How to Take a Road Trip Across West Africa from Nigeria 

Road trips in Africa are more than just journeys. They are adventures into culture, history, and landscapes. For Nigerians, taking a West Africa road trip offers the chance to explore multiple countries, taste different cuisines, witness diverse cultures, and connect with people across the region. 

This guide provides everything you need to plan a safe, enjoyable, and budget-friendly road trip across West Africa. It covers visas, border crossings, route suggestions, costs, and safety tips. 

Why Nigerians Should Road Trip Across West Africa 

1. Visa-Free/ECOWAS Access: Nigerians can visit 14 ECOWAS countries without a visa.
2. Cultural Diversity: Experience French, English, and Portuguese-speaking parts of West Africa.
3. Affordable Travel: Traveling by road costs less than flying between countries.
4. Flexibility: You can stop wherever you want and immerse yourself in local life.
5. Adventure: Road trips let you discover hidden gems beyond the big cities. 

Visa & Travel Documents 

Thanks to the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, Nigerians can travel visa-free to most West African countries for up to 90 days. 

Documents Required: 

• ECOWAS Passport or Nigerian International Passport.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Card (Mandatory).
• International Driver’s License (if you plan to drive).
• Vehicle Papers: If using your own car, have ownership, insurance, and the ECOWAS Brown Card. 

Suggested Road Trip Routes from Nigeria 

1. The Coastal Route: Nigeria → Benin → Togo → Ghana → Côte d’Ivoire → Liberia → Sierra Leone.   

• Great for beaches, culture, and nightlife. 

2. The Sahel Route: Nigeria → Niger → Burkina Faso → Mali → Senegal.   

• Perfect for desert landscapes, history, and UNESCO sites. 

3. The Loop Route: Nigeria → Benin → Togo → Ghana → Côte d’Ivoire → Burkina Faso → Mali → Senegal → Gambia → Guinea → Sierra Leone → Liberia → back through Côte d’Ivoire.   

• Covers the most countries. 

Transportation Options 

1. Own Vehicle/Car Rental: Offers the best flexibility but requires good planning.   

• Fuel cost: Approximately $1.2 per liter (₦1,800).   
• Road trip from Lagos to Accra fuel cost: About $120 (₦180,000). 

2. Intercity Buses: Companies like ABC Transport, GUO, and Cross Country operate routes to Ghana, Benin, and Togo.   

• Example: Bus from Lagos to Accra costs $60 to $90 (₦90,000 to ₦135,000). 

3. Shared Taxis: Popular for short cross-border trips.   

• Example: Shared taxi from Cotonou to Lomé costs $15 (₦22,500). 

Accommodation Across West Africa 

1. Budget Guesthouses: $20 to $50 (₦30,000 to ₦75,000).   
2. Mid-range Hotels: $60 to $120 (₦90,000 to ₦180,000).   
3. Luxury Hotels: $200 and up (₦300,000 and more).   

Pro Tip: In rural areas, homestays are affordable and provide an authentic experience. 

Food Costs 

West Africa is known for hearty meals. 

Popular Foods Along the Way:   

• Nigeria: Jollof rice, suya, pounded yam.   
• Ghana: Waakye, fufu with light soup.   
• Togo/Benin: Akume (cornmeal with soup), grilled fish.   
• Senegal: Thieboudienne (fish and rice). 

Meal Costs:   

• Street food: ₦3,000 to ₦6,000.   
• Restaurants: ₦10,000 to ₦25,000. 

Border Crossing Tips 

1. Carry Small Cash: Border officials may ask for “facilitation fees.”   
2. Be Patient: Crossing borders can take 1 to 3 hours.   
3. Have Multiple Copies: Keep copies of your passport, vaccination card, and hotel booking.   
4. Use Recognized Entry Points: Avoid illegal routes. 

Safety Considerations 

1. Road Conditions: Highways are decent between capitals but can be rough in rural areas.   
2. Security Risks: Some regions, like northern Mali and Niger, are unsafe check travel advisories.   
3. Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, especially for medical evacuation.   
4. Night Travel: Avoid it. Roads lack lighting and security. 

Sample 14-Day West Africa Road Trip Budget 

• Fuel (Lagos → Accra → Abidjan → Dakar loop): ₦750,000 to ₦1,200,000.   
• Buses/Shared Taxis: ₦400,000 to ₦600,000 (if not driving).   
• Accommodation (14 nights): ₦420,000 to ₦900,000.   
• Food: ₦200,000 to ₦350,000.   
• Attractions/Tours: ₦150,000 to ₦300,000.   
• Miscellaneous/Border Fees: ₦100,000 to ₦200,000.   

Total Estimate (14 Days): ₦2,000,000 to ₦3,500,000. 

For Nigerians, a West Africa road trip is more than just travel. It is a chance to immerse in different cultures. Whether tasting Senegalese thieboudienne, exploring Ghana’s Cape Coast, or enjoying Togo’s vibrant markets, each country offers a new experience in West Africa.  

With the ECOWAS passport, affordable transport options, and plenty of adventure, traveling by road is an excellent way to explore the region.