Our expert local tour guides will meet with you on your arrival at the Kotoka International Airport Accra, which is situated on the beautiful gold coast of Western Africa. Look out for the African Star Tours sign when you leave the main terminal building after passing through customs. Make yourself known to your guides who will be accompanying you for the duration of your time in Ghana and they will take care of you from here.
After boarding our vehicle, which will be your mode of transport for the duration of your tour, we transfer you to your accommodation which is situated in Accra. Once we have checked you in, our experienced guide will offer you Akwaaba (welcome) and brief you on all aspects of your trip. You can enjoy your evening meal at the hotel restaurant whilst acclimatising yourself to West Africa.
Economic districts, National Museum, James Town, Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, National Cultural Centre and Fantasy Coffins of Teshie and Nungua
Your first full day in Ghana you will set off for your tour of Accra, passing through the economic and administrative districts on your way to the National Museum. Almost all the displays there are ethnographic in nature and the museum gives us an excellent overview of West African culture. The displays in the museum are not only from Ghana but most West African countries. There is an adjoining garden which is home to various sculptures which talk about West African tradition and customs and gives an overview of West African history. During your time here, we also get the chance to view and purchase some wonderful examples of traditional fabrics and crafts.
Jamestown is next, you will enjoy a walking tour of this old community taking in some of the historical structures that predate the colonial era. The locals are committed to conserving these buildings and have made significant efforts to maintain them, and your time here gives us an excellent idea of what it was like during the colonial era. The 30-meter-high lighthouse built by the British in 1871 and the attractive colorful fishing boats on the beach are also wonderful to see. Continue to Fort James that was built by the British as a trading post in 1673, before it joined the Dutch Fort Crêvecœur, and the Danish Fort Christiansborg. Fort James gave its name to the Jamestown neighborhood in Accra. These areas give you a perfect picture of old Accra, distinguishing between British Accra and Dutch Accra.
Lunch is at a local restaurant serving a selection of West African and continental dishes. In the afternoon pass by Black Star Square which houses the independence monument and continue to Independence Square which is the main ceremony grounds and where you find the enclosed flame of African liberation, which was lit by Kwame Nkrumah himself in 1961.
A short distance away isthe Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, final resting place of Ghana’s founder. Set in attractive gardens, there is an adjoining museum, which contains photos, artifacts, and an insight into this incredible man’s life. Adjoining the park is the National Cultural Center, which is Ghana’s largest outdoor arts and crafts market where you find locals selling traditional crafts from all over West Africa.
After testing your bargaining skills, we head to “Fantasy Coffins” of Teshie Nungua. Funeral and burial ceremonies in Ghana are very solemn occasions, but after the burial a celebration follows. Ghanaians believe that the departed move on into another world, the coffins made here may represent the occupation of the deceased or depict something that was important to them. There is all manner of coffin designs which one could be buried in from cars, cocoa pods, cigarette packets and airplanes to crocodiles, shoes, bottles of beer and boats!
TK Beads, Shai Hills Reserve, Volta River Cruise and Akosombo Dam
After breakfast we depart Accra and start our journey towards the Volt region of Ghana, passing over the magnificent Volta River on route. Before we head out of this bustling city
we stop first at TK beads, experts in making beautiful traditional beads using ancient methods. Your guides will talk you through the skilled process of making the beads. Beads are culturally a symbol of wealth and beauty here in Ghana and are still used during traditional durbars and festivals. After the demonstration we can admire and buy a wide selection of beads that have been made here in the onsite shop.
Our next stop during our journey will be to visit the Shai Hills Reserve, an expanse of Savannah grassland and woodland dominated by large rock formations. large numbers of olive baboons, antelopes, green and spot nosed monkeys have been recorded in this protected area. Formerly the home of the Shai people who were ejected by the British in 1892, granite inselbergs dominate the landscape and house many active traditional shrines. We collect our wildlife guide and hike to the Obonu Tem caves searching for wildlife during our walk. There is a large colony of Egyptian Tomb Bats here not a common species to find in addition to wonderful colourful birds that include Turacos, Rollers and Bee-eaters. A wonderful morning at Shai Hills we then continue our journey towards the Volta region stopping at a hotel in Akosombo for our lunch. The hotel is situated in a perfect location on the banks of the Volta River overlooking this spectacular landscape. After lunch and only if time permits we will enjoy a short river cruise in local canoe enjoying the scenery as we head down river.
