West Africa Tourism

West Africa Tourism Discover I Explore I Be Enchanted

West Africa Tourism Organisation (WATO) is an non-governmental
membership driven organisation dedicated to the development and promotion of tourism in West and Central Africa Our mission is to present West/Central Africa’s Tourism attractions and potentials to the world, with a view to encouraging international business investments into the tourism sector.

- Generate an increase in the in-bound

traffic into the African region.
- Project her naturally endowed beauty, culture and history as top Tourist destination.

29/05/2026

Bijagós Sacred Mask Carving - Guinea-Bissau

The Bidyogo people of the Bijagós Islands in Guinea-Bissau are celebrated for their vibrant costumes and masquerades featuring large, heavy headdresses representing animals like bulls, sharks, and crocodiles. They create hollow cylinders, known as iran, covered with red cloth to house guardian spirits, often adorned with human and animal figures.

The Bijagós employ an age-grade system, where mask choices reflect the initiates' social and spiritual status:

- Children (Ganhurbas): Wears lighter masks like small fish or calves, reflecting their ascent of spiritual journey.
- Adolescent Initiates (Cabaros): Use Vaca Bruto (wild bull) masks to embody the raw, untamed power of youth.
- Advanced Initiates: Sport large marine-themed masks such as sharks, symbolising formidable natural forces, with their dances being unpredictable and aggressive.

Happy Children’s Day from WATO! Today, we celebrate the joy, creativity, dreams, and limitless potential of every child ...
27/05/2026

Happy Children’s Day from WATO!

Today, we celebrate the joy, creativity, dreams, and limitless potential of every child across West Africa and beyond. Children are the future custodians of our culture, heritage, tourism, and environment.

At WATO, we believe in building a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable Africa where every child has the opportunity to grow, explore, and thrive.

Let’s continue to inspire young minds, protect their future, and preserve the rich cultural legacy they will inherit.

Happy Children’s Day!

Batammariba Clay Architecture Craft - Togo Tata Tamberma refers to the fortified dwellings constructed by the Takyenta ...
27/05/2026

Batammariba Clay Architecture Craft - Togo

Tata Tamberma refers to the fortified dwellings constructed by the Takyenta people. The Batammariba are renowned throughout West Africa as skilled builders and architects. Their fortified houses are reminiscent of miniature medieval castles. The thick walls are built with wooden frameworks, earth or clay blended with pebbles as binding agents, and straw as a further component. The roofs are likewise crafted from braided straw.

The Tata Tambermas are exceptionally robust, a trait that sets them
apart. Their impressive size is also notable, with a diameter of about
10–11 metres and a height reaching up to 4 metres. These castle-like
homes are windowless, featuring only a few narrow slits for observing
approaching enemies and for firing poisoned arrows, their traditional
weapon. The Tata Tambermas must be renovated every ten years.

Every Africa Day celebrates the rich culture, creativity, unity, and strength of the African continent. At WATO, we rema...
25/05/2026

Every Africa Day celebrates the rich culture, creativity, unity, and strength of the African continent.
At WATO, we remain committed to promoting and positioning Africa, especially West African countries, as leading destinations for culture, tourism, and heritage.

Happy Africa Day!

𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗧𝗶𝗲-𝗗𝘆𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗦𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 Gara is the generic name given in Sierra Leone to fabrics produced bythe tech...
25/05/2026

𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗧𝗶𝗲-𝗗𝘆𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗦𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲

Gara is the generic name given in Sierra Leone to fabrics produced by
the techniques of wax-resist block-stamping and tie-dyeing. Its
continued use in weddings, funerals, and festivals ensures a constant
domestic demand. Organisations like museums have documented and
archived Gara as a key part of the country's pre-colonial history and
national identity. The significance of Gara tie-dying in Sierra Leone
cannot be overstated. Not only is it a source of income and cultural
pride, but it is also a way to keep the country’s history alive.

Across West Africa, craftsmanship is a reflection of history, skill, and cultural pride. From handwoven baskets and dye...
25/05/2026

Across West Africa, craftsmanship is a reflection of history, skill, and cultural pride.

From handwoven baskets and dyed fabrics to carved masks and earth-built architecture and many more, these creations represent traditions carefully preserved over generations.
We will show you that each piece carries meaning, creativity, and the unique identity of the communities behind them, proving that heritage can be seen, touched, and lived every day.

Set along the beautiful Niger River in Ségou, Festival sur le Niger is a vibrant celebration of music, art, culture, and...
22/05/2026

Set along the beautiful Niger River in Ségou, Festival sur le Niger is a vibrant celebration of music, art, culture, and community in Mali.

The festival brings together artists, musicians, storytellers, and creatives from across Africa to showcase the richness of African heritage through performances, exhibitions, and cultural exchange. 🥁🎭

More than an event, it is a space where tradition, creativity, and unity come together to keep Mali’s cultural identity alive for future generations.

The Camilo Domingos Music Festival a vibrant music event takes over the island of Príncipe every August in a high-energy...
21/05/2026

The Camilo Domingos Music Festival a vibrant music event takes over the island of Príncipe every August in a high-energy tribute to São Tomé and Príncipe’s most iconic voice the legendary Afro-zouk and kizomba singer, composer and the lyricist Camilo Domingos. Bringing together massive crowds, legendary national acts, and international stars from across the Lusophone world, it is the ultimate celebration of contemporary African rhythms, heritage, and unity. It closes out the Mês da Cultura (culture month)

In Ghana, music and art merge into pure street energy at the iconic Chale Wote Street Music and Art Festival in Accra.Th...
20/05/2026

In Ghana, music and art merge into pure street energy at the iconic Chale Wote Street Music and Art Festival in Accra.

This festival transforms the city into a living canvas where musicians, dancers, DJs, and visual artists celebrate creativity in its rawest form.

It is where tradition meets modern expression and where West African youth culture shines without limits.

🎭 Culture doesn’t stay in galleries, it lives in the streets.

𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝙁𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤 𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘴, 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘴, 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢.Celebr...
18/05/2026

𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝙁𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤 𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘴, 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘴, 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢.

Celebrated annually in honour of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Felabration is more than a music festival it is a powerful celebration of African rhythm, creativity, culture, and expression. From electrifying performances to art, dance, and storytelling, the festival captures the spirit and soul of West Africa’s rich musical heritage.

As we begin our series spotlighting Africa’s music heritage, Felabration reminds us that African music is not just entertainment it is history, identity, and a voice that continues to inspire generations.

“Music is the weapon of the future.” — Fela Kuti

Address

London

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+442037780081

Website

https://www.instagram.com/wafricatourism?igsh=MTIwbHpndndxZ2Uwag%3D%3D

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