ACCRA CITY TOUR
After a hearty breakfast, depart for a sightseeing tour of Ghana’s capital city, Accra. Your drive will take you through the administrative and economic districts of the city capital. This 130-year-old city has a blend of colonial and contemporary architecture that symbolizes the cultural mix of the city.
Some points of interest during your tour are the W. E. B. Dubois Center for Pan African Culture – This is the center where Dr. Dubois (an academic and civil rights champion) spent the last 2 years working on a Pan-African encyclopedia under the invitation Dr. Nkrumah. You will be given a guided tour through his research library. The pinnacle point of the tour is the visit to the Independence Black Star/Square and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park – the square marks the point where three ex-military men tried to present grievances to the colonial governor and were shot during a peaceful demonstration; to the east of the square you will also get a view of the present presidential seat at the Osu Castle (formerly Christiansborg Castle). On the other hand, the Nkrumah Memorial Park was created as grand memorabilia of the founder of Ghana, pointing the way forward.
For lunch you will be given the opportunity to sample some local Ghanaian cuisine at one of our famous local restaurants.
After lunch, visit the Arts Centre – a large arts and crafts market where you can find handicrafts from all over Ghana and West Africa; here you will have the opportunity to use your bargaining skills.
CAPE COAST/ELMINA & KAKUM TOURS
This morning following breakfast and check out formalities depart to Elmina and Cape Coast. Today’s tour will highlight the infamous Forts, Castles and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. Here you will experience the physical evidence of the slave trade whose impact is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today.
Visit the Cape Coast Castle built by the Swedes in 1653; which was later taken over by the British. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994.
In the afternoon, explore the Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rain forests. Extending over 360sq km of diverse and dense vegetation, a blend of true rainforest and semi deciduous forest. Kakum is the home to over 40 large mammals and 400 bird species as well as many species of butterflies, flora and fauna. The most popular attraction is the Canopy walkway which is made up of seven bridges extending 330m, hanging 40m above the forest floor.
CAPE COAST/ELMINA & ASSIN MANSO
This morning following breakfast and check out formalities depart to Elmina and Cape Coast. Today’s tour will highlight the infamous Forts, Castles and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. Here you will experience the physical evidence of the slave trade whose impact is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today.
Visit the Cape Coast Castle built by the Swedes in 1653; which was later taken over by the British. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994.
Later in the day, we will make a stop at the Assin Manso. See the slave market and the river where Africans taken as captives received their last bath before being taken to the dungeons in the Central Region for sale during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
KUMASI TOURS
After breakfast at your hotel, check out and depart for a drive through the
forest zone to Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Empire to explore the legends of the famous Ashantis, whose legacies are still evident today.
Later in the day, visit Manhyia Palace Museum, to obtain firsthand information on the legacies of the Ashanti kingdom. A regal history that dates back to 1700 is told with relics and artifacts. Enjoy a drive through the city with monuments dedicated to the memory of the great Ashanti people. Continue the day’s tour at the National Cultural Center which features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and various studios of the brass makers, potters and batik makers.
ABURI BOTANICAL GARDENS, CENTRE FOR PLANT MEDICINE RESEARCH & TETTEH QUARSHIE COCOA FARM
Depart Accra this morning to the Aburi Botanical Gardens. Aburi is located on the Akwapim-Togo Range of Ghana. It’s just three quarters of an hour drive from Accra, the capital of Ghana. The cool mountainous weather of Aburi makes it a destination for people who love the cool side of life. Located in this cool tranquil environment is the Aburi Botanical Gardens. The garden covers a total land area of about one hundred and sixty (160) acres. However, it is only three (3) acres that have been developed and the remaining serving as a botanical reserve.
Later in the day, we visit The Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) is an institution for research into herbal medicine in Mampong Akuapem, in the Eastern Region of southern Ghana.