After our cruise we take a short tour of the Akosombo Dam, an amazing piece of engineering producing power for most of the country. This hydro-electric dam was built by Ghana’s first president Dr Kwame Nkrumah in 1965 and created what was then the largest manmade lake in the world. Today the Volta Lake is believed to be the third largest manmade lake in the world. An informative and interesting tour that offers excellent photographic opportunities of the outstanding views across this lake and habitat. We then continue our journey and transfer to our accommodation in Hohoe, the second largest city in the Volta region of Ghana.
Wli waterfalls, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and Tafi Abuife Kente Village
A beautiful setting as we enjoy our breakfast before we set off for the Wli (Agumatsa) Falls found in the Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary in the Volta region of Ghana. The Wli Falls are believed to be
the highest waterfall in West Africa, set in a beautiful location the surrounding flora and fauna make this an idyllic setting. On our arrival we will trek through the thick semi deciduous forest leading to the falls from Wli village. As we near the falls we can hear the enormous colony of Straw-coloured Fruit Bats found on the adjacent cliffs mixed with the powerful flow of the river. We can relax and enjoy a paddle in the pool beneath the waterfall which is safe for swimming if you are feeling adventurous, before setting off to the town of HoHoe for our lunch.
The afternoon is spent with the locals from the village of Tafi Atome, a wonderful community protecting a population of endangered True Mona monkeys. The community here perceives the Mona Monkeys to be sacred messengers from the gods and have been protecting the monkeys and their habitat for over 200 years. Quality time is dedicated here learning more about the history behind their protection from the local traditionalists during our time in the village. We venture into the surrounding forests to see these beautiful primates and during the walk our local guide will identify the many medicinal plants that grow here and explain how the locals use them to make traditional herbal remedies. The local ethnic group here are Ewe. A short distance from Tafi Atome we find the community of Tafi Abuife who have been weaving traditional Ewe kente cloth for generations. Kente cloth design here in the Volta Region of Ghana differs from the kente cloth found in the Ashanti Region at Bonwire. Colours and designs vary and during our time here we learn the history behind each design and how the community started producing this beautiful cloth. An ideal opportunity to purchase quality kente at very reasonable prices before we return to our accommodation to relax.
Aburi Botanical Gardens and Craft Market
Today set off Northwards towards the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Your journey today will take you into the beautiful Akuapem hills with outstanding views across Accra and Tema in the distance. At the top of the range, find the Aburi botanical gardens, set in a beautiful location that were founded by the British in 1890. The gardens are home to a wide variety of indigenous and exotic flora, offering outstanding views to Accra on a clearday. As you walk around the gardens your guide will identify the many trees and plants found here, some with medicinal properties and explain how they benefit the locals.
A short distance from the gardens you will find the relaxed and friendly Aburi craft village, where traditional African drums, sculptures and other crafts have been carved for generations. As you watch the skilled craftsmen at work it is worth noting that prices here are amongst the lowest in Ghana, making Aburi an ideal place to pick up some souvenirs. Your guide will talk you through the meaning and local beliefs connected to many of the sculptures that have been made the same way throughout history. Lunch will be taken in Koforidua capital of the Eastern Region of Ghana before you continue your journey to Kumasi arriving in the early evening.
Manhyia Palace, Cultural Center, Kejetia Market, Okomfo Anokye Sword and KNUST University
A well-deserved relaxing breakfast this morning after your long journey yesterday. A day of culture and history awaits as you set off on your city tour of Kumasi heading to the Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene King of the Ashanti’s and ruler of the powerful Asanteman Kingdom. The Palace Museum offers a fascinating excursion through the history of this powerful tribe and is extremely informative on the well documented Ashanti history and culture. Our tour gives us a firsthand insight into the legacies of the Ashanti’s and enables us to understand their culture
You continue to visit the National Cultural Centre, which is in one of the oldest suburbs of Kumasi near Bantama. There is a wonderful craft market here and during your leisurely tour you can visit the Prempeh II Jubilee museum which offers an excellent overview of Ashanti history and houses some wonderful ancient artifacts.
