Ghana - Realms of the Ashanti

Arrive in Accra and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, there may be time to explore this vibrant African capital. Overnight Alisa Hotel or similar. (D)

You have the choice for breakfast this morning; you can have a light breakfast at the hotel or try a local breakfast from one of the food stalls at Makola Market, one of Accra’s best local markets. Almost everything is sold here from herbal remedies, traditional cloth, jewellery and food to mobile phones, TVs and sound systems. We then visit the Artist Alliance Gallery on the beach front, showcasing traditional and contemporary art and artifacts from Ghana and neighbouring countries. From here we set off for the ‘fantasy coffins’ of Teshie Nungua. After a burial, a celebration follows and it is believed that the departed move on to another world and the decorated coffins may represent the occupation of the deceased, or something that was important to them, ranging from cars and cigarette packets to crocodiles and beer bottles! During our visit we have the opportunity to meet these infamous coffin makers. This afternoon we head to Independence Square where we find the enclosed flame of African liberation, lit by Kwame Nkrumah in 1961, and head to the Kwame Nkrumah National Park, the final resting place of Ghana’s founder before heading to Jamestown, one of Accra’s poorest suburbs, yet steeped in history. Visit Fort James, and see the interesting Brazilian stone houses, built by free enslaved Africans who came over from Brazil after the abolition of the slave trade. Our evening is dedicated to meeting locals who are trying to change the lives of youths through boxing. Overnight Alisa Hotel or similar (BLD)

This morning we leave Accra and head towards the Volta region. Our first stop is Krobo, renowned for their traditional bead jewellery. We visit a family-run compound to learn about this ancient bead-making process and have a go at making our own! We continue to the Volta region, crossing the White Volta River towards Wli and Wli Falls. We visit the Wli waterfalls, the most amazing in the area, located on the border between Togo and Ghana. The walk to Wli waterfalls is approx. 45 minutes following a flat path. At the falls there is an opportunity for swimming, or if you choose to, you can hike to the upper falls before we return to Wli and our hotel. Overnight Wli Water Heights or similar (BLD)

An early start this morning as we set off to Mount Afajato. At an elevation of 885m, it is Ghana’s highest mountain and we spend this morning hiking (approx. 2 hours in and out). This afternoon visit the Monkey Sanctuary of Tafi Atome. We take a walk in the forest to see the Monas and Colobus monkeys. We head back to where we crossed the river to Akosombo. Overnight Akosombo Continental Hotel or similar (BLD)

Our journey today will take us into the beautiful Akuapem hills. At the top of the range is the Aburi Botanical Gardens, founded by the British in 1890. We spend some time in the gardens, enjoying the wide variety of indigenous and exotic flora and the spectacular views of Accra. We visit Aburi craft village, a short distance from the gardens where traditional African drums, sculptures and crafts have been carved for generations. We head to Korifuda for lunch and a visit to their famous traditional bead market before continuing to Kumasi. Overnight Noda Hotel or similar (BLD)

Today we mix old and new visiting some of the ancient communities and young vibrant designers. Our first stop is Adanwomasie, the birthplace of Ghana’s rich colourful Kente cloth. After spending some time here with the locals, we head to Ntunso where adinkra cloth and symbols originate. We have lunch in a local restaurant before heading to Adum, the commercial centre of Kumasi. Explore Adum and visit Kejetia market before transferring to our hotel. This evening is at leisure, or you may wish to experience the local nightlife and music in Kumasi. Overnight Noda Hotel or similar (BLD)

Early start as we head to the Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene King of the Ashanti and the ruler of the powerful Asanteman kingdom. After a fascinating journey through the history of the Ashanti people, we head south to the villages of Bonkro and Breku where we have a lunch that has been prepared by a local chef. After lunch we spend time in the local community, visiting a local school and meeting the Kuapa Kokkoo farmers, who grow and sell cocoa. We learn about the chocolate-making process and how it is used for production of chocolate and soap, among other things. Overnight Picathartes Guesthouse or similar (BLD)

This morning we assist with the preparation of a local breakfast, and during breakfast decide what local dishes you would like to have a go at cooking yourself! We visit to the local markets to buy our ingredients for dinner before heading back to our hotel for a relaxed afternoon. This evening we head back into the village to prepare and cook our evening meal. Overnight Picathartes Guesthouse or similar (BLD)

Today we bid farewell to our new friends and set off south towards Elmina in Ghana’s central region. We stop at the town of Assin Manso and the Ndonkor Nsua (Enslaved African river). This is where enslaved Africans were checked for fitness before being shipped to America. We then make our way to Cape Coast, following the same route used by the slaves, to Cape Coast Castle (UNESCO) where we learn about the recent history of Ghana. Lunch will be taken at a restaurant operated by Baobab Children’s Foundation, an organisation focused on helping and improving the lives of children in this region. This afternoon immerse yourself into true African art with a traditional batik making workshop. Overnight Brenu Beach Resort or similar (BLD)

An early start today as we enjoy the spectacular sunrise before heading to Kakum National Park for a canopy walk. At the border of the forest we find the International Stingless Bee Project, and learn about their importance to our ecosystem. Continue to a local farm to learn about traditional uses of the palm tree, including palm wine and ‘Akpeteshi’, a local hard gin of varying strengths, believed to be around 70%. Stop for lunch before heading back to our beachfront hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Overnight Brenu Beach Resort or similar (BLD)

Today we head West towards the Ivory Coast border and Ankasa Reserve. We spend time visiting the local community and school, before continuing to Beyin for lunch. After lunch we take a leisurely canoe ride through the Amasuri wetlands and Nzulezu Stilt village. After spending time meeting the locals, we set off for Ankasa Reserve which is connected to the Nini-Suhien National Park, covering a protected area of over 500sqkm of pristine rainforest. This evening there is an option for a night walk in the forest, or alternatively spend it at leisure. Overnight Ankasa Resrve Lodge or similar (BLD)

This morning we visit the stunning Bamboo Cathedral. Located 12kms inside the forest. To get to this remote location, we can either take mountain bikes or by car. After a morning in the forest we head back to our hotel for lunch before an afternoon spent in the community. We visit a local school and meet with farmers, and have the chance to experience local delicacies such as Gari, pounding FuFu and a local chop bar. (BLD)

After a relaxed morning we leave Ankasa and head back East to our beachfront accommodation in Brenu Akyinim. On arrival check-in to your hotel with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. This evening enjoy dinner on the beach around a bonfire with local Ghanian drumming keeping us entertained. Overnight Ankasa Reserve Lodge or similar (BLD)

We leave Brenu Akyinim and spend a couple of hours exploring Elmina’s local fishing market and the boat builders before heading to Accra and a stop at the mall, an insight to modern day life in Ghana. After an early dinner you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight (BLD)