Highlights of Ghana

Day 1 - Arrival and transfer to hotel

Your local guides will meet with you on your arrival at the Kotoka International Airport Accra, situated on the beautiful gold coast of Western Africa. We transfer you to your accommodation which is situated in Accra. You can enjoy your evening meal at the hotel restaurant.

Accommodation – Alisa Swiss Spirit Hotel in Accra

Day 2 - 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, will begin with a tour of Accra, passing through the economic and administrative districts on the way to the National Museum. Almost all the displays here are ethnographic in nature and the museum gives us an excellent overview of West African culture. During our time here, we also get the chance to view and purchase some wonderful examples of traditional fabrics and crafts.

James Town is next, here we will enjoy a walking tour of the 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, our 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. We 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.

Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant (Country Kitchen) serving a selection of West African and continental dishes. In the afternoon we pass by Black Star Square which houses the independence monument, we then continue on to Independence Square. A short distance away we find the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the 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 we 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. After an action packed first full-day we return to our accommodation for our evening meal and to relax with an evening of free time.

Accommodation – Alisa Swiss Spirit Hotel in Accra

Day 3 - 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. 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 meet 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 as well as wonderful birds including Turacos, Rollers and Bee-eaters. We continue our journey towards the Volta region, stopping at a hotel in Akosombo for our lunch. After lunch, if time permits, we will enjoy a short river cruise in a local canoe 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 man-made lake in the world. We then continue our journey and transfer to our accommodation in Hohoe, the second largest city in the Volta region of Ghana.

Accommodation – In Hohoe - Chances Hotel

Day 4 - Wli waterfalls, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and Tafi Abuife Kente Village

Enjoy a beautiful setting as we have our breakfast before setting 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 locatio, 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. 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. We have time here to learn more about the history behind their protection from the local traditionalists. 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. A short distance from Tafi Atome we find the community of Tafi Abuife who have been weaving traditional Ewe kente cloth for generations. Colours and designs of the cloth vary and during our time here we learn the history behind each design and how the community started producing this beautiful material. You will have the opportunity to purchase quality kente at very reasonable prices before we return to our accommodation to relax.

Accommodation – In Hohoe - Chances Hotel 

Day 5 - Aburi Botanical Gardens and Craft Market

We check out of our hotel early and set off Northwards towards the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Our journey today will take us into the beautiful Akuapem hills with outstanding views across Accra and Tema in the distance. At the top of the range we 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 clear day. As we walk around the gardens our 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 we find the relaxed and friendly Aburi craft village, where traditional African drums, sculptures and other crafts have been carved for generations. As we 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. Our lunch will be taken in Koforidua capital of the Eastern Region of Ghana before we continue our journey to Kumasi, arriving in the early evening. After checking in to our accommodation we can enjoy an evening meal with the remainder of the day free to relax.

Accommodation – In Kumasi – Golden Tulip

Day 6 - Manhyia Palace, Cultural Center, Kejetia Market, Okomfo Anokye Sword and KNUST University 

A day of culture and history awaits us as we set off on our city tour of Kumasi and heading to the Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene King of the Ashantis 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 further understand their culture. We continue our journey, visiting the National Cultural Centre. The cultural center is in one of the oldest suburbs of Kumasi near Bantama. There is a wonderful craft market here and during our tour we 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 us a wonderful opportunity to experience everyday life in this great city and even pick up a few 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.

Our 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. Prior to returning to our accommodation we 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 here. This evening we have the option of heading into the city to experience Kumasi nightlife where we can enjoy our evening meal accompanied by music. If you are not feeling up to a late night you also have the option to relax at the accommodation this evening.

Accommodation – In In Kumasi – Golden Tulip

Day 7 - Ancient Kente and Adinkra Villages, Ashanti Traditional House and Sakoban Krofrom

This morning we visit the last material remains of the great Asante Empire at 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 which we will learn more about. This is also where Nana Yaa Traditional kente cloth is still worn by Ashantis. We continue our journey through Ashanti history by visiting the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso. Our first stop is Adanwomasie, the birth place of Ghana’s rich colorful 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. Quality time is dedicated here as we walk through the community, meeting locals whose families have been weaving kente for generations. During our time here, we 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. Former US President Bill Clinton has had a design named after him called the “Clinton Kente” as Ghanaians were so impressed with the respect he showed our nation during his state visit to Ghana when he was in office. 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 our time here, we can make our own strip of adinkra cloth using symbols with personal significance. After lunch we 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 here. The methods used to produce these wonderful brass works has not changed and during our time here we see a demonstration of the skilled process. After visiting some of the stores we return to our accommodation for an evening meal and to relax, with the remainder of the evening being free time.

