Adventure Tours > Africa Adventure Tours > Complete Ghana: The Beauty of Travelling West Africa

Complete Ghana: The Beauty of Travelling West Africa Adventure Tour

Africa

Ghana

Dive into the heart of West Africa on this 16-day adventure through Ghana's vibrant cities, coastal wonders, and rolling inland hills. From the electric energy of Accra to the quiet beauty of rural villages, every stop offers a new way to connect with this dynamic country. Walk through history at Cape Coast Castle, spot wildlife in Shai Hills Reserve and Kakum National Park, and witness the rich traditions of communities preserving their cultural heritage. Roll up your sleeves and try Batik-making with female artisans, craft your own Krobo beads, and shop for fresh ingredients at a lively market before cooking up a feast. Time it right, and you'll even experience the colourful Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi. With history, culture, and hands-on experiences at every turn, this journey is packed with moments that will stay with you forever.

Group Leader Description

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Packing List

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

Optional Activities

No optional activities

Meals Included

15 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners

Joining Instructions

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures sign, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Max Pax

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg. 14

Transport

Private vehicle, boat, bicycle, walking.

Highlights

Sip a refreshing beverage on a relaxing sunset cruise on the Volta River, Sit outside and enjoy a movie on the big screen with the local community members of Bonkro, Attend the Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi where gifts are brought forth to the King of Ghana and celebration takes place, Learn the art of Batik making from local female artisans in Elmina, Stroll along Africa's world-famous rainforest canopy walkway in Kakum National Park, Kayak in the coastal lagoon overlooking the ocean at Brenu Beach

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Accommodation

Hotels (11 nts), Community Guesthouse (2 nts), Lodge (2nts)

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What's Included

Your Foodie Moment: Bonkro Cooking Class Experience, Bonkro. Arrival Transfer. Black Star Gate & Independence Square visit. Walking Tour of Jamestown. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum Visit. The Fantasy Coffins of Ghana. Shai Hills Reserve Visit. Krobo Village Beading Experience. Volta River Sunset Cruise. Climbing Mount Afadjato. Wli (Agumatsa) Falls Visit. Visit to the Bunso Arboretum. Ntonso Adinkra Village Visit. Manhyia Palace Museum Visit. Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi. Commercial Centre of Kumasi Visit. Visit to Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative. Outdoor Movie Night with Locals in Bonkro. New Edubiase Market Visit. Visit to the Reforestation Project at Bonkro. Bonkro Community Bonfire. Cape Coast Castle Visit. Traditional Batik making workshop. Visit to Kakum National Park. Stingless bees project tour. Baobab Foundation Restaurant Lunch. Djembe drum performance and dance lesson. Dugout canoe ride to Nzulezu Stilt Village. Biking or hiking in the Ankasa Reserve. Ankasa Village and Community Excursion. Brenu Beach Kayaking. Fishing town of Elmina and Castle of Saint George Visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Finishing Point Instructions

Your tour ends on arrival at Accra airport. Please do not book onward travel before 9pm.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Day 1 Accra

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. The adventure begins tomorrow.

Day 2 Accra

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this morning with your CEO before a sightseeing day in Accra. Start with a visit to Black Star Gate and the main ceremony grounds of Independence Square to learn about Ghana's journey towards liberation from British rule. 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. From here the group will visit the final resting place of Ghana's founder, Kwame Nkrumah and delve into his incredible life and efforts to liberate this country. Grab lunch on your own at a local restaurant.

The adventure continues as the group goes to see 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. The remainder of the evening will be free for travellers to explore the local area on their own, or to relax at the hotel.

Day 3 Accra/Akosombo

After breakfast leave Accra behind for the greener pastures of the Shai Hills Reserve. The protected area was home to the Shai people before they were pushed out by the British, and remnants of their time here can still be found within the landscape. From hills to canyons, this area is also home to forests and grasslands that allow the resident wildlife to thrive. Be on the lookout for antelope, zebra, baboons, and green monkeys as you walk with your guide to the Obonu Tem caves. Later, after an included lunch, the group will visit a village near Krobo to meet one of the resident families here that make traditional Ghanaian beads. Learn firsthand about their historical importance, and spend a wonderful afternoon mixing with locals, observing village life, and making your own bead jewelry. Later, upon returning to the hotel, the group will embark on a short walk to the jetty and board a river cruise to enjoy the rolling hills and lush forest scenery with a complimentary sundowner in hand. The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure back at the lodge.

Day 4 Akosombo

This morning will be dedicated to hiking Mount Afadjato, Ghana's highest mountain standing at approximately 885 metres. Take in the sweeping views, breathe the fresh air, and search for butterflies and birds as you climb. It's worth noting there will be an alternative hiking option for any travellers who choose not to try the more strenuous route. Enjoy an included lunch after the climb in the town of Wli before visiting the highest waterfall in West Africa in its idyllic setting. As you near the falls listen for the sounds of Fruit Bats in the adjacent cliffs amid the rushing water. Return to Akosombo and enjoy a free evening at leisure. Maybe have a beverage at the riverfront bar and enjoy dinner on your own with a view.

Day 5 Akosombo/Kumasi

Transfer to the Bunso Arboretum this morning for a nature walk amid the wide selection of native tree and plant species found here. The visit will end with the canopy walkway where you'll have the chance to see many birds and butterflies before transferring to the ancient village of Ntunso, which is where Adinkra symbols and cloth originate from. These symbols have been used in Ghana for centuries to represent concepts or aphorisms, and are most commonly used in fabrics and pottery. Learn more about how these symbols were created and then transferred onto traditional cloth and clothing. While here, you will make your own strip of Adinkra cloth with symbols that have personal significance to you. Tavel to Kumasi and enjoy a free evening with an included dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Day 6 Kumasi

Prepare for a day of culture and history at Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene King of the Ashanti's and ruler of the powerful Asanteman Kingdom. Gain key insight into the legacy of the Ashanti's before attending the Akwasidae Festival. This traditional ceremony and celebration is held by the Ashanti people of Ghana every six weeks on a Sunday at the palace in Kumasi. People dress in traditional clothing, the king is greeted at the royal court, gifts are offered, and there are parades with drummers, dancers, and singers to celebrate the Ashanti people's rich culture and heritage. During the festival there will be opportunities to purchase lunch from one of the street vendors at your own expense. The day is planned this way so as to not miss the arrival of the King. Afterwards, travel back to the hotel for a free evening to relax by the pool and enjoy your included dinner.

Day 7 Kumasi/Bonkro

In the morning visit the commercial centre in Kumasi, where most Ghanaians shop. Explore bustling Adum and the Kejetia market with its labyrinth of stalls. Feel the atmosphere of daily life for so many locals living nearby. Then, it's onward to the guesthouse in Bonkro where your stay contributes to the ongoing conservation efforts towards the protection of the surrounding Picathartes Forest reserve and local community life in the area. Enjoy an included lunch of traditional dishes and then an afternoon visit to the local representative of Kuapa Kokoo, a Fairtrade-certified cocoa farmers organisation in Ghana.

During your visit the group will meet with several of the farmers and their families, and lean how the cooperative is improving working conditions and ensuring women's voices are heard in the business. See the entire harvesting process and taste some of the local sweets. Then, set out on a short walk through the village where you'll see first-hand the benefits of community tourism in connecting cultures and strengthening Finish the day with an included dinner back at the guesthouse and then an outdoor cinema movie night that will be joined by local families for a truly memorable evening.

Day 8 Bonkro

Enjoy a relaxed start before breakfast, where the chef will ