11 Day Ghana Experience

2 Accra, 3 Kumasi, 2 Cape Coast & 1 Accra
Round trip airfare from JFK, 8 nights accommodation, all transfers, most meals and sightseeing
Price Includes
  • 2 nights at the [Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra], Accra, Standard Room with Breakfast and Dinner
  • 3 nights at the [Lancaster Kumasi], Kumasi, Standard Room with Breakfast and Dinner
  • 2 nights at the [Ridge Royal Hotel], Cape Coast, Standard Room with Breakfast and Dinner
  • 1 night at the [Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra], Accra, Standard Room with Breakfast and Dinner
  • All hotel taxes
  • Arrival transfer from Kotoka airport to hotel
  • Departure transfer from hotel to Kotoka airport
  • All transfers will be provided by air-conditioned bus with English Speaking Tour Host
  • Full Day Accra City Tour: National Museum, Black Star Gate, Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and James Town
  • Accra City Tour: TK Beads, Aburi Botanical Gardens, and Craft Market 
  • Kumasi Culture and History Tour: Manhyia Palace, Cultural Center, Kejetia Market, and Okomfo Anokye Sword and KNUST University
  • Kumasi City Tour: Ancient Kente and Adinkra Villages, Ashanti Traditional House and Sakoban Krofrom
  • From Kumasi to Elmina includes: Assin Manso, Cape Coast Castle
  • Kakum National Park and Traditional Naming Ceremony
  • Beach Relaxation, Elmina Castle, and Accra
  • Accra City Tour: DuBois Centre, Artist Alliance Gallery, Fantasy Coffins, and Shopping and Departure
  • All sightseeing will be provided with English Speaking Local Guides 
Special Features
  • Mineral water:  unlimited and available to every participant for the duration of the tour
  • Fruits and Snacks on our vehicles
  • English Speaking Tour manager will be hosting the group throughout the itinerary
Day By Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Fri - Depart USA

  • Board your international flight to Ghana
DAY 2: Sat - Arrival to Accra

  • Finally, you have arrived. Time to relax and take it all in as your senses go into overload. Africa is special and over the coming days we hope your experiences will help cement your connection to your culture and heritage. Your guide and driver are excited to meet you on your arrival at the Kotoka International Airport Accra, which is situated on the beautiful gold coast of Western Africa.
  • Look out for the Right Travel Blue Sign when you leave the main terminal building after passing through customs. Make yourself known to your guide who will be accompanying you for the duration of your trip and they will take care of you from here Most flights arrive in the evening and our aim is to transfer you to the hotel, check you in for you to be able to relax and start to enjoy your vacation. You must have so many questions as your guide officially offers you Akwaaba (welcome) and briefs you on all aspects of your trip. You can choose to relax at your hotel after the flight and rest up in preparation for the following days activities. Maybe you are too excited to rest and would like to experience Accra nightlife, no problem, your guide, and driver will be happy to head into town with you.
  • Overnight in Accra
  • Meal: Dinner
DAY 3: Sun - Full Day Accra City Tour

