
Arrive in Accra
Day 1
On arrival in Accra you will be met by our representative, assisted and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on the time of your arrival, you may begin familiarizing yourself with this vibrant West African city this evening. Your guide and driver will be available to assist.
Accommodation is in Accra.
W.E.B. Dubois Center and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
Day 2
This morning your guide will orient on the tour activities during the next 6 days.
After orientation, set out to see Accra. You will begin the city tour by first visiting the W.E.B. Du Bois Cultural Center which honors the life of a great and prominent Pan-Africanists who spent hi final years working in Ghana. The center was formerly Du Bois residence. Your next stop is Independence Square, Accra’s open-air ceremonial grounds where national celebrations are held. Continue to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Museum, a tribute to Ghana’s first president. This park, formally called the Polo grounds, is where Dr. Kwame Nkrumah declared the independence of Ghana. The remains of Dr Nkrumah as well as that of his wife rest on these premises. You will see various personal items used by Dr. Nkrumah, as well as books he authored.
In the early afternoon, travel to Kokrobrite beach area for lunch. After lunch you will be offered two , two exciting hours of drumming and cultural dancing lessons with the experts at Kokrobrite Drumming Center. Or you may relax in an area overlooking the beach. Accommodation is in Accra.
KUMASI, CAPITAL OF THE ASHANTI KINGDOM
Day 3
Today we travel to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom of Gold. On the way, we will stop to visit a Plant Medicine research center where research in the use of plant medicine in the cure of various ailments are conducted. You will arrive in Kumasi in the early afternoon in time to visit Manhiya Palace which was built in 1925 to receive Asantehene (ruler of the Ashanti people) Prempeh I when he returned from exile in the Seychelles to resume residence in Kumasi. Manhiya Palace was used by Ashanti kings until 1974.The palace is now a museum, containing a range of items relating to the Ashanti Kingdom, particularly Prempeh I (ruled 1888-1931) and Prempeh II (ruled 1931-1970). Here you will obtain firsthand information on the legacies of the Ashanti kingdom, a regal history that dates back to 1700and is told with relics and artifacts. You will also visit the nearby Okomfo Anokye Sword, an important symbol of Ashanti unity that marks the spot where the Golden Stool “descended from the sky” and has been in place for more than 300 years. Legend says the Ashanti Kingdom would disintegrate should the sword be removed from its present location.
KUMASI, KENTE WEAVING AND WOOD CARVING VILLAGES
Day 4
Your second and last day in Kumasi will include non-stop activities. Begin with stops at : the woodcarving village of Ahwiaa, known for the talented craftsmen who fashion royal stools, walking sticks and fertility dolls from wood; next visit the village of Ntonso where artisan’s hand-stamp patterns on cotton cloth to make Adinkra textiles. Black-on-black and black-on-red Adinkra cloth is worn for funerals and other solemn occasions; next stop is the village of Bonwire, where the famous Kente cloth is handmade on looms in a time-honored tradition passed down through generations. You will see the Kente weavers in process of creating Kente cloth in various styles, and have the opportunity to try your hand at the ancient craft.
GOLD MINE, SLAVE DUNGEONS AND SLAVE RIVERS
Day 5
Today we hear West to Ghana’s Central region to Elmina and Cape Coast. This is one of the most visited areas in Ghana and is must-see for first time leisure travelers to Ghana.
On the way we will stop at Gold mine town of Obuasi. Next stop is at Assin Manso, the burial site of two former slaves from the U. S. and Jamaica whose remains were re-interred in August 1998 during Ghana’s first Emancipation Day Celebration. Here you will see the “Slave River” where captured Africans were washed before being confined in the Slave Castles to await shipment to the Americas and the Caribbean.
On arrival in Cape Coast we will visit Cape Coast Castle and the Castle Museum for a guided tour. Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was one of the holding dungeons and departure points for Africans being sent to slavery in the Americas. (Beware, a visit to the dungeon is usually an emotional experience for people of African descent and also for non-Africans).The castle is home to the infamous “Door of No Return”. This evening rest and reflect.
KAKUM PARK, CANOPY WALKWAY, MILITARY SHRINES AND COLORFUL FISHING BOATS
Day 6
This morning we travel through the historic Denkyira Kingdom to Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rain forests. Kakum is home to over 40 large mammals and 400 bird species as well as many species of butterflies, flora and fauna. The most popular attraction is the Canopy walkway, made up of seven bridges extending 330m, hanging 30m (100 feet) above the forest floor.
You may between a 2 km nature walk through this forest to discover the wide variety of exotic floral species and the medicinal values they offer or take the more challenging walk on the canopy walkway. This afternoon you will visit the Posuban Military Shrine where the Asafo companies, (Fanti traditional soldiers), prepare spiritually for war. These shrines are wonderful examples of how art is used in the daily lives of Ghanaians.
This evening you may take a guided tour through the ancient town of Elmina. At the harbor you will see the colorful fishing canoes getting ready to go to sea for another night’s task of fishing. This is a picture perfect opportunity for photographers.
ACCRA, SHOPPING FOR CRAFTS, FABRICS AND MORE
Day 7
Return to Accra arriving late morning. You have a choice of activities before you board your onward flight. You may choose to visit the Accra Shopping Mall, the first World-Class Shopping Centre in Ghana, which offers an exciting one-stop shopping. This would present a unique opportunity to experience shopping, leisure, entertainment, fashion and dining where the locals are.
Or
Visit the popular Arts and Crafts market where you can test you’re bargaining and trading skills against the vendors.
Or
Visit Makola market, Accra’s signature open air market to experience a typical African Market atmosphere.
If this is your first time to West Africa, from now on your will likely see the continent from a vastly different but more positive perspective.
This Tour Includes:
• Transportation in private vehicle
• Experienced tour guide
• Admission to listed sites
• 6 nights hotel accommodation
• Breakfast daily
This Tour Does Not Include:
• Cost of visa
• Meals not listed
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuity to driver and guide