A short distance from the palace is Kejetia market which is reported to be the largest outdoor market in West Africa. Visiting here gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience everyday life for the people in this great city and pick up a few bargain souvenirs. The market is a labyrinth of stalls nestled closely together, and a hive of activity. Some stall holders sleep here in the evenings as trade rarely stops. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant which sells an excellent selection of local and continental dishes.
The next stop is the Okomfo Anokye sword found at the Okomfo Anokye teaching hospital in Kumasi. Okomfo Anokye was a powerful priest born in 1600 in the Eastern Region of Ghana who helped the then Ashanti King Osei Tutu I to defeat the powerful Denkyera tribe. After defeating the Denkyera, legend has it the Golden Stool of Ashanti descended from the sky and landed on Okomfo Anokye’s lap, which he gave to the Ashanti King. He then planted a sword into the ground as a symbol of unity between the Ashanti’s and Nzema tribes. The sword is still there to this day and has defied all human strength to pull it out.
Prior to returning to your accommodation you will visit the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology which was established by Ghana’s founding President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1952. It is the leading university in the sub region for research into science and technology with students from all over West Africa studying there.
Mole National park
The aim is to reach Mole National Park in the midafternoon taking lunch on route. Prior to reaching Mole you will stop at the last village before the park Larabanga. There is an ancient Sudanese style mud and stick mosque in Larabanga that is believed to be one of the oldest in West Africa. There is an old Quran inside the mosque that is apparently a gift from heaven which was given to the then Imam of the mosque Yidan Barimah Bramah after heavy prayers. The World Monuments Fund has listed the mosque as one of the 100 most endangered sites.
On arrival in Mole National Park, check into the accommodation. Your evening is dedicated to relaxing in this stunning location, watching the sun set over the guinea woodland and savannah that surround our accommodation, before enjoying our evening meal and the atmosphere of being so close to nature.
Mole National Park
The day starts with a buzz as you set off early in the morning with an armed guide tracking the world’s largest land mammal, African Elephants on foot. You will dedicate the entire morning to tracking and getting as close as possible to these amazing mammals. You are sure to encounter many other animals during your trek as you set off around the watering holes.
Many of our guests who have travelled extensively around Africa are amazed at how close you can get to African Elephants the world’s largest land mammal on foot in Mole. There are over 93 mammals recorded in the national park, and as you walk through the savannah and bush, you are likely to see troops of olive baboon and patas monkey getting extremely close to these beautiful primates. Kob, bushbuck and waterbuck regularly come to the watering holes to drink, being cautious of the crocodiles lurking in the muddy waters. Deeper in the park, hartebeest, roan antelope, lion, leopard, hyena, and African buffalo roam. In addition to the many mammals your experienced guides are on hand to identify some of the 350 species of birds recorded here at Mole. Lunch is enjoyed around the pool of your accommodation and you can take this advantage to cool off with a swim or relax for a few hours before your afternoon activities.
The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the nearby village of Mognori which is located on the boundary of the park approximately a 30 minutes’ drive from your accommodation. On arrival in Mognori you will meet one of the locals who will take you on a walking tour of the community.
The villagers used to live inside what is now protected as Mole National Park and they can no longer use the resources found in the park to feed their families. As they are no longer permitted to enter the park the community have set up an eco-tourism project where they benefit from tourism coming to Mole. This helps in the conservation of the wildlife inside the park and prevents locals poaching as they now directly benefit from nature tourism. As you walk through the community, you will see how shea butter is produced and learn the other many uses for the shea nut which is so important to this area. Quality time is dedicated to talking with the traditional healer in the community, hearing how local traditional medicine is used to treat sickness and which of the many trees and plants play an important role in preparing these local medicines. The are many active local shrines here and you will learn how the community believe they also play an important role within the community.
