partying. After sundown it sedates but during this is probably the best spot for partying during the day in WA.

 Loads of sexy chicks from all parts of the world strutting around in bikinis. This is the best place in Ghana to pick up.

Bottom Line: Wicked hang-out. I’d score it higher if wasn’t surrounded by crappy Accra.

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7. Lake Aheme, Benin

In a word: Juju.

  Quiet lake with beautiful sandy shores.

 The eco-tours there are excellent. You will learn traditional fishing methods and you learn all about voodoo. If you’re really lucky (as we were), you get to witness a voodoo sacrafice.

A 5 star set up with no tourists. Smoke available. Grab a beer lakeside and enjoy. The lake is the perfect getaway from the capital Cotonou.

Not much going on, but at weekend’s there is a local disco.

 A lot women walk around topless, but are conservative in every other respect. Wasn’t there on the weekend but I’d imagine you’d try to be sold someone’s cousin. Not a place to pick up chicks.

Bottom Line: For me, West Africa’s ultimate chill out spot.

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6. Togo (in general)

In a word: Pleasent.

  Between Lome’s pristine sands and butterfly walks in Kpalimé’s beautiful forests, Togo ranks high for natural beauty.

 Learn about coffee & coca plantations on a guided tour exploring the area around beautiful Kpalimé. The guides are great too.

Lomé is West Africa’s most chilled capital. Kpalimé got some nice waterfalls if you willing to trek to see them.

Lome has a laid back vibe but it hosts West’s Africa’s biggest nightclub! Check out the Lomé city guide to get a better feel for the nightlife.

 A few nationalities about. Not the easiest place to pick up but still very doable. VIP Privé club has some fine women.

Bottom Line: A breath of fresh air on the road from Accra to Lagos.

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5. Monrovia, Liberia

In a word: Threesome?

  Not great as beach isn’t up to much and apparently quite dangerous.

 Having girls call to your door late at night for threesomes. Before they rob you that is…

City isn’t so hectic. Roof toop bars are the best places for unwinding.

Liberia by night is truly an adventure. Check out my Monrovia City Guide for more info.

 Girls in Liberia love to f**k. I never had to refuse so much sex in my life as I did here. The only problem is knowing who to trust. But dam, Liberian girls are a little addictive. Hence the high ranking.

Bottom Line: West Africa’s most off the beaten track country is well worth it.
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4. Lagos, Nigeria

In a word: Chaos.

  Nada. Although Victoria Island has some nice parts.

 Some the world’s worst traffic and daily dealings with bribery and corruption.

There’s weed around, but not much places to chill.

The craic in Lagos in unrivaled. The place is exhilarating. Probably the wildest nightlife in West Africa. Plenty of options with cheap beer and live music.

 Arguably the best looking (and friendliest) girls in Africa. You’ll understand if you read my Lagos City Guide.

Bottom Line: You haven’t been to Africa if you haven’t been to Lagos.

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3. Cote d’Ivoire (in general)

In a word: Magnifique!

  Great jungles near Liberia and lagoon views in the streets of Abidjan.

 Having the world’s biggest church all to yourself (I’m not religious but wow!). Enjoying the Marquai bars.

The capital is really laid back and it’s not hard to get your hand on weed from the Marquai bars.

Nightlife in Abidjan is mega. Biking from the Liberian border is also an epic jungle trail.

 The sexiest girls I’ve experienced in Francophone West Africa. Often friendly and well educated too.

Bottom Line: For many who visit the region, this is their favorite country in West Africa.

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2. Guinea (in general)

In a word: Unexpected.

  With many of the region main rivers originating in the Fouta Djallon, this place is filled with mountains and waterfalls. For me, the most beautiful country in the region. Beaches in the capital.

 The Journey from hell. Ultimate jungle treks. Having to put on hoody because the chill in the mountain air (a welcome temperature change).

Taking a swim over a waterfall. Weed is abundant. Very chilled. Even in the capital you can find quiet moments by the beach.

Conakry has a pretty decent nightlife and displays great variety. The beach parties are a blast too.

 The Fula girls are gorgeous. English isn’t that prevalent but with a little French you can bag yourself a hottie.

Bottom Line: Reminded me of Ethiopia… my favourite country in West Africa.

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1. Freetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone

In a word: Heaven?

  Jungle mountains by the sea. Fantastic beaches.

 Being able to smoke joints in nightclubs.

Beach bars with hookahs? Aberdeen is the ultimate chill out spot. Everyone smokes and it’s not problem in some restaurants even. You can even buy joints in clubs.

Wild nights, every night. Options are limited, but the venues are Grade A. Beers are cheap too. Freetownians really know how to have a good time. Check out my Freetown city guide for more info.

 It’s very easy to pick up in Freetown 5/5. Only Monrovia is easier. You can find some real gems here as well. There’s also Lebanese and other expats for the taking.

Bottom Line: Beautiful scenery,  loose women, weed and cheap beer in clubs = awesome. Easily the best location in West Africa!

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Honourable Mentions

I decided to only include places I’ve actually been in the top 10. As such, the list above only covers countries on the coast from Dakar to Lagos. I contacted some fellow globe-trotters to give their top 10 on the route as well. Here are some other picks from fellow travellers…

• Robertsport, Liberia
• Goree Island, Senegal (I’ve been here. Good escape from Dakar but very small.)
• Ganvie, Benin
• Kokobrite, Ghana (Been here. It could have made the list if I had went on the weekend)
• Sine-Saloum Delta, Senegal
• Bissagos Islands, Guinea Bissau (nice place, but get out of Bubaque and explore further)

Check out my my West African City Guides!

Please share your favourite places! Leave a comment below!

 

Dakar in a word: Soulless.

