Arrival, Akwaaba (Welcome), Airport Pickup and Hotel Transfer.

Greater Accra - Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, located on the stunning gold coast of Western Africa, our knowledgeable local tour guides will greet you. Look for the Ashanti African Tours sign as you exit the main terminal building after clearing customs. Introduce yourself to your guides, who will accompany you throughout your stay in Ghana, ensuring your comfort and care.

Once you board our vehicle, which will serve as your transportation for the tour, we will transfer you to your accommodation in Accra. After checking in, our experienced guide will warmly welcome you with “Akwaaba” and provide a briefing on all aspects of your trip. Enjoy your evening meal at the hotel restaurant while acclimating to West Africa.

Makola Market, Artist Alliance Gallery, Fantasy Coffins, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and Jamestown Community

Makola Market - Start your day with a relaxed morning, allowing rush hour traffic to subside before heading to one of Accra’s finest local markets. You may choose to skip or have a light breakfast at your accommodation, as experiencing local street foods at Makola Market is a treat. Traders offer a wide array of goods, from herbal remedies, fabrics, beads, jewelry, and food to electronics. The vibrant market provides a glimpse into the daily life of locals who trade or shop here daily. It’s a great opportunity to purchase souvenirs, but remember to barter, as it’s customary. Ghana boasts talented local artists, and viewing their work is a delight.

Artists Alliance Gallery - Located on Accra’s beachfront, the Artist Alliance Gallery is perfect for experiencing traditional and contemporary art and artifacts, including paintings, carvings, furniture, jewelry, fabrics, and photography from Ghana and neighboring countries. Art enthusiasts will feel like kids in a candy store before heading to the “Fantasy Coffins” of Teshie Nungua.

Teshie - In Ghana, funeral and burial ceremonies are solemn, followed by celebrations. Ghanaians believe the departed transition to another world, and coffins here may represent the deceased’s occupation or something significant to them. Coffin designs range from cars, cocoa pods, and cigarette packets to airplanes, crocodiles, shoes, beer bottles, and boats. During our visit, we can explore their workshop and meet the coffin makers. What would you choose for your final resting place?

Independence Square - In the afternoon, we pass by Black Star Square, home to the independence monument, and continue to Independence Square, the main ceremony grounds, where the enclosed flame of African liberation, lit by Kwame Nkrumah in 1961, resides. Nearby is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the final resting place of Ghana’s founder. Set in beautiful gardens, the adjoining museum contains photos, artifacts, and insights into this remarkable man’s life. The center was designed by a Ghanaian architect and constructed with Italian marble.

James Town Lighthouse - We head downtown to Jamestown, one of Accra’s oldest suburbs. Our afternoon is dedicated to engaging with locals during a walking tour of this historic community, exploring structures predating the colonial era. The locals are committed to preserving these buildings, offering a glimpse into the colonial era. The 30-meter-high lighthouse, built by the British in 1871, and the colorful fishing boats on the beach are delightful sights. We continue to Fort James, built by the British as a trading post in 1673, before it joined the Dutch Fort Crêvecœur and the Danish Fort Christiansborg. Fort James gave its name to the Jamestown neighborhood in Accra. After a wonderful day, we can return to our hotel to rest or explore Accra’s nightlife.

Krobo Traditional Beads, Aburi Botanical Gardens, Koforidua Beads Market, and Kumasi

Odumase Krobo - After breakfast, we check out and leave the bustling city. Krobo is our first stop on the way to Ghana’s Volta Region. The Krobo people are renowned for their traditional bead jewelry, dating back centuries. Witnessing and learning about the historical significance of beads and the ancient process of making them is a treat. Many Krobo families create beautiful beads, and we’ll spend a few hours visiting a family compound to try making our own beads. The family will guide us through the skilled process and assist us in designing our own. Beads symbolize wealth and beauty in Ghana and are used in traditional durbars and festivals, with most Ghanaian women wearing them daily.

Aburi Botanical Gardens - Our journey takes us into the picturesque Akuapem hills, offering stunning views of Accra and Tema. At the hilltop, we find the Aburi Botanical Gardens, established by the British in 1890. The gardens house a diverse range of indigenous and exotic flora, providing breathtaking views of Accra on clear days. As we stroll through the gardens, your guide will identify various trees and plants, some with medicinal properties, and explain their benefits to locals. Rare butterflies and abundant birds are also found here.

