EXPLORE GHANA, TOGO & BENIN-14 DAYS

ARRIVE ACCRA, GHANA

On arrival at Kotoka International Airport, our expert cultural tour guide will meet, assist and transfer you to your hotel in our private air conditioned vehicle. Once you have checked in, your guide will brief you on what to expect during your stay here in Ghana

Other activities today will depend on your arrival time and preference

ACCRA

Wake up to a whole new experience that awaits you today. After a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, we set off for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the bustling city of Ghana’s capital- Accra passing through the economic and administrative districts.

We will visit the following places of interest:

• W.E.B Du Bois Centre honoring the life of the prominent Pan-Africanist who chose to live and work in Ghana.
• We shall continue to Independence Square where you will see the enclosed flame of African Liberation, which was lit by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1961. The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, final resting place of Ghana’s first president. Set in attractive gardens, there is an adjoining museum, which contains photos, artifacts and an insight into Dr. Nkrumah’s life. Adjoining the park is the National Cultural Centre, which is Ghana’s largest outdoor arts and crafts market selling traditional crafts from all over West Africa.
• Our day’s visit ends at Jamestown Community-One of Accra’s most historic neighborhoods where history resides on every corner. Best known for its lighthouses (the first of which was constructed in 1875 by the British) as a navigational aid for trading vessels sailing through the Gulf of Guinea. The original structure was ruined but a larger and more improved lighthouse completed in 1921 is still functioning today.
• You may visit “Brazil House” and learn about the seven Afro-Brazilian families who returned to settle in Ghana in 1836. Familiar Brazilian/Portuguese last names such as De Souza, Palmares, Azumah, Amorin, Da Costa, Santos, De Medeiros and Olympio are abundant in this section of Accra

ACCRA-CAPE COAST

Depart for Cape Coast and Elmina, arriving late morning for a tour of Cape Coast before checking into your hotel. This afternoon visit Elmina Castle, a World Heritage site slaves were held before being sent to the New World.

This evening observe the colorful fishing boats in preparation for the usual overnight fishing. This is a perfect opportunity for the photographers in the group

CAPE COAST & VICINITY

This morning travel to Kakum National Park. Kakum is one of Ghana’s most famous parks. Take a brief tour on the forest floor. Kakum is home to Africa’s only aerial walkway through the tree canopy, a 1000 foot long, seven bridge walkway with viewing platforms that reach heights of over150 feet above the ground.

This afternoon, visit the Cape Coast Castle and the Castle Museum for a guided tour. Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to the “Door of No Return

ELMINA-KUMASI

After breakfast, depart to Kumasi the realm of the Ashanti Kingdom. You will pass through Obuasi, the location of the Ashanti Goldfields- one of the richest mines in the world.

In Kumasi, visit Manhyia Palace, which is sometimes used by the Asantehene and houses a small historical museum. Disputes are still settled in accordance with centuries old customs, where the Asantehene (The Ashanti King) has the final word.

Next, go on a tour of this historic city including visits to the National Cultural Centre which includes the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, named after the former Asantehene, Nana Osei Agyeman Prempeh II. Exhibits include a replica of the famed Golden Stool, which is believed to have descended from the sky and is the spiritual symbol of the Ashanti People

KUMASI & VICINITY

Visit the Ashanti Craft villages starting with the woodcarving village of Ahwiaa, known for the talented craftsmen who fashion royal stools, walking sticks and fertility dolls from wood. You will have the opportunity to purchase hand carved items.

The next stop is the village of Ntonso where artisans hand stamp patterns on cotton cloth to make Adinkra textiles.

The third village is Bonwire, where the famous Kente Cloth is handmade on looms in a time-honored tradition passed down through generations.

You will see the various Kente weavers creating colorful Kente cloth in various styles and you might want to even try your hands on this special process.

KUMASI-HO

After breakfast, depart to Ho stopping at the Cocoa Research Institute at Tafo.

Time permitting, visit Shai Hills Game reserves. The reserve consists of a very striking and attractive range of rocky hills set in the middle of expansive open and wooded grassland plains. There are several cave systems in the hills, some of which have played and continue to play an important role in the local history of the Krobos.

Late afternoon, travel to Ho where you will stay overnight.

HO-WLI-HO

After breakfast, visit Wli waterfalls- the highest waterfall in Ghana. You will trek through a dense tropical forest and cross the meandering Agumatsa River at 11 places before you arrive at the waterfall.

Later, you will visit Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary where the endangered but playful true Mona monkeys are considered sacred and are therefore protected. Walk on a well-cleared trail and view the monkeys in their natural habitat.

HO-LOME, TOGO

Depart to Lome, Togo stopping at points of interests. Arrive in Lome and visit the Independence Square, the National Museum, Lome Craftsmen village, Lome Central market-realm of the famous Nana Benz, the fishing harbor, the fetish Market- the traditional drugstore of the locals. Visit also Grand Marche where pearls, baskets, pottery and other products including “sacred” items are on display.

LOME-TOGOVILLE-LOME

Today visit the slave house in Agbodrafo. You may board the fishermen’s canoes to help them pull in their nets (seek permission from the village chief). From there, you can easily travel by shared boat to Togoville. Togoville, a red-earth village which was the homeland of numerous slaves taken to Haiti, who were members of the voodoo cult. Here you will find magic remedies and voodoo charms used by local sorcerers.

LOME-OUIDAH-COTONOU, BENIN

This morning, travel to Ouidah, the former slave trading post and birthplace of Voodoo. This unforgettable visit takes you to the Voodoo museum, the Sacred Forest (Kpasse Forest), the Cathedral and the Temple of the Pythons.

Continue to the place of common grave, the tree of forgetfulness and the “Gate of No Return”. There may be a welcome reception from Dagbo Hounon, high priest of the voodoo cult.

Late afternoon, continue to Cotonou for overnight.

COTONOU-GANVIE-COTONOU

Today, you will visit the Government district, the Ganvie market zone including the international Dantokpa market with its exuberant traders and the handicraft center.

In the afternoon, depart to the lake Village-Ganvie, the “Venice of Africa” with its houses built on stilts. You will visit the fishers’ streets, the lover’s lance and the Francophone villa

COTONOU-ACCRA

Today, you will return to Ghana via Lome.  On arrival in Accra, you will decide on your excursions and activities with the assistance of the guide.

ACCRA-DEPART

Today at your leisure. Your guide and driver will be available to assist with excursions and activities. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.