• The guide and driver will meet you at arrival at Benin’s International Airport in Cotonou.
• Transfer to hotel which is situated in Cotonou.
• Time to relax as the guide briefs on all aspects of the trip.
• Enjoy an evening meal at the hotel restaurant whilst acclimatising yourself to West Africa.

Accommodation – In Cotonou

• Depart for Porto-Novo the capital city of Benin.
• Before arrival, enjoy a walking tour of Adjarra seeing the skilled craftsmen making traditional drums and raffia processing.
• During time here, discover the art of basketry and finish the tour experiencing local gin at a traditional distillery.
• A short ride on the Black River enjoying nature before setting off to Porto Novo.
• On reaching the capital, enjoy lunch before visiting the Royal Palace now known as the Honme Museum is an interesting excursion, the museum is housed in the walled compound of King Toffa who signed the first treaty with the French in 1863.
• From here, visit the Great Mosque in Porto Novo that offers excellent photographic opportunities and the history behind how this former Church became a Mosque is fascinating.
• Depart for Ganvie stilt village and tour(Boat boarding to discover three aquatic ecosystems: Porto-Novo lagoon, Oueme river and Nokoue Lake, this nautical expedition will take us to discover: a diversity of aquatic flora and avian fauna, people, the different activities of the communities along the river and around the lagoon, different fishing techniques, the lover’s lane, the floating market, the foundation and settlement in Ganvie, the economy, the schools, the churches, mosques, the Voodoo temples, Madina Gallery and the tradition houses.
• After a wonderful day, return to the hotel with the remainder of the evening free leisure time.

Accommodation – Cotonou

• Set off on a morning city tour of Cotonou taking in the vibe of this wonderful city that oozes the exotic.
• First, enjoy a walking tour of Place du souvenir Square, Bio Guerra Statut, Amazone Statute and Red Star Square) – GRAND POPO (Villa Karo) – LAKE AHÉMÉ (Possotomé tour including The lake tour, barter market and we continue to the Voodoo forest before arriving in Ouidah which is home for the next few nights whilst we experience the Voodoo festival here in Benin.

Accommodation – Ouidah

• Transfer to Allada for the first part of the Voodoo program.
• After the mornings activities, set off for a tour of Ouidah which is regarded as the Voodoo center of West Africa. During the 17^th and 18^th centuries enslaved Africans from Benin, Togo and other West African countries were shipped from Ouidah which had the only port in the country until slavery was officially abolished in 1807.
• A tour of the historical museum of Ouidah is a must as is visiting the sacred forest which consists of figurines representing deities of kings and the founders of Ouidah. The sacred python’s temple is where the tour of Ouidah will end.
• After visiting all these wonderful places in Ouidah, return to the hotel to relax.
• After dinner, head back into town to experience the ceremony of purification in the sacred forest of King Kpasse.

Accommodation – Ouidah

• Today is dedicated to experiencing several voodoo ceremonies in and around Ouidah giving a total understanding of this remarkable religion.
• Traditional dancing starts with locals wearing Egun masks representing the “Dead Spirit” wearing traditional brightly multicolored clothes.
• Drumming and singing are all around us the “Dead Spirit” emerges from the shrine displaying to the crowd in an intimidating dance.
• The Voodoo ceremony is an eye-opening experience and gives an insight into the power of the local religion here in Benin.
• An amazing action-packed day has come to an end, heading back to the hotel to reflect and enjoy some local entertainment.

Accommodation – In Ouidah

• An early start, setting off northwards to Dassa.
• On route to Dassa approximately a 2 hours’ drive from Ouidah, find Abomey.
• On arrival in Abomey, enjoy a city tour that includes visits to the Royal palace museum that houses artefacts that take us on a journey through the Dahomey Kingdom History and culture, the Kings soul room constructed with human blood is a must visit in the palace.
• From here, visit the nearby craft market in the palace and Goho square to see the Statute of the Brave King Behanzin who fought against the French colonialists.
• During time here, learn the history of this fascinating place.
• After lunch, head to Agonlin to experience a traditional Guelede performance which is a major highlight.
• Setting off on the final stretch of the journey to Dassa, stop to see traditional gari processing.
• On arrival, check into the hotel, enjoy an evening meal, and relax.

Accommodation – In Dassa

• Set off further northwards.
• Approximately hours’ drive from Dassa, find the Dankoli Shrine located in Savalou and during time here, experience a traditional Voodoo ceremony.
• From here, venture further north, and meet the people of Taneka and visit their unique villages to see their traditional homesteads.
• An interesting afternoon experiencing a walking tour of their village community learning the history of the Taneka people, meeting the local priest and paying a courtesy call on the Kings palace.
• After a wonderful time, continue to Natitingou, check into the hotel for an evening meal and the remainder of the day is free time to relax. 

Accommodation – In Natitingou

• Set off after breakfast at the hotel heading towards Togo.
• Prior to leaving Natitingou, visit the local museum for a tour through local history with a focus on the colonization war between the colonial masters and King Kaba in the northwest of Benin.
• Also learn about the different tribal marks of Somba people and learn more about their culture.
• From here, set off to Koussoukoingou a nearby Tata Somba community.
• A Tata Somba village tour is a wonderful experience learning about how useful Baobab trees are for the local Somba people.
• Visit a traditional Tata Somba Castle, learn about the Somba and the Otammari daily life and divinities.
• Before departing for Togo, visit the highest point of this community to enjoy local lunch and a refreshing drink whilst taking in the breathtaking views over north western Benin and Togo in the distance.
• The journey continues heading to Boukounbe to meet the King and experience a local Voodoo ceremony in his presence.
• Pass through remote communities seldom seen by tourists.
• A beautiful drive saying goodbye to Benin and cross into northern Togo, which is so different to southern Togo, enjoyed a few days earlier.
• The Koutammakou a UNESCO World Heritage site is the final place visited today.
• North Eastern Togo is stunning, the landscape offers wonderful photographic opportunities while travelling, enjoy the changing scenery and local villages passed through.
• The amazing mud houses (Takienta) of the local Batammariba community are unique to this region of West Africa. Mix with the locals and learning their history during time here is an experience that will live in the memory.
• The aim is to arrive at the accommodation in Kara as the sun sets to enjoy an evening meal and reflect on an amazing day.

Accommodation – In Kara

• Today is mainly a travel day, set off early after breakfast heading further south to Kpalime.
• Enjoy the scenery during the drive and the changing communities heading further south.
• Lunch will be in Atakpame before setting off on a final leg arriving in Kpalime around 3pm.
• After checking into the hotel, set off to enjoy this beautiful part of Togo.
• Walk in the hills, venture into the forest and visit local farms meeting the community and learn about their local customs and traditions.
• The evening is spent relaxing at the hotel and enjoying good food.

Accommodation – In Kpalime

• After a relaxed breakfast in this beautiful setting, depart for Lomé the capital city of Togo.
• The journey will take approximately 2 hours and on arrival in Lomé, enjoy lunch at a restaurant selling local and international dishes.
• After lunch, visit the grand Marché or big market which will be one of our highlights in Lomé.
• The Sacred Heart or German Cathedral is next on the agenda after the exhilarating experience of the big market.
• A short distance from the cathedral is the National Museum of Togo, founded in 1975 which houses ethnographical cultural and artistic exhibits.
• To be in Lome and not visit the witches market/ marché fetiches at Akodessewa and the artisanal village will not give you a thorough insight into local traditions here, so after lunch the is the option to visit these places as some people would prefer not to see the dried animal parts.
• Artisans’ village is next to see artisans weaving cloth, carving statues, making baskets, lampshades and sewing leather shoes besides much more.

Accommodation – In Lomé

• An early breakfast before checking out of the accommodation and head out of this bustling city heading to Akosombo in Ghana for the next chapter of the adventure.
• On arrival in Akosombo, enjoy lunch overlooking the beautiful Volta River.
• After lunch, set off the short distance to Krobo.
• Many families in Krobo communities make beautiful beads so dedicate a few hours visiting one of the family compounds to have a go at producing beads.
• The family will talk through the skilled process of making the beads and be on hand to assist trying our hand at designs.
• The journey continues to the capital of the Eastern Region Koforidua then check into the hotel and relax for the evening.

