9 Day Ghana Wildlife and Culture Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival, Akwaaba (Welcome), collection from airport and transfer to hotel.
1 stop
1
Greater Accra
Our expert local tour guides will meet with you on your arrival at the Kotoka International Airport Accra, which is situated on the beautiful gold coast of Western Africa. Look out for the Ashanti African Tours sign when you leave the main terminal building after passing through customs. Make yourself known to your guides who will be accompanying you for the duration of your time in Ghana and they will take care of you from here. After boarding our vehicle, which will be your mode of transport for the duration of your tour, we transfer you to your accommodation which is situated in Accra. Once we have checked you in, our experienced guide will offer you Akwaaba (welcome) and brief you on all aspects of your trip. You can enjoy your evening meal at the hotel restaurant whilst acclimatising yourself to West Africa.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Economic districts, National Museum, James Town, Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park...
5 stops
2
National Museum of Ghana
Your first full day in Ghana, after breakfast at our hotel, we set off for our tour of Accra, passing through the economic and administrative districts on our way to the National Museum. Almost all the displays here are ethnographic in nature and the museum gives us 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 our time here, we also get the chance to view and purchase some wonderful examples of traditional fabrics and crafts.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
3
James town is next as we enjoy a walking tour of this vibrant community, Accra’s oldest suburbs taking in some of the historical structures that predate the colonial era. Our time here gives us an excellent idea of what it was like pre independence during the colonial occupation. The 30-meter-high lighthouse built by the British in 1871 is of interest and the attractive colorful fishing boats on the beach are also wonderful to see. We 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 us a perfect picture of old Accra, distinguishing between British Accra and Dutch Accra. The community tour would not be complete before seeing the Brazilian stone houses, built by free enslaved African’s who reside in Brazil. Africans who made their way home after the slave trade was abolished.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
4
Independence Square
Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant (Country Kitchen) serving a selection of West African and continental dishes. In the afternoon we pass by Black Star Square which houses the independence monument and continue to Independence Square which is our main ceremony grounds and where we find the enclosed flame of African liberation, which was lit by Kwame Nkrumah himself in 1961.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
5
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
A short distance away we find 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. The center was designed by a Ghanaian architect and built using Italian marble. Adjoining the park is the National Cultural Center, which is Ghana’s largest outdoor arts and crafts market where we find locals selling traditional crafts from all over West Africa.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
6
After testing your bargaining skills, we head to “Fantasy Coffins” of Teshie Nungua. Funeral and burial ceremonies in Ghana are very solemn occasions, but after the burial a celebration follows. Ghanaians believe that the departed move on into another world, the coffins made here may represent the occupation of the deceased or depict something that was important to them. There is all manner of coffin designs which one could be buried in from cars, cocoa pods, cigarette packets and airplanes to crocodiles, shoes, bottles of beer and boats. After an action packed first full day, we return to our accommodation for our evening meal and to relax with the remainder of the evening free leisure time.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Internal Flight and Transfer to Mole National Park
2 stops
7
Tamale
An early start as we want to make the most of the day and catch the first flight North as we collect you and transfer to the internal flight departures at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Our aim is to take the first flight of the day to maximise wildlife viewing time. On arrival in Tamale, we are met by our vehicle and driver and we can enjoy breakfast at one of the hotels we use in this city before setting off towards Mole National Park.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
8
Mole National Park
Mole which is Ghana’s largest National Park protecting an area of 4847 square kilometres of habitat, almost 100 species of mammal and 330+ species of birds. Our accommodation is situated on a 250-meter-high escarpment overlooking this 4847km² park, offering breathtaking views. It is an amazing feeling to be sitting around the pool on the hotel terrace watching African savannah elephants bathing in the nearby watering hole which are inhabited by crocodiles. After our evening meal, we shall set off for an evening of driving and walking in the park spotlighting and aiming to find our first mammals in this habitat.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Mole National Park and Mognori village
3 stops
9
Mole National Park
The day starts with a buzz as we set off early in the morning with our armed guide tracking the world’s largest land mammal, African Elephants on foot. We will dedicate the entire morning to tracking and getting as close as possible to these amazing mammals. We are sure to encounter many other animals during our trek as we set off around the watering holes with our armed guide. There are almost 100 mammals recorded here in Mole, as we walk through the savannah and bush, we are likely to see troops of olive baboon and patas monkey getting extremely close to these beautiful primates. Kob, bushbuck and waterbuck regularly come to the watering holes to drink, being cautious of the crocodiles lurking in the muddy waters. Deeper in the park, hartebeest, roan antelope, lion, leopard, hyena, and African buffalo roam. In addition to the many mammals our experienced guides are on hand to identify some of the 350 species of birds recorded here at Mole.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Lunch is enjoyed around the pool of our accommodation and we can take this advantage to cool off with a swim or relax for a few hours before our 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 our accommodation. On arrival in Mognori we meet one of the locals who will take us on a walking tour of the community. As we walk through the community, we see how shea butter is produced and learn the other many uses for the shea nut which is so important to this area. The are many active local shrines here and we will learn how the community believe they also play an important role within the community. Mole National Park was named after the Mole River which runs next the Mognori village.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Mole National Park
