Ghana: Beaches & Breathtaking Coastlines

Arrive at any time. Your transfer to the hotel is included as part of your tour. Upon arrival take some time to get settled and opt to have dinner at the onsite restaurant, or your CEO can recommend some local options for you. The adventure begins tomorrow.TRANSPORT: Settle in and enjoy an included arrival transfer to the start hotel in Accra.FREE TIME: EVENING Spend the evening at your leisure and get settled. Opt to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on the property and rest up after a successful arrival to Ghana.

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this morning with your CEO before transferring to Cape Coast, the capital of the Central Region in southern Ghana, and known for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Have lunch on your own at a friendly, fresh, and local spot before exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cape Coast Castle. This emotional experience is extremely important in understanding the recent history of Ghana. Spend the remainder of the afternoon immersing yourself in the true African art of traditional batik making at a workshop led by Global Mamas. This organization works hard to empower local women to hone their artistic skills and enter the fair-trade market, thus enabling them to support their families. Later, transfer to your beach front accommodation in Elmina where you will have free time to relax and explore the area on your own.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the way to Cape Coast and the historic castle there.ACTIVITY: Visit Cape Coast Castle, a designated UNESCO world heritage site, for an emotional and thought-provoking experience in a monument that reflects a harrowing period in the region's history. The site is notable for its role in the transatlantic slave trade and is now being used as a way to educate visitors and provide more of an understanding of Ghana's recent history. The group will walk through the castle and view the dungeons, where the infamous "Door of no Return" is located. The visit will finish with the historical museum that has literature on all of Ghana's forts and castles, including cultural history and traditions, allowing you to leave with a much deeper understanding of the area's complex past than when you first arrived.FREE TIME: Enjoy time to yourself as you spend the rest of the day at leisure in your charming coastal accommodations in the town of Elmina.ACTIVITY: Spend the afternoon becoming acquainted with the true African art of traditional batik making during a workshop let by the Global Mamas. This inspiring organization is dedicated to empowering local women to hone their artistic skills and sell their finished products in the fair-trade market, thus enabling them to financially support their own families. Get to know the locals as you work side by side with them, and learn more about daily life here as you observe their technique from wax production to heating, stamping, and drying. The group will be given their own pieces of cloth to produce designs of your own before the local tailor or seamstress will make it into a shirt or dress for you to take back home. A beautiful way to hold your fond memories of Ghana.

Set off for the spectacular scenery and fascinating wildlife of Kakum National Park, tucked away in the Assin Attandansco Reserve. The park’s best-known feature is its Canopy Walkway made up of 7 suspension bridges that stretch high about the forest floor, and are over 300 years old. Marvel at the outstanding views spanning for miles across this tropical guinea rainforest, and search for unique plants and animals as you walk through. Afterwards, visit the nearby Stingless Bees project to take a tour of the centre where you will learn about the incredible importance of these different species, and how they provide for our ecosystem in a myriad of ways. Then, sit down for a delicious vegetarian lunch at a local community organization that works to provide resources for children who have left school, so they will have the hope of a better future. Finish off the day with a brief walking tour of Cape Coast town before heading back to the accommodations in Elmina, where the group will join one of the best local drumming and dance teachers for a lesson and performance with the traditional Djembe drum.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Please note the drive time listed includes the stops for the national park, the bees project, the community lunch, and the Cape Coast walking tour before heading back to Elmina.

ACTIVITY: Visit Kakum National Park to witness its 100-foot-high Canopy Walkway. The National Park covers 375 km (145 mi) with tropical rainforest and gained protected park status after locals fought to have the wildlife in the area protected in 1992. There are over 300 types of birds in the area as well as other endangered species. From high above the treetops, the Walkway will get you incredibly close to the flora and fauna of the region. There are 7 bridges attached to 7 emerging trees, set 40 metres about the rainforest floor. Take a deep breath and walk across them all on this exciting adventure. Return to the park headquarters to discover the excellent array of information at the centre there. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded in the park including forest elephants, leopards, and 6 different primates species.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy an informative visit to a stingless bees project near the national park. There have been approximately 9 species of stingless bees identified here in Ghana. While here, learn about their paramount importance to the ecosystem, their medicinal qualities, and visit their hikes where you will taste their honey. Travellers can also enjoy the stingless bee walkway and butterfly garden onsite, where many come to feed.

ACTIVITY: Sit down for lunch at a wonderful community organization in Cape Coast. The Baobab Foundation works to provide local children with the hope of a better future. Focused on helping children with disabilities, or children who have not attended school, or have left school early, this organization is working tirelessly to help those children in need secure a bright future. The vegetarian restaurant is operated by adults who were former street children and they work hard to give back into the community. Your time here, supports this amazing initiative.

ACTIVITY: Set off on a brief walking tour of Cape Coast with your CEO and group to further explore this important coastal city.

ACTIVITY: This evening learn from one of the best local drumming and dance teachers as they join the group for a lesson and performance with the traditional Djembe drum.

