Tourism Potential of West Africa

[Naijaborn]

Originally Posted by popa1980

I actually believe that WA should start re-populating national parks with animals that are now extinct/sparse in this part of the world. It sounds crazy but i think it would bring in a lot of money. Lions, giraffe, zebras etc etc. Angola has been doing that for years now after their stocks of animals were destroyed in the war. Nigeria doesnt have that much spare space but Ghana, Benin, CI, Togo etc etc have vast lowly populated savannah zones which would be perfect for this.

Nigeria actually has a LOT of spare space in the North Eastern savannah mountains, and the Central plateaus.

[popa1980]

Originally Posted by Naijaborn

''LMAO no''??
Is that even an answer??
some of the countries that have some of the best tourism potenttials in the world, do not have them developed based on one reason or the other. {Ie Libya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia} Etc

Wildlife didnt roam in Tanzania more than it did in Ethiopia..... but which one of them is more popular for safaris??

You want to compare Tanzania and Ethiopia in terms of wildlife? Really?

Libya for sure has massive tourist potential- a huge untouched mediterranean coast, extensive Roman ruins and most importantly- close proximity to Europe.

[popa1980]

Originally Posted by Naijaborn

Nigeria actually has a LOT of spare space in the North Eastern savannah mountains, and the Central plateaus.

well obviously you cant put lions and zebras in mountains! and the central plateau of Nigeria is not suitable for these animals either.

For instance, i think Ghana, CI and Burkina Faso could create a national park where their borders meet. Its a very lowly populated region for all those countries. Re-stock them with wildlife from EA. Then you have a big tourist draw.

[popa1980]

One of those photos of Benin is actually Accra- the city with lots of trees.

And I swear another looks like Sao Tome.

[Naijaborn]

Originally Posted by popa1980

You want to compare Tanzania and Ethiopia in terms of wildlife? Really?

Libya for sure has massive tourist potential- a huge untouched mediterranean coast, extensive Roman ruins and most importantly- close proximity to Europe.

Oh Yes I am comparing them,.

Ethiopia had so much wildlife before, same as Somalia, but due to absolute neglect, wars and other factors these animals have either dwindled by dyeing out or by Migrating to other places........which again proves my point that tourism can be developed by giving it Alpha attention.

For example this is the NATURAL range for Giraffes. {I.E Giraffes can survive perfectly WELL in these areas given the right conditions}

but obviously, we all know that you can't get satisfactory Giraffe watching experiences in ALL countries that falls in the band.

[Naijaborn]

Originally Posted by popa1980

well obviously you cant put lions and zebras in mountains! and the central plateau of Nigeria is not suitable for these animals either.

For instance, i think Ghana, CI and Burkina Faso could create a national park where their borders meet. Its a very lowly populated region for all those countries. Re-stock them with wildlife from EA. Then you have a big tourist draw.

You obviously dont know what u are saying, If u think wildlife cant live on Highlands, all u have to do is visit the Ngorongoro crater or visit the Kenyan Highlands.

And the central plateau of Nigeria is VERY suitable for wildlife. Infact that is where Yankari is located. It is Tall grass Savannah {Very good for Herbivorous wildlife{ and ultimately their predators too.

[popa1980]

Originally Posted by Naijaborn

Oh Yes I am comparing them,.

Ethiopia had so much wildlife before, same as Somalia, but due to absolute neglect, wars and other factors these animals have either dwindled by dyeing out or by Migrating to other places........which again proves my point that tourism can be developed by giving it Alpha attention.

For example this is the NATURAL range for Giraffes. {I.E Giraffes can survive perfectly WELL in these areas given the right conditions}

but obviously, we all know that you can't get satisfactory Giraffe watching experiences in ALL countries that falls in the band.

In recent history Ethiopia has never had the type of wildlife of Kenya or Tanzania so i dont see your point with it anyway. actually, where are you going with this? i dont see your point.

Also, what plateau are you talking about? If you are talking about Jos it has a population density several times greater than the areas im talking about in BF, CI and Ghana. Only a madman would resettle large animals there on a large scale- especially when there is already social tension there. but the savannah belt from Benin right up to Senegal would be perfect for this. Im actually surprised no one has thought of it. If Angola can do it....

[Naijaborn]

Originally Posted by popa1980

In recent history Ethiopia has never had the type of wildlife of Kenya or Tanzania so i dont see your point with it anyway. actually, where are you going with this? i dont see your point.