Accommodation – In In Kumasi – Golden Tulip

Day 8 Assin Manso and Cape Coast Castle

This morning we take a leisurely breakfast before setting off Southwards to Elmina in the central region of Ghana. The town of Elmina was given its name by the Portuguese due to the abundance of Gold found in Ghana, translated Elmina means ‘The Mine’. Ghana’s gold is of the highest quality and we are the 8th largest exporter in the world and second largest exporter in Africa behind South Africa.

We will 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 our tour we continue to Cape Coast, we 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, viewing the dungeons and the infamous “Door of no return”. There is a historical museum inside which explains the history of the castle and Cape Coast itself. After a thought-provoking day, we continue to check into our accommodation, enjoy dinner and relax in the evening.

Accommodation – In Elmina / Cape Coast – Coconut Grove Beach Resort

Day 9 Kakum National Park, Canopy Walkway, Stingless Bee Centre and Elmina Castle

We have an early start this morning as we set off for Kakum National Park, and after having breakfast we visit Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway. This is a truly beautiful, tropical guinea rainforest and the canopy walkway is sure to be a highlight of your time in Cape Coast. The walkway consists of seven bridges, attached to seven emerging trees, 40-metres above the rainforest floor. Marvel at the outstanding views that stretch for miles across this breathtaking rainforest as you rest on the viewing platforms attached to the trees between bridges. We are sure you would agree that this is an exciting excursion never to be forgotten. We return to the park headquarters where we find an excellent information center that offers a very informative overview of the parks flora and fauna. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded within the park, which includes forest elephants, leopards and six primate species to mention just a few. As short distance from Kakum and on the border of the forest we find the International Stingless Bee Project. There have been approximately nine species of stingless bee identified here in Ghana and their importance to our ecosystem is paramount. Our tour of the center teaches us about the importance of bees locally, their medicinal qualities and an insight into their hives. We also get to taste and buy quality stingless bee honey. There is also an amazing stingless bee walkway and butterfly garden where many of the forest butterfly species come to feed. We stop for lunch at Han’s Cottage hotel near Kakum, Han’s is built over a lake containing Nile crocodiles and set in a beautiful location surrounded by tropical guinea rainforest. It is an original and comfortable establishment, which is teeming with bird life and an excellent place to enjoy lunch before setting off for Elmina. During our time in Elmina town we will visit the castle of St. George, this is the oldest extant colonial building in Sub-Saharan Africa dating back to 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 also a dedicated UNESCO world heritage site. Our final evening in the central region of Ghana can be spent at our accommodation or you can choose to venture into town to experience nightlife with the locals.

Accommodation – In Elmina / Cape Coast – Coconut Grove Beach Resort

Day 10/11 Beach Relaxation, Fort Amsterdam and Accra airport

Enjoy a relaxing morning with the opportunity to go for a swim, relax on the beach or just enjoy our final morning at this beautiful location. Prior to lunch we will freshen up and re-pack our bags, your local guide will collect them from your room and bring them to our vehicle to load. Before setting off back to Accra we enjoy our lunch overlooking the beautiful Gold Coast of West Africa. On route to Accra, along the coastal road, we find Fort Amsterdam in the town of Abandze. This is the first Fort built by the British between 1631 and 1638 and soon became the headquarters of English Gold Coast activities. In 1665, after a long and bloody battle, the Dutch captured the fort and that is where it gets its name - Fort Amsterdam. In 1811 locals loyal to the British from a neighboring community destroyed the fort and it was later restored to its former glory in 1951. It is believed that the first slave prison on the Gold Coast was in the hollow south east bastion of the fort. After an informative tour we continue our journey to Accra.

On arrival back in Ghana’s capital city we may have time to head to the Accra Mall to give you an insight into modern day Ghana. There may also be the opportunity to purchase some last-minute souvenirs before heading home. Our early evening meal will be taken at a locally owned restaurant serving an excellent selection of local and international dishes which gives us an ideal opportunity to say our goodbyes and reflect on a wonderful time together. After your meal our team will transfer you to the airport for your departure. Arrive UK 27 October.