Ghana & Ivory Coast

This journey gives you an opportunity to experience the culture and history of two countries in West Africa i.e. Ghana and Ivory Coast. The tour takes you through the commercial capital Abidjan, through to political capital Yamoussoukro and her surrounding villages to the former colonial capital Grand Bassam located at the coast. An hour’s flight from Abidjan brings you to Accra, the capital of Ghana. A drive through the forest belt takes you to Kumasi, capital of the former great Ashanti Empire, where we will have a rare chance to see the Ashanti King sitting in state during the Akwasidae festival. A wonderful opportunity to interact with the locals. We travel through to the coast to visit old historical slave dungeons in Cape Coast and Elmina, an exciting walk up a canopy 100ft above the forest ground at Kakum National Park. Our tour ends back in Accra where you will explore the early European settlements of the 100 year old city where modernity fuses with the British colonial section and finally practice our bargaining skills in Accra’s arts and crafts market as you purchase souvenirs for family and friends before you get on to your homebound flight.

Day 1: Arrive Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Arrival to Abidjan in the morning. Arrival day with a Morning flight. Later take a city tour of Abidjan including the museum, St Paul cathédral and the fanico (local laundrymen). Overnight in Abidjan. (D)

Day 2: Abidjan – Abengourou

Early departure after breakfast to the Indénié Kingdom. Stop at ANIANSSUE to visit the fetish school with an entertainment and demonstration. Check in at hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon we will take a guided tour of the King’s palace and sightseeing of Abengourou. Overnight in Abengourou (B & L)

Day 3: Abengourou – Yamoussoukro

Early morning drive to Yamoussoukro via Dimbokro. Upon arrival, lunch at a downtown restaurant and proceed to the Baoulé weaver’s village. Discover a Goli dance performance later. Check in at your hotel later. Overnight in Yamoussoukro (B & L)

Day 4: Yamoussoukro – Bouaflé day tour

After breakfast depart to Bouaflé, experience a riche Zaouli dance in the Gouro County. Return to Yamoussoukro in the afternoon, visit that famous and highest Basilica in the World. Overnight in Yamoussoukro (B & L)

Day 5: Yamoussoukro – Grand Bassam – Accra, Ghana

Morning drive to Grand Bassam via Abidjan. Visit that French colonial first capital city. Visit the museum of costumes if open, monuments and arts and crafts center. Lunch at a seaside restaurant and transfer to airport for your flight to Accra, Ghana. Arrive Accra in the evening and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Accra (B & L)

Day 6: Accra – Kumasi

Depart Accra to Kumasi and take a tour of Kumasi, seat of the Ashanti Empire, which was built on similar basis as the Dahomey Empire, i.e. through wars. Take a tour of the Ashanti craft villages to observe craftsmen at work and to purchase souvenir gift items. These villages are Ahwiaa; where woodcarvers produce Ashanti stools, fertility dolls & walking sticks etc, Ntonso where Adinkra cloth is processed and Bonwire where kente cloth is woven. Kente, a very colourful fabric is usually worn on festive and very important occasions like marriage ceremonies, child naming, etc. The Ashanti’s are known for their elaborate and expensive funerals and we will have the opportunity to experience one. Overnight in Kumasi (B & L)

Day 7: Kumasi Akwasidae Festival

Today, visit the Royal Manhyia Palace Museum, home and office of former Ashanti Kings. A regal history that dates back to 1700 is told with relics and artifacts. After, we will cross over to the courtyard of the Manhyia Palace to witness the Akwasidae festival. This festival takes place every six weeks. Witness the Ashanti King, Nana Osei-Tutu II, who presides over the Ashanti Kingdom, arrive in his palanquin and then later seated in state whilst all his sub-chiefs come and re-affirm their oath of allegiance to him. The King also uses this day to receive very important guests and gifts. There will be lots of traditional drumming and dancing to grace the occasion. Overnight in Kumasi. (B & D)

Day 8: Kumasi – Cape Coast – Elmina

This morning we will take a walk through Kejetia market, the largest open air market in West Africa. Prepare for a wild run. After which we take a drive down south to Cape Coast. Arrive in Cape Coast and visit the Castle built in 1667 by the Swedes and later taken over by the British. This was used during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade as a holding point for captives. Visit the West African Historical Museum. The guide will conduct you to the slave quarters and Negotiation Hall where captives were bargained for and sold. Overnight in Elmina (B & L)

Day 9: Elmina – Accra

This morning, drive further north of Cape Coast to the Kakum National Park a tropical rainforest in the heart of the Attandaso reserve for an adventurous and breathtaking walk on the ‘Canopy Walkway’. It is composed of 350 meters of suspended bridge and six platforms at a height of 60 meters (100ft). Return to Accra. This evening we will go to Accra’s most popular entertainment centers for live highlife music. Overnight in Accra. (B & D)

Day 10: Accra city Tour – Departure

Our last day will be exploring Ghana’s capital. Take a drive/walking tour of the old city of Accra, known as Jamestown. View the Ussher and James Forts built by the Dutch (1650) and British (1673), respectively, and also the Lighthouse. Take a stroll through the colourful Makola Market where you will find some very beautiful African fabrics. Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Museum and the National Museum, and the craftsmen at Teshie who make coffins in the shape of vegetables, fruits, cars, aircrafts, etc. After lunch and pick up some unique crafts at the Arts and Crafts market. Return to your hotel to pack and freshen up. In the evening transfer to the airport for check in and departure back home. (B & L)