Tema to Dakar

From a modest fishing port to the biggest in Ghana Tema’s industrial activity has all but tarnished the charming postcard scenery of the region. The neighbouring white-sanded beaches remain immaculate still serving as a testimony of the rich variety of birds that can be found in the area.In the way Mother Nature intended it gannets boobies and kingfishers amongst other species fish in and around the cerulean waters of the coast. A light breeze tickles the inflamed iron-filled soil of the mainland on which the railway linking Tema to Accra lures hundreds of visitors each day. On board one of the carriages to Accra distinctively noticeable by their painted coats of red yellow and green that echo Ghana’s national flag a peek out of the window will offer scenic views of the harbour and coast as well as the fields that separate Tema from the capital.

Tucked between Nigeria and Togo in Benin is the busy trading port of Cotonou. Named a “market town” for its coastal placement and lucrative palm oil and textile trades Cotonou is a sprawling amorphous city swaddled between the Atlantic coast and Lake Nakoué. Because of its especial geographical situation Cotonou is bursting with life — visitors disembarking here will find a colourful port alive with economic activity and very much the capital (although not in name the official capital is Porto-Novo to the east) of the trading industry.

The colours, chaos and the happy cacophony of street life greet you as you are welcomed in Takoradi (or Taadi to the locals). Internationally recognised as a major player on the world scene due to its prosperous oil and gas reserves, Takoradi is in fact and amalgamation of two cities. The plurality of these towns has given the town its dual personality — a beachside resort area, framed with uncrowded white sandy beaches and four-star hotels, and a busy traditional market, with street vendors selling a bewildering array of goods, piled high into metal basins or baskets and carried atop the vendor’s head. Suffice to say that these twin cities are infused with a vitality and history that is uncommon even in Africa. The panoramic beauty of the area is stunning; indulge in the subtle scents of jasmine, inhale the heady perfume of hibiscus and morahia, or admire the stark sketch of a royal palm set against a sapphire sky. Eco-tourists will be interested no doubt by the Monkey Hill reserve, a sanctuary for primates in danger set right in the heart of the city.An active fishing port, Takoradi’s sister city Sekondi gains its welfare from the sea. The industry supports millions of Ghanaians and fish is still caught in the traditional manner. Fishermen unload their catch from that morning or sit mending their nets in the boatyard while the womenfolk prepare and sell the fish to the local community on the harbour side.

Capital of Senegal and a major gateway to Western Africa the former colonial trading post of Dakar stamps the Cap-Vert peninsular with glorious surf-fringed beaches. Enjoy the thrum of markets - where colourful textiles are exchanged - and wander streets where jazz sambar and mbalax spill from every ajar door. Offering tropical island-style beaches in an incongruous urban setting Dakar is a wild and urgent experience for the senses. Scuba divers can explore worlds below the surface in Dakar's diving areas or you can head to sandy beaches like Plage des Mamelles' cove which provide endless options for cooling off. Looking for a little more activity loosen up and play on golf courses that unroll along the sun-kissed Senegalese coastline or visit startling natural sites like the vivid pink water of the salty pink Lake Retba. Cultural relevance abounds in Dakar - those wanting to delve a little deeper into the dark history of Senegal should visit the House of Slaves on the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Goree Island or duck into the Theodore Monod Museum to pour over an incredible collection of masks artefacts and treasures. Sandaga Market is a full-on experience of choreographed chaos sound and flavours. Tear into fish fresh off the boat and don't be afraid to get your hands a little greasy while handling Dibi - the national street food - soft mutton simmered with onions and zesty orange spice.

Capital of Senegal and a major gateway to Western Africa the former colonial trading post of Dakar stamps the Cap-Vert peninsular with glorious surf-fringed beaches. Enjoy the thrum of markets - where colourful textiles are exchanged - and wander streets where jazz sambar and mbalax spill from every ajar door. Offering tropical island-style beaches in an incongruous urban setting Dakar is a wild and urgent experience for the senses. Scuba divers can explore worlds below the surface in Dakar's diving areas or you can head to sandy beaches like Plage des Mamelles' cove which provide endless options for cooling off. Looking for a little more activity loosen up and play on golf courses that unroll along the sun-kissed Senegalese coastline or visit startling natural sites like the vivid pink water of the salty pink Lake Retba. Cultural relevance abounds in Dakar - those wanting to delve a little deeper into the dark history of Senegal should visit the House of Slaves on the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Goree Island or duck into the Theodore Monod Museum to pour over an incredible collection of masks artefacts and treasures. Sandaga Market is a full-on experience of choreographed chaos sound and flavours. Tear into fish fresh off the boat and don't be afraid to get your hands a little greasy while handling Dibi - the national street food - soft mutton simmered with onions and zesty orange spice.