  • Your first full day in Ghana. Most days are glorious here and the sun should be shining as you head down to breakfast at your hotel.
  • An exciting day lies ahead as we set off for our tour of Accra, passing through the economic and administrative districts on our way to the National Museum. Always a great place to start our tours as almost all the displays here are ethnographic in nature and the museum gives us an excellent overview of West African culture The displays in the museum are not only from Ghana but most West African countries. There is an adjoining garden which is home to various sculptures that talk about West African tradition and customs giving you an insight of West African history The Museum and surrounding markets have beautiful African fabrics for sale and your guide would be happy to arrange one of our tailors to take your measurements, show you a wide ion of designs and get some items of clothing made for you.
  • From the National Museum we pass by Black Star Gate symbolizing our freedom and visit the adjoining Independence Square (Black Star Square) which is Ghana`s main ceremony grounds and where we find the enclosed flame of African liberation, lit by Kwame Nkrumah himself in 1961. A short distance away we find Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, final resting place of our founding father who led the Gold Coast to independence from the British in 1957. Set in attractive gardens, there is an adjoining museum, containing photos, artifacts, and an insight into this incredible man`s life. If you are looking to purchase African fabrics and crafts then adjoining the park is the National Cultural Center, Ghana`s largest outdoor arts and crafts market selling traditional items from all over West Africa.
  • Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant serving variety of West African and continental dishes. Ghana is famous for the best Jollof Rice in West Africa, why not try some to see if you agree. James town and Usshertown are next after lunch as we enjoy a walking tour of these vibrant communities, Accra`s oldest suburbs taking in some of the historical structures that predate the colonial era Residents here are committed to conserving these buildings and have made significant efforts to maintain them, our time here gives us an excellent idea of what it was like pre independence during the colonial occupation. The 30-meter-high lighthouse built by the British in 1871 is of interest and the attractive colorful fishing boats on the beach are also wonderful to see.
  • We continue to Fort James that was built by the British as a trading post in 1673, before it joined the Dutch Fort Crevecoeur, and the Danish Fort Christiansborg. Fort James gave its name to the Jamestown neighborhood in Accra. These areas give us a perfect picture of old Accra, distinguishing between British Accra and Dutch Accra The community tour would not be complete before seeing the Brazilian stone houses, built by free enslaved African`s who reside in Brazil. Africans who made their way home after the slave trade was abolished their descendants have now integrated with the community here.
  • This part of Accra is one of the poorest and there are many social issues within this community. Street children, orphans and child workers are common here and our evening will be dedicated to meeting community members who are trying to change the lives of the youth through boxing Jamestown is famous in Ghana for producing several World Champion Boxers that include Isaac Dogboe, David Kotei, Joseph Agbeko, Richard Commey and the most famous of all and considered Africa`s greatest ever boxer Azumah Nelson. It is believed that this part of Accra produces excellent boxers due to the poverty and hardship faced by the youth. They see boxing as an opportunity for a better life in the future, as you will see this is a part of Ghana that lives and breathes boxing. A successful businessman who hails from this community wants to support the children here by helping some with school fees and he is also sponsoring a weekly boxing event where the boxing clubs put on a show for the locals. Set in the perfect location in the heart of the community overlooking the ocean it could be a wonderful night of entertainment if our dates coincide with an event. If not, we will visit one of the many gyms here to see the youth and professionals in training
  • Time to experience James town at night as we head to a local bar and restaurant in the heart of the community. Great food, atmosphere, and if we are lucky to schedule our visit on one of the many days the local band is booked, great music too. This is the real Accral After our meal we can choose to return to our hotel to relax or head into town to experience more Accra nightlife.
  • Overnight in Accra
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Mon - Accra City Tour, Transfer to Kumasi

  • We check out of our hotel after breakfast. Our journey today will take us into the beautiful Akuapem Hills, however before we head out of this bustling City, we visit TK beads, experts in making beautiful African beads using traditional methods. The Krobo people of Ghana are renowned for their traditional bead jewelry that dates back centuries, and it would be wonderful to see and learn firsthand the historical importance of beads and learn the ancient process used to make them. Your guide will talk you through the skilled process of making the beads and you will see skilled craftsmen at work and can even try your hand. Beads are culturally a symbol of wealth and beauty here in Ghana and are still used during traditional durbars and festivals with most Ghanaian women wearing beads daily. There is a wide ion of quality, beautiful, reasonably priced beads available for purchase at the onsite shop.
  • Our journey continues, taking us through the beautiful Akuapem range with outstanding views across Accra and Tema in the distance. At the top of the range, we find the Aburi botanical gardens, set in a beautiful location that were founded by the British in 1890. The gardens are home to a wide variety of indigenous and exotic flora, offering outstanding views to Accra on a clear day. As we walk around the gardens our guide will identify the many trees and plants found here, some with medicinal properties and explain how Ghanaians use them. A short distance from the gardens we find the relaxed and friendly Aburi craft village, where traditional African drums, sculptures and other crafts have been carved for generations. As we watch the skilled craftsmen at work it is worth noting that prices here are amongst the lowest in Ghana, making Aburi an ideal place to pick up some souvenirs.
  • Your guide will talk you through the meaning and local beliefs connected to many of the sculptures that have been made the same way throughout history Our lunch will be taken in Koforidua capital of the Eastern Region of Ghana before we continue our journey to Kumasi arriving in the early evening
  • Overnight in Kumasi
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Tue - Kumasi Culture and History Tour

