A fascinating cultural odyssey to the vibrant West African nations of Ghana, Togo and Benin, home to some of the world’s most welcoming people. Explore bustling colonial cities, palm-fringed beaches and tiny fishing villages. Visit vast forts and castles built on the back of the gold and slave trades by European colonists – Portuguese, Dutch, German, French and British – whose influence is still apparent today. Immerse yourself in the long history of ancient African kingdoms and cultures that predate colonisation by centuries, and experience the vital rituals and traditions that still survive and shape life today. Be swept up in the colour and movement of local markets and festivals, the healing magic of voodoo, tribal drumming and trance-dances on this enchanting journey to a surprising and still largely untravelled part of Africa that will leave you truly amazed.
Journey Highlights
On arrival into the Ghanaian capital, Accra, receive a warm A&K welcome and transfer to your hotel.
Situated on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Accra is notable for its colourful beachside structures that dot the coastline, and an energy that is unique to the rest of the country. The city's tendrils reach out towards the beach, the centre and the west, each one a different Ghanaian experience. Explore the many local handicraft stores, be swept up in an assortment of African curios and savour flavourful local fare as you explore.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure before a tour briefing and welcome dinner including a performance by talented local folk singers to entertain you.
Labadi Beach Hotel | Meals: D
Start your exploration of Accra in Jamestown, the city's old quarter, which began as a community developed around the 17th century British James Fort. Jamestown is wonderfully vibrant and full of charmingly worn colonial buildings, clapboard houses and corrugated iron shacks. For a great view of the city and the colourful fishing harbour, climb to the top of the old lighthouse.
Continue to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park dedicated to Ghana's first President who liberated the country from colonial rule in 1957. The complex, established in 1992 on the former British polo grounds, houses the bodies of Kwame Nkrumah and his wife Fathia.
Next, is a unique visit to a fantasy coffin building workshop. Admire the collection of special handcrafted coffins in a variety of shapes from fruit and animals to fish, cars and planes.
This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
Labadi Beach Hotel | Meals: BL
After breakfast, drive into Togo and on to its vibrant capital, Lomé. Lomé is the only African city which was colonised by the Germans, the British and the French and as a result, has developed a unique identity reflected in the lifestyle of its inhabitants and in the architecture of the town.
Arrive at the hotel in time for lunch with the rest of the day at leisure.
Hotel 2 Fevrier Lome | Meals: BL
Start your day in Lomé at the central market where the famous 'Nana Benz' women control the sale of the iconic colourful wax printed fabrics made by the women of Togo. Continue to the administrative quarter with its impressive colonial buildings before exploring the voodoo market, where an eclectic assortment of ingredients used by traditional healers for magic charms is yours to discover.
Later today meet a local artist in their workshop, to admire their work and learn more about the unique Togolese art history. The modern school of artists has become renowned with exhibitions of their work in Europe over many decades.
Hotel 2 Fevrier Lome | Meals: BL
Depart Lomé and journey to a remote village, visiting a voodoo priest, (commonly known as a witch doctor), to gain an understanding of the voodoo culture and its healing powers. Then join in a voodoo ceremony: the frenetic rhythm of the drums and the chants of the mediums helping to call in the voodoo spirit, which takes possession of some of the dancers who fall into a deep trance.
Afterwards cross the Benin border and take a boat to the coastal town of Ouidah. Stop along the way at remote fishing villages to witness local life, and learn traditional farming and fishing techniques. Dine tonight in the resort's French restaurant.
La Casa del Papa Ouidah | Meals: BLD
Journey by road to Lake Nokwe and onward by motorboat to Africa's largest stilted village, Ganvie, situated in the middle of the lake. After lunch continue to Abomey, visiting the heritage listed Royal Palace. Now a museum, it displays royal artefacts from the ancient kings: thrones, cult altars, statues, costumes and weapons.
Return to Ouidah, stopping en route to attend an Egun dancing masks festival. Egun masks represent the spirits of the deceased and according to the local population they 'are' the deceased. Dressed in brightly-coloured clothing, dancers emerge from the forest and form a procession through the village streets performing a kind of bull fight.
La Casa del Papa Ouidah | Meals: BLD
Spend today in Ouidah, one of the main slave ports in the 18th century. Visit the python temple and learn its importance to voodoo culture. Stop by the Catholic Cathedral and continue on foot to the Ouidah Museum displaying a collection of local contemporary art.
After lunch visit the Portuguese Fort, now a museum on the history of Ouidah and the slave trade, and continue to the nearby historic slave market where thousands of slaves were once paraded and sold to the highest bidder. End your city tour by following the 'slave road' to the beach, the point of 'no return' where slaves were sent away to sea.
La Casa del Papa Ouidah | Meals: BLD
Most of the day is spent on the road travelling to the Togo border and beyond into the rainforest region that surrounds Kpalimé, a town with a rich colonial past, now an important trade centre. Along the way, stop at local villages where harvested goods are prepared for sale, beer is brewed and served in village 'bars' and where you may visit a village school.
Arrive into Kpalimé this evening, a town surrounded by coffee and cocoa plantations.
