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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend the evening at your leisure and get settled. Opt to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on the property and rest up after a successful arrival to Ghana.
• Arrival Transfer: Settle in and enjoy an included arrival transfer to the start hotel in Accra.

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.

Included Experiences

• Black Star Gate & Independence Square: Your introduction to Ghana's history and culture begins at the Black Star Gate and Independence Square along Accra's coastline. This is the main ceremony grounds of the city, and where you can find the enclosed flame of African Liberation, lit in 1961 by Kwame Nkrumah himself. Your CEO will provide you with more information about the area's importance to the people of Ghana as you gather in various spots throughout the square.
• Walking Tour of Jamestown: With your CEO at the lead, walk through the old community of Jamestown. See with your own eyes the historical structures that predate the Colonial era and learn about the different ways the locals are committed to conserving these buildings and hear about their significant efforts to maintain them. Due to their efforts, the community is able to provide travellers with an excellent idea of what it was like during Ghana's colonial past. See the 30m high lighthouse constructed by the British in 1871. Admire the colourful fishing boats on the beach, and continue to Fort James, a British trading post in 1673 which fell under Danish rule. Also of interest here are the Brazilian stone houses, built by formerly enslaved African’s who resided in Brazil and made their way back to Africa after the slave trade was abolished. This area in Accra is also famous for producing many world champion boxers like Africa's greatest, Azuma Nelson.
• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum Visit: Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, located in downtown Accra. The location is the final resting place of Ghana's founder and first president. The museum was created in his honour and contains photographs, artifacts, and important insight into this incredible human's life. The centre was designed by a Ghanaian architect and was built using Italian marble.
• The Fantasy Coffins of Ghana: Like much of the world, Ghana's funeral and burial ceremonies are very solemn occasions, but the celebration that follows is quite incredible! It's believed that the newly deceased move on into another world and so their coffins are made to represent the occupation of the dead, or to depict something that was very important to them during their lives. Visit a local artisan and see a few of his coffin designs that one could be buried in. Options range from cars and airplanes, to cocoa pods, cigarette packets, bottles of beer, and crocodiles. You'll experience an entirely new take on death and what it can look like to celebrate the lives and passions of those dearest to us.
• Free Time: Spend a free evening exploring more of Accra on your own with suggestions from your CEO, or if you are feeling tired, you can choose to rest at the hotel.

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.

Included Experiences

• Shai Hills Reserve Visit: Become acquainted with the environment and wildlife at the Shai Hills Reserve, an expanse of Savannah grassland and woodlands dominated by large boulder rock formations. Animals likes baboons, antelopes, and certain species of monkeys reside here. It was formerly the home of the Shai people who were pushed off of the land by the British in 1892. Granite inselbergs dominate the landscape and depict many active traditional shrines. Walk with a wildlife guide to the Obonu Tem caves where there is a large colony of Egyptian Tomb Bats. Keep your eyes ready to spot colourful birds like, Turacos, Rollers, and Bee-eaters. This morning spend walking amid the boulders a great introduction to Ghana's inland terrain.
• Krobo Village Beading Experience: Spend a few hours at a local village and meet with one of the families that make traditional Ghanaian handmade glass beads. The production of this jewelry dates back centuries. These beautiful, colourful beads are still used in present-day ceremonies and festivals, and are central to the culture of the Krobo people of Ghana. They are often worn as symbols of maturity and as an honour to one’s family heritage. During your time here the group will learn the ancient processes used to make these beads and will even have the chance to make their own design under the guidance of a local family. Become part of village life for a day and leave with your own symbol of beauty.
• Volta River Sunset Cruise: Take a short walk to the nearby jetty of the riverfront lodge and board a boat for a sunset cruise on the calm water. Watch as the rolling hills and forests past by seeped in a golden light (weather permitting). You'll see local fishermen bringing in their daily catch and can sip on an included sundowner while the river teems with live around you.

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.