  • A well-deserved relaxing breakfast this morning. A day exploring culture and history awaits you as we set off on our city tour of Kumasi, heading to the Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene, King of the Ashanti`s and ruler of the Asanteman Kingdom. The Palace Museum offers a fascinating excursion through the history of the powerful Ashanti empire. Our tour gives you a firsthand insight into the legacies of the Ashanti`s and enables you to understand the importance of Ashanti culture during your time in this region.
  • We continue to visit the National Cultural Centre. The Cultural Centre is in one of the oldest suburbs of Kumasi near Bantama. There is a wonderful craft market here and during our leisurely tour we can visit the Prempeh II Jubilee museum which offers an excellent overview of Ashanti history and houses some wonderful ancient artifacts. A short distance from the palace is Kejetia market which is reported to be the largest outdoor market in West Africa. Visiting here gives us a wonderful opportunity to experience everyday life for the people in this great city and pick up a few bargain souvenirs. The market is a labyrinth of stalls nestled closely together, and a hive of activity. Some stall holders sleep here in the evenings as trade rarely stops.
  • Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant which sells an excellent ion of local and continental dishes.
  • Our next stop is the Okomfo Anokye sword found in the grounds of the Okomfo Anokye teaching hospital in Kumasi Okomfo Anokye was a powerful priest born in 1600 in the Eastern Region of Ghana who helped the then Ashanti King Osei Tutu I to defeat the powerful Denkyera kingdom. After defeating the Denkyera, legend has it the Golden Stool of Ashanti descended from the sky and landed on Okomfo Anokye`s lap, which he gave to the Ashanti King He then planted the sword into the ground as a symbol of unity between the Ashanti`s and Nzema people of Western Ghana The sword is still in the ground to this day and has defied all human strength to pull it out
  • Prior to returning to our hotel, we visit the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology which was established by Ghana`s founding President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1952. It is the leading university in the sub region for research into science and technology with students from all over West Africa studying here. Tonight, you have the option of relaxing at your hotel, alternatively, you can join your guide and driver, heading into town to experience Kumasi nightlife. Highlife is the most popular music in Kumasi, and we can enjoy our evening meal at one of the bars and restaurants that have a live band playing
  • Overnight in Kumasi
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: Wed - Kumasi City Tour  

  • A morning visit to the last material remains of the great Asante Empire as we visit the traditional Asante buildings that are now recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. 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 we will learn more about later today. This is also where Nana Yaa Asantewaa, possibly the most important women 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 we will visit the local spiritual shrine where she used to fortify herself before going into battle.
  • We continue our journey through Ashanti history by visiting the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso. Our first stop is Adanwomasie, the birthplace of Ghana`s rich colorful Kente cloth. Adanwomasi produces some of Ghana`s finest Kente cloth, many designs of cloth are woven here, and some are exclusive only to this region. Quality time is dedicated here as we walk through the community, interacting with the skilled weavers whose families have been producing kente for generations playing an important role in the history of this beautiful cloth. During our time here, we learn about the history behind the many designs and see skilled weavers outside their homes still using traditional looms that have not changed in design for centuries.
  • Former US President Bill Clinton has had a design named after him called the "Clinton Kente" as Ghanaians were impressed with the respect, he showed to Ghana when he was in office. This is an ideal time to purchase quality kente cloth at extremely low prices before we set off for Ntunso.
  • The ancient village of Ntunso, is where adinkra cloth and symbols originate. These traditional symbols all have meanings and are carved from calabash shells. The adinkra symbols are then printed onto traditional cloth using natural dyes made from the bark of certain local trees. Adinkra cloth has been adorned by the Ashanti`s for more than 4 centuries and pre-dates kente cloth. Even today most Ashanti`s will wear adinkra cloth for funerals, festivals, and other important occasions. During our time here, we can make our own strip of adinkra cloth using symbols with personal significance.
  • After lunch we visit the village of Sokoban Krofrom where traditional brass casting has been the main source of income for the community for generations. A wide ion of items ranging from beads and jewelry to traditional statues are made here. The methods used to produce these wonderful brass works has not changed and during our time here we see a demonstration of the skilled process. There are several stores selling a wide range of brass products produced here, and this could be a good time to purchase some reasonably priced souvenirs.
  • This evening you have the option of enjoying your evening meal at your hotel, alternatively we can head into town to one of the many quality restaurants serving a ion of local and international dishes and experience Kumasi nightlife at one of the bars.
  • Overnight in Kumasi
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Thu - Kumasi to Elmina

