Overview

Overview

This tour is perfect for explorers who are looking for a thorough introduction to coastal West Africa. This thirteen days journey will take you to the heights of Wli Falls, the palm-lined beaches of Lome, and the canals of Ganvie.

We’re honored with special invitations to ancestral rituals such as a shape-shifting mask dance, a voodoo ceremony, and a celebratory funeral. We travel from West Africa’s rural villages to the more contemporary side of the region, exploring African history, imaginative art, and crafts markets.

Itinerary


Flights to Accra usually take place in the afternoon and evening. After arrival, visa formalities. Transfer to the hotel and, after a short rest, an organisational meeting and dinner.

After breakfast, we will set off to visit the capital of Ghana. To begin with, the National Museum of History and Ethnography, and then we will visit the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah, the father of independent Ghana. We will also see the Black Star Square, the Arch of Independence and, from outside, the presidential palace. There will also be some time to visit local craft shops. Overnight stay in the Ghana capital.

After breakfast, we will set off to the Kakum National Park where we will see the rainforest of the Atlantic coast. We will admire the lush vegetation from suspension bridges spread across the forest canopy. The Kakum National Park is also a place of protection of numerous species of birds and insects that have lost their previous habitats on the West African coast due to deforestation. Then we will set out to visit the Cape Coast Castle erected by the Swedes in 1652, the seat of the British colonial authorities to 1877. Subsequently, we will drive to the fort in Elmina that was constructed by the Portuguese in 1482. It was the first colonial fortification in the West Africa and one of the longest operating slave harbours. Dinner and night rest in Elmina.

After breakfast, we will set off for the town of Kumasi, the capital of the ancient Ashanti Kingdom. We will visit the remnants of those times and the workshops of local craftsmen. A highlight of this day will be a visit at the fair of wooden figures and furniture. We will also visit dyeing workshops in Notonso and Adinkra where we will see the traditional methods of creating patterns and dying fabrics. If anybody wants, they may create their own pattern. Dinner and night rest in Kumasi.

After leaving Kumasi, we will start our journey through the farmlands of Ghana to Koforidua. En route we will stop in the Bobiri Forest Reserve where we will visit a butterfly protection centre. We will also stop at a workshop producing colourful beads in the town of Somanya. If anybody wants, they may make their own unique string of beads. For dinner and night rest, we will drive to Akosobo located at Lake Volta, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

After breakfast, we will depart on a short cruise on Lake Volta, to see the water dam and power plant. While sailing we will pass near coastal fishing villages and we will meet fishermen at work. Then we will set off to the border with Togo. We will have a brief stop in the town called Ho. After crossing the border, we will drive to the city of Kpalime where we will visit the cathedral built by German colonists. We will also the local crafts market where we will see the traditional method of batik production. We will have dinner in one of local restaurants. Night rest in Kpalime.

After breakfast, we will drive to Kum Konda where we will have a short walk through the forest to get to know the most interesting medicinal plants of the local forests. Then we will drive to Atakpamé, a town famous for its long blacksmith tradition. At our visit, we will be able to watch masters of hammer and anvil at work. After a short rest, we will set off for the town of Kara – the capital of the Kabye people, where we will have our dinner and night rest.

After breakfast, we will set off for Kabye, a location of traditional metal foundries. Then we will drive to Koutammakou where we will have an encounter with the exceptional culture of the Batrammariba people. One of its characteristic artifacts are houses shaped like castles, made of adobe clay, and also typical head covers. Return to Kara, and then a drive to Sokodé. En route we will stop in Aledjo fault, a location of an exceptionally picturesque rock. After arrival in Sokodé, check-in at the hotel and some rest. In the evening, we will have dinner and see a fire-eater dance performance.

We will set off for the border with Benin in the morning. Our destination will be the city of Abomey. En route we will stop in Dankoli to visit a voodoo shrine to learn more about the traditions and beliefs related to voodoo. In the afternoon, arrival in Abomey, dinner and night rest at the hotel.

Abomey was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey. While visiting the city, we will see the historical museum and royal palaces that are on the UNESCO world heritage list. Then we will set off for Ouidah, a town which is often called the capital of voodoo in Benin. While visiting the town, we will go to the sacred Kapasse forest to see sculptures related to the voodoo cult. Moreover, we will see an ancient Portuguese fortress that now houses a historical museum. We will go to the coast, at the Gate of No Return – a monument commemorating the victims of slavery. Dinner and night rest in Ouidah.

After breakfast, we will set off for the Atlantic coast, to Abomey-Calavi, and we will take a cruise on a small boat on Lake Nokume. We will visit the small town of Ganvié – the larges such settlement in Africa, built on stilts planted in the bottom of the lake. We will get to know the everyday life and culture of the inhabitants of this water town, mostly members of the Tofin people. In the afternoon, return to Abomey-Calavi and drive to Cotonou where we will visit the local craft market. In the evening, dinner and night rest in Cotonou.

After breakfast, we will drive to Porto-Novo. While visiting the Benin capital, we will see the royal palace and the ethnographic museum that has a unique collection of ritual masks. Lunch in one of local restaurants. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and flight home from Benin or drive to the border with Nigeria for the persons who will continue the tour to Nigeria.

What's Included


All ground transportation
Full Board accommodation
English speaking driver/guide

All government taxes/levies

Local community Projects donation

Necessary equipment

Boat rides

Surprised

Support Team
All ground transportation
Full Board accommodation

English speaking driver/guide

All government taxes/levies

Local community Projects donation

Necessary equipment

Boat rides

Surprised

Support Team

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