14 Days Voodoo Festival Ghana Togo Benin from US$4,902.-pp

Set along the magnificent Atlantic Coast in West Africa, the off-the-beaten-track country of Togo is known for its varied landscapes, pristine white-sand beaches, and diverse cultural heritage. Togo also offers a huge dose of tradition, with almost 40 different ethnic groups celebrating their rich culture and traditions with an array of festivals held throughout the year. Visitors can laze on the palm-fringed beaches of Lome and Aneho, view the amazing 17th-century mud huts of Koutammakou, and explore the country’s spectacular interior, known for its cocoa and coffee plantations and undulating savannah-covered hills traversed by a network of scenic hiking trails. Other highlights include visiting hilltop villages, browsing the fascinating fetish market, and soaking up Togo’s beautiful wilderness at the national parks of Fazao and Keran.

Currency 

Local currency: West African CFA Franc 
Symbol: CFA 
ISO code: XOF 
Subunit: Centime 
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 francs 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 francs 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 
Main airlines: Asky Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines 
International Airports: Lomé-Tokoin International Airport 
Domestic Airports: None 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Limited 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Togolese cuisine is diverse, with influences from African, French, and German culinary traditions. Staple foods include maize, rice, beans, and yams. Signature dishes include Fufu (pounded cassava or plantains), Akume (cornmeal paste), and Koklo meme (grilled chicken). Don'tmiss out on tasting dishes like Kuli-Kuli (spicy peanut snack) and Gari Foto (cassava meal). 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tchapalo (fermented millet drink), Sodabi (local spirit), and Bissap (hibiscus drink). 

Tipping: Tipping is not customary, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 900 mm 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 29°C 
Average lows: 21°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Togo is during the dry season, from November to February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: No 

Situated in West Africa, Benin is known for its pristine beaches, bountiful wildlife and rich history. Benin features stilted villages, numerous national parks and a dark past linked to the slave trade. This French-speaking West African nation is also known as the birthplace of the Voodoo religion. Visitors can explore French colonial architecture in the laid-back capital of Porto Novo; discover the bustling commercial hub of Cotonou, home to an impressive cathedral and the vibrant Dantokpa Market; and spot aardvarks and cheetahs at W National Park. Other popular attractions include: the Royal Palaces of Abomey, the Ouidah Museum of History and the eerie Door of No Return.

Currency:  

Local currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)    
Symbol: XOF 
ISO code: *ZAR 
Central bank: Central Bank of West African States 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: XOF10 000, 5000, 2000, 1000 
Coins: XOF500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 

Banking: 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours: 

Weekdays: 08h00 – 11h00 and 15h00 - 17h00 
Weekends: Some banks are open on Saturdays 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Benin Airlines 
International Airports: Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport 

 
Road: 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: Yes 
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: No 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, if well cooked 
Street food: No 
 
Local cuisine:  Benin’s culinary offering is protein-rich and includes cous cous and yam into many of its dishes. Some popular dishes include Dahomey fish stew (battered and fried fish balls with tomato and onion sauce), Fufu (mashed yams formed into a paste), Kuli-kuli (the national dish, a snack of deep and hard fried peanut butter with onion and spices), and Ignamepilée - crushed yams with chilli, onion, tomato, chicken broth, beef and peanuts.  

Drinks:   

• Tchapalo - (a fermented corn drink infused with lemongrass, having a very lowalchohol content)  

• Tchoukoutouou (Shou-Ku-Tou) or Tchouk (Shouk) - Similar toTchapalo but with a higher alchohol content, often served in a calabash bowl 

• La Beninoise - a local beer similar to Amstel Light or Heineken  

 
Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: 2679 mm 
Average temperature: 25.7 °C 
 
Summer: 
Average in highs: 32°C 
Average in lows: 26°C 
 
Winter: 
Average in highs: 27°C 
Average in lows: 23°C 
 
Best time to visit:  Between May and November, warm temperatures and low rain levels may appeal to some travellers; while the popular Voodoo festival takes place in January, the hottest month of the year – but arguably an unmissable cultural experience. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 
 

Wifi available at: 
Internet cafes: Yes, in Cotonou 
Accommodation options: Sometimes 
Restaurants: Yes, in Cotonou and Porto Novo 
Cafes: Sometimes  
Shopping malls: Sometimes  
Public parks: Sometimes  
Libraries: Sometimes  

Sandwiched between the West African countries of Cote d'Ivoire and Togo in the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana is a friendly and largely safe country with locals who are usually eager to help first-time foreigners find their feet on African soil. This spectacularly scenic nation boasts an exquisite tropical coastline and exceptional national parks providing a haven for some unusual flora and fauna. The capital, Accra, is a thriving metropolis replete with bustling markets, luxury hotels and lively nightlife. Fill your itinerary with visits to gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, ancient forts, historical castles, and quaint fishing villages. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach vacation or are keen to immerse yourself in the fascinating ancient cultures of this nation's diverse ethnic groups, Ghana offers a unique and compelling African experience.

