Begin your journey in Ghana with a warm welcome and an immersive cultural introduction.

• Arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
• Greeted by guide and driver from Ashanti African Tours.
• Swift transfer to hotel for check-in and relaxation.
• Akwaaba welcome dinner with delicious African cuisine.
• Option to relax at the hotel or explore Accra’s nightlife.

Accommodation – In Accra

• Set off for a tour of Accra, passing through the economic and administrative districts on the way to the National Museum, giving an excellent overview of West African culture.
• 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.
• James town is next, enjoy a walking tour of this old community taking in some of the historical structures that predate 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.
• Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant (Country Kitchen) serving a selection of West African and continental dishes.
• In the afternoon, pass by Black Star Square which houses the independence monument and continue to Independence Square which are the main ceremony grounds and where the enclosed flame of African liberation, which was lit by Kwame Nkrumah himself in 1961 is found.
• A short distance away is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, final resting place of Ghana’s founder.
• Set in attractive gardens, there is an adjoining museum, which contains photos, artifacts, and an insight into this incredible man’s life.
• Adjoining the park is the National Cultural Center, which is Ghana’s largest outdoor arts and crafts market where there are locals selling traditional crafts from all over West Africa.
• After testing bargaining skills, head to “Fantasy Coffins” of Teshie Nungua
• After an action packed first full day, return to the accommodation for an evening meal and to relax with the remainder of the evening free leisure time. 

Accommodation – In Accra

• After breakfast, before departing Accra for the Volta Region, visit the DuBois Center. This is the final burial place and former home of the prominent American Pan-Africanist Dr William W Burghardt DuBois
• The center now serves as a library and research institute for students of Pan-Africanism.
• Start the journey towards the Volt region of Ghana, passing over the magnificent Volta River on route.
• Before heading out of of the bustling city, stop first at TK beads, experts in making beautiful traditional beads using ancient methods.
• The guides will talk through the skilled process of making the beads.
• The next stop during the journey will be to visit the Shai Hills Reserve, an expanse of Savannah grassland and woodland dominated by large rock formations.
• Collect the wildlife guide and hike to the Obonu Tem caves searching for wildlife during the walk.
• A wonderful morning at Shai Hills, then continue the journey towards the Volta region stopping at a hotel in Akosombo for lunch.
• After lunch and only if time permits, enjoy a short river cruise in local canoe enjoying the scenery heading down river.
• After the cruise, take a short tour of the Akosombo Dam, an amazing piece of engineering producing power for most of the country.
• An informative and interesting tour offering excellent photographic opportunities of the outstanding views across this lake and habitat.
• Continue the journey and transfer to the accommodation in Hohoe, the second largest city in the Volta region of Ghana.

Accommodation – In Hohoe

• Set off for the Wli (Agumatsa) Falls found in the Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary in the Volta region of Ghana.
• On arrival, trek through the thick semi deciduous forest leading to the falls from Wli village.
• Relax and enjoy a paddle in the pool beneath the waterfall which is safe for swimming if feeling adventurous, before setting off to the town of HoHoe for lunch.
• The afternoon is spent with the locals from the village of Tafi Atome, a wonderful community protecting a population of endangered True Mona monkeys
• Quality time is dedicated here learning more about the history behind their protection from the local traditionalists during time in the village.
• Venture into the surrounding forests to see these beautiful primates and during the walk the local guide will identify the many medicinal plants that grow here and explain how the locals use them to make traditional herbal remedies.
• A short distance from Tafi Atome is the community of Tafi Abuife who have been weaving traditional Ewe kente cloth for generations.
• Colours and designs vary and during time here, learn the history behind each design and how the community started producing this beautiful cloth.
• An ideal opportunity to purchase quality kente at very reasonable prices before returning to the accommodation to relax.