  • This morning we take a leisurely breakfast before setting off Southwards to Elmina in the central region of Ghana. The town of Elmina was given its name by the Portuguese due to the abundance of Gold found in Ghana, translated Elmina means The Mine. Gold is of such importance to Ghana today and historically that we were previously known as the Gold Coast before independence Ghana`s gold is of the highest quality and we are the 8th largest exporter in the world and second largest exporter in Africa behind South Africa.
  • An emotional stop at Assin Manso, a prominent town along the enslaved African trade route where so many of our ancestors from the northern parts of Ghana, Burkina Faso and Niger were marched bare foot in shackles heading towards the coast The town surrounds the Ndonkor Nsuo (Slave River). This river is where enslaved Africans were checked for fitness and bathed before being transported to Cape Coast for shipment to the Americas. They would have walked hundreds of kilometers from Northern Ghana through thick forests in shackles and chains, many being in poor health once they reached Assin Manso Once bathed and rested they would continue the final 32-mile march to the dungeons of Cape Coast or Elmina Castles where they would remain for up to 6 weeks before being shipped to the Americas In 1998, a symbolic gesture was made when the bodies of two free (previously enslaved) Africans, Samuel Carson from New York U.S.A and Crystal from Kingston Jamaica were returned to Cape Coast Castle and Sear symbolically passed through the "Door of no Return" before being transported to Assin Manso for re-internment. After learning the history, having time to reflect, and visiting the river we continue to Cape Coast.
  • Our afternoon is dedicated to honoring our ancestors at arguably the most significant edifice remaining along the West African coastline. Cape Coast Castle is an emotional, thought provoking monument to a harrowing period in our region`s history. Quality time will be dedicated here on an educational and spiritual journey visiting all corners of this castle that kept more enslaved Africans captive than any other in West Africa. Located below the governor`s place of worship and castle church we find the dungeons where up to 600 African men, women and children were kept at any one time in atrocious conditions until being taken through the infamous "Door of no return" to waiting ships. There is the opportunity to pay our respects at a local shrine in the end dungeon where a tunnel led to the door of no return. An informative and educational museum explains the entire history of the castle and Cape Coast itself, as well as a shop selling literature on all of Ghana`s forts and castles, as well as the cultural history and traditions of Ghana. Many African Americans have relocated back to their ancestral home here in Ghana, setting up businesses and purchasing homes in Cape Coast and Elmina.
  • This evening after we have settled into our hotel, we can choose to visit one of the restaurants owned by those that have relocated here, hearing their experiences and how it feels living in Africa.
  • Alternatively, you can relax at your hotel, enjoying the facilities, restaurant, and having time to reflect on the day.
  • Overnight in Elmina or Cape Coast
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8: Fri - Kakum National Park and Traditional Naming Ceremony

  • An action-packed day lies ahead and an early start for us as we enjoy the sunrise and our breakfast on arguably Ghana`s finest beach front location. Africa`s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway awaits us as we set off to Kakum National Park which is a semi-deciduous upper guinea rainforest. This is an incredibly beautiful, tropical guinea rainforest and the canopy walkway is sure to be one of the highlights of your time in Cape Coast. This National Park protects the original habitat that was found in this location and was the major source of food for locals prior to it becoming a National Park. The walkway consists of 7 bridges, attached to 7 emerging trees, 40 metres above the rainforest floor. Prepare to take a deep breath as you walk the suspended bridges. You will marvel at the outstanding views that stretch for miles across this breathtaking rainforest as you rest on the viewing platforms that are attached to the emerging trees between the bridges. We are sure you would agree that this is an exciting excursion never to be forgotten. We return to the park headquarters where we find an excellent information center that offers a highly informative overview of the park`s flora and fauna. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded within the park, which includes forest elephants, leopards and 6 primate species to mention just a few.
  • An incredibly special time arrives after lunch as we prepare for your official Naming Ceremony.
  • We set off to visit a local village to pay a courtesy call on the chiefs, queen mothers and community elders. As tradition dictates, they start with the pouring of libation to officially welcome you home, to the land your ancestors were forcibly taken from and where your heritage and culture live on Drumming and dancing are all around us as you get an in-depth feel of traditional village life here in Ghana. The time has finally, arrived for you to be given your true African name during your own personal traditional naming ceremony in your honor. Chiefs and elders of the community officially welcome you as they lead you through the ceremony which has been performed by your ancestors through history. You will finally have the chance to adopt your own African name based on the day of the week you were born or numeric order of your siblings. This would have been your actual name if you were born in Ghana and has an emotional attachment to many when they receive them. A major highlight of your time here, after an afternoon of celebrations we return to your hotel to relax.
  • In the evening we hope to celebrate such an important occasion, our plan is to head into Cape Coast town and visit one of the most popular night spots to enjoy a local live band, dancing and reflecting on such an incredible day. If you would prefer to relax and reflect at your hotel this would not be a problem.
  • Overnight in Elmina or Cape Coast
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: Sat - Beach Relaxation, Elmina Castle, and Accra