Also, what plateau are you talking about? If you are talking about Jos it has a population density several times greater than the areas im talking about in BF, CI and Ghana. Only a madman would resettle large animals there on a large scale- especially when there is already social tension there. but the savannah belt from Benin right up to Senegal would be perfect for this. Im actually surprised no one has thought of it. If Angola can do it....

My point is: contrary to your ''opnion'' West Africa can match East Africa in tourism, as long as it is given strict attention.
And how do u know Ethiopia never had the type of Wildlife in Kenya or TZ?? Because they are popular??
Even Somalis is said to have a great giraffe population, just in the recent past.

[Naijaborn]

And as for the plateau part, Yes Jos is part of the central plateau but the Plateau =/= jos.
Also, an area doesen't have to be sparsely populated to have wildlife.... all u need are Wildlife sanctuaries and reserves, that is what they are called ''reserves'' for.
And even id P/D Was all that mattered, we have areas of Low pop density in Nigeria ok, the whole country isn't filled to the Brim, Mr. .... go look at central Kenya and the number of safari arks it has......... even though it is one of the most dense parts of the country... Infact there is even one just outside of Nairobi itself.

[popa1980]

Originally Posted by Naijaborn

My point is: contrary to your ''opnion'' West Africa can match East Africa in tourism, as long as it is given strict attention.
And how do u know Ethiopia never had the type of Wildlife in Kenya or TZ?? Because they are popular??
Even Somalis is said to have a great giraffe population, just in the recent past.

Ethiopia did NOT have the type of wildlife Kenya and Tanzania had. Where did you get that idea from? I really want to know. Seriously.

How much travelling have you actually done? after visiting over 50 countries all over the world i think i have a pretty good idea of how tourism works and what attracts people to what places. The wildlife and beaches of WA are not going to attract the numbers of EA. Though I could imagine both Sierra Leone and Senegal could become big winter break beach destinations for Europeans. Gambia has quite a developed tourism industry but its beaches are not as nice as either of those nations.

So WA should focus on its strength- Ghana for example is the biggest draw in WA for cultural tourism, especially relating to the African diaspora. The rainforest in WA is not as "good" as Central but that too good be a draw for ecotourism. At the end, the attractions of WA dont appeal to such a large crowd as the lions, zebras and Caribbean-type warm water beaches and reefs of EA but there is still much scope for development.

Well thats good Nigeria has some sparsely populated land. It would be a good investment to start re-introducing big animals. Again, im surprised that no country in WA has thought of doing this.

[Naijaborn]

West Africa isnt going to attract the same numbers of TOurists as EA, because West Africa simply does not give it as much priority.create parks, populate them with wildlife, Brand your country Etc, and see if you will not get results

All West Africa has is cold water???.... .... where did you even get that from?? [Seems to me that U will have to visit more than 50 countries{, cause 50 seems not to be working for you.
Lagos state {And indeed Nigeria} has a Lot of Sandy Warm beaches,so does Guinea and Guinea Bissau,mauritania Etc, ok. But I know Ghana's beaches are of the ''Ugly-rocky-brown'' type.


That is the Average ocean temperature around the world, tell me where U got the cold beach Idea from.

[Arinze]

Exactly, is Miami not situated on the Atlantic Nigeria is not New England and if need be, it doesn't take much to repair a beach to make it more hospitable (in Ghana's case)

Second, Popa if you are going to troll do it right
Nigeria alone contains:
-Lions
-Elephants
-Giraffes
-Hippos
-Side striped jackals
-Wild dogs
-Cheetahs,
-Leopards
-Civets
-Baboons

As in right now

And yes there is a Zebra species tthat roams in West Africa, once again you are welcome

Etc. etc. if Nigeria partners with other nations the territory these animals can roam free on can be increased.

Nigeria contains the world's largest diversity of butterflies.