Chance of Hooking up: 3 / 5
Quality of Girls: 4 / 5
Nightlife: 3.5 / 5
Smoking tolerance level: 2 / 5

City guide ratings explained

Costs €$£

Beer: €2.50-€5 for a small Star beer.
Bed: €35 for a private room.
Bud: ? No more than $4 per gram.
Board: €7 for an average meal in restaurant.
Budget other: You will taxis to go anywhere. They are not cheap. One trip downtown during the day and a nighttime excursion will a cost minimum of $20 a day. It’s $10 entrance to most clubs every night, some places the beers cost $10 too! Also budget for trip to Goree island.

Currency Conversion

Overview

Dakar is my least favorite city in West Africa. It’s ugly, the people aren’t very friendly and it’s prohibitively expensive. Getting around the city is a chore. The good news: it’s highly multi-cultural and you can find a party most nights (if you have the cash), but the scene is rather soulless. Go for the weekend, see the renaissance statue, have a few beers, chat up a few chicks, then leave.

The Girls

If you haven’t already, I’d strongly recommend  you read my article Sex in Africa 101 before continuing.

Like in many parts of Africa, all the good looking women are nocturnal.  The standard on the street is poor, but if you go out during the weekend to Los Almadies, your head will be spinning! You will easily see some of the sexiest bodies of your life. If you like slim, brown model-types with long legs and ample T&A, you will be in heaven. Why all this talent? All the prettiest girls of the surrounding Francophone countries come here to do some gold digging. During the week, nearly every girl out is a hardcore pro. At the weekend, you are more likely to meet wealthy local girls just out for a good time and expats. If you look foreign, you have zero exotic capital as most guys who can afford to go are non-black. You will need a little French in most cases, but many girls have very basic English. Enough to say “You need friend?” or “We go home?”. Most girls are Muslim and do not drink. Expect to be asked to pay for $6 cokes. Never do this. In my experience, Dakar has the most hardcore pros in West Africa. Be careful. Consider pipelining to weed out decent women. Day game is also an option, consider restaurants and malls.

Nightlife Recommendations

The nightlife is Dakar is very disappointing given the population. Nightlife is sparse with the exception of the overpriced Los Almadies strip. In all likelihood you will end up here. Dakar is considerably more enjoyable at the weekend. Ask around, I’m convinced there’s a better Dakar out there somewhere.

La Patio

Busy every night, free in and on the strip: this place restaurant / bar / nightclub looks like it should belong in Havana. It has a great vibe and attracts tons of gorgeous girls. Most end up in the pokey nightclub attached. Be warned as soon as you enter the club part the drink doubles in price. You will be spoiled for choice, but remember most girls are not there for the atmosphere. Considering exchanging numbers and meeting up when she’s off duty.

Duplex club

Up the road from La Patio. You are more likely to find good girls here. The most renowned club in Dakar has an entrance is $10 everynight and  beers are the same price. If you got the cash to splash head here after a few warm up drinks in Le Patio.

Le Mix in the opposite direction is similary priced to Duplex, but the crowd’s a little older.

Getting High

Where to buy marijuana: Not that easy. Dakar is a world away from Gambia and the locals are quite paranoid of the police. Ask the staff in your hotel. Your best bet is to bring some in Gambia. They didn’t check out bags at the border. There is a lot of tourists on this route.

Prague Marijuana Prices: Unpredictable, don’t get ripped off. Typically a small bag of a little over 5 grams should cost no more than $20.

My Dakar Experience

Mixed. My french was seriously put to the test as it was the start of our trip. We stayed here four nights but end only going out two. The first night a seriously hot Guinean girl wanted to come back with me, but Gary the fish was a prick and wouldn’t leave the room. The last night I actually did bring back a girl from the Congo, but that didn’t end well (complicated). I was asked out by a sexy Senegalese waitress but alas I was leaving that day. In truth, I was delighted to be leaving Dakar; the city is a shit hole.

 

Why not check out more Cheeky City Guides?

I’ve released in the past week that travel  in West Africa and blogging are uneasy bedfellows. As you read this from whatever cozy corner of the world you reside, consider that I’m probably downing a beer in some tiny African village with no electricity, or crammed into a busted bush taxi for a grueling 2 days.

Senegal is a world apart. A few days ago I was in Dakar, a city that would leave your head spinning. You can get a meal for next to nothing on the street, then pay $10 for a small bottle of beer in some nightclubs! WTF? You might be paying for the view – nearly every third or forth girl looks like Naomi Campbell! Any guy who claims he’s not attracted to black girls would be quickly converted on a night out in Dakar. The only problem is 90% of them are working. And $10 a beer in a country where 60% of population live on less than $2 a day!? Fuck that. Dakar gets the big thumps down.

This morning I woke up in a much more pleasing setting – Cap Skirring, a far away beach in the south of the country. Last night I was at a heaving little disco in the village. The place was packed with sweaty Senegalese bodies swarming to the rootsey sounds of West Africa’s best Reggae-tone. In the middle of them all, two Mexican Pirates. A lighter skinned, statuesque woman from Cape Verde got my eye. She had little choice, she was to be pillaged. As it was my last night in Senegal I should have went for a local, but why eat liver when you can eat steak. Well… she wasn’t exactly steak. She looked good but turned out to have a bad aftertaste. She demanded I wed her or buy her a present, niether of which transpired. Anyway, a Cape Verde flag trumps a Senegal flag any day.

Now I’ve arrived in Guinea Bissau. Ever heard of it? Here’s were shit gets interesting… we are offically off the beaten track! We managed to get our hands on some  light sabers too! We have 5 somberos to spread the love. A gaggle of girls have already chased us down the street! I’ve a feeling nights here are going to be anything but boring…. ARGHH!

I’ll put up pics as soon as I get the chance. The connection here is painfully slow..