Depart the USA

Check into your hotel in Accra for dinner and your overnight stay. (D)

Depart for a full-day city tour of Accra. Your first visit will be to the Aburi Botanical Gardens, located in the Aburi hills, known for its diverse plant species and panoramic views. After exploring the gardens, your next stop will be the National Museum of History and Ethnography, which houses exhibits that reflect the heritage of Ghana throughout history to the present. The museum contains a varied collection of Ghanaian artifacts. You will then drive through Old Accra, which presents a contrast of Victorian, Dutch, and post-colonial architecture. You’ll pass by James Fort, built in 1673, Old Accra Square, and the Post Office. Next, you will drive by the Ussher Fort, one of three European forts in Accra that have survived the test of time. Your next stop will be the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre for Pan Africanism, the final burial place and home of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois. The center is currently a Pan African Centre for culture with a research library and gallery featuring a collection of manuscripts. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the newly redeveloped Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Park. The memorial complex, dedicated to Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, is situated on the site where Ghana’s independence was declared. It is meant to represent an upside-down sword, which in Akan culture symbolizes peace, and it houses both Kwame Nkrumah and his wife, Madam Fathia Nkrumah. Afterward, you will visit the Arts and Crafts Market to view a collection of Ghanaian handicrafts and souvenirs. Return to your hotel in Accra. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B, L)

Drive along the coastal savannah, passing through food crop market towns, villages, and pineapple and vegetable stands. Of interest along this route are food crop market towns and villages with several pineapple and vegetable stands. Drive through Mankessim and see the statue of the “Three Wise Men,” likened to the Elephant, Whale, and Eagle, which depict the might and power of the Fante people of Ghana. Upon arrival in Elmina, your first stop will be Elmina Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and the oldest and most prominent European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, this castle was later used as an auction market for enslaved Africans. You will tour the castle, including the Door of No Return, which marks the tragic final departure point for enslaved Africans before being shipped to the Americas. You will also see the slave dungeons, the condemned cells where slaves who resisted were incarcerated and starved to death. After lunch, continue your visit to Cape Coast Castle, which was initially started by the Swedes in 1652. It served as the headquarters and seat of the British colonial government until 1877. Go on a comprehensive tour of the castle, visiting the slave dungeons and the negotiation hall where enslaved Africans were sold. You will have the afternoon free for reflection on your visits to these poignant historical sites. Check into your beach resort in Elmina. (B, L)

After breakfast, depart from Elmina and head towards the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Brong-Ahafo Region. The sanctuary is home to two types of monkeys: the Mona monkeys and the Black-and-white Colobus monkeys. It’s an excellent opportunity to observe these monkeys in their natural habitat while learning about the local conservation efforts. After your visit, continue your journey to Kakum National Park, where you’ll take a walk on the forest trails, observing trees with medicinal properties. You’ll also experience the Canopy Walk, suspended 100 feet above the ground, which offers a panoramic view of the rainforest’s flora and fauna. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will head to a nearby village for a Naming Ceremony to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Ghana. Meet the village chief and elders, enjoy a cultural performance, and receive a Ghanaian name. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the villagers and observe their way of life. Return to your Beach Resort in Elmina in the evening. (B, L)

After breakfast, depart from Elmina and begin your journey to Kumasi. On the way, take a detour to visit the Wli Agumatsa Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in Ghana. Located in the Volta Region, this scenic spot offers a beautiful hike through the lush rainforest, and you’ll have the chance to swim in the natural pools beneath the falls. After enjoying the falls, continue your drive towards Kumasi, making stops along the way. Once in Kumasi, have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Manhyia Palace Museum, the former residence of the Ashanti kings. You will also visit the National Cultural Centre and the Prempeh II Museum, which displays artifacts related to the Ashanti monarchy. Check into your hotel in Kumasi. (B, L)

After breakfast, participate in the celebration of the Akwasidae Festival. This festival is usually celebrated on a Sunday in Kumasi and other Akan-speaking communities that owe allegiance to the King of Ashanti. This is celebrated every 42 days. This is a colorful, scenic, and unique event where people gather from afar, many in traditional costumes, come to greet their King on the throne at the royal court, and people bring gifts to pay homage to the King. Join the local folks and international visitors to celebrate the Akwasidae festival. This will offer you the opportunity to interact with the local chiefs dressed in the colourful Traditional cloth. The Akans' (the largest ethnic group in Ghana) annual calendar is divided into nine parts, each lasting approximately six weeks (42 traditional days). On this day, the Asantehene (King of Ashanti) meets his subjects and subordinate chiefs in the courtyard of the Manhyia Palace. The King holds a durbar on the occasion of the festival, and subjects can pay homage to him. Participants of the parade include drummers, folk dancers, horn-blowers, and praise singers paying tribute to the ancestors. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue after lunch to visit a few Ashanti crafts villages including, Ahwiaa – the woodcarver’s village specializing in woodcarving such as the Ashanti stools, fertility dolls and walking sticks and Ntonso - noted for its indigenous artisans whose expertise lie in Adinkra textile printing using traditional symbols that express the spiritual, moral, political and socio-cultural philosophies of the Akan people. In the Ntonso Adinkra village, you will be able to try your hand at creating your designs. From here, we will visit Adanwomase, well known for the traditional Kente cloth weaving. Observe how weavers exhibit their skills in producing the clothes, some of which are a preserve for the Ashanti Kings. You can have lessons and try your hand at Kente weaving and Adinkra stamping using centuries-old methods. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy a sundown drink after you return to your hotel in Kumasi. (B, L)

After breakfast, depart Kumasi and return to Accra. En route, stop at a village community along the Kumasi – Accra highway to interact with locals and experience village life. Continue your journey to Accra and check into your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and some time for last-minute shopping before transferring to the airport for your return flight. some flight options back to the U.S. will require an overnight stop in the U.S. before returning to your departure city. (B)

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