Established in 1975 with Dr Oku Ampofo, a renowned allopathic medical practitioner, as its first director, the CPMR is a very rich research centre, it is very rich in its potential to do extensive research into plant medicine,
Formerly known as the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine, the Mampong Akwapim facility produces well-tested plants and herbal medicine, due to the wealth of expertise it has by way of the high calibre of research personnel.
We finally Visit this small historic farm owned by the most celebrated farmer who had no formal education yet introduced what would later become Ghana’s economic backbone. You will be surprised to know that the cocoa plant is that it is a non-native African plant so the question is… “how did cocoa get to Ghana?”
This was the first cocoa farm in Ghana and the birthplace of Ghana’s burgeoning cocoa industry. The original seedlings were brought from Fernando Po Island just off the coast of Equatorial Guinea by Tetteh Quarshie himself in 1879. Three original trees remain.
AKWAABA TOGO & BENIN
DAY 01: Arrive in Cotonou. Transfer from airport to your hotel. Check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the evening. Overnight stay at Hotel in Cotonou.
DAY 02: Depart after breakfast from the hotel to the cathedral of Notre Dame de Miséricorde, commonly known as Cotonou Cathedral. This is a Roman Catholic cathedral, located near the Ancient Pont Bridge in Cotonou, Benin. It is noted for its distinct burgundy and white striped tiled architecture. Continue to the National University of Benin, the principal university in the country. The university was founded in 1970 as the Université du Dahomey. In 1975 the name was changed to Université Nationale du Bénin. End the
tour at the Dantokpa Market in Cotonou, Benin. It is one of the most important retailing areas in Benin, covering over 20 hectares. It is also economically important for the country, with a reported commercial turnover of over a billion CFA Francs a day. Overnight stay at Hotel in Cotonou.
DAY 03: After breakfast, depart for a visit to Ouidah, the cradle of African Traditional Religion, en-route to Cotonou. Tour the temple dedicated to the sacred Python, which is believed to give vitality and protection; you will also pay a visit to the sacred forest which houses many shrines dedicated to various deities. Visit the historical Museum of Ouidah located in an old Portuguese fort built in 1721. This Museum portrays Benin’s role in the Atlantic Slave Trade. Later, visit the Port of No Return; a monument built by the Benin Government to commemorate the Africans that were taken from the Dahomey Empire during the Slave Trade. Overnight stay at Hotel in Ouidah
VOODOO FESTIVAL- JANUARY 10, 2021
DAY 04: Have breakfast and get ready to witness the revered spiritual celebration and event. Today is a special day for the celebration of the Voodoo Festival across the country of Benin and we will spend the whole day to witness and participate in the celebration.
It is a celebration of traditional religions in the West African country of Benin, the cradle of the voodoo cult. The event is being held in Ouidah.
Voodoo claims a prominent place in the identity of Benin where the pantheon of gods includes more than 300 deities. The belief that everything is spirit, including humans, is a central tenet in voodoo which combines different elements such as medicine and philosophy.
Voodoo Festival of Benin and has recently become a fixture on the plans and travel itineraries of thousands of devotees and visitors. Based on the harmony of the elements – water, earth, fire and air – and on the cult of ancestors, this spirituality is currently undergoing a revival in the small country of 11 million people.
Later in the day, we check into our hotel in Ouidah for Dinner and Overnight.
DAY 05: Following breakfast, we continue our exploration of Benin, we visit Port Novo, which is the Administrative Capital of Benin. It’s known for colonial buildings like the Brazilian-style Great Mosque, formerly a church. We will visit the Ethnographic museum; The Ethnographic Museum displays ceremonial masks, musical instruments and costumes.
Later in the day we will make a sensational visit to Ganvie (the village on water), commonly referred to as the Venice of West Africa. Witness first hand, the people of Ganvie carrying out their daily activities, as vendors in dugout canoes pile high with wares, transacting commerce with one another and with tourists. You will enjoy shopping on the floating market and taking a relaxing canoe ride on the waterways of this exotic 300-year-old village. Overnight stay at Hotel in Cotonou.