Much of Nigeria's beaches are actually located near the lagoons I think which helps to create the sandy beaches. I think Naijaborn

Popa always has to bring negativity into everything, if you are ashamed of your homeland move for those who are not. How anyone could be so ignorant of the wildlife in their region and on top of that not bother to research in spite of that it is

As I have already said before no one will leave their home for only culture alone, people enjoy going to Japan, France, and etc for the variety of choices offered to them the same for West Africa each nation has a strength that if used together can be effective tourism draw. Instead of bringing your as usual no surprise useless point you could have offered suggestions instead saying what can't be done. I honestly don't care how many countries you have been to, because quite frankly you don't sound like someone who actually ventures out farther than the cities. (Which is why we are graced with one of your OMG racism stories all the time)

I wish you would just say you are from the UK full stop, because clearly your knowledge about WA is :

[Sokotocaliphate]

1 out of 33 posts has pictures concerning tourism

[Arinze]

Because as usual Popa has to dick measure, though he is appalled when others do it

[Arinze]

Fast Facts
Official language: French
Commonly used languages: Mòoré, Dioula (Bambara)
Population: 15,746,232
Borders: Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire
Major City: Ouagadougou
Capital: Ouagadougou

Natural:






image hosted on flickr





Cultural:




City Life:
Ouagadougou

[Arinze]

Fast Facts:
Official Language: Portuguese
Commonly used language: Cape Verdean Creole
Population:567,000
Borders: Island
Major city:Praia
Capital City:Praia

Natural:









Cultural:
image hosted on flickr





City life:

[popa1980]

Arinze and Naijaborn,

Ive had this discussion with Nigerians on Oasis last time this topic came up. I still laugh when I remember when the Nigerians on Oasis saying that Calabar was going to become a major international shopping centre. The development now has many empty units and its not even a centre for Nigerians to shop never mind the international jet-set. I think the bottom line is that those making such claims experience of tourism is limited to "virtual tourism" and they are typing at the end of computer somewhere without having hardly actually traveled and as such dont understand the pull factors for foreign tourists. Listening to many people on Oasis talk about tourism is like listening to a life-long vegeterian recommending steakhouses. Europeans are the biggest tourism spenders by far so i think i have a good idea what is going to attract people to X and Y.

In any case, with Nigeria's reputation- even if they did develop tourism infrastructure people would give it a wide berth. And now there's these ever increasing terrorist attacks. The statement that Nigeria could be a major tourism destination in 5 years is obviously ridiculous. Kenya was lucky in that they developed their tourism industry during stable times so people will always go back despite recent troubles.

Just so you realise what you are up against, an anecdote- I know a Swedish girl who cycled all the way from Stockholm to Cape Town with her bf, when they reached Benin, they looked for anyway to get to Cameroon without having to pass through Nigeria cos they were scared. These are blonde, fearless, inteprid "hippies" who had just cycled the Sahara! So if young, adventurous backpackers like these are scared just imagine the average European middle-class family. Check out the Lonelyplanet thorntree forum to see what backpackers think of Nigeria and other African countries. Makes an interesting read.

Most of these surface sea temperature these days are derived from satellite images which use the law of physics to derive the temperature from the top of the sea. The sea surface in WA is warmed by the hot tropical sun but if you were to go in for a proper swim it would feel warmer. Though I know the extremes of West Africa- Senegal/Delta have warmer water due to calmer sea which allows for more sun-sea contact and thus greater warmth. Sea temperatures aside, in any case, the white-sand coral-reef beaches of EA are in a different class to WAs. Quality of beaches DOES matter. Why do tourists from the UK and Germany go to beaches on the Mediterrenean rather than the well-developed beaches in Poland or the Baltic States? Why do European tourists go to Florida beaches rather than those in California or Jersey? Why do tourists go to Egypt's Red Sea and not its northern coast? Why do people go to the beaches in the South of France rather than on the Atlantic coast?

Yes, there are still some large animals in WA but their numbers and diversity are TINY compared to East. No one will choose to go to Safari in Nigeria or Ghana over Kenya or Mozambique. Would you??!! For the average person, the biggest draws to Africa are beaches and animals- which is why they would choose East/North Africa over West Africa.

Though that doesnt mean WA cant develop a vibrant tourist industry but for most of the subregion I dont see it as being as big as EA.

Now id like to continue this but Im off to Estonia tonight, country number 50-something tonight. Happy typing......

[Naijaborn]

Bottom line???

[Tbite]

Originally Posted by popa1980

Arinze and Naijaborn,

Ive had this discussion with Nigerians on Oasis last time this topic came up. I still laugh when I remember when the Nigerians on Oasis saying that Calabar was going to become a major international shopping centre. The development now has many empty units and its not even a centre for Nigerians to shop never mind the international jet-set. I think the bottom line is that those making such claims experience of tourism is limited to "virtual tourism" and they are typing at the end of computer somewhere without having hardly actually traveled and as such dont understand the pull factors for foreign tourists. Listening to many people on Oasis talk about tourism is like listening to a life-long vegeterian recommending steakhouses. Europeans are the biggest tourism spenders by far so i think i have a good idea what is going to attract people to X and Y.