Kintampo Waterfall and Boebeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
Today set off Southwards after your adventures here in Northern Ghana. It is mainly a travel day; however, you still have some amazing places to visit during your journey to Kumasi. The first stop will be just before lunch at the beautiful Kintampo Waterfalls a fast- flowing waterfall with small pool at the bottom which is good for swimming. Some of our more adventurous guests use this opportunity to experience Ghana’s most powerful “Power Shower” a great way to freshen up during our journey. Lunch will be at the nearby Falls restaurant before you continue passing through Techiman on your way to Boebeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary. These two villages nestled closely together have been protecting the Black and White Colobus and Lowes Mona monkeys which are found in the surrounding forests, the locals perceive the monkeys to be sacred and offer them traditional burials. During your time in the villages, interact with the locals learning about the history behind their protection of these primates in addition to their culture and daily routine as farmers. This is by no means a zoo, it is an area of forest habitat locals protect due to their traditional beliefs dating back centuries that the primates here are sacred. The monkeys are wild and free to roam wherever they choose and to even leave the communities if they wish. After a wonderful time with the friendly locals here continue your journey to Kumasi, arriving in the early evening.
Ancient Kente and Adinkra Villages, Ashanti Traditional House and Sakoban Krofrom
A morning visit to the last material remains of the great Asante Empire as you visit the traditional Asante buildings that are now recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. There are 10 active shrines within the buildings which are made from bamboo, timber and mud and thatched roofs. The walls are designed with motifs that have traditional symbolic meanings attached to ancient Adinkra symbols that you will learn more about later today. This is also where Nana Yaa Asantewaa, possibly the most important woman in Ashanti history comes from, a great female warrior who led the Ashanti’s in the 1901 war against the British.
Continue your journey through Ashanti history by visiting the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso. Your first stop is Adanwomasie, the birth place of Ghana’s rich colourful Kente cloth. Adanwomasi produces some of Ghana’s finest Kente cloth, many designs of cloth are woven here, and some are exclusive only to this region. During your time here, learn about the history behind the many designs and see skilled weavers outside their homes still using traditional looms that have not changed in design for centuries. An ideal time to purchase quality kente cloth at very low prices before you set off for Ntunso.
The ancient village of Ntunso, is where adinkra cloth and symbols originate. These traditional symbols all have meanings and are carved from calabash shells. The adinkra symbols are then printed onto traditional cloth using natural dyes made from the bark of certain local trees. Adinkra cloth has been adorned by the Ashanti’s for more than 4 centuries and pre-dates kente cloth. Even today most Ashanti’s will wear adinkra cloth for funerals, festivals and other important occasions. During your time here, you can make our own strip of adinkra cloth using symbols with personal significance.
After lunch visit the village of Sokoban Krofrom where traditional brass casting has been the main source of income for the community for generations. A wide selection of items ranging from beads and jewelry to traditional statues are made there. The methods used to produce these wonderful brass works has not changed and during your time here you will see a demonstration of the skilled process.
Assin Manso and Cape Coast Castle
Gold is of such importance to Ghana today and historically that the country was even known as the Gold Coast before independence. Ghana’s gold is of the highest quality and they are the 8th largest exporter in the world and second largest exporter in Africa behind South Africa. Stop at Assin Manso, an important town along the enslaved African trade routes. The town surrounds the Ndonkor Nsuo (Enslaved African River). This river is where enslaved Africans were checked for fitness and bathed before being transported to Cape Coast for shipment to the Americas. The slaves would have walked hundreds of kilometers from Northern Ghana through thick forests in shackles and chains, many being in poor health once they reached Assin Manso. Once bathed and rested the slaves would continue the final 32-mile march to the dungeons of Cape Coast Castle where they would remain for up to 6 weeks before being shipped to the Americas. In 1998, a symbolic gesture was made when the bodies of two free (previously enslaved) Africans, Samuel Carson from New York U.S.A and Crystal from Kingston Jamaica were returned to Cape Coast Castle and symbolically passed through the “Door of no Return” before being transported to Assin Manso for re-internment.
