From the first contact over WhatsApp to dropping me off at the Lagos airport, Confidence and his team were one of the best tour guides I have ever had, and everything was sharp-sharp (when you call/text/WhatsApp Confidence, he will tell you what it means)! Like many people, I was nervous about picking a guide, but Confidence provided five American citizens’ names as references to call. When I called/texted them, they all got back with me quickly, and helped me to know I was in good, safe hands with Confidence. I ended up putting down an 80% deposit, which allowed us to concentrate on the experience!

After living in Brazil on assignment with my company for two years as well as growing up in the Southern U.S., I knew I had to visit West Africa to learn about the history and influence it had on two cultures that I love dearly. Confidence tailored a trip, starting by taking me to the African Diaspora festival in Badagary, where they invite Americans (As in North and South America, and Caribbean) whose ancestors were brought over in the slave trade back to walk the path their ancestors took. There are no museum experiences or words to describe the sadness I felt walking the path that slaves walked, or feeling the weight of the chains that were put on them. After the walk, the festival cheered me up, with music, dancing, and masquerades. The people were extremely friendly, and helped to give me hope again. Confidence’s attention to detail, such as keeping my cellphone in his bag, knowing the locals, and even having some cash on hand for people, kept the day smooth and invigorating. We drank some Palm Wine with the locals, and stayed the night.

The best activity we attended was Felabration, or an Afro-Beat music festival named in honor of Fela Kuti. When I arrived in Nigeria, I told Confidence I usually don’t stay out late, but the music was so good, I stayed out until 2:30AM! I could see and feel the African roots of Brazilian samba and axé and United States’ blues and funk.

One thing I wish I could have done is contacted Confidence earlier. Countries like Brazil and Nigeria have many controls to make sure people are safe, and money is not sent due to Fraud. For example, there is no way to send money to Confidence quickly, as all transactions are researched and can take 5-10 days. Confidence might ask for a large portion of the deposit upfront, and possibly sent to his Ghana account, but this is to insure he can use the money to reserve activities. As an accountant, I am happy to explain why this exists, and Confidence can share my contact information with you.

I had such a good time, I will be doing a week in Ghana with Confidence next year!