DAY 06: After breakfast today, we drive to Abomey, the Ancient town of Dahomey through Allada where we will see the statue of François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture, also known as Toussaint L’Ouverture or Toussaint Bréda, who was the best-known leader of the Haitian Revolution. His military and political acumen saved the gains of the first Black insurrection in November 1791. We will have an Overnight stay at Grand Popo.
DAY 07: Have breakfast at the hotel and after take a scenic drive to Grand Popo to tour the Finno-African cultural centre called Villa Karo. This cultural centre has been situated in Grand-Popo since 1999. Grand Popo emerged as a major town around the slave trade, but coastal erosion has now destroyed most of the old town. The town is now a centre for voodoo and their main industry is fishing. Overnight stay at Hotel in Grand Popo.
DAY 08: This morning following breakfast we continue to the Benin/Togo border. Complete Customs and Immigration formalities and continue to Togoville. Have a boat ride to Togoville…the first town where Togo started and learn the history of the little village.
DAY 09: This morning after breakfast, we will have a city tour of Lome. Visit the National museum, Fetish (Vodoo) Market, the Central Market (open air markets with shops) and the Catheral.
Return to the hotel for Overnight.
DAY 10: After a leisurely breakfast, spend the morning relaxing, have last minute shopping and other personal contacts or packing for your return to home country. Check out of your hotel later in the day and depart to the airport for departure back home.
END OF TOURS
AKWAABA – WELCOME
DAY 01: Arrive in Accra, Ghana. Transfer from airport to your hotel. Welcome drink and orientation. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Accra.
ACCRA CITY TOUR
DAY 02: After a hearty breakfast, depart for a sightseeing tour of Ghana’s capital city, Accra. Your drive will take you through the administrative and economic districts of the city capital. This 130-year-old city has a blend of colonial and contemporary architecture that symbolizes the cultural mix of the city.
Some points of interest during your tour are the W. E. B. Dubois Center for Pan African Culture – This is the center where Dr. Dubois (an academic and civil rights champion) spent the last 2 years working on a Pan-African encyclopedia under the invitation Dr. Nkrumah. You will be given a guided tour through his research library. The pinnacle point of the tour is the visit to the Independence Black Star/Square and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park – the square marks the point where three ex-military men tried to present grievances to the colonial governor and were shot during a peaceful demonstration; to the east of the square you will also get a view of the present presidential seat at the Osu Castle (formerly Christiansborg Castle). On the other hand the Nkrumah Memorial Park was created as a grand memorabilia of the founder of Ghana, pointing the way forward.
For lunch you will be given the opportunity to sample some local Ghanaian cuisine at one of our famous local restaurant.
After lunch, visit the Arts Centre – a large arts and crafts market where you can find handicrafts from all over Ghana and West Africa; here you will have the opportunity to use your bargaining skills.
Your tour will end with a visit to the Coffin Makers Shop at Teshie (a suburb of Accra). Here you will get the chance to see how different coffins are carved by hand into various forms, representative of the occupation, interest or hobby of the deceased. It is “heaven by air, sea or road” and you will have to choose. After a long day return to your hotel to relax. . Have a Welcome Dinner!
DAY 03: After breakfast, depart for a drive to Aburi Botanical Gardens – this eco-paradise created in 1890 is home to a variety of tropical and sub-tropical plants and trees. The oldest tree on the grounds is older than 155 years old, which has survived through the British Colonial Era. You can opt to have lunch on the grounds of the garden, which has served as a beautiful picnic location to many visitors. Visit the Center for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine, Mampong . Later in the day we continue to the Boti Waterfalls, Nkurakan Village open air market.
After lunch, your tour will take you to the wonderful Woodcarvers’ Village, a great place to pick up that special souvenir from your trip.
DAY 04: Akosombo Cruise: Depart to Akosombo Port to cruise on the largest man-made lake in the world. Aboard the “Dodi Princess” you will dance to the sweet sounds of live highlife music played by the cruise boat resident band. Enjoy the calm of the lake and bask in the beauty of the mountain scenery and surrounding.