Included Experiences

• Climbing Mount Afadjato: Begin today with a nice hike to the top of Ghana's highest mountain; Afadjato. It sits at an elevation of 885 metres and offers excellent opportunities for photos of the beautiful landscape. Walk along a trail that passes through dense forests with nearby waterfalls, and rocky terrain. The summit offers views over the Volta River, Togo Mountains, and some of the surrounding communities on a clear day. This mountain is home to many plant and animal species and is part of the Agumatsa Range along the Ghana-Togo border. To the local people this peak is sacred and a lasting symbol of their cultural identity. *Please note that an alternate option is available for those hoping for a less strenuous experience. Route length: 4km Duration: 2hrs
• Wli (Agumatsa) Falls Visit: Fill up on lunch in the town of Wli and then head deeper into the rural landscape of Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary in the Volta region of Ghana to visit the highest waterfall in West Africa set back in a truly idyllic setting. Hike a short distance through the semi-deciduous forest from the Wli village and listen for the powerful flower of the river as well as the sounds of a Fruit Bat colony on the nearby cliffs. Once the group reaches the waterfall there will be about a half hour to enjoy a quick swim in the pool at the base of the falls before returning to the village.
• Free Time: Free evening at leisure back at the lodge property on the river's edge.

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.

Included Experiences

• Traditional Ashanti Buildings Visit: Prior to arriving in Kumasi, visit the last material remains of the great Asante Empire and see the traditional Asante buildings that are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 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 that you will learn more about. This is also where Nana Yaa Asantewaa, possibly the most important woman in Ashanti history comes from, a great female warrior who led the Ashanti’s in the 1901 war against the British. Nana Yaa Asantewaa was also the Queen Mother of Ejisu Besease and the group will visit the local spiritual shrine where she used to fortify herself before going into battle.

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.

Included Experiences

• Commercial Centre of Kumasi Visit: Visit the commercial centre of Kumasi in the Adum neighbourhood, where most Ghanaians shop. Walk down to Kejetia market and become part of every day life in the largest outdoor market in West Africa. Walk past the many stalls nestled closely together in the labyrinth and try your hand at shopping as the locals do.
• Manhyia Palace Museum Visit: Pay a visit to the Manhyia Palace Museum, which offers a fascinating narrative through the history of the powerful Ashanti tribe. The tour provides firsthand insight into the legacies of the Ashanti's and offers a chance to understand their culture and see the home of the Asantehene King. The experience works well in tandem with the group's attendance to today's Akwasidae Festival.
• Attend Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi: The group will walk from the palace to the durbar grounds in the courtyard which will be a buzzing hive of activity as people of the Asanteman Kingdom who mad the journey here to Kumasi gather in order to pay homage to their King. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated every 42 days (or every sixth Sunday) and is sure to provide you with in-depth insight into the rich culture of the Asanteman Kingdom. All chiefs will be adorned in rich, colourful and traditional kente and adinkra cloths. Dance and drumming will accompany the proceedings, and gifts are offered to the Asantehene. During your time at the festival, you will notice how strong this kingdom still is today and glimpse the hard work being done to fuse culture, customs, and traditional values with the present so future generations will continue to uphold them. While the exact timing of the King's entrance isn't set in stone, your group will be there throughout the festival to ensure not missing it. Lunch will be available for purchase on your own at one of the various food stalls.

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.

Included Experiences

• Ntonso Adinkra Village Visit: Learn more about Adinkra including their historical and cultural importance in the ancient village where the cloth and symbols originated from. The traditional symbols all have meanings and are typically carved using calabash shells. Then those symbols are printed onto traditional cloth using natural dyes made from the bark of certain local trees. They are used in fabrics and pottery and are also incorporated into walls and other architecture. The Adinkra cloth has been worn by the Ashanti's for centuries and actually pre-dates Kente cloth. Try your hand at making your own strip of cloth using any symbols with personal significance and take your finished masterpiece home with you.
• Bonkro Guesthouse Local Lunch: Sit down for a delicious included lunch at the Bonkro guesthouse where your chef will prepare a variety of local dishes for the group. As you enjoy this delicious meal, your CEO will remind you about the ways in which your experience with G Adventures is helping to support this important initiative and bring more engagement to the local community.
• Visit to Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative: Pay a visit to the local representative of Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative, a Fair-Trade organization that works to ensure its cocoa farmer members receive a decent price for the product they grow and sell. They also work hard to ensure women's voices are heard within the business. Divine chocolate is one of the fastest growing brands in the world and the cocoa is likely to have been sourced here. Meet several of the farming families and see the entire harvesting process in action. Try the unripe cocoa that the local children use as sweets and hear how cocoa pods can be used for soap making among other things.
• Community Guesthouse & Village Walk: Embark on a 20-minute walk through the village and see the outside of the local school that has been built with the support of G-Adventures. The school has had an incredible impact on the children living in this area and is providing them with the opportunity to earn an education while maintaining the fundamentals of their customs and rural ways of life. All profits generated from the initiative that involves staying at the nearby guesthouse go 100% back into the community. During the walk you'll hear more about other projects, aims, and objectives of this ethical form of tourism.
• Outdoor Movie Night with Locals in Bonkro: Cap off the day with an outdoor movie night in which the surrounding communities are welcome to join with their families for an evening at the cinema. Sit back, watch one of the best African movies, and feel the night breeze rustle through the crowd as you experience a wonderful blending of cultures through this shared form of entertainment.
• Bonkro Community Guesthouse Stay: Spend two nights in a remote Bonkro village and witness first-hand how the community is working to protect the surrounding Picathartes Forest Reserve. Staying here allows for a more authentic local experience and provides a valuable contribution to the resident communities and other conservation efforts that are underway.

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.

Included Experiences

• New Edubiase Market Visit: The group will visit the local markets in New Edubiase, which is about 30 minutes from Bonkro. Here, everyone will shop for dinner using the full list of ingredients and money from the head chef at the guesthouse. Step into the daily routines of the locals and barter to get a good price for your produce. You'll also have time to explore this town a bit and have lunch on your own at a restaurant or one of the food stalls at the market that the CEO has advised are safe to try.
• Bonkro Cooking Class Experience: Spend the afternoon led by the head chef of the community guesthouse and prepare your own traditional Ghanaian dish for tonight's dinner. The whole group will be involved in preparing parts of the meal and the other cooks will offer advice on your dishes. The food will be stored once it's ready and served in the evening. There likely will be a cook book available for purchase should travellers wish to take more of these delicious recipes home with them. *Please note, for those who do not wish to participate in the cooking lesson, there will be the opportunity to unwind at the guesthouse, or to visit the village and see how locals prepare Gari, one of their local delicacies.
• Visit to the Reforestation Project at Bonkro: Walk a short distance to the rainforest that is part of Bonkro's reforestation project in the effort to increase the forest's size to protect this land for future generation and to help heal the planet. Your support at the guesthouse stay has a ripple effect allowing for more native trees to be planted along the boundary line of the current forest. Hear more about the protection efforts and the ways in this is changing the lives of the future generations in this community.
• Bonkro Community Bonfire: Enjoy a night of relaxation around a crackling bonfire joined by local community members. Sit around the warm glow together, listen to traditional music, enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar, and hear stories and old fables of Ghana's past. It's a memorable way to cap of your stay in this unique and important area of Ghana
• Bonkro Community Guesthouse Stay: Spend two nights in a remote Bonkro village and witness first-hand how the community is working to protect the surrounding Picathartes Forest Reserve. Staying here allows for a more authentic local experience and provides a valuable contribution to the resident communities and other conservation efforts that are underway.
• Bike ride back to Bonkro from New Edubiase: Choose to ride bikes back to Bonkro and pedal through local villages in the area and along dirt roads for a chance to fully embrace the landscape. Please note that you can choose to transfer back to the guesthouse stay by vehicle rather than bike.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: After dinner, spend the evening at your leisure and explore more of Accra on your own.

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.

Included Experiences

• Cape Coast Castle Visit: Visit Cape Coast Castle, a designated UNESCO world heritage site, for an emotional and thought-provoking experience in a monument that reflects a harrowing period in the region's history. The site is notable for its role in the transatlantic slave trade and is now being used as a way to educate visitors and provide more of an understanding of Ghana's recent history. The group will walk through the castle and view the dungeons, where the infamous "Door of no Return" is located. The visit will finish with the historical museum that has literature on all of Ghana's forts and castles, including cultural history and traditions, allowing you to leave with a much deeper understanding of the area's complex past than when you first arrived.
• Free Time: Enjoy time to yourself as you spend the rest of the day at leisure in your charming coastal accommodations in the town of Elmina.
• Traditional African Batik Workshop with Global Mamas: Spend the afternoon becoming acquainted with the true African art of traditional batik making during a workshop let by the Global Mamas. This inspiring organization is dedicated to empowering local women to hone their artistic skills and sell their finished products in the fair-trade market, thus enabling them to financially support their own families. Get to know the locals as you work side by side with them, and learn more about daily life here as you observe their technique from wax production to heating, stamping, and drying. The group will be given their own pieces of cloth to produce designs of your own before the local tailor or seamstress will make it into a shirt or dress for you to take back home. A beautiful way to hold your fond memories of Ghana.

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.

Included Experiences

• Kakum National Park Visit & Canopy Walkway: Visit Kakum National Park to witness its 100-foot-high Canopy Walkway. The National Park covers 375 km (145 mi) with tropical rainforest and gained protected park status after locals fought to have the wildlife in the area protected in 1992. There are over 300 types of birds in the area as well as other endangered species. From high above the treetops, the Walkway will get you incredibly close to the flora and fauna of the region. There are 7 bridges attached to 7 emerging trees, set 40 metres about the rainforest floor. Take a deep breath and walk across them all on this exciting adventure. Return to the park headquarters to discover the excellent array of information at the centre there. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded in the park including forest elephants, leopards, and 6 different primates species.
• Stingless Bees Project Visit: Enjoy an informative visit to a stingless bees project near the national park. There have been approximately 9 species of stingless bees identified here in Ghana. While here, learn about their paramount importance to the ecosystem, their medicinal qualities, and visit their hikes where you will taste their honey. Travellers can also enjoy the stingless bee walkway and butterfly garden onsite, where many come to feed.
• Community Lunch with Baobab Foundation: Sit down for lunch at a wonderful community organization in Cape Coast. The Baobab Foundation works to provide local children with the hope of a better future. Focused on helping children with disabilities, or children who have not attended school, or have left school early, this organization is working tirelessly to help those children in need secure a bright future. The vegetarian restaurant is operated by adults who were former street children and they work hard to give back into the community. Your time here, supports this amazing initiative.
• Cape Coast Walking Tour: Set off on a brief walking tour of Cape Coast with your CEO and group to further explore this important coastal city.
• Djembe Drum Lesson & Traditional Performance: This evening learn from one of the best local drumming and dance teachers as they join the group for a lesson and performance with the traditional Djembe drum.

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.

Included Experiences

• Nzulezu Stilt Village Visit & Canoe Ride: Travel 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 from Watala, part of the ancient Ghanaian Empire 600 years ago after being driven from their homes during conflict. It's said that a snail led them to this remote location where they would be safe, and the community decided to build their homes over the lake for additional protection. The snail is now sacred to this community and is not eaten here as it is in other parts of Ghana. Surprisingly the community members here are mainly farmers and not fishermen as you would expect. The boat ride is a major highlight as the wetlands are these beautiful, marshy swamps important for native and migratory birds. It's a perfect afternoon with outdoor activity and interactions with the local community.
• Ankasa Reserve Lodge Stay & Visit: Arrive to your lodge stay in the Ankasa Reserve which is connected to the Nini-Suhien National Park and protects an area of over 500 square kilometers of pristine, wet evergreen upper guinea rainforest. Historically this habitat played in important role life of Ghanaians as it was their main source of water and food. The area protects many endangered mammals and is home to so many wonderful birds and wildlife. On arrival check into the Ankasa Reserve Lodge and enjoy your lovely surroundings with a free evening.

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.

Included Experiences

• Bamboo Cathedral Visit via Mountain Bike or 4x4: Set out into this wonderful forest habitat for a morning amidst nature. Visit the remote Bamboo Cathedral, where the stalks of these plants have grown towards each other forming tall arches over the path. You have two choices on how to get to this location. The first is pedaling 9km one way from the main entrance gate on a mountain bike, or you can choose to ride in a 4x4 from the lodge. If you choose to bike you will need to leave a bit earlier than the rest of the group. A full morning is dedicated to being inside the forest, where your guides are on hand to identify any birds or mammals the group may come across during your journey to the Bamboo Cathedral.
• Ankasa Village & Community Visit: Most visitors to Ghana will not see this remote community, but today, you will! The Ankasa Village is made up of mainly 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. This afternoon is dedicated to spending time in the community and meeting with farmers living here. It's an area where very few tourists visit. Experience making a local delicacy like Gari or pounding FuFu. Visit the local chop bar where people of the community go to have a drink, meet up, and socialize. Ghana is the world's second largest exporter of cocoa and during your visit a farmer will talk the group through the entire process from planting to harvesting. It's a truly unique and immersive experience for travellers hoping to connect on a deeper level with the local village community.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy free time to relax in a beautiful beachfront setting.

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.

Included Experiences

• Castle of St. George Visit: As the group returns to Accra there will be a stop in the fishing town of Elmina, which has hardly changed since the colonial days. During the group's time here you will visit the Castle of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest surviving colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, dating back to 1482. The castle played a prominent part during the tragic, transatlantic slave trade era and houses an informative museum which showcases the area's history. Afterwards, stop by the local fishing market and walk a short distance to visit the boat builders in this community. Almost all are traditional wooden boats made using designs, methods, and tools that have not changed for centuries. Take in the sight of these colourful fishing boats and watch as the daily catch is brought in.
• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum Visit: Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, located in downtown Accra. The location is the final resting place of Ghana's founder and first president. The museum was created in his honour and contains photographs, artifacts, and important insight into this incredible human's life. The centre was designed by a Ghanaian architect and was built using Italian marble.
• Free Time: After an included dinner at a local favorite restaurant, spend a free evening exploring more of Accra on your own with suggestions from your CEO.

Optional Experiences

• Brenu Beach Kayaking & Village Walk: Enjoy a kayaking excursion throughout the coastal lagoon as the group travels to the beach resort in Brenu Akyinim. Locals from the nearby fishing village use wooden canoes to fish the lagoon for tilapia, crabs and other fish. For the next 2 hours as the sun rises, you can kayak and explore all corners, enjoying the birdlife, landscape, and fishermen bringing in their daily catch. After pulling the kayaks to shore, the group will walk 30 minutes to through the local fishing community of Brenu Akyinim to the beach-front hotel. Just in time for a breakfast in the beautiful morning light along the Gold Coast of West Africa.

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.

Included Experiences

• The Fantasy Coffins of Ghana: Like much of the world, Ghana's funeral and burial ceremonies are very solemn occasions, but the celebration that follows is quite incredible! It's believed that the newly deceased move on into another world and so their coffins are made to represent the occupation of the dead, or to depict something that was very important to them during their lives. Visit a local artisan and see a few of his coffin designs that one could be buried in. Options range from cars and airplanes, to cocoa pods, cigarette packets, bottles of beer, and crocodiles. You'll experience an entirely new take on death and what it can look like to celebrate the lives and passions of those dearest to us.
• Walking Tour of Jamestown: With your CEO at the lead, walk through the old community of Jamestown. See with your own eyes the historical structures that predate the Colonial era and learn about the different ways the locals are committed to conserving these buildings and hear about their significant efforts to maintain them. Due to their efforts, the community is able to provide travellers with an excellent idea of what it was like during Ghana's colonial past. See the 30m high lighthouse constructed by the British in 1871. Admire the colourful fishing boats on the beach, and continue to Fort James, a British trading post in 1673 which fell under Danish rule. Also of interest here are the Brazilian stone houses, built by formerly enslaved African’s who resided in Brazil and made their way back to Africa after the slave trade was abolished. This area in Accra is also famous for producing many world champion boxers like Africa's greatest, Azuma Nelson.
• Artist Alliance Gallery & Makola Market Visits: Enjoy visits to the Artists Alliance Gallery and Makola Market in Accra. The gallery is located on the beach front in the city and an ideal location to experience and purchase traditional and contemporary art and artifacts by local creators from all of Ghana and even some neighbouring countries. Ranging from paintings, carvings, and furniture, to jewelry, fabrics, and photography, there's a little bit of something for all interests. Later at the market observe the liveliness and witness traders selling everything here from herbal remedies and traditional cloth, or food, to other necessities for the local people. It's a great opportunity to try your hand at bartering as is the norm here, and perhaps try some street food if you are feeling hungry.
• Black Star Gate & Independence Square: Your introduction to Ghana's history and culture begins at the Black Star Gate and Independence Square along Accra's coastline. This is the main ceremony grounds of the city, and where you can find the enclosed flame of African Liberation, lit in 1961 by Kwame Nkrumah himself. Your CEO will provide you with more information about the area's importance to the people of Ghana as you gather in various spots throughout the square.