Complete Ghana: The Beauty of Travelling West Africa

Arrive at any time. Your transfer to the hotel is included as part of your tour. Upon arrival take some time to get settled and opt to have dinner at the onsite restaurant. The adventure begins tomorrow. Stay: Urbano Hotel

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this morning with your CEO before a sightseeing day in Accra. Start with a visit to Black Star Gate and the main ceremony grounds of Independence Square to learn about Ghana’s journey towards liberation from British rule. Then transfer to the historical community of Jamestown for a walking tour through the structures that predate the Colonial era, and gain a true picture of old Accra with its many European influences. From here the group will visit the final resting place of Ghana’s founder, Kwame Nkrumah and delve into his incredible life and efforts to liberate this country. Grab lunch on your own at a local restaurant. The adventure continues as the group meets a local artisan of Ghana's Fantasy Coffins, which are a unique and creative way this country honours loved ones and celebrates their path to the afterlife. Check out a few of his designs and learn a little more about Ghana’s lively funerary practices. The remainder of the evening will be free for travellers to explore the local area on their own, or to relax at the hotel. Stay: Urbano Hotel (B)

After breakfast leave Accra behind for the greener pastures of the Shai Hills Reserve. The protected area was home to the Shai people before they were pushed out by the British, and remnants of their time here can still be found within the landscape. From hills to canyons, this area is also home to forests and grasslands that allow the resident wildlife to thrive. Be on the lookout for antelope, zebra, baboons, and green monkeys as you walk with your guide to the Obonu Tem caves. Later, after an included lunch, the group will visit a village near Krobo to meet one of the resident families here that make traditional Ghanaian beads. Learn firsthand about their historical importance, and spend a wonderful afternoon mixing with locals, observing village life, and making your own bead jewelry. Later, upon returning to the hotel, the group will embark on a short walk to the jetty and board a river cruise to enjoy the rolling hills and lush forest scenery with a complimentary sundowner in hand. The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure back at the lodge. Stay: Afrikiko River Front Resort (B/L)

This morning will be dedicated to hiking Mount Afadjato, Ghana’s highest mountain standing at approximately 885 metres. Take in the sweeping views, breathe the fresh air, and search for butterflies and birds as you climb. It’s worth noting there will be an alternative hiking option for any travellers who choose not to try the more strenuous route. Enjoy an included lunch after the climb in the town of Wli before visiting the highest waterfall in West Africa in its idyllic setting. As you near the falls listen for the sounds of Fruit Bats in the adjacent cliffs amid the rushing water. Return to Akosombo and enjoy a free evening at leisure. Maybe have a beverage at the riverfront bar and enjoy dinner on your own with a view. Stay: Afrikiko River Front Resort (B/L)

Transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage site close to Kumasi where you will see the last material remains of the great Asante Empire. There are 10 active shrines within the buildings which are made from bamboo, timber, mud, and thatched roofs. The walls are designed with motifs that have traditional symbolic meanings attached to ancient Adinkra symbols. This is also where Nana Yaa Asantewaa, possibly–the most important woman in Ashanti history–comes from. From here the group will continue to the hotel and enjoy a free evening with an included dinner at the hotel restaurant. Stay: Lancaster Kumasi City Hotel (B/D)

In the morning visit the commercial centre in Kumasi, where most Ghanaians shop. Explore bustling Adum and the Kejetia market with its labyrinth of stalls. Feel the atmosphere of daily life for so many locals living nearby. Prepare for culture and history at Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene King of the Ashanti’s and ruler of the powerful Asanteman Kingdom. Gain key insight into the legacy of the Ashanti’s before attending the Akwasidae Festival. This traditional ceremony and celebration is held by the Ashanti people of Ghana every six weeks on a Sunday at the palace in Kumasi. People dress in traditional clothing, the king is greeted at the royal court, gifts are offered, and there are parades with drummers, dancers, and singers to celebrate the Ashanti people’s rich culture and heritage. During the festival there will be opportunities to purchase lunch from one of the street vendors at your own expense. The day is planned this way so as to not miss the arrival of the King. Afterwards, travel back to the hotel for a free evening to relax by the pool and enjoy your included dinner. Stay: Lancaster Kumasi City Hotel (B/D)