A great opportunity to experience a river safari in traditional dugout canoe. During our safari, your local guide will look out for the many birds and wildlife we may encounter. A wonderful ending to another day here in Ghana as we set off back to our accommodation for our evening meal and to relax under the beautiful clear West African nights sky.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Kintampo Waterfall and Boebeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
3 stops
12
An early breakfast as we set off Southwards after our adventures here in Northern Ghana. It is mainly a travel day; however, we still have some amazing places to visit during our journey to Kumasi. Our 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 our more adventurous guests use this opportunity to experience Ghana’s most powerful “Power Shower” a great way to freshen up during our journey. Lunch will be at the nearby Falls restaurant before we continue passing through Techiman on our way to Boebeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
13
These two villages nestled closely together have been protecting the Black and White Colobus and Lowes Mona monkeys which are found in the surrounding forests, the locals perceive the monkeys to be sacred and offer them traditional burials. During our time in the villages, we interact with the locals learning about the history behind their protection of these primates in addition to their culture and daily routine as farmers. As we walk trails into the forest viewing these beautiful monkeys our local guide will identify the many medicinal trees and plants found here and explain how they benefit the locals. This is by no means a zoo; it is an area of forest habitat locals protect due to their traditional beliefs dating back centuries that the primates here are sacred. The monkeys are wild and free to roam wherever they choose and to even leave the communities if they wish.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
14
Kumasi
After a wonderful time with the friendly locals here we continue our journey to Kumasi, arriving in the early evening.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Ancient Kente and Adinkra Villages, Ashanti Traditional House and Sakoban Krofrom
4 stops
15
Kumasi
A morning visit to the last material remains of the great Asante Empire as we visit 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. This is also where Nana Yaa Asantewaa, possibly the most important women in Ashanti history comes from, a great female warrior who led the Ashanti’s in the 1901 war against the British. Nana Yaa Asantewaa was also the Queen Mother of Ejisu Besease and we will visit the local spiritual shrine where she used to fortify herself before going into battle.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
16
We continue our journey through Ashanti history by visiting the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso. Our 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 as we walk 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 our time here, we 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 we set off for Ntunso.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
17
The ancient village of Ntunso, is where adinkra cloth and symbols originate. These traditional symbols all have meanings and are carved from calabash shells. The adinkra symbols are then printed onto traditional cloth using natural dyes made from the bark of certain local trees. Adinkra cloth has been adorned by the Ashanti’s for more than 4 centuries and pre-dates kente cloth. Even today most Ashanti’s will wear adinkra cloth for funerals, festivals and other important occasions. During our time here, we can make our own strip of adinkra cloth using symbols with personal significance.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
18
Kumasi
After lunch we 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 our time here we see a demonstration of the skilled process. After visiting some of the stores selling a wonderful selection in the village we return to our accommodation for our meal and to relax with the remainder of the evening being free leisure time.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Assin Manso and Cape Coast Castle
2 stops
19
Assin Manso
This morning we take a leisurely breakfast before setting off Southwards to Elmina in the central region of Ghana. The town of Elmina was given its name by the Portuguese due to the abundance of Gold found in Ghana, translated Elmina means The Mine. Gold is of such importance to Ghana today and historically that we were even known as the Gold Coast before independence. Ghana’s gold is of the highest quality and we are the 8th largest exporter in the world and second largest exporter in Africa behind South Africa. We stop at Assin Manso, an important town along the enslaved African trade routes. The town surrounds the Ndonkor Nsuo (Enslaved African River). This river is where enslaved Africans were checked for fitness and bathed before being transported to Cape Coast for shipment to the Americas.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
20
Cape Coast Castle
After our tour we continue to Cape Coast, we 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. The castle is a thought-provoking monument to a harrowing period in the region’s history. Quality time will be spent in the afternoon on an emotional journey touring this castle which held more enslaved African’s 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, we continue to check into our beach front accommodation to enjoy dinner and relax.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Beach Relaxation or Kakum National Park, Canopy Walkway, Stingless Bees, Elmina, and Cape Coast Towns...
