West African Adventure: Highlights of Ghana, Togo & Benin

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.

In the morning leave Accra behind and travel inland towards Bonkro. Stop along the way at the Assin Manso Heritage Site. Learn from a guide about the site’s history, the transatlantic slave trade, and the role Assin Manso played as a final inland stop along the slave route. 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

• Assin Manso Heritage Site Visit: Visit the Assin Manso Heritage Site where you will be welcomed by a local historian/guide who will provide an introduction to the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the role Assin Manso played as a final inland stop along the slave route. Enslaved Africans from across West Africa were marched to this location after being captured or sold in inland slave markets. Assin Manso became known as the “Last Bath” site, where captives were ordered to bathe in the river before being transported to the coastal forts.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Travel towards Kumasi today with a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage site 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 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. Continue to the hotel and enjoy an included dinner at the restaurant on-site.

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.
• 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.

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 depart Kumasi for Akosombo. Along the way 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 arriving at the lodge, 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

• 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.

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before transferring back to Accra. Travel by 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. Continue on to Accra where 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

• 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.
• 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.

Travel from Accra to Lomé today. There will be a border crossing along this route. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time to get settled and relax at the hotel before the next part of your adventure begins.

Included Experiences

• Border Crossing (Ghana - Togo): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
• Free Time: Spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Opt to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on the property and rest up after a successful arrival to Togo.

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this morning with your CEO before heading to the biggest market in Lomé and one of the most vibrant markets in all of West Africa. Immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals and learn more about the history behind various churches and monuments in the city from your CEO. Then, travel onwards to the community of Atitovou. Here, witness how generations have been weaving traditional Kente cloth for centuries. Walk through the community, observe the (mostly men) weaving the beautiful cloth and sit down with a local family to learn more about the importance of this piece of their heritage. Transfer to the hotel in Kpalime for lunch and then visit Mount Kloto for an afternoon hike amid the stunning natural scenery and abundance of colourful butterflies that reside here. The remainder of the evening will be spent at your leisure.

Included Experiences

• Grand Marche and German Cathedral Visit: Grand Marché, also known as Big Market, is one of the must-see highlights while in Lomé. Become easily immersed in daily local life and explore this outdoor market with your CEO. Initially, it may seem chaotic, but there is an orderliness amid the hectic pace that will surprise you. The surrounding streets overflow with vendors selling everything imaginable. Your senses will rush into overdrive, but it's a worthwhile experience at one of the most vibrant markets in all of West Africa. The Sacred Heart or German Cathedral is located next to the market and you'll visit here to learn more about the history of this imposing piece of Gothic architecture built in 1905, even stepping inside to admire its beauty. If one of the religious leaders is available the group will have the chance to meet them and ask a few questions.
• Atitovou Community Visit & Kente Cloth Weaving: Togolese people are passionate about preserving their culture and history, and you'll see evidence of this today when you meet the people of Atitovou, whose community has been weaving traditional Kente cloth for centuries. Take a walk past their family homes and witness weavers, who are mainly men, creating beautiful traditional cloth using looms and methods that have been passed down through generations. The group will sit down briefly with one of the local families and learn how weaving still benefits the community as their main source of income. You'll be shown the entire process and will even have the chance to try weaving yourself. The different designs of the cloth all have traditional meanings which will be explained during your time here. Should you wish to further support this thriving community, you will be able to purchase your own Kente cloth during your visit.
• Mount Kloto Visit & Hike: Enjoy a visit to the beautiful landscape of Mount Kloto and stretch those legs on a short hike here. A great way to become immersed in life within the rural mountains of Togo, this area offers dense forest trails, cascading waterfalls and over 500 different species of butterflies. Your local guide will identify the different medicinal plants found here and explain the ways in which the nearby communities use them. Keep searching for the colourful butterflies and enjoy stunning views across this unique habitat.
• Free Time: Enjoy a free evening at your leisure back at the hotel.