Accommodation – In Hohoe

• Set off Northwards towards the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
• The journey today will take go through the beautiful Akuapem hills with outstanding views across Accra and Tema in the distance.
• At the top of the range, 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.
• Walking around the gardens the guide will identify the many trees and plants found here, some with medicinal properties and explain how they benefit the locals.
• A short distance from the gardens find the relaxed and friendly Aburi craft village, where traditional African drums, sculptures and other crafts have been carved for generations.
• Lunch will be taken in Koforidua capital of the Eastern Region of Ghana before continuing the journey to Kumasi arriving in the early evening.
• Once checked into the accommodation, enjoy an evening meal with the remainder of the day free leisure time to relax. 

Accommodation – In Kumasi

• A day of culture and history awaits setting off on a city tour of Kumasi 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 a firsthand insight into the legacies of the Ashanti’s and enables the understanding of their culture during time in this region.
• Continue to visit the National Cultural Centre. The cultural center is in one of the oldest suburbs of Kumasi near Bantama.
• There is a wonderful craft market here and during a leisurely tour 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.
• Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant which sells an excellent selection of local and continental dishes.
• The next stop is the Okomfo Anokye sword found at the Okomfo Anokye teaching hospital in Kumasi
• Prior to returning to the accommodation visit the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology which was established by Ghana’s founding President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1952.
• In the evening, have the option of heading into the city to experience Kumasi night life and enjoy an evening meal and a live highlife band.
• Or choose to relax at the accommodation.

Accommodation – In Kumasi

• Set off from Kumasi heading north to Tamale Capital of the Northern Region of Ghana.
• The aim is to arrive in Tamale for the late afternoon and check into the accommodation.
• If time permits, set off to the Zongo district of Tamale and the open-air tannery.
• Spend time here with some of the skilled locals seeing first-hand the process in making items such as shoes, bags and hats amongst other goods.
• A well-deserved rest this evening, relax at the accommodation and enjoy an evening meal in the capital of the northern region of Ghana

Accommodation – In Tamale

• Set off to the large central market, a great way to experience everyday life for the people here.
• A must see is the fetish section of the market, here they sell traditional medicines made from all sorts of unusual things.
• The National Centre of Culture, which is Tamale’s largest arts and crafts market, is the next stop with the chance to pick up quality souvenirs at reasonable prices before heading further North to Bolgatanga after lunch.
• Prior to arriving in Bolgatanga which is the largest town in the Upper East and the capital of this región, make the short detour to Tongo Hills.
• During time here, visit the chief’s traditional home that houses over 300 people, 18 of them his wives.
• A wonderful afternoon visiting this community, after quality time dedicated here continue to Bolgatanga.
• Before checkig into the accommodation which may be either in Bolgatanga or in Sirigu depending on accommodation choice, enjoy a walking tour of Bolgatanga visiting the main central market.
• Famous for producing straw baskets, hats, traditional fabrics, leather goods and metal jewelry, dedicate quality time here talking to traders and enjoying the atmosphere of this ancient trading post.
• After a wonderful day full of new experiences, return to the accommodation for an evening meal and to relax.

Accommodation – Bolgatanga or Sirigu

• Visit the community of Sirigu which is in a remote location approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the regional capital Bolgatanga.
• The community is the most picturesque area in the Upper East, the beautifully decorated houses of the local community catch our eye.
• Walking the community, the local guide will explain the meanings and stories being told on the houses in the community.
• The first point of call in Sirigu is SWOPA (Sirigu Women of Pottery and Art) which is a fantastic organization established by a local Madam Melanie Kasise.
• During time here, purchase a wide range of items made by these women.
• Time in the community is special visiting the local market experiencing how life is daily for locals living here as they trade their goods that range from tobacco, kola nuts and yams amongst other interesting items.
• Stopping at one of the local spots (bars) to try a refreshing calabash of pito (beer) whilst meeting and talking to locals from the community is a major highlight.
• Lunch will be taken at the SWOPA canteen as we like to support this initiative that empowers so many women here,
• Prior to lunch, visit another important part of the community, an orphanage also established by a local from Sirigu.
• After lunch, participate in a workshop teaching how to make local pottery or tie-die fabrics.
• The afternoon is at a relaxed pace setting off to the nearby town of Navrongo close to the border of Burkina Faso.
• In old Navrongo, find the unusual large Catholic Cathedral a fascinating mixture of European architecture and local construction techniques using mud bricks and plastered using mud and cow dung mortar.
• The Pikworo Slave Camp is a poignant reminder of the recent dark past during the slave trade era and a must visit during time here.
• The local show the remnants from slaves kept in this area like where they ate, fetched water, entertained themselves, watch “tower”, punishment stone and cemetery.
• After a wonderful and reflective day, return to the accommodation for an evening meal and to relax.