DAY 05: This morning following breakfast and check out formalities depart to Elmina and Cape Coast. Check into your hotel.
Today’s tour will highlight the infamous Forts, Castles and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. Here you will experience the physical evidence of the slave trade whose impact is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today.
Visit the Cape Coast Castle built by the Swedes in 1653; which was later taken over by the British. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994.
After lunch, visit the Elmina Castle built by the Portuguese in 1482 and also known as St. George’s Castle. This castle was the first European structure built in Sub – Saharan Africa. Be mindful of the colorful harbor which nestles below the Elmina Castle, full of pirogues preparing to go to sea, this sight offers one of West Africa’s greatest photo opportunities.
DAY 06: After a hearty breakfast, explore the Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rain forests. Extending over 360sq km of diverse and dense vegetation, a blend of true rainforest and semi deciduous forest. Kakum is the home to over 40 large mammals and 400 bird species as well as many species of butterflies, flora and fauna. The most popular attraction is the Canopy walkway which is made up of seven bridges extending 330m, hanging 40m above the forest floor.
DAY 07: This morning following breakfast we depart to Nzulenzu village in the Western Region of Ghana. This over 500years old community on water has over 450 inhabitants. Their main occupation is fishing and farming.
DAY 08: This morning following breakfast depart to Accra. Return to your hotel for some R&R time. Meet tailors and seamstress who have made clothes for you and other personal contacts. Have a farewell Dinner in the evening amidst African Drumming and Dancing.
DAY 09: Today is a free day. Participants are free to put in their special appointments, continue shopping, and or have a rest and relaxation at the hotel.
DAY 10: Check out in the evening to the airport for flight back to the US.
NOTE: Tour itinerary may be reversed due to weather conditions, holidays, festivals, etc. All sites will be visited but not necessarily in the order shown. You will be notified of any tour schedule changes should they occur. Thank you.
DAY 01: Arrive in Lagos by international flights at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport. Clients will be met on arrival by your host Tour Guide at the Murtala Mohammed Airport for transfer to your hotel in LAGOS. Clients will check in for Overnight.
DAY 02: This morning following breakfast, clients will have a city tour of Lagos. We will visit the National museum, the African open-air markets; we will also drive through some high, middle- and low-income suburbs of Lagos. We will drive on the THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE…It used to be the longest bridge in Africa until 1996 when the 6th October bridge located in Cairo, Egypt was completed. It measures about 11.8KM in length.
Later in the day, we visit the Lekki Arts and Craft Market; Nike Center for Arts & Culture and Gallery, Lekki Conservation Center.
DAY 03: After breakfast today, we continue our city tour of Lagos. We visit the Cathedral Church of Christ (Anglican Church), The Central Mosque of Lagos and The Freedom Park in Lagos.
The Freedom Park is a memorial and leisure park area in the middle of downtown Lagos in Lagos Island, Nigeria which was formerly Her Majesty’s Broad Street Prison.
The Park was constructed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Nigerians. Monuments in the park reveal the Lagos colonial heritage and history of Her Majesty’s Broad Street prisons. It was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary independence celebration in October, 2010. The Park serves as a National Memorial, a Historical landmark, a Cultural site, Arts and Recreation center.
The park, which is now a serene abode for individuals, visitors’ collective contemplation and interaction is open to the public every day. Today, freedom park has become a venue for diverse social events and recreational entertainment. We return to our hotel for Dinner and Overnight.
DAY 04: Have breakfast and complete departure formalities and we continue our tour to Benin. We will drive to the border, complete immigration and customs formalities and enter Benin. In Benin, we visit Port Novo, which is the Administrative Capital of Benin. It’s known for colonial buildings like the Brazilian-style Great Mosque, formerly a church. We will visit the Ethnographic museum; The Ethnographic Museum displays ceremonial masks, musical instruments and costumes.