Accommodation – In Koforidua

• Set off to the wonderful Boti Falls know as the twin falls in Ghana.
• A beautiful location and wonderful place to start the day.
• Continue towards Kumasi stopping for lunch on route.
• After lunch, continue the journey into the Ashanti Region and start to experience Ashanti history by visiting the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso.
• The 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 walking through the community, interacting with the locals whose families have been weaving kente for generations playing an important role in the history of this beautiful cloth.
• During time here, 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.
• An ideal time to purchase quality kente cloth at very low prices before setting off for Ntunso.
• The ancient village of Ntunso, is where adinkra cloth and symbols originate.
• During time here, make our own strip of adinkra cloth using symbols with personal significance.
• After a wonderful day, check into a hotel with the remainder of the day free leisure time.

Accommodation – In Koforidua

• Check out of the hotel and prepare for a day of culture and history, heading to the Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene King of the Ashanti’s and ruler of the powerful Asanteman Kingdom.
• The Palace Museum offers a fascinating excursion through the history of this powerful tribe and is extremely informative on the well documented Ashanti history and culture.
• The tour gives us a firsthand insight into the legacies of the Ashanti’s and enables the understanding of their culture during time in this region.
• From here, set off Southwards to Elmina in the central region of Ghana.
• Departing Kumasi, make a visit to the last material remains of the great Asante Empire visiting 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 and 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.
• Nana Yaa Asantewaa was also the Queen Mother of Ejisu Besease and visit the local spiritual shrine where she used to fortify herself before going into battle.
• Then continue the journey south towards Elmina.
• Stop at Assin Manso, an important town along the enslaved African trade routes.
• The town surrounds the Ndonkor Nsuo (Enslaved African River).
• After the tour, continue to Cape Coast, enjoy lunch upon arrival at a local restaurant overlooking the ocean before visiting the nearby Cape Coast castle which has been designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
• Quality time will be spent in the afternoon on an emotional journey touring this castle which held more enslaved Africans captive than any other in West Africa, viewing the dungeons and the infamous “Door of no return”.
• There is a historical museum inside, which explains the entire history of the castle and Cape Coast itself, as well as a souvenir shop selling literature on all of Ghana’s forts and castles, as well as the cultural history and traditions of Ghana.
• After a wonderful but thought-provoking day, continue to check into the accommodation, enjoy dinner and relax.

Accommodation – In Elmina or Cape Coast

• On route to Accra along the coastal road, find Fort Amsterdam in the town of Abandze.
• After an informative tour, continue the journey to Accra.
• On arrival, visit the National Museum where almost all the displays here are ethnographic in nature and the museum gives 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 which talk about West African tradition and customs and gives an overview of West African history.
• During time here, get the chance to view and purchase some wonderful examples of traditional fabrics and crafts.
• From here, enjoy lunch before visiting the DuBois Center.
• Continue to “Fantasy Coffins” of Teshie Nungua. During time here, venture to their workshop and meet the coffin makers.
• From here, head downtown to Jamestown one of the oldest suburbs of Accra.
• The afternoon will be dedicated with the community here enjoy a walking tour of this old community taking in some of the historical structures that predate the colonial era.
• The locals are committed to conserving these buildings and have made significant efforts to maintain them, time here gives us an excellent idea of what it was like during the colonial era.
• Continue to Fort James that was 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. These areas give a perfect picture of old Accra, distinguishing between British Accra and Dutch Accra.
• 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 the evening will be dedicated to meeting locals who are trying to change the lives of the youth through boxing.
• Visit one of the many gyms here to see the youth and professionals close up in training.
• After checking into the hotel, have the option to head into town to experience some local nightlife and good food on the final evening in West Africa.

Accommodation – In Accra

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel and head towards the airport for departure.
• On route to the airport, pass by Black Star Gate symbolizing freedom and visit the adjoining Independence Square (Black Star Square) which is Ghana’s main ceremony grounds and where the enclosed flame of African liberation, lit by Kwame Nkrumah himself in 1961 is located.
• From here, continue arriving at the airport in good time for the departure flight after a wonderful; 15 Day tour of Benin, Togo, and Ghana.

Departure