Accommodation – In Bolgatanga or Sirigu

• Bid farewell to the Upper East Region of Ghana and set off South back through Tamale before heading West to Ghana’s premier wildlife viewing park.
• The aim is to reach Mole National Park in the midafternoon taking lunch on route.
• Prior to reaching Mole, stop at the last village before the park Larabanga.
• On arrival in Mole National Park, check into the accommodation. Situated on a 250-meter-high escarpment overlooking this 4840km² park, it offers breathtaking views.
• The evening is dedicated to relaxing in this stunning location, watching the sun set over the guinea woodland and savannah that surround our accommodation, before enjoying an evening meal and the atmosphere of being so close to nature.

Accommodation – In Mole National Park

• Set off early in the morning with an armed guide tracking the world’s largest land mammal, African Elephants on foot.
• Dedicate the entire morning to tracking and getting as close as possible to these amazing mammals.
• Lunch is enjoyed around the pool of the accommodation and take this advantage to cool off with a swim or relax for a few hours before the afternoon activities.
• The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the nearby village of Mognori which is located on the boundary of the park approximately a 30 minutes’ drive from the accommodation.
• On arrival in Mognori, meet one of the locals taking a walking tour of the community.
• Walking through the community, see how shea butter is produced and learn the other many uses for the shea nut which is so important to this area.
• It is interesting seeing the lives of locals here venturing to the tobacco fields and visit the local chief and his family.
• Quality time is dedicated to talking with the traditional healer in the community, hearing how local traditional medicine is used to treat sickness and which of the many trees and plants play an important role in preparing these local medicines.
• The are many active local shrines here and learn how the community believe they also play an important role within the community.
• A great opportunity to experience a river safari in traditional dugout canoe.
• During the safari the local guide will look out for the many birds and wildlife
• Set off back to the accommodation for an evening meal and to relax under the beautiful clear West African nights sky.

Accommodation – In Mole National Park

• Set off North Westwards, the destination is Wechiau and the community hippo sanctuary.
• The journey takes approximately 4 hours nearing Wechiau, notice the change in design of the traditional homesteads of the Lobi tribal communities.
• On arrival, pick up a local guide at Wechiau town before proceeding to Talowana which is approximately a 30 minutes’ drive from Wechiau and is where the accommodation is for the evening.
• After settling into rooms, visit a nearby Lobi village and compound meeting with the locals and learning about their fascinating traditional practices and ways of life.
• In the evening, sit under the beautiful African night sky listening to traditional xylophone music around the bonfire.
• This is a perfect time to experience the local brew before retiring for the night.
• If the sky is clear as it is on most nights here, then arrange sleeping on the roof of one of the traditional homesteads on a comfortable mattress with mosquito net.

Accommodation – In Talowana

• After an early breakfast, walk down to the river for an early morning river safari in a traditional dugout canoe.
• The Black Volta is stunning, and the canoe ride is a memorable experience. Dazzle at the beauty of the woodlands either side travelling up river to one of the hippo pools.
• Enjoy the breathtaking views returning down river.
• During the canoe ride, meet some of the community fishermen, giving us the opportunity to observe their traditional fishing methods which have not changed for centuries.
• On return to dry land, load up the vehicle and bid farewell to the locals at Talowana and set off back to Mole National Park for an overnight stay on the way South.
• Before leaving the area, stop off in Wechiau, to enjoy a walking tour of the community mixing with the locals and experiencing everyday life for the people that live here.
• A visit to the centuries old mud and stick Palace is a must whilst here and there may be an opportunity to meet the local Yaa Na chief before setting off.
• Arrive back in Mole National Park in the late afternoon to relax and enjoy an evening meal.