Later in the day, we continue to Cotonou, the Commercial capital, have a city tour and check into our hotel for Overnight.
Day 05: After breakfast today, we drive to Abomey, the Ancient town of Dahomey through Allada where we will see the statue of François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture, also known as Toussaint L’Ouverture or Toussaint Bréda, who was the best-known leader of the Haitian Revolution. His military and political acumen saved the gains of the first Black insurrection in November 1791.
Later in the day, we will visit Ganvie, also known as the “Venice of Africa”. We will have a boat ride and visit the people there…we will see the floating market, lover’s lane and many more.
Day 06: This morning following breakfast, we continue to Ouidah. Here will visit the Historical Museum, Forest Kpasse, The Python Temple and the Slave route.
Later today, we continue to the border to Togo. Complete Customs and Immigration formalities and have a boat ride to Togoville…the first town where Togo started. We end our day and continue to Hotel Sarakawa for Overnight.
Day 07: This morning after breakfast, we will have a city tour of Lome. Visit the National museum, Fetish (Vodoo) Market, the Central Market (open air markets with shops) and the Catheral.
Return to the hotel for Overnight.
Day 08: Following breakfast, we check out and continue to Togo/Ghana border to enter Ghana. Complete Immigration and Customs formalities and continue our drive to Accra. In the afternoon, we will have a city tour of Accra; visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the Arts and Craft Market, the national Museum and some important landmarks in the city such as the Independence square. We return to the Hotel for Overnight.
Day 09: This morning following breakfast and check out formalities depart to Elmina and Cape Coast. Today’s tour will highlight the infamous Forts, Castles and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. Here you will experience the physical evidence of the slave trade whose impact is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today.
Visit the Cape Coast Castle built by the Swedes in 1653; which was later taken over by the British. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994.
Also visit the Elmina Castle built by the Portuguese in 1482 and also known as St. George’s Castle. This castle was the first European structure built in Sub – Saharan Africa. Be mindful of the colorful harbor which nestles below the Elmina Castle, full of pirogues preparing to go to sea, this site offers one of West Africa’s greatest photo opportunities. Check into Coconut Grove Hotel for Overnight.
Later in the day, we explore the Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rain forests. Extending over 360sq km of diverse and dense vegetation, a blend of true rainforest and semi deciduous forest. Kakum is the home to over 40 large mammals and 400 bird species as well as many species of butterflies, flora and fauna. The most popular attraction is the Canopy walkway which is made up of seven bridges extending 330m, hanging 40m above the forest floor.
Day 10: After breakfast at your hotel, check out and depart for a drive through the
forest zone to Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Empire to explore the legends of the famous Ashantis, whose legacies are still evident today. En-route, we will drive through Assin Manso. See the river where Africans taken as captives received their last bath before being taken to the dungeons in the Central Region for sale during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
Later in the day, visit Manhyia Palace Museum, to obtain firsthand information on the legacies of the Ashanti kingdom. A regal history that dates back to 1700 is told with relics and artifacts. Enjoy a drive through the city with monuments dedicated to the memory of the great Ashanti people. Continue the day’s tour at the National Cultural Center which features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and various studios of the brass makers, potters and batik makers. End today’s tour by visiting the three famous Ashanti craft villages of Ahwiaa, the wood carvers’ village, Ntonso, the home of Adinkra cloth and Bonwire, the Kente weaving village. You will have an opportunity to see how African crafts are made and to buy directly from the artisans who make them. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: This morning following breakfast, we check out and return to Accra. The rest of the day is a free day, we meet tailors and seamstress who have made clothes for you, have last minute shopping and other personal contacts. Have dinner and Overnight.
Day 12: Have breakfast today. Have rest and relaxation. We will continue to the airport later in the evening for our return flight home.
END OF TOURS
*This tour will use one bus/coach throughout the tour, from the beginning to the end (Except in an emergency situation). Participants will not have to change buses at each border. This tour will also have either a French Speaking or an English Speaking Guide (ESG) throughout. Thank you.