In any case, with Nigeria's reputation- even if they did develop tourism infrastructure people would give it a wide berth. And now there's these ever increasing terrorist attacks. The statement that Nigeria could be a major tourism destination in 5 years is obviously ridiculous. Kenya was lucky in that they developed their tourism industry during stable times so people will always go back despite recent troubles.

Just so you realise what you are up against, an anecdote- I know a Swedish girl who cycled all the way from Stockholm to Cape Town with her bf, when they reached Benin, they looked for anyway to get to Cameroon without having to pass through Nigeria cos they were scared. These are blonde, fearless, inteprid "hippies" who had just cycled the Sahara! So if young, adventurous backpackers like these are scared just imagine the average European middle-class family. Check out the Lonelyplanet thorntree forum to see what backpackers think of Nigeria and other African countries. Makes an interesting read.

Most of these surface sea temperature these days are derived from satellite images which use the law of physics to derive the temperature from the top of the sea. The sea surface in WA is warmed by the hot tropical sun but if you were to go in for a proper swim it would feel warmer. Though I know the extremes of West Africa- Senegal/Delta have warmer water due to calmer sea which allows for more sun-sea contact and thus greater warmth. Sea temperatures aside, in any case, the white-sand coral-reef beaches of EA are in a different class to WAs. Quality of beaches DOES matter. Why do tourists from the UK and Germany go to beaches on the Mediterrenean rather than the well-developed beaches in Poland or the Baltic States? Why do European tourists go to Florida beaches rather than those in California or Jersey? Why do tourists go to Egypt's Red Sea and not its northern coast? Why do people go to the beaches in the South of France rather than on the Atlantic coast?

Yes, there are still some large animals in WA but their numbers and diversity are TINY compared to East. No one will choose to go to Safari in Nigeria or Ghana over Kenya or Mozambique. Would you??!! For the average person, the biggest draws to Africa are beaches and animals- which is why they would choose East/North Africa over West Africa.

Though that doesnt mean WA cant develop a vibrant tourist industry but for most of the subregion I dont see it as being as big as EA.

Now id like to continue this but Im off to Estonia tonight, country number 50-something tonight. Happy typing......

The major mistake you are making is you are looking at what East Africa has to offer and then expecting West Africa to be East Africa, when the reality is there are a million things in West Africa that East Africa doesn't have.

There are specific Architecture in West Africa that you can't find anywhere else in Africa! You have a wide range of this...the Sudanese Architecture, the Afro Brazilian Architecture in Benin and Nigeria.

You have the animal life, you talk about "Tiny"....as if Lions and Buffalo are the only animals on earth, Nigeria happens to boast of one of the remaining Rain Forest habitats in the world, something that East Africa doesn't have. We have species in Nigeria that aren't found elsewhere. We have the greatest butterfly diversity in the world and Nigeria would be a top destination for lovers of the apes, we have Drill Monkeys that are only found in Nigeria, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

We have some of the greatest cultural and artistic centres in the world. The sculpture and artefacts in Nigeria for example is something that you could not find anywhere in East Africa. Tourists love memorabilia, souvenirs!

The artwork of Bini, The Yoruba, The Igbo.....where is the competition? Who has better Bronze Works in Africa? We have Internationa Standard Museums planned that could house some of these artefacts. Nigeria is one of the cradles of human culture....owing to its status as a place inhabited for over 11,000 years....Its great cultural influence which is one of the greatest on the continent, where else in Africa do you have an influence that stretches to North America, Central America and South America. Till this day..yes till this day you still have descendants of slaves in South America speaking the Yoruba language..passed down from generations. Till this day you still have Latin Americans practicing the Yoruba Religion. Our culturak export is something that dwarfs East Africa's!

So trust me there is no way on earth tourists will say we only want to stay in East Africa or Southern Africa or Northern Africa if West Africa develops its tourism.

Because what we have in West Africa cannot be found anywhere else in the world!

[Naijaborn]

Ok, pops let's assume u really know what European spenders want to see, and the only things they wanna see are lions and Nile crocs, Tell me what would happen if West Africa breed these animals in their numbers, create reserves, Etc. Would the Europeans say, oh please, I think I prefer the Rhinos in Botswana to those in Nigeria because they are better looking, or because they turn more pink when in the water hole???.........