Accommodation – In Mole National Park

• Set off Southwards after the adventures here in Northern Ghana.
• It is mainly a travel day; however, still have some amazing places to visit during the journey to Kumasi.
• The first stop will be just before lunch at the beautiful Kintampo Waterfalls a fast-flowing waterfall with small pool at the bottom which is good for swimming.
• Some of the more adventurous guests use this opportunity to experience Ghana’s most powerful “Power Shower” a great way to freshen up during the journey.
• Lunch will be at the nearby Falls restaurant before passing through Techiman on the way to Boebeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary.
• During time in the villages, interact with the locals learning about the history behind their protection of these primates in addition to their culture and daily routine as farmers.
• Walk trails into the forest viewing these beautiful monkeys the local guide will identify the many medicinal trees and plants found here and explain how they benefit the locals.
• After a wonderful time with the friendly locals here continue the journey to Kumasi, arriving in the early evening.

Accommodation – In Kumasi

• A morning 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.
• 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.
• Continue the journey through Ashanti history by visiting the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso.
• The first stop is Adanwomasie, the birth place of Ghana’s rich colorful Kente cloth.
• 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.
• During time here, make a strip of adinkra cloth using symbols with personal significance.
• After lunch, visit the village of Sokoban Krofrom where traditional brass casting has been the main source of income for the community for generations.
• A wide selection 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 the time here, see a demonstration of the skilled process.
• Return to the accommodation for a meal and to relax with the remainder of the evening being free leisure time. 

Accommodation – In Kumasi

• Set off Southwards to Elmina in the central region of Ghana.
• Stop at Assin Manso, an important town along the enslaved African trade routes.
• After a 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.
• Continue to check into the accommodation, enjoy dinner and relax. 

Accommodation – In Elmina or Cape Coast

• Set off for Kakum National Park in the morning, after breakfast and Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway.
• Return to the park headquarters finding an excellent information center that offers a very informative overview of the parks flora and fauna.
• A short distance from Kakum and on the border of the forest is the International Stingless Bee Project.
• A tour of the center teaches about the importance of bees locally, their medicinal qualities and see their hives, taste and buy quality stingless bee honey.
• There is a stingless bee walkway and butterfly garden where many of the forest butterfly species come to feed.
• Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant selling a wide selection of international and local dishes.
• The afternoon is dedicated to immersing into true African art during a traditional batik making workshop with Global Mamas.
• Joining a local artisan in his/her workshop to learn the traditional techniques of batik making and production from the wax heating, stamping and drying makes for an interesting afternoon.
• A short distance from the batik workshop is Elmina visiting the local fishing market and walk the short distance to visit the boat builders in this community.
• Also enjoy the sights of the many colourful fishing boats bringing their daily catch into the harbour and take this opportunity to mix with the locals enjoying the atmosphere of a West African fishing community.
• During time in Elmina town, visit the castle of St. George in Elmina.
• A final evening in the central region of Ghana can be spent at the accommodation or venture into town to experience nightlife for the locals.

Accommodation – In Elmina or Cape Coast

• A relaxing morning enjoying the facilities of the accommodation, maybe go for a swim, relax on the beach, or just enjoy a final morning at this beautiful location.
• Prior to lunch, freshen up and re-pack bags, the local guide will collect them from your room and bring them to the vehicle to load.
• Before setting off back to Accra, enjoy lunch overlooking the beautiful Gold Coast of West Africa.
• On route to Accra along the coastal road, find Fort Amsterdam in the town of Abandze.
• On arrival back in Ghana’s capital city, head to the Accra Mall to give you an insight into modern day Ghana.
• An opportunity to purchase some last-minute souvenirs before heading home.
• An early evening meal will be taken at a locally owned restaurant serving an excellent selection of local and international dishes giving an ideal opportunity to say goodbyes and reflect on a wonderful time together.
• After the meal, the team will transfer you to the airport for the departure.

Departure