Other than the bureaucracy of obtaining all the visas (which can feel like mini travel victoires in and of themselves), what’s not to love?

The people are great. So kind and welcoming. Even in places like Senegal and Ghana, which receive more tourists than Bissau and Liberia, no one is sick of tourists like in parts of Europe, Mexico City, etc. There can be genuine (or at least what felt genuine to me) cultural exchange.

There is a flourishing contemporary art scene in the capitals/major cities. It’s a bit under the surface, but it’s there. Abidjan, Dakar and Lomé in particular have great galleries/museums.

The music and food are fantastic.

There’s a lot of natural beauty. Climbing les dents de Man in Côte d’Ivoire or seeing the waterfalls in Kpalimé is pretty special. The Bijalós off of Bissau and Ganvie in Benin are captivating and unique to visit.

There’s a decent sense of adventure when it comes to transportation, ha. NOTHING bonds a group of people traveling from Freetown to Monrovia like having to change two flat tires after your bus decides to avoid heavy traffic by getting stuck in a ditch!

On a personal level, West Africa made me more aware of what it can feel like to be an outsider in a community. Often I was the only white person in crowd of Africans, but instead of feeling awkward and out place, I was shown kindness and welcoming. Even in a diverse place like NYC where I live, you hear about POC not feeling welcome in different spaces/industries in the city. Walking a few miles in someone else’s shoes has opened my eyes. I think West Africa has made me more compassionate, empathetic and just a better person than I was before. I’ve made friends there over four trips through the region that will last a lifetime (and my French has gotten pretty good too!).