Currency:  
Local currency: Ghana Cedi  
Symbol: GH¢ and GH₵ 
ISO code: GHS 
Subunit: Ghana pesewas 
Banknotes: Gh₵ 10, Gh₵ 20, Gh₵ 5, Gh₵ 1, Gh₵ 2, Gh₵ 50. 
Coins: Coins are in denominations of GH₵1, 10 Gp, 50 Gp, 1 Gp, 20 Gp, 5 Gp 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: 
ATMs: Yes, in large urban areas 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes/No 
Diner’s club: No 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: Mon-Fri 0830-1600 
Weekends: Sat 0800-1200 
Public Holidays:  
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Formerly very expensive, domestic flights are now quite affordable and a viable alternative to travelling by bus or car.

Car hire services are available in Accra but there are few outlets, and hiring a car can be rather expensive, with or without a driver. However, the only way to reach most sites of interest in Ghana is by road, whether you rent a car and driver, or catch public transport. Be warned that all commercially available maps of Ghana (as well as those issued by the Survey Department in Accra) are seriously out of date, or riddled with inaccuracies, or both. These maps are fine for general orientation purposes, but can't be relied upon fully. Urban roads are generally in good condition, but road conditions can be in poor condition outside of the towns.

The speed limit is 50kph (31mph) in towns and 80kph (50mph) outside of towns. Seat belts are compulsory and drink-driving is illegal. A UK driving licence is theoretically valid for 90 days, but you are less likely to be queried by bribe-seeking officials if you carry an International Driving Permit.

Taxis are available throughout Ghana.

Travelling by coach is usually the best way to travel between major centres. The market used to be dominated by the State Transport Company (STC), which still operates along most major surfaced routes, but better and more reliable air-conditioned services are now provided by operators such as VIP, VVIP and OA.

The usual form of transport on minor routes is minibuses or vans. These break down into two broad categories: newer air-conditioned vans known variously as Fords, Stanbics or Yutons, and older and less comfortable bangers called tro-tros (or sometimes lorries). In small towns and villages, public transport generally arrives at and departs from one central terminus (usually referred to as the ‘station’, or ‘lorry station’).

Larger towns usually have several different stations. Most road transport doesn’t operate to a fixed schedule; vehicles simply wait at their designated station, and leave as soon as they are full. This can seem quite chaotic to first-time visitors, especially where departure points are decentralised, but it is actually quite efficient and straightforward. Local transport is cheap, too, though unfortunately the standard of driving is poor.

Accra has extensive bus and taxi services operated by the private sector. There is an abundance of taxis in the towns. Prices are reasonable. Drivers do not generally expect tips. Other ways of getting around, for the more adventurous traveller, are tro-tros (minibuses), which are usually far less comfortable than taxis.

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if peeled and well-cooked 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, if well-cooked 
Street food: No 
 
Local cuisine:  

Across the country, local food can be enjoyed in small restaurants known as 'chop bars' where either rice or other starchy local staples such as kenkey, a fermented corn dough,or fufu, a firm ball of fermented maize served together with a meat or vegetable sauce. Notable highlights include red-red, a spicy concoction of rice and beans cooked in red palm oil, jollof rice, prawns and other seafood. By generously employing tomatoes, hot peppers and onions, many Ghanaian dishes are often red or orange in appearance. 

 
Drinks: 

Pito- Beer brewed in the Northern region made from millet. 

Zom koom- Toasted millet flour in water. 

Palm wine - A potent wine made from the sap of palm trees. 

Coconut juice - Typically served in the shell 
 
Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: 1209.75 mm 
Average temperature: 28°C 
 
Summer: 

Average Highs: About 32°C 

Average Lows: Around 24°C 

Winter: 

Average Highs: 30°C 

Average Lows: 22°C 

 
Best time to visit:  

Thanks to its proximity to the equator, Ghana enjoys a tropical climate, with temperatures soaring to 30°C and dropping to a temperate 20°C, however, October to March is marginally cooler and less humid.

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: No 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): No 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes