Overview: This document outlines a 12-day tour of Ghana, designed to immerse travelers in the country's wildlife, landscapes, and culture. The tour includes visits to national parks, historical sites, cultural centers, and opportunities for community engagement.
Highlights: • Safari Experiences: Mole National Park, Shai Hills • Nature & Waterfalls: Wli Waterfall, Afadjato Mountain, Boat cruise on Volta Lake • Cultural & Historical Sites: Kwame Nkrumah Museum, Manhyia Palace, Elmina Castle, Cape Coast Slave Dungeon, Bonwire Kente Weaving, Larabanga Mosque • Cities & Communities: Accra, Tamale, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Jamestown • Activities: Traditional drumming lesson, Adinkra symbol making, Traditional naming ceremony, Beach Relaxation
Itinerary (Day Breakdown):
Embark on an exhilarating safari tour with Vibrant African Journeys and discover the breathtaking beauty of Ghana’s wildlife and landscapes. Our safari tours are designed to immerse you in the natural splendor of the region, offering a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. As you traverse the stunning savannahs and dense forests, you’ll have the opportunity to witness a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, antelopes, and an abundance of bird species. A safari tour with us provides not only thrilling encounters with nature but also a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and conservation efforts in Ghana. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first safari, our tours cater to all levels of experience, ensuring a safe and memorable journey.
Mole National Park Shai Hills Wli Waterfall Kakum National Park Afadjato Mountain Kwame Nkrumah museum Manhyia Palace Boat cruise Elmina Castle Bonwire Kente Weaving
Included
Accommodation Ground Transportation (air-conditioned bus) Domestic Flight Admission to all sites and activities Certified Tour guide 8 Meals (4 Lunch and 4 Dinner) Gifts from the host
Excluded
Airfare Cost of visa Travel Insurance Personal Expenses Meals not listed above
After breakfast, we will officially begin our tour by exploring the vibrant city of Accra and its iconic landmarks, history and people. Independence Square will be our first stop. The square which holds significate importance to the Ghanaian political independence and the nation’s history. Our next visit will take us to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Presidential Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of one of African great son’s and a pan Africanist who became the first president of Ghana. The museum and mausoleum are surrounded by lush greenery of trees planted by dignitaries like Nelson Mandela of South Africa, who visited the park in the past, The park houses the remains as the final resting place of Kwame Nkrumah. We will walk through the museum and learn about his life’s work dedicated to Africa and the uniting of the African continent and Black people. The museum celebrates Nkrumah as a champion of excellence and liberation. National Museum of Ghana, which stands as a treasure trove of the nation's history and culture. Upon arriving at the museum, we will be taken through the facility, encountering exhibitions that showcase the nation's rich cultural heritage, from its pre-colonial origins to its resilience to imperialism and colonial rule, and beyond. The facility houses a majestic collection of artifacts, sculptures, textiles, and archaeological finds that give a captivating glimpse into Ghana's history. We will visit the W.E.B Du Bois Center and learn about one of the great pioneers who dedicated his life to educate the Black race. He settled in Ghana around the year 1961 to help his friend Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and educate Ghanaians about various aspects of Black history and provide crucial overall knowledge on race and the plight of black Americans. The center, which was his home until his death in 1963, is now the final resting place for the giant Pan-Africanist and a museum for his immense work as a Pan-Africanist where people and students come and learn about his legacy. The group will be treated to a special culinary Ghanaian Lunch Drumming Lesson. The group will participate in a traditional drumming and dancing lesson by expert cultural drummers. The group will be guided in playing giant African drums and learning some Ghanaian dance moves. Jamestown Community. Explore the vibrant community of Jamestown which was the headquarters of the British administration, and witness iconic landmarks like the first lighthouse in Ghana, British James Fort, Brazilian House and Usher Fort built by the Dutch Overnight in Accra Meals included – breakfast and lunch
After a beautiful night in Accra, we will depart the hotel for a 4 hour drive to the Volta region and upon arrival we will get immersed with breathtaking waterfalls, mountain ranges and beautiful landscapes. First visit is Afadjato Mountain, the tallest mountain in Ghana, standing 885 meters above sea level, and we will hike our way up to the summit of the mountain, as its cooler weather will be an advantage for us during the day. After our adventurous experience at the mountain we will continue to Wli Waterfall. This fascinating waterfall will give you a break while emerging you with nature. Enjoy cool water cascading from a height of 80 meters above sea level. We will explore Tafi Atomey Village where monkeys in this setting are considered sacred and even buried when they die. These human-like animals are friendly, and we will have an amazing moment feeding them with bananas. Overnight at Akosombo Meals included – breakfast
Morning relaxation at the hotel, Boat Cruise and get immersed with a captivating scene on the Volta Lake by cruising through the iconic Adomi Bridge which connects the Volta region to the Eastern region. Lunch on the Boat Depart the hotel for Accra at mid-day, stop at Shai Hills National Park, where we will be welcomed by the enchanting sight of baboons and monkeys before entering the park. The park has wild animals like antelope, zebra, ostrich, and a variety of birds. This will be a guided tour and drive-through. Overnight in Accra Meals included – breakfast, lunch
After breakfast we will take an early morning trip to Tamale and upon arrival, we will visit a shea butter processing factory run by women and experience the process of making shea cream. We will have lunch and then visit a local Basket making factory. We can witness how women weave interesting designs into straw baskets. These baskets are shipped all over the world and placed at shopping malls. A visit to Red Clay Studio, a dynamic art space established by internationally acclaimed Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. Inaugurated on September 5, 2020, this expansive complex serves multiple purposes, including exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, and community engagements. The studio’s name, “Red Clay,” is inspired by the distinctive burnt-umber earth of northern Ghana, reflecting a deep connection to the local environment. The architecture of the complex is notable for its use of locally sourced red bricks, creating a visually striking and contextually relevant aesthetic. Overnight in Tamale Meals included breakfast and lunch
We will take an early morning safari to the Mole National Park. This will be a guided safari tour where we will have glance at wild animals like the giant African elephant, hippos, buffalos, warthog, and other wildlife. We will visit the oldest architectural building in Ghana and one of the oldest in West Africa called Larabanga Mosque, built in 1421 during the peak of Trans-Safara Slave Trade. It is the oldest mosque in Ghana built in Sudanese architectural style. We will then explore the ancient myth of the Mystic stone next to Larabanga mosque. Lunch at Zaina Lodge Resort ** Depart Tamale for the airport to flight back to Accra…..? _Overnight in Kumasi**_ **Meals included – breakfast and lunch **
We will begin our cultural expedition of the Ashanti people after breakfast by first visiting Bonwire Kente Village. The town is known for the famous Kente cloth weaving using ancient old technics and near perfect weaving skills. Here you can learn a new skill of weaving. In Ntonso Adinkra Symbol village we will experience the process of natural die and Adinkra symbol making. These intricate Adinkra symbols communicate messages of goodwill and tradition. You will be guided to make your own design printing on a cloth. Traditional naming ceremony. The group will embark on a traditional ceremony of naming to reclaim their lost African identity and get culturally immersed with the people. This ceremony performed will help the group reconnect to their African ancestry and heritage. Lunch will be held at Kumasi City Mall and dinner at the Hotel. We Visit Manhyia Palace Museum after lunch to learn about centuries old kingdom of the Asante people. The museum houses antiquity and literature of the powerful Asante people. Overnight Kumasi Meals included - breakfast and dinner
After breakfast we visit the Komfo Anokye Sword site which has a symbolic significance to the formation and unity of the Ashanti kingdom. It will intrigue you to know that the sword has never been removed after the effort to take it out with heavy machines and the great boxer Mohammed Ali couldn’t remove it when he visited Ghana We will visit Assin Manso Slave River enroute to Cape Coast. This historical site was where captured Africans were made to take their last African bath, sold and branded before been marched to the slave dungeons down south. Overnight in Cape Coast Meals included - breakfast
We will first visit Kakum National Park and Canopy walkway after breakfast. The park hosts the famous canopy walkway, a suspended walkway on trees ranging from 200-250 meters above sea level. The rainforest has a rich biodiversity and a scenic view of lush green vegetation. We will visit the Cape Coast Slave Dungeon. This centuries old colonial fortress played a vital role during the infamous Atlantic slave trade. Built in 1555 as trade lodge and expanded into a fort in 1653 by the Swedish who named it Carlousberg, after King Charles x of Sweden. Lunch at Lemon Lounge and dinner at the hotel Elmina Slave Castle This UNESCO site will give you a glimpse into Ghana’s colonial past and its important role in trans-Atlantic slave trade. Walk through the door of no return, the male and female dungeons. Come out walking the freedom walk, the dream of your ancestors. This colonial fortress was built by the Portuguese in 1482 years after their arrival in the Coast in 1471. Overnight in Cape Coast Meals included – breakfast and dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a 4-hour drive through scenic villages and towns enroute to Accra. We visit West Hills mall upon arriving in Accra, and have lunch at the mall. Evening relaxation with live music Overnight in Accra Meals included – Breakfast
Visit the Art Center Cultural Market and engage in a traditional drumming lesson and later walk through the vibrant cultural market containing authentic Ghanaian handy craft, art work and souvenirs on display. Remember to bring along your bargaining skills. Our shopping will take us to the Diamond house where authentic fine Ghanaian jewelry inspired by rich culture are perfectly carved into fine piece of art are on display.
Beach relaxation at Ghana’s premier beach resort Labadi Beach is next and you can enjoy fine dining at the beach while indulging in unique cocktails and other drinks. Farewell Overnight in Accra Meals included – breakfast and dinner
All too soon the tour has ended, and the group will be transferred to the airport for departure. Meals included - breakfast