After three years of backpacking and living in West Africa, I have many recommendations. Perhaps the strongest is to go to Burkina Faso (though Mali is a close second). Burkina is a country often overlooked by tourists, and yet so enticing and personable. Once you are there the experience will change your life! It is a country created from very little, and yet it has so much to offer!
Before arriving in Burkina, I would highly recommend contacting Serge Travels. I backpacked much of West Africa on my own (without a guide), but Serge (creator, director) is the one person who truly showed me his culture and those surrounding him.
Serge Travels offers custom-designed tours on local transport or via car. He offers guidance in creating your itinerary, or will create one for you.
Serge Travels also offers a unique opportunity to rent a house (one night to one year) in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. You will stay with Serge’s family, but in your own detached house (complete with electricity and plumbing). You may choose to learn batik, drumming, regional cooking, and/or pottery. It is an opportunity to explore a bit off the beaten path!
For more information, please contact Serge directly at travelingboy_77@hotmail.com or kserge.eric@caramail.com . If I may be of any assistance, please contact me at travelingirl37@hotmail.com.
Enjoy…

Thanks for that item on Serge's tours in Burkina. I live in Mali and sometimes it's difficult to find somewhere for a break away. I know that sounds daft, but when you're working somewhere like Mali you sort of want to go and be a tourist somewhere else sometimes! So going and learning Batik or pottery in Burkina Faso sounds a great idea .. as I'd always wanted to visit.