In the morning visit the ancient village of Ntunso, which is where Adinkra symbols and cloth originate from. These symbols have been used in Ghana for centuries to represent concepts or aphorisms, and are most commonly used in fabrics and pottery. Learn more about how these symbols were created and then transferred onto traditional cloth and clothing. While here, you will make your own strip of Adinkra cloth with symbols that have personal significance to you. Then, it’s onward to the guesthouse in Bonkro where your stay contributes to the ongoing conservation efforts towards the protection of the surrounding Picathartes Forest reserve and local community life in the area. Enjoy an included lunch of traditional dishes and then an afternoon visit to the local representative of Kuapa Kokoo, a Fairtrade-certified cocoa farmers organisation in Ghana. During your visit the group will meet with several of the farmers and their families, and learn how the cooperative is improving working conditions and ensuring women’s voices are heard in the business. See the entire harvesting process and taste some of the local sweets. Then, set out on a short walk through the village where you’ll see first-hand the benefits of community tourism in connecting cultures and strengthening. Finish the day with an included dinner back at the guesthouse and then an outdoor cinema movie night that will be joined by local families for an involved experience within the community. Stay: Picathartes Community Guesthouse (B/L/D)

Enjoy a relaxed start before breakfast, where the chef will ask which local dish you’d like to learn to cook for this evening’s meal. Transfer to the market in New Edubiase to purchase the necessary ingredients for your dinner dish. Delve right into the daily bartering alongside the locals for an authentic grasp of everyday life. Spend free time here and have lunch on your own. Choose to ride a bike back to Bonkro and pedal through the villages along dirt roads and take in the beauty of this area, or ride back to the community guesthouse in the vehicle. Then, join the head chef at the property and prepare the group dinner. This hands-on experience will allow for a taste of Ghana’s culinary culture with plenty of advice from the kitchen experts. The meal will be prepped and then fully prepared come evening. In the meantime, take a short walk to the nearby rainforest that is being protected by the community with the aim of increasing its size in the coming years to help heal the planet. Enjoy dinner made by your own hands and share the warmth of this special meal before a night around the bonfire joined by the locals with traditional music and stories of Ghana’s past. Stay: Picathartes Community Guesthouse (B/D)

Enjoy breakfast at the guesthouse before transferring back to Accra. There will be a stop en route for lunch on your own. Upon arrival to the city the group will visit a local restaurant for an included dinner before taking advantage of a free evening to explore more on your own. Your CEO can provide you with some suggestions on the best places for nightlife in this city. Stay: Urbano Hotel (B/D)

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this morning with your CEO before transferring to Cape Coast, the capital of the Central Region in southern Ghana, and known for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Have lunch on your own at a friendly, fresh, and local spot before exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cape Coast Castle. This emotional experience is extremely important in understanding the recent history of Ghana. Spend the remainder of the afternoon immersing yourself in the true African art of traditional batik making at a workshop led by Global Mamas. This organization works hard to empower local women to hone their artistic skills and enter the fair-trade market, thus enabling them to support their families. Later, transfer to your beach front accommodation in Elmina where you will have free time to relax and explore the area on your own. Stay: Lemon Beach Resort (B)

Set off for the spectacular scenery and fascinating wildlife of Kakum National Park, tucked away in the Assin Attandansco Reserve. The park’s best-known feature is its Canopy Walkway made up of 7 suspension bridges that stretch high about the forest floor, and are over 300 years old. Marvel at the outstanding views spanning for miles across this tropical guinea rainforest, and search for unique plants and animals as you walk through. Afterwards, visit the nearby Stingless Bees project to take a tour of the centre where you will learn about the incredible importance of these different species, and how they provide for our ecosystem in a myriad of ways. Then, sit down for a delicious vegetarian lunch at a local community organization that works to provide resources for children who have left school, so they will have the hope of a better future. Finish off the day with a brief walking tour of Cape Coast town before heading back to the accommodations in Elmina, where the group will join one of the best local drumming and dance teachers for a lesson and performance with the traditional Djembe drum. Stay: Lemon Beach Resort (B/L)

After breakfast the group will transfer to Beyin, a coastal village notable for its beautiful beaches, historic fort castle, and serving as a museum of Nzema culture. In the afternoon, set off through the beautiful Amasuri wetlands in a traditional dugout canoe to find the community of Nzulezu Stilt Village. Legend has it that the community here migrated some 600 years ago after being driven from their homes during conflict. It’s said a snail led them to this remote location where they would be safe. This shelled creature is now sacred to the people here and is not eaten as in other parts of Ghana. Later, travel to Ankasa Reserve Lodge, located in Ghana’s finest remaining rainforest habitat and responsible for protecting many endangered mammals. Enjoy time to settle in at the lodge and relax before dinner. There will be an optional night walk through the forest for anyone looking for a little more adventure after an otherwise long day. Stay: Ankasa Reserve Lodge (B/D)

Enjoy a beautiful morning in this wonderful forest environment and head to the stunning Bamboo Cathedral, where the stalks bend towards each other above the road forming tall arcs. Located about 9km into the forest from the main gate, there are two ways to get here. The first is by mountain bikes or you can choose to ride in a 4x4 vehicle. Learn about the plant and animal life from your CEO and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this remote location. Return to the lodge for an included lunch before visiting the Ankasa Village and community. Their remote community is made up mainly of subsistence farmers living happily in basic mud houses trading their produce at the local markets to enable them to buy items and provide for their families. Spend time with the farmers that live here and learn more about their local customs, even trying a delicacy like Gari, or pounding FuFu. Arrive back to the lodge in the evening for an included dinner and free time. An optional night walk is available for those looking for a more active evening amid nocturnal nature. Stay: Ankasa Reserve Lodge (B/L/D)

Travel to Brenu Akyinim with its scenic beaches and serene lagoon nearby. Upon arrival the group will have free time to enjoy this beach front location. Relax at the beach, explore the local villages and coastal lagoons. Tonight, gather for an included dinner overlooking the water. Stay: Brenu Beach Lodge (B/D)

Choose to experience an early morning optional lagoon kayak to watch sunrise and enjoy nature. While the sun is cool in the early morning you'll head to the local lagoon for another exciting activity. A coastal lagoon situated in a beautiful location overlooking the ocean, this is where locals from the nearby fishing village use wooden canoes to fish the lagoon for tilapia, crabs and other fish. At the end, walk to the beach front hotel through the fishing community of Brenu Akyinim. Travel back to Accra. Along the way make a stop in Elmina to visit the Castle of St. George, dating back to 1482. Afterwards, visit the local fishing market and walk a short distance to visit the boat builders of this coastal community. The design of these boats has not changed in centuries nor have the methods or tools used to build them. Lunch will be had on your own in Anomabo. Arrive in Accra by early afternoon and pay a visit to the final resting place of Ghana’s founder, Kwame Nkrumah, and delve into his incredible life and efforts to liberate this country. Transfer to the hotel from here and enjoy free time to relax or wander around the city before an included group dinner tonight at one of the most popular restaurants in Accra. Choose to return to the hotel after or head out to experience Ghana’s nightlife. Stay: Urbano Hotel (B/D)

The morning begins with a group visit to Ghana's Fantasy Coffins, which are a unique and creative way this country honours loved ones and celebrates their path to the afterlife. Check out the many different designs and learn about Ghana’s lively funerary practices. Then, transfer to the historical community of Jamestown for a walking tour through the structures that predate the Colonial era, and gain a true picture of old Accra with its many European influences. Follow this up with afternoon visits to the Artist Alliance Gallery and Makola Market, both fantastic places to experience and purchase traditional art and artifacts to bring home with you if desired. Today’s final stop is Black Star Gate and the main ceremony grounds of Independence Square to learn about Ghana’s journey towards liberation from British rule. Attend a farewell lunch in the late afternoon before the group heads together to the Accra airport where your tour comes to an end. (B/L)