In the morning the group will begin the journey to Sokode with stops along the route to a few local markets where you'll experience the sounds and smells of these colorful spaces. Stretch your legs, witness vital trading points for rural farmers selling their items, and feel part of the fabric of local life. Arrive in Sokode around lunch where you’ll witness the spectacular horse dance here. This spectacular event dating back centuries is hardly experienced by any outsiders and involves a festive community atmosphere you will never forget. Later, attend the ancient fire dance which is traditionally performed at festivals and special occasions in this remote northern part of Togo. Spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure back at the hotel and reflect on the beautiful cultural experiences of your day.

Included Experiences

• Atakpame Markets: During today's long journey there will be a stop along the way to the markets in Atakpame offering a glimpse at life in the more rural village settings of Togo. Here you'll find a vibrant hub of social interaction and cultural exchange, offering unique souvenirs, fresh produce, and a chance to experience the local culture firsthand. These markets are vital trading points for subsistence farmers and other traders selling items like yams, plantain, fruit and vegetables grown on their farms, to clothes, local herbs, medicines and electrical goods. As the group explore the market you'll gain a sense of its crucial importance to the region and daily life compared to the more populated cities in the south.
• Sokodé Horse Dance: Experience a key aspect of Togo's cultural identity during the Sokodé Horse Dance that showcases equestrian traditions with horse races, dances, and parades. This beautiful event dates back centuries and is seldom experienced by many outsiders. The community will gather together and the excitement builds as the horsemen arrive. It's known that only the finest warriors can parade and dance with their horses during this energetic performance. It's a time to showcase triumphs over enemies and honour the community's forefathers. It's a passionate displace of locals preserving their culture and getting to witness this side by side with them will be a true privilege and a lasting memory for even the most seasoned of travellers.
• Sokodé's Traditional Fire Dance: Get ready to experience the epic and ancient fire dance, traditionally performed at festivals and on special occasions in this remote northern part of Togo. Leave the hotel as the sun sets and set off on the short 30 minute journey to a local market where locals have gathered around a fire. The fire has ben set in anticipation of the arrival of the spiritually powerful men from within this rural community who wish to showcase their strength. Mingle with the locals and take your places around the flames to witness this unique and important part of their culture. Watch as the community members dance to the rhythm of the drums and use their spiritually gifted steps to stand, eat, and lay in the fire. This experience offers fabulous insight into an ancient ritual and the importance of cultural preservation for future generations.

Your first immersive experience today will be a visit to the traditional Fugu weavers of Bafilo. This traditional cloth in northern Togo has been woven and worn for generations in this northern community. Witness the skilled process of making the intricate designs and style your own before continuing on to Tsare. In this remote community the group will observe the ancient method of iron smelting under the guidance of a local family. You’ll hear about the family’s daily routine and learn more about the harsh conditions they often work under. After an included lunch the group will transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Koutammakou, a seldom visited wonder in northeastern Togo. Here the traditional mud homes of the Batammariba community reflect their spiritual beliefs of Voodoo. Transfer across the border to Natitingou and spend a night of leisure at the hotel there.

Included Experiences

• Traditional Fugu Weavers of Bafilo: Start the morning with a visit to the Fugu weavers of Bafilo. This traditional cloth in northern Togo differs from the Kente cloth which originates from the southern parts of the country. The group will be greeted by one of the resident families in the community that have been weaving Fugu for generations. Enjoy a demonstration of this skilled process and watch the effort it takes to create these many beautiful designs. The different style, colour, and designs are unique to this region and here is a great place to support the culture of the local community and purchase some of the traditional cloth for yourself.
• Iron Smelting at Tsare Community: Venture to further remote parts of Togo to a community that still practices the ancient and traditional method of iron smelting. Visit a local family here and watch as they go through the process of making iron products, something that has been part of their daily life for generations. The techniques have not changed and the group will witness the entire process from ground extraction to the making of the iron tools. Observe the how harsh conditions can be while they work and gain an authentic immersion in local life as you hear about daily routines here amid the villagers.
• Koutammakou UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit: In the afternoon experience the seldom visited Koutammakou. This unique wonder has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most stunning African landscapes. Take in the beautiful changing scenery, local villages, and people assuming their daily tasks. Quality time will be dedicated to interacting with and learning from the locals of this ancient community. You'll visit their traditional homesteads and learn what it's like to live in these unique structures. The mud houses, known as Takienta are home to the local Batammariba community. They are only found in this region of West Africa and they reflect the social structure of the community as well as their traditional spiritual beliefs of Voodoo. You'll gather with locals while here and learn more about their history, customs, and how they conduct special occasions like weddings, naming ceremonies, and yearly festivals. It's the perfect afternoon stop with the people of this rural community while travelling to Benin.
• Border Crossing (Togo - Benin): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