Aburi Crafts Village - A short distance from the gardens lies the relaxed and friendly Aburi craft village, where traditional African drums, sculptures, and crafts have been carved for generations. Watching skilled craftsmen at work is a delight, and prices here are among the lowest in Ghana, making it an ideal place for souvenirs. Your guide will explain the meanings and local beliefs associated with many sculptures, crafted the same way throughout history.

Koforidua - Lunch is in Koforidua, the capital of Ghana’s Eastern Region. Koforidua is famous for its traditional bead market, a must-visit before continuing to Kumasi. Traders sell local beads, some antique and others newer designs, all beautiful and reasonably priced.

Kumasi - After mingling with locals at the market, we proceed to Kumasi, home of the Asantehene, King of the powerful Ashanti empire. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, with the rest of the day free for leisure.

Ancient Kente and Adinkra Villages, Ashanti Traditional House, and Sakoban Krofrom

Kumasi - In the morning, we visit the last material remnants of the great Asante Empire, exploring traditional Asante buildings now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These buildings house 10 active shrines, constructed from bamboo, timber, mud, and thatched roofs. The walls feature motifs with traditional symbolic meanings linked to ancient Adinkra symbols, which we’ll learn about later. This is also where Nana Yaa Asantewaa, a significant figure in Ashanti history, hailed from. She was a formidable female warrior who led the Ashanti in the 1901 war against the British. Nana Yaa Asantewaa was also the Queen Mother of Ejisu Besease, and we’ll visit the local spiritual shrine where she fortified herself before battles.

Adanwomase - Continuing our journey through Ashanti history, we visit the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso. Our first stop is Adanwomasie, the birthplace of Ghana’s vibrant Kente cloth. Adanwomasi produces some of Ghana’s finest Kente cloth, with many designs exclusive to this region. We spend quality time here, interacting with locals whose families have woven Kente for generations, playing a vital role in the cloth’s history. During our visit, we learn about the history behind various designs and observe skilled weavers using traditional looms unchanged for centuries. It’s an ideal time to purchase quality Kente cloth at low prices before heading to Ntunso.

Kumasi - After lunch, we visit the village of Sokoban Krofrom, where traditional brass casting has been the community’s main income source for generations. A wide range of items, from beads and jewelry to traditional statues, are crafted here. The methods used to create these brass works remain unchanged, and we witness a demonstration of the skilled process. After exploring stores selling a wonderful selection, we return to our accommodation for a meal and relaxation, with the evening free for leisure.

Manhyia Palace and Village Life

Manhyia Palace Museum - A morning of culture and history awaits as we head to the Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene King of the Ashanti and ruler of the powerful Asanteman Kingdom. The Palace Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of this influential tribe, providing insights into the well-documented Ashanti history and culture. Our tour offers firsthand insights into the Ashanti legacies, enhancing our understanding of their culture during our time in this region.

Community Life, Markets, and Local Cooking Lessons

Assin Manso, Cape Coast Castle, and Baobab Foundation

Assin Manso - After breakfast in the village, we bid farewell to our new friends and head south towards Elmina in Ghana’s central region. Elmina, named by the Portuguese for its abundant gold, translates to “The Mine.” Gold holds great significance in Ghana, historically and today, as the country was known as the Gold Coast before independence. Ghana’s gold is of the highest quality, making it the 8th largest exporter globally and the second largest in Africa, after South Africa. We stop at Assin Manso, an important town along the enslaved African trade routes. The town surrounds the Ndonkor Nsuo (Enslaved African River), where enslaved Africans were checked for fitness and bathed before being transported to Cape Coast for shipment to the Americas.

Cape Coast Castle - After our tour, we continue to Cape Coast, enjoying lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the ocean before visiting the nearby Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle is a poignant monument to a harrowing period in the region’s history. We spend quality time on an emotional journey touring the castle, which held more enslaved Africans captive than any other in West Africa, viewing the dungeons and the infamous “Door of No Return.” Inside, a historical museum explains the castle’s history and Cape Coast itself, along with a souvenir shop offering literature on Ghana’s forts and castles, as well as cultural history and traditions.