After breakfast the group will transfer to Beyin, a coastal village notable for its beautiful beaches, historic fort castle, and serving as a museum of Nzema culture. In the afternoon, set off through the beautiful Amasuri wetlands in a traditional dugout canoe to find the community of Nzulezu Stilt Village. Legend has it that the community here migrated some 600 years ago after being driven from their homes during conflict. It’s said a snail led them to this remote location where they would be safe. This shelled creature is now sacred to the people here and is not eaten as in other parts of Ghana. Later, travel to Ankasa Reserve Lodge, located in Ghana’s finest remaining rainforest habitat and responsible for protecting many endangered mammals. Enjoy time to settle in at the lodge and relax before dinner. There will be an optional night walk through the forest for anyone looking for a little more adventure after an otherwise long day.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop for lunch on your own along the way.

ACTIVITY: Travel through the beautiful Amasuri wetlands in a traditional dugout canoe to find the community of Nzulezu Stilt Village. Legend has it that the community here migrated from Watala, part of the ancient Ghanaian Empire 600 years ago after being driven from their homes during conflict. It's said that a snail led them to this remote location where they would be safe, and the community decided to build their homes over the lake for additional protection. The snail is now sacred to this community and is not eaten here as it is in other parts of Ghana. Surprisingly the community members here are mainly farmers and not fishermen as you would expect. The boat ride is a major highlight as the wetlands are these beautiful, marshy swamps important for native and migratory birds. It's a perfect afternoon with outdoor activity and interactions with the local community.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Arrive to your lodge stay in the Ankasa Reserve which is connected to the Nini-Suhien National Park and protects an area of over 500 square kilometers of pristine, wet evergreen upper guinea rainforest. Historically this habitat played in important role life of Ghanaians as it was their main source of water and food. The area protects many endangered mammals and is home to so many wonderful birds and wildlife. On arrival check into the Ankasa Reserve Lodge and enjoy your lovely surroundings with a free evening.

Enjoy a beautiful morning in this wonderful forest environment and head to the stunning Bamboo Cathedral, where the stalks bend towards each other above the road forming tall arcs. Located about 9km into the forest from the main gate, there are two ways to get here. The first is by mountain bikes or you can choose to ride in a 4x4 vehicle. Learn about the plant and animal life from your CEO and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this remote location. Return to the lodge for an included lunch before visiting the Ankasa Village and community. Their remote community is made up mainly of subsistence farmers living happily in basic mud houses trading their produce at the local markets to enable them to buy items and provide for their families. Spend time with the farmers that live here and learn more about their local customs, even trying a delicacy like Gari, or pounding FuFu. Arrive back to the lodge in the evening for an included dinner and free time. An optional night walk is available for those looking for a more active evening amid nocturnal nature.

ACTIVITY: Set out into this wonderful forest habitat for a morning amidst nature. Visit the remote Bamboo Cathedral, where the stalks of these plants have grown towards each other forming tall arches over the path. You have two choices on how to get to this location. The first is pedaling 9km one way from the main entrance gate on a mountain bike, or you can choose to ride in a 4x4 from the lodge. If you choose to bike you will need to leave a bit earlier than the rest of the group. A full morning is dedicated to being inside the forest, where your guides are on hand to identify any birds or mammals the group may come across during your journey to the Bamboo Cathedral.

ACTIVITY: Most visitors to Ghana will not see this remote community, but today, you will! The Ankasa Village is made up of mainly subsistence farmers living happily in basic mud houses, trading their produce at the local markets to enable them to buy items and provide for their families. This afternoon is dedicated to spending time in the community and meeting with farmers living here. It's an area where very few tourists visit. Experience making a local delicacy like Gari or pounding FuFu. Visit the local chop bar where people of the community go to have a drink, meet up, and socialize. Ghana is the world's second largest exporter of cocoa and during your visit a farmer will talk the group through the entire process from planting to harvesting. It's a truly unique and immersive experience for travellers hoping to connect on a deeper level with the local village community.

Travel to Brenu Akyinim with its scenic beaches and serene lagoon nearby. Upon arrival the group will board kayaks and finish the journey to the beach resort by paddling through the coastal lagoon. Explore as much as you, enjoy the bird life, and witness locals from the nearby fishing village work to collect their daily catch. Finish the journey with a half hour walk through the community of Brenu Akyinim to your accommodation. A wonderful way to cap off the day as the golden light of sunset illuminates the gorgeous Gold Coast of West Africa. The remainder of the day features time to relax in the beach-front setting before an included dinner overlooking the water.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Please note, there will be a stop for lunch on your own en route to break up the journey.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a kayaking excursion throughout the coastal lagoon as the group travels to the beach resort in Brenu Akyinim. Locals from the nearby fishing village use wooden canoes to fish the lagoon for tilapia, crabs and other fish. For the next 2 hours until sunset you can kayak and explore all corners, enjoying the birdlife, landscape, and fishermen bringing in their daily catch. After pulling the kayaks to shore, the group will walk 30 minutes to through the local fishing community of Brenu Akyinim to the beach-front hotel. Just in time for a sunset over the beautiful Gold Coast of West Africa.