6 stops
21
Kakum National Park
Today you will have the option to relax all day at your beach front accommodation enjoying the beautiful Gold coast of West Africa. Alternatively, we set off for Kakum National Park in the morning, after breakfast and Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway. This is a beautiful, tropical guinea rainforest and the canopy walkway is sure to be a highlight of your time in Cape Coast. This national park protects the original habitat that was found in this location and was the locals home and major source of food.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
22
Kakum National Park
The walkway consists of 7 bridges, attached to 7 emerging trees, 40 metres above the rainforest floor. Prepare to take a deep breath as you walk the suspended bridges. You will marvel at the outstanding views that stretch for miles across this breathtaking rainforest as you rest on the viewing platforms that are attached to the emerging trees between the bridges. We are sure you would agree that this is an exciting excursion never to be forgotten. We return to the park headquarters where we find an excellent information center that offers a very informative overview of the park’s flora and fauna. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded within the park, which includes forest elephants, leopards and 6 primate species to mention just a few.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
23
International Stingless Bee Centre
As short distance from Kakum and on the border of the forest we find the International Stingless Bee Project. There have been approximately 9 species of stingless bees identified here in Ghana and their importance to our eco system is paramount. Our tour of the center teaches us about the importance of bees locally, their medicinal qualities and we get to 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. This restaurant is run by a local organization that helps deprived children in the Cape Coast area improve their lives through education and advocacy.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
24
Cape Coast
Our afternoon is dedicated to immersing ourselves into true African art during a traditional batik making workshop with Global Mamas. An excellent organization empowering local women to learn artistic skills selling their finished products in the fair-trade market enabling them to support their families. There is no better way to get to know locals and hear how life is daily than by working side by side with them and making our own traditional batik garment. 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. You will be given a piece of cloth for you to produce your own garment to take back home, a wonderful souvenir of your time in Ghana and one that will hold fond memories every time you wear it.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
25
Elmina Castle
A short distance from our batik workshop is Elmina where we visit the local fishing market and walk the short distance to visit the boat builders in this community. We will 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 our time in Elmina town, we will visit the castle of St. George in Elmina. This is the oldest extant colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa dating from 1482. This castle is steeped in history and played a prominent part during the tragic transatlantic enslaved African trade era. There is an informative museum inside which concentrates on local history and it is designated a world heritage site by UNESCO.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
26
Elmina
Our final evening in the central region of Ghana can be spent at our accommodation or we can venture into town to experience nightlife for the locals.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Beach Relaxation, Fort Amsterdam, and Accra for Departure
2 stops
27
A relaxing morning enjoying the facilities of our accommodation, maybe go for a swim, relax on the beach, or just enjoy our final morning at this beautiful location. Before setting off back to Accra we enjoy our lunch overlooking the beautiful Gold Coast of West Africa. On route to Accra along the coastal road we find Fort Amsterdam in the town of Abandze. This is the first Fort built by the British between 1631 and 1638 and soon became the headquarters of English Gold Coast activities. In 1665 after a long and bloody battle the Dutch captured the fort and that is where it gets its name Fort Amsterdam. In 1811 locals loyal to the British from a neighboring community, Anomabo destroyed the fort, it was later restored to its former glory in 1951. It is believed that the first slave prison on the Gold Coast was in the hollow south east bastion of the fort. After an informative tour we continue our journey to Accra.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
28
Accra
On arrival back in Ghana’s capital city we may have time to head to the Accra Mall to give you an insight into modern day Ghana. An opportunity to also purchase some last-minute souvenirs before heading home. Our early evening meal will be taken at a locally owned restaurant serving an excellent selection of local and international dishes which gives us an ideal opportunity to say our goodbyes and reflect on a wonderful time together. After your meal, our team will transfer you to the airport for your departure.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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