Elmina - Our lunch today is at a wonderful community organization offering hope for a better future to children. The Baobab Children Foundation focuses on helping children who haven’t attended school, left school early, or have disabilities, empowering them for a better life. Our cooks, waiters, and waitresses for lunch are trained in catering at Baobab Children’s Foundation, offering a wide selection of health-conscious dishes. Attached to the restaurant is the Baobab shop, where you can browse and purchase items like Batik dresses, bead jewelry, organic creams, bags, Kente weavings, rings, postcards, paintings, and pottery, all made by children trained at the Baobab vocational school. All proceeds support the foundation. We then head to our beachfront accommodation to relax for the evening.

Kakum Rainforest Canopy Walkway, Stingless Bee Center, Palm Wine, Local Gin Distillery, and Global Mamas Batik Workshop

Kakum National Park - An action-packed day awaits, starting early with breakfast at Ghana’s finest beachfront location. Africa’s renowned rainforest canopy walkway beckons as we head to Kakum National Park, a semi-deciduous upper guinea rainforest. This stunning tropical rainforest offers a canopy walkway, a highlight of your Cape Coast visit. The walkway features 7 bridges attached to 7 emerging trees, 40 meters above the rainforest floor. Take a deep breath as you traverse the suspended bridges, marveling at the breathtaking views stretching across the rainforest from the viewing platforms attached to the trees. This exciting excursion is unforgettable.

International Stingless Bee Centre - Returning to the park headquarters, we find an excellent information center offering an informative overview of the park’s flora and fauna. Over 40 mammal species, including forest elephants, leopards, and 6 primate species, have been recorded here. Near Kakum, on the forest border, is the International Stingless Bee Project. Approximately 9 stingless bee species have been identified in Ghana, crucial to our ecosystem. Our tour of the center educates us on bees’ local importance, medicinal qualities, and allows us to see their hives, taste, and purchase quality stingless bee honey. A stingless bee walkway and butterfly garden attract many forest butterfly species. Lunch is at a local restaurant offering a variety of international and local dishes.

Elmina - After a day of exploring nature and culture, we return to our hotel to freshen up before heading into town for local music and dinner.

Elmina Markets, Boat Builders, Castle of St George, and Brenu Akyinim

Elmina Castle - Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel and beach. After lunch, we visit Elmina, exploring the local fish market and visiting the boat builders. Most fishing boats in this vibrant community are traditional wooden boats, unchanged in design and construction methods for centuries. We also enjoy the colorful fishing boats bringing in their daily catch and mingle with locals, experiencing the atmosphere of a West African fishing community. A visit to Elmina Castle (Castle of St George), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, is essential to learn about local history and its role during the slave trade era.

Elmina - Dinner is at Brenu Akyinim, considered Ghana’s best beachfront location. As the sun sets, we dine on the beach around a bonfire. A special treat awaits as a local Ghanaian drumming and dance troupe performs. Traditional music and dance historically tell stories, and we gain insight into popular ones. Trying our hand at drumming, learning the basics, and showcasing our moves makes for an enjoyable evening overlooking West Africa’s beautiful gold coast. A perfect way to spend our final evening in Ghana.

Beach Relaxation, Fort Amsterdam, and Accra for Departure

Accra - Upon returning to Ghana’s capital, we may have time to visit Accra Mall, offering a glimpse into modern Ghana and a chance to purchase last-minute souvenirs before heading home. Our early evening meal is at a locally owned restaurant serving a variety of local and international dishes, providing an opportunity to say our goodbyes and reflect on a wonderful time together. After the meal, our team will transfer you to the airport for your departure.

• Expert local guide available 24/7
• Around-the-clock office support
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Enjoy included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Stay hydrated with unlimited mineral water
• Explore without limits with unlimited mileage fuel
• Safe travels with an experienced driver
• Relax in comfortable accommodation
• Gain access to all excursions with included fees
• Convenient airport transfers
• Be secure with public liability and professional indemnity insurance

• International flights
• Soft and alcoholic drinks
• Visa

For those eager to immerse themselves in the authentic lifestyle of Ghana rather than just sticking to the typical tourist paths, the “Ghana Life” tour is an ideal choice. This tour offers numerous opportunities to engage with locals and experience the daily life of this incredibly hospitable country, guided by our knowledgeable local experts. It provides access to unique experiences and creates unforgettable memories. The tour combines everyday interactions with visits to ancient cultural landmarks, stunning beaches, insights into the country’s complex history, and its remarkable flora and fauna, making it a truly exceptional journey.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.