After breakfast the group will have the rare privilege to visit a local Fulani village and gain insight into the lives of these normally nomadic people. Their communities are seldom observed by outsiders and the local culture differs greatly from other communities in this part of Benin. Learn about their family structures and experience cheese-making alongside members of this remote place. Then, transfer to Tata Somba and learn more about their traditional body scaring rituals that are used to denote which tribe you belong to, before walking to a local lunch spot. Later walk to a local family’s home where they are producing organic shea butter and be taken through the entire process. After quality time here the group heads back towards Natitingou for a visit to the Regional Museum Natitingou Market. Enjoy free time in the evening to rest and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.

Included Experiences

• Visit the Regional Museum in Natitingou: After a day spent immersed in the incredible cultures of this region, the group will pay a visit to the Regional Museum to add more perspectives and knowledge regarding the history, traditions, and life of the Somba people that reside in this area. You'll find an abundance of artifacts like jewelry and musical instruments that provide a deeper understanding of the tangible culture and traditions you observed today.
• Fulani Village Visit: This morning you'll have the rare privilege to visit a local Fulani village and gain insight into the lives of these normally nomadic people. Fulani communities are seldom visited and the local culture differs greatly from other parts of Benin. Meet one of the resident families and spend the morning listening to how they came to settle here and tour their homesteads to learn more about the family structure and roles divided between women and men. You'll also witness some local cheese making for a full sense of daily life in this remote community.
• Tata Somba Village Visit & Walk: Head to a Tata Somba village and meet the Tata Somba and Ditamari people who live in this region of northwest Benin. The locals here still live in their traditional homesteads that have bnot changed in centuries. Entire families have remained in these remarkable buildings that were built as fortresses to keep out intruders and wild animals. During your time here, you'll meet the locals and learn more about their daily life away from the pressures of modern society. Walk through the village and observe traditional body scaring on the village inhabitants. This practice has long been the way in which the markings represent which tribe the individual belongs to. Additional scarring is given later in life to indicate readiness for marriage, reaching puberty, and after childbirth.
• Organic Shea Butter Process with a Local Family: The group will walk a short distance to visit a local family that produces organic shea butter. The head of the family will greet you before taking everyone to where they process the shea nuts. Meet other family members and be welcomed into their home. The local shea nut trees are traditionally used for many different things in this regions from cooking oil to body cream, hair cream, and healing cuts or reducing scarring. Learn about the entire process from harvesting to producing the butter and extracting the oil. This tree is an important source of income for so many people in this area and your quality time here will showcase that sentiment within the village.

Turn towards the mountains today and visit the local communities in Teneka Beri and the nearby Taneka Coco. Visit the family homesteads, meet the spiritual leaders, and gain valuable insight into daily life here. Soak in the gorgeous surrounding landscape with its mountain views and continue on to visit the sacred Dankoli Shrine. This shrine is believed to be the most powerful of all shrines in Benin, and it’s a place many go to speak directly with the Gods. Learn about the shrine’s history while here and its importance as a space to pray and as for help. Finish the day in Savalou and spend time at your leisure this evening in the hotel.