Travel back to Accra. Along the way make a stop in Elmina to visit the Castle of St. George, dating back to 1482. Afterwards, visit the local fishing market and walk a short distance to visit the boat builders of this coastal community. The design of these boats has not changed in centuries nor have the methods or tools used to build them. Lunch will be had on your own in Anomabo. Arrive in Accra by early afternoon and pay a visit to the final resting place of Ghana’s founder, Kwame Nkrumah, and delve into his incredible life and efforts to liberate this country. Transfer to the hotel from here and enjoy free time to relax or wander around the city before an included group dinner tonight at one of the most popular restaurants in Accra. Choose to return to the hotel after or head out to experience Ghana’s nightlife.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the way in Elmina and in another town for lunch on your own before arriving in Accra.

ACTIVITY: As the group returns to Accra there will be a stop in the fishing town of Elmina, which has hardly changed since the colonial days. During the group's time here you will visit the Castle of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest surviving colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, dating back to 1482. The castle played a prominent part during the tragic, transatlantic slave trade era and houses an informative museum which showcases the area's history. Afterwards, stop by the local fishing market and walk a short distance to visit the boat builders in this community. Almost all are traditional wooden boats made using designs, methods, and tools that have not changed for centuries. Take in the sight of these colourful fishing boats and watch as the daily catch is brought in.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, located in downtown Accra. The location is the final resting place of Ghana's founder and first president. The museum was created in his honour and contains photographs, artifacts, and important insight into this incredible human's life. The centre was designed by a Ghanaian architect and was built using Italian marble.

FREE TIME: EVENING After an included dinner at a local favorite restaurant, spend a free evening exploring more of Accra on your own with suggestions from your CEO.

The morning begins with a group visit to Ghana's Fantasy Coffins, which are a unique and creative way this country honours loved ones and celebrates their path to the afterlife. Check out the many different designs and learn about Ghana’s lively funerary practices. Then, transfer to the historical community of Jamestown for a walking tour through the structures that predate the Colonial era, and gain a true picture of old Accra with its many European influences. Follow this up with afternoon visits to the Artist Alliance Gallery and Makola Market, both fantastic places to experience and purchase traditional art and artifacts to bring home with you if desired. Today’s final stop is Black Star Gate and the main ceremony grounds of Independence Square to learn about Ghana’s journey towards liberation from British rule. Attend a farewell lunch in the late afternoon before the group heads together to the Accra airport where your tour comes to an end.Additional Information: Please do not book onward travel before 9pm.ACTIVITY: Like much of the world, Ghana's funeral and burial ceremonies are very solemn occasions, but the celebration that follows is quite incredible! It's believed that the newly deceased move on into another world and so their coffins are made to represent the occupation of the dead, or to depict something that was very important to them during their lives. During your visit the group will see all manner of coffin designs that one could be buried in from cars and airplanes, to cocoa pods, cigarette packets, bottles of beer, and crocodiles. You'll experience an entirely new take on death and what it can look like to celebrate the lives and passions of those dearest to us.ACTIVITY: With your CEO at the lead, walk through the old community of Jamestown. See with your own eyes the historical structures that predate the Colonial era and learn about the different ways the locals are committed to conserving these buildings and hear about their significant efforts to maintain them. Due to their efforts, the community is able to provide travellers with an excellent idea of what it was like during Ghana's colonial past. See the 30m high lighthouse constructed by the British in 1871. Admire the colourful fishing boats on the beach, and continue to Fort James, a British trading post in 1673 which fell under Danish rule. Also of interest here are the Brazilian stone houses, built by formerly enslaved African’s who resided in Brazil and made their way back to Africa after the slave trade was abolished. This area in Accra is also famous for producing many world champion boxers like Africa's greatest, Azuma Nelson.ACTIVITY: Enjoy visits to the Artists Alliance Gallery and Makola Market in Accra. The gallery is located on the beach front in the city and an ideal location to experience and purchase traditional and contemporary art and artifacts by local creators from all of Ghana and even some neighbouring countries. Ranging from paintings, carvings, and furniture, to jewelry, fabrics, and photography, there's a little bit of something for all interests. Later at the market observe the liveliness and witness traders selling everything here from herbal remedies and traditional cloth, or food, to other necessities for the local people. It's a great opportunity to try your hand at bartering as is the norm here, and perhaps try some street food if you are feeling hungry.ACTIVITY: Your introduction to Ghana's history and culture begins at the Black Star Gate and Independence Square along Accra's coastline. This is the main ceremony grounds of the city, and where you can find the enclosed flame of African Liberation, lit in 1961 by Kwame Nkrumah himself. Your CEO will provide you with more information about the area's importance to the people of Ghana as you gather in various spots throughout the square.ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.