Proximity Map
Most of Africa's slave castles are along the coast of Ghana.

One of the largest, most preserved is Goree Island, just off the coast of Dakar, Senegal.

The tiny country of Gambia(more properly; The Gambia) is within the borders of Senegal. Gambia is defined by the Gambia River, it's land boundaries determined by how far inland a British war ship, sailing upriver,could fire a cannon ball.

Fort James on the Gambia River is most famous as where Kunta Kinte, the original character of Alex Haley's Roots was kidnapped and enslaved.

Senegal and Gambia are, at the time of this writing, politically stable and not hostile to the USA or Americans in general.

Ghana is considered by many to be the safest country in Africa. Ghana, where the majority of the away time will be spent is primarily a Christian nation.

While Gambia and Senegal are predominantly Muslim, both countries practice religious tolerance. Incidents of radicalism or terrorism against westerners are almost unheard of in these countries.

English is the official language of Ghana and Gambia. French is the language of Senegal.

All three countries are horribly impoverished, and have the usual challenges associated with the third world.

Malaria is the primary health concern in these countries. The greatest danger to travelers in all three countries is, oddly enough, automobile accidents.

Cell phones are usable throughout all three countries. The most common and most recommended method of transportation in all of these countries is by taxi or bus. All of which are dirt cheap compared to anything in the USA.

Weather. This trip is scheduled (June 2010)to occur during West Africa's rainy season. This avoids dust storms of the Harmattan winds, which blow across the Sahara into West Africa. The showers of the rainy season clean the air, making for better color and skies. Henderson is also of the opinion that some of the castles photographed during rainstorms should make for some dramatic, unusual photographs.

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