Included Experiences

• Teneka Beri Mountain Community Visit: In the morning the group will visit the community of Teneka Beri in the mountains of Benin. The locals here practice the animist religion, in which it is believed that everything has a soul. Their customs and traditions remain strong today and during your visit you'll gain further insight into daily life here. Spend time at a family homestead and meet one of the spiritual leaders within the community. Pass by their traditional shrines and learn how these remote settlements migrated here several hundred years ago while trying to escape slave raiders in the southern part of Benin. Enjoy the surrounding mountainous landscape and the natural beauty of this area few travellers ever reach.
• Dankoli Shrine Visit: Enjoy an afternoon visit to the sacred village of the Dankoli and the Dankoli Shrine. It's believed this site is the most powerful of all shrines in Benin and people travel from all over West Africa to speak directly with the Gods of the Dankoli Shrine seeking guidance and help for personal life. Locals must return with their promised sacrificial offering once the Gods have answered their prayers. Take in the enormity of this spiritual place, and learn a bit of the shrine's history and importance within society.

Travel to Cove where the group will be welcomed by the local community for a special ceremony known as the Gelede Masked Dance in celebration of all mothers and elderly women, iyami, and especially the Great Mother (lya Nia) of the Yoruba religion. The group will gain authentic insight into the culture and traditions of the people in this region and witness first-hand the respect they have for women in their communities. From here, move on to the Underground Dwellings outside of Abomey. The dwellings are believed to date back to the 16th century and are only now still being discovered and studied. Explore some of the dwellings during your visit and see where locals lived and felt protected from slave raiders and tribal conflict. Travel onwards to Abomey where you will visit a private palace in the area modeled after the Royal Palace, and then stop at the spectacular Temple of the Chameleo with a deep history in the West African religion of Vodun. Spend the evening at your leisure upon arrival to Ouidah.

Included Experiences

• The Gelede Masked Dance: In Cove the group will witness the excitement and spiritual performance of the Gelede Masked Dance. After being welcomed by the local community by the vehicle. the group will walk with everyone to an open area outside one of the family compounds. Here, elders and traditional leaders will be present and as custom, you will great them before being seated. Here, the Yoruba and Nago people migrated from Nigeria several centuries ago. Everyone gathers and the drums start their rhythmic tune before the unforgettable performance begins. The masked dance is a celebration of all mothers and elderly women in the community and especially the Great Mother known as lya Nia in the Yoruba religion. Simply enjoy being in the moment and witness the heart of this culture, their important traditions in the region, and the respect they have for the women in their community.
• Visit the Underground Dwellings: Right before reaching the town of Abomey for lunch, the group will visit the recently discovered underground dwellings of Agongointo-Zoungoudojusta. In 1998 they were found during road construction in the area and are believed to date back to the 16th century during the reign of King Dakodonou. It's believed there are several hundred of these built 10 metres underground, and the locals used them as homes in order to find protection from slave raiders and tribal conflict. Explore some of the discovered dwellings during your time here and listen as a local expert discussed the history of the area.
• Chameleon Temple Visit & Private Palace Walkthrough: The Royal Palace is currently under renovation so the group will enjoy a brief visit to one of the private palaces in the local area. The structures are built in the same style as the Royal Palace and a representative of the property will share the local history, customs, and various traditions as you walk through the palace. Then, it's onward to the Chameleon Temple. Here, you'll learn about the interesting history of Vodun, and the sanctuary with its unique shape of a giant chameleon to symbolize adaptability and patience in the local culture. It is also a place of worship for followers of the Tohouiyo divinity.

Today’s adventures begin with a visit to Ganvie, known as the Venice of West Africa. This ancient community of over 30,000 people is living on structures built on stilts over Lake Nokoue. Transfer to traditional wooden boats waiting at one of the jetties and watch as local fishermen go about their daily tasks on your ride through the water village. The group will dock at one of the structures and experience the personal and important Kokou Ceremony. Participants fall into a deep trance-like state during the proceedings and it’s said this is the powerful local spirits taking over their followers. After lunch, transfer back to Ouidah and attend the annual Voodoo festival in the precise place where this spiritual practice was born. This public holiday in Benin is a truly authentic experience where the community gathers together in expectation for the arrival of Zangbeto. Spend time soaking up this unique atmosphere and incredible festival. The remainder of this evening will be at your leisure.

Included Experiences

• Kokou Ceremony & Lake Nokoue Visit: Enjoy a special visit to Ganvie, dubbed the Venice of West Africa. An ancient community of over 30,000 people all living in structures built on stilts over Lake Nokoue. Established in the 16th century by the Tofinu people who were fleeing from slave raiders. Meet your wooden boat at one of the jetties and watch as other locals move about the water in their boats trying to collect goods while the fishermen continue to reel in their daily catch. Ganvie is the largest community living on water in western Africa. Tour the community by boat before heading to one of the structures on dry land. Here, experience the powerful Kokou Ceremony. It's one of the most powerful ceremonies in which the local spirits are said to take over its followers, who typically fall into a deep trance-like state during the festivities. A truly unique encounters with the local population in a very unique place within Benin.
• The Annual Voodoo Festival of Ouidah: Ouidah is regarded as the Voodoo center of West Africa. It was once the only port in the country and so this is where enslaved Africas were shipped from. Most of them were shipped to Brazil, Haiti, and the Caribbean Islands. This is why there is such a strong Voodoo presence in these parts of the world. It's estimated that more than 75% of the population of Benin still actively practice the religion. The annual festival serves as a public holiday un the country and is celebrated on the 10th of January each year. Visit one of the communities around Ouidah to experience it for yourself. Community members will be gathering in anticipation Zangbeto arriving. They are traditional Voodoo guardians of the night. Over the next hour you will be immersed in the culture and history of the local people, heir community, and their spirituality.

Enjoy some breakfast and free time at the hotel this morning before travelling to Cotonou. Upon arrival, pay a visit to the 30m tall Amazone Statue honouring the female warriors of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey. Then, check out the longest graffiti mural in the world and its beautiful art celebrating the ancient kingdom of Dahomey. Walk along the entire stretch of wall coming in at 940m, and get a feel of this vibrant city. Today’s final stop is to the Grand Marché du Dantokpa, one of West Africa’s largest outdoor markets and located in the throbbing heart of Cotonou. The market sells everything you could imagine and is a major contributor to the economy of Benin. Attend a farewell dinner in the late afternoon before the group heads together to the Cotonou airport where your tour comes to an end.

Please do not book onward travel before 9pm.

Included Experiences

• Amazone Statue in Cotonou: Enjoy a half hour visit to the 30m Amazone Statue in Cotonou. This statue honours the female warriors of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey. Walk around the square, take in daily life, and listen as your CEO discusses the history of this impressive structure.
• Graffiti Wall Visit: Walk along the graffiti mural in Cotonou that holds the record for the longest graffiti wall in the world. The art here celebrates the Dahomey Kingdom and offers some beautiful pieces of art as the group strolls along the wall's 940m. Gain a true sense of the city's daily atmosphere and enjoy the colourful depictions before you.
• Walking tour of Grand Marché du Dantokpa: Enjoy time to stroll through the Grand Marché du Dantokpa, one of West Africa's largest outdoor markets coming in with an area of over 20 hectares. Your walking tour allows you to witness the day to day experiences of the traders here and gives the chance to see just how much is sold here. The wax print section of the market is a must for anyone looking for fabric souvenirs from your time in Benin. As a major contributor to the country's economy, this market stands as a testament to the importance of community and coming together to share different goods and services. Through the labyrinthine streets there is also the Fetish Market selling anything associated with Voodoo and a memorable area to walk through.
• Free Time: Spend a slow free morning in Ouidah. Have breakfast at your leisure and maybe choose to enjoy the hotel pool before embarking on your drive to Cotonou, Benin's largest city.