After continue to Cape Coast, where you enjoy lunch upon arrival at a local restaurant overlooking the ocean before visiting the nearby Cape Coast castle which has been designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The castle is a thought-provoking monument to a harrowing period in the region’s history. Quality time will be spent in the afternoon on an emotional journey touring this castle which held more enslaved Africans captive than any other in West Africa,. You will view the dungeons and the infamous “Door of no return”. There is a historical museum inside, which explains the entire history of the castle and Cape Coast itself, as well as a souvenir shop selling literature on all of Ghana’s forts and castles, as well as the cultural history and traditions of Ghana. A wonderful but thought-provoking day.
Kakum National Park, Canopy Walkway, Stingless Bees, Elmina Castle and Traditional Batik Making
An early start as you set off for Kakum National Park in the morning - Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway. This is an incredibly beautiful, tropical guinea rainforest and the canopy walkway is sure to be a highlight of your time in Cape Coast. This national park protects the original habitat that was found in this location and was the local’s home and major source of food. The walkway consists of 7 bridges, attached to 7 emerging trees, 40 metres above the rainforest floor.
Prepare to take a deep breath as you walk the suspended bridges. You will marvel at the outstanding views that stretch for miles across this breathtaking rainforest as you rest on the viewing platforms that are attached to the emerging trees between the bridges. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded within the park, which includes forest elephants, leopards and 6 primate species to mention just a few.
A short distance from Kakum and on the border of the forest is the International Stingless Bee Project. There have been approximately 9 species of stingless bees identified here in Ghana and their importance to our eco system is paramount. Your tour of the centre teaches about the importance of bees locally, their medicinal qualities and you get to see their hives, as well as time to taste and buy quality stingless bee honey.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant selling a wide selection of international and local dishes. This restaurant is run by a local organization that helps deprived children in the Cape Coast area improve their lives through education and advocacy. Your afternoon is dedicated to immersing into true African art during a traditional batik making workshop with Global Mamas. An excellent organization empowering local women to learn artistic skills selling their finished products in the fair-trade market enabling them to support their families. There is no better way to get to know locals and hear how life is daily than by working side by side with them and making your own traditional batik garment. Joining a local artisan in his/her workshop to learn the traditional techniques of batik making and production from the wax heating, stamping, and drying makes for an interesting afternoon. You will be given a piece of cloth for you to produce your own garment to take back home, a wonderful souvenir of your time in Ghana and one that will hold fond memories every time you wear it.
A short distance from the batik workshop is Elmina where you visit the local fishing market and walk the short distance to visit the boat builders in this community. Almost all the fishing boats used in this bustling fishing community are traditional wooden boats. Their design has not changed in centuries and neither have the tools and methods used to build them. During your time in Elmina town, you will visit the castle of St. George in Elmina. This is the oldest extant colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa dating from 1482. This castle is steeped in history and played a prominent part during the tragic transatlantic enslaved African trade era. There is an informative museum inside which concentrates on local history and it is designated a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Beach Relaxation
Today is set aside for a full day relaxing at your beautiful lodge location, time to recharge your batteries from the previous few days adventures. Today you can enjoy the facilities of your beachfront hotel, maybe go for a swim, relax on the beach, or just enjoy being on the beautiful Gold Coast of West Africa. If relaxation is not for you then your guide is on hand to take you on walking tours of the local communities. As it is your final evening in Ghana there will be the option to head into town for your evening meal and to experience local nightlife!
Back to Accra
On route to Accra, you will pass through the fishing town of Elmina. During your time in Elmina town visit the Castle of St. George, the oldest extant colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, dating from 1482. This castle is steeped in history and played a prominent part during the tragic, transatlantic slave trade era. There is an informative museum inside which concentrates on local history and this now silent monument to the pain and suffering the ancestors endured has been formally designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
After an informative tour you can visit the local fishing market and walk the short distance to visit the boat builders in this community. Almost all the fishing boats used in this bustling fishing community are traditional wooden boats. Their design has not changed in centuries and neither have the tools and methods used to build them. Whilst you take in the sights of the many colourful fishing boats bringing their daily catch into the harbour, it is important to understand Elmina has hardly changed since the colonial days. Your journey continues and on arrival back in Ghana’s capital Accra, before you transfer to the airport for your departure, you can enjoy an early evening meal.
**You will need to book an evening flight from Accra, or we can arrange an additional night of accommodation.