  • A relaxing morning enjoying the facilities of our accommodation, maybe go for a swim, relax on the beach, or just enjoy our final morning at this beautiful location.
  • Prior to lunch we will freshen up and re-pack our bags, your guide and driver will collect them from your room and bring them to our vehicle to load. Before setting off back to Accra we enjoy our lunch overlooking the beautiful Gold Coast of West Africa.
  • On route to Accra, we pass through the fishing town of Elmina. During our time in Elmina town, we visit the Castle of St. George, the oldest extant colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, dating from 1482. This castle is steeped in history and played a prominent part during the tragic, transatlantic slave trade era. There is an informative museum inside which concentrates on local history and this now silent monument to the pain and suffering our ancestors endured has been formally designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
  • After an informative tour we can visit the local fishing market and walk the short distance to visit the boat builders in this community Almost all the fishing boats used in this bustling fishing community are traditional wooden boats. Their design has not changed in
  • centuries and neither have the tools and methods used to build them. Whilst we take in the sights of the many colourful fishing boats bringing their daily catch into the harbor, it is important to understand Elmina has hardly changed since the days our ancestors were forcibly taken through this community to the Americas.
  • Our journey continues and on arrival back in Ghana`s capital Accra, we check into our accommodation with your final evening here in Ghana free time to relax or hit the town.
  • Overnight in Accra
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: Sun - Accra City Tour, Departure

  • After a leisurely breakfast we will set off on our final city tour of Accra, our first visit this morning will be the DuBois Center. This is the final burial place and former home of the prominent American Pan-Africanist Dr William W Burghardt DuBois, who lead the Pan-African congress between 1919 and 1927 he was a vocal Anti-Segregationist and prolific speaker and writer. The center now serves as a library and research institute for students of Pan-Africanism. The Artist Alliance Gallery on the beach front in Accra is the ideal location to experience traditional and contemporary art and artifacts ranging from paintings, carvings, furniture, jewelry, fabrics, and photography from all of Ghana and our neighboring countries If you appreciate art, you will be like a kid in a candy store before we set off for "Fantasy Coffins" of Teshie Nungua. Funeral and burial ceremonies in our culture are very solemn occasions, but after the burial a celebration. follows. Ghanaians believe that the departed move on into another world and the coffins made here may represent the occupation of the deceased or depict something that was important to them. There are all manner of coffin designs that one could be buried in from cars, cocoa pods, cigarette packets and airplanes to crocodiles, shoes, bottles of beer and boats to mention a few. During our time here we can also venture to their workshop and meet the coffin makers.
  • Time for some last-minute shopping in Accra as we head to the Accra Mall giving you an insight into modern day Ghana. An opportunity to also purchase some last-minute souvenirs before your transfer to the airport and departure.
  • Our early evening meal will be taken at a locally owned restaurant serving an excellent ion of local and international dishes which gives us an ideal opportunity to say our goodbyes and reflect on a wonderful time together
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: Mon - Return to USA

  • 05:35 AM arrival to JFK airport

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Notes :
Not Included
  • Personal expenses
  • Beverage during meals
  • Tips to drivers, porters, and guides
  • Travel Insurance is highly recommended
  • Ghana - Visa required

All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking.

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