Can I take my charger with me to West Africa, plug the USA prongs into a plug adapter, and simply charge my phone in any outlet there? Is this pretty much true throughout the world? I don't want to burn up the phone. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Be careful that you use the correct voltage regulator. I wouldn't be plugging my BB into just any adapter with no regulator.

It works pretty much anywhere you can stick it. You just have to switch the prongs

Try this ones.

BLACKBERRY PORTABLE CHARGER

BlackberrySource.com - BlackBerry Portable Charger

Or

World USB Charger + Plug Adapter for BlackBerry (***THIS IS A VERY SAFETY DEVICE***)
BBerry >> Accessories >> Chargers & Cables >> Sync & Charge Cables >> Mobi Products World USB Charger + Plug Adapter

The BB as used in the US operates at 120 volts. Make sure you aren't plugging into a 240 volt socket.

The back of my charger indicates an input of 100-240 volts, so I assume that no converter is necessary. Just plug it in through the proper prong configuration. Right?

Yep! Absolutely right! If the voltage falls into the range indicated, no problem, just stick the right prongs on it, and it'll charge

The Blackberry itself isn't made for 120 volts. I mean, it's not even an AC device. Just make sure your charger is intended for 100-240V and that you have the right adapter.