Question 1

Where do I get a passport?

Accepted Answer

There are many varieites of passport offices around the country. Try to find a "one stop shop" passport office in your town or state. I have provided a search link from the United States Department of State.
 
https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/DefaultForm.aspx
 
Remember, Dawo Trails will not supply a passport. Travelers will have to have a passport to travel out of the country to West Africa. Please read the Terms and Conditions section for more details.

Question 2

What are the Visa requirements for countries in West Africa?

Accepted Answer

Each country has specific Visa requirements. Dawo Trails will assist with the Visa process. We encourage those who are denied or run into issues to speak directly with the embassy of the country. I have included a link to the embassys in Wacshington, DC. 
 
http://www.embassy.org/embassies/

Question 3

What vaccinations are required for travel?

Accepted Answer

The CDC has a site where you enter the destination country and you are advised of the vaccinations required for travel. Please review and find a travel clinic near you. 
 
Link to CDC vaccine recomendations: 
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
 
Yellow fever is requred for entry into many countries in Africa. It can cost between $150 to $250 dollars per person. It is not covered by insurance, but contact your adminitrator of your Health Saving Account regarding coverage. Malaria medication is higly recommended for protection against malaria which is deadly. 
 
Link to travel clinics in your area that carry Yellow fever vaccine/travel vaccines:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/search-for-stamaril-clinics

Question 4

Are we going to Africa?

Accepted Answer

Africa is a continent comprised of 54 countries and island nations. Africa is often broken into regions to easily discuss regional cultures, climate, and people. Dawo Trails focuses on travel and tourism in West Africa. West Africa is comprised of 17 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, the island nation of Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, the islands of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Africa

Question 5

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

This is not required for travel, but stongly recomneded. Feel free to choose/use any type of travel insuance. I have provided an example of an insurance provider below. 
 
https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/

Question 6

What happens after I purchase a trip or make a deposit?

Accepted Answer

First, I would like to say thank you for choosing Dawo Trails. Each traveler will receive an invoice or receipt of purchase. All travelers will receive a Dawo traveler guide in the mail and a thank you gift. The traveler guide will have instructions and next steps. Each traveler will receive a call to walk them through the packet and answer any questions. Feel free to contact the team anytime with questions.

Question 7

How do you pronounce "Dawo""

Accepted Answer

"Da-Whoa"
 
It means to restore or bring back. You just learned your first Hausa word!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)