The Ashanti Empire flowered for roughly 200 years, only to be forced into submission by the British at the end of the 19th Century. The proud traditions of this once great empire can still be felt throughout the country. Journey with us to explore the rich traditions and wonderful culture of present day Ghana. Begin with a tour of Accra including the Dubois Center for Pan-African Culture, Nkrumah Memorial Park and the National Museum. Visit local markets and bazaars, meet local artists and visit the coffin makers of Teshe, who will craft you a coffin looking like anything from a beer bottle to an old ship. Continue by touring the Aburi Botanical gardens, cocoa farms and meet with priest of the Akonedi Shrine. Tour the slave forts of coastal Ghana including the dungeons and the "Gate of No Return". Travel over Kakum National Park’s suspended "canopy walkway" viewing tremendous rainforest foliage, birds and animals. Travel to the Stilt village of Nzulezu and the palaces and museums of historic Kumasi. Journey north to cruise on Lake Bosomtwi, visit the markets of Tamale and the largest game reserve in Ghana containing elephants, lions, leopards and antelopes, Mole National Park. Tour the Volta region, with its serene landscape and the beautiful Wli waterfalls. Throughout this tour you will stop at small markets, meet with locals, have opportunities to talk with village chiefs and local craftsmen, visit some of the best craft and cloth producing villages, as well as enjoy excellent local music.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Accra-
You are met at the airport, assisted through customs and transferred to the hotel. Orientation and welcome dinner.
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Day 2:
Accra-
Depart on a full day Accra City tour. Visit the Du Bois Centre for Pan Africanism, Makola Open Market, the National Museum and Nkrumah Memorial Park. You will now break for a much-deserved lunch. After lunch drive to the Artist Alliance Gallery to see works by local artists and artisans. You will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the artists of the gallery, one of the most famous in Africa. Next you will stop at a traditional coffin shop to view the collection of traditional coffins. These are not your ordinary coffins though; they are instead crafted into an incredible variety of shapes and designs…from beer bottles to sailing ships, depending on your preference. Your final stop will be at the Art and Craft Bazaar for some local shopping.
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Day 3:
Aburi-
Drive up the winding road to Aburi, a town located in the picturesque Togo Akwapim ranges. The beauty of the Accra Plains from the summit is simply stunning. Later, arrive at Aburi Gardens, built in the colonial times by the British for the relaxation of their officers.
You will enjoy lunch at the local Garden Restaurant. This afternoon you can relax on the lawns under huge tropical trees and watch the butterflies and birds in their unspoiled habitat. After some rest and relaxation you will travel to the famous Akonedi Shrine. Here you will meet with the local priest and learn about the role of traditional religion within the culture of Ghana. Rounding out your day you will drive to Mampong to visit the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm. This plantation was the first cocoa farm in Ghana and provides excellent insight into Ghana’s agricultural system. You return to Accra this evening.
(B) (L)
Day 4:
Central Region-
Depart on a two hour journey to the central region of Ghana via the Academy of African Music and Art. The academy has become world famous as an institute for the preservation and instruction of traditional and modern West African music. It is possible to meet with some of the instructors and students, and perhaps even try your own hand at performing. You will then visit the infamous Cape Coast slave forts and the Elmina Castles, designated as World Heritage Monuments by UNESCO. Your tour will take you back into the darker days of Africa’s history as you visit the dungeons and Gate of No Return
(B) (L)
Day 5:
Kakum National Park-
This morning you will drive to Kakum Nature Park. You undertake a comprehensive and adventurous guided tour through one of the remaining vestiges of the rainforest in Ghana. Experience the exciting canopy walkway suspended on tropical trees, the first of its kind in Africa. The park presents wonderful panoramic views of the flora and fauna of the rainforest.
Lunch will be at Hans Cottage, located next to a very active crocodile pond. After lunch you will depart Kakum through Takoradi, the capital town of the Western Region and head to Busua Beach Resort. Upon arrival you will go on a walking tour to visit Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove
(B) (L)
Day 6:
Nzulezu Village-
After breakfast drive to Agyambra Crocodile Pond. The pond plays an important role in local religious traditions and the locals revere the crocodiles. Local priests care for the area and have turned feeding times into a bit of a tourist attraction. Although it is a little on the touristy side, the visit still provides interesting information about the local cultures of the area.
Continue to Benin and walk in the dungeons of Fort Appolonia. This fort was one of the last built by the British. You will then travel by canoe to the Nzulezu Village. Nzulezu is a village developed entirely on stilts in the center of a lake. The local chief, a professor at Cape Coast University, will welcome you and share the history of this unique place.
(B) (L)
Day 7:
Kumasi-
Today you will spend the day driving to Kumasi. The drive is very scenic and you will have the opportunity to stop at numerous little villages, far off the beaten path.
(B) (L)
Day 8:
Kumasi-
After breakfast you will tour Kumasi, including visits to the Manhyiaa Palace Museum, Fort Museum and Okomfo Anokye Sword site. This area is the heart of the Ashanti Empire and as you tour you will learn about the rich traditions and customs of the Ashanti. If you arrive on the proper day it is possible to have an audience with the Chief.
This afternoon will be spent learning about the vibrant craft traditions of Ghana. You will visit three key craft villages, each famous for their particular artisan traditions. While visiting you will learn about the craftsmanship and witness demonstrations. You will begin in Ntonso, the traditional cloth center, and then head to Ahwiaa, famous for carvings and conclude with Bonwire, home of Kente (traditional royal cloth) weaving.
(B) (L)
Day 9:
Lake Bosomtwi-
After breakfast, drive out of Kumasi to Lake Bosomtwi, a quiet natural crater lake surrounded by forest. The lake is considered sacred by locals, although it is not held in as much awe as in the past, as watersports are becoming more popular on this pristine lake. The area around the lake is rich in animal and bird life.
After lunch you will cruise the placid waters of the lake and travel to Natiese fishing village, where you will meet and interact with Chief and the people of the village
(B) (L)
Day 10:
Tamale-
Depart for Tamale, driving through the commercial town of Techiman. You will stop at Kintampo Waterfalls to see one of the most fascinating falls in Ghana.
Upon arrival in Tamale you will check into your hotel and then head out to visit the local craft market. After dinner you will head out on the town to take in some traditional music and dancing.
(B) (L)
Day 11:
Mole National Park-
Early in the morning you will depart Tamale for a tour of Mole National Park, the biggest game reserve in Ghana. Here you will likely see elephants, antelopes, bucks, lions, and leopards. After lunch you will visit the Larabanga Mosque. A 13th century mosque, believed to be first built by Moorish traders, it is one of the holiest sites in Ghana. The mystery surrounding the mosque has made it a distinctive façade widely photographed. You will also visit the Larabanga Mystery Stone, a subject of splendid local legend.
(B) (L)
Day 12:
Accra-
Today you will travel south, back to Accra. Your drive will take you to visit numerous small villages and markets that continue in age-old traditions, often forgotten in the larger cities
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Day 13:
Volta Region-
Depart Accra and drive to Wli Waterfalls. Wli is the largest waterfall in West Africa and is situated within a splendid hiking area. You will spend time walking and hiking this region, enjoying the natural beauty of Ghana.
Later you will tour Hohoe and enjoy lunch at a great local eatery. In the afternoon, you will return to Accra for your final night in Ghana.
(B) (L)
Day 14:
Home-
The day is free until transfer to the airport for departure
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Contact us for single supplements and group discounts
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Ghana
Nature & Wildlife
Ecotourism
Cultural Journey
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