Parc Residence Kpalime | Meals: BLD
Take a morning walk in the nearby forest with an entomologist, who will share their incredible knowledge, pointing out a variety of endemic butterflies and insects, and teaching you how plants are used in local art and medicinal remedies.
After lunch, enjoy time at leisure or take a tour of Kpalimé with its colonial buildings, bustling market place and local arts centre. Visit the handicraft centre which specialises in all kinds of products, from paintings to wood carvings, before returning to your hotel.
Parc Residence Kpalime | Meals: BLD
This morning head to the Ghana border crossing and on to the Monkey Sanctuary of Tafi Atome which was created in 1993 to protect a community of sacred monkeys living in the forest. Take a leisurely walk led by a local guide to see the charismatic resident mona and colobus monkeys for yourself.
Arrive into Akosombo late this afternoon and check into your relaxing resort overlooking the Volta River.
The evening is at leisure.
Royal Senchi Resort Akosombo | Meals: BL
The town of Akosombo was built in the early 1960s to house construction workers involved in the completion of the hydroelectric project which dammed part of the Volta River Basin. The dam was the largest in the world until the construction of China's Three Gorges Dam. Today is yours to spend at leisure enjoying the resort facilities.
This afternoon you may choose to partake in a visit to a bead factory, where you can witness the traditional techniques used to create brightly coloured beads from ground down scrap glass.
Royal Senchi Resort Akosombo | Meals: B
Today, travel by road to Kumasi, the historical and spiritual capital of the old Ashanti Kingdom. The Ashanti were one of the most powerful people in Africa until the end of the 19th century. Pay a visit the Ashanti Cultural Centre, admiring the rich collection of artefacts housed in a reproduction Ashanti house.
Afterwards, attend a traditional Ashanti funeral, a festive and powerful community occasion where mourners wear striking red or black togas - a intriguing and sacred experience. Mourning the deceased is the Ashanti way of respecting the place held by the departed in the family lineage.
Golden Tulip Kumasi City | Meals: BLD
This morning visit the Royal Palace Museum before attending the splendid Akwasidae Festival. This traditional ceremony maintains ancient Ashanti rituals, with a procession of royal court attendants bringing gifts to the King, storytellers reciting ancient tales, dancers and drummers performing and trumpeters playing horns of ivory.
This afternoon explore the sprawling central market, one of the biggest in Africa. Admire the plethora of handicrafts from leather goods to pottery and Kente cloth found here, along with a colourful assortment of tropical fruit and vegetables.
Golden Tulip Kumasi City | Meals: BLD
This morning, travel by road to Elmina located on the south coast of Ghana. Ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British, Elmina boasts a rich and varied history.
Arrive at your seaside resort in the afternoon with time to relax before enjoying sundowners and dinner with your fellow travellers.
Coconut Beach Resort Elmina | Meals: BLD
Start your day with a visit to the heritage listed Elmina Castle, the oldest European building in Africa, erected by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and used in the 19th century as a Dutch cemetery. Outside the castle witness the local fishing village, and their large colourful canoes guided by skilled fishermen. Exploring the old town, see the important Posuban shrines of the old Asafo companies and stroll through the alleyways, their lively atmosphere reminiscent of colonial times.
After lunch, return to Elmina with time at leisure before a special farewell dinner and gospel choir performance.
Coconut Beach Resort Elmina | Meals: BLD
Early this morning, travel by road to Accra. Stop to have lunch en route before arriving at the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: BL
Maximum Group Size: 18
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Tour Inclusions
Tour Exclusions
Please Note
West Africa are still developing their tourist infrastructure. In some locations hotels may not meet normal A&K standards, however they are comfortable and well located. Please do note that at all times, A&K endeavours to use the best accommodation available.
If scheduled departure dates don’t work for you, or you would prefer to travel privately, please talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey for you, or your own small group with family or friends.
Set amidst tropical landscaped gardens, overlooking one of Ghana’s most beautiful beaches is the famous Labadi Beach Hotel. The hotel, wh ... Read more
Located in the heart of Lomé, Hotel 2 Fevrier is widely considered the most luxurious hotel in West Africa with accommodation in a select ... Read more
Situated between sea and lagoon, La Casa Del Papa is a relaxed resort with its own private beach area and three swimming pools. Rooms are ... Read more
The Hôtel Parc Residence is situated just two kilometres from Kpalimé in green surrounds at the foot of a mountain on the edge of Agomé-Y ... Read more
Located on the banks of the famous Volta River in the Eastern Region of Ghana is the award winning Royal Senchi Resort. Blending typical ... Read more
Set in lush tropical gardens in the heart of historic Ashanti, the Golden Tulip Kumasi City is ideally situated in Dakodwon, one of the c ... Read more
Coconut Grove Beach Resort is located on a sandy beach on Ghana's Cape Coast five minutes drive from Elmina Castle. Rooms are clean and c ... Read more
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
Jul 27, 2021 - Aug 11, 2021 |
---|
Price AU$12,095pp | Single Supplement AU$2,820 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Available | Enquire |
Nov 30, 2021 - Dec 15, 2021 |
---|
Price AU$12,095pp | Single Supplement AU$2,820 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Available | Enquire |
Sign-up to learn about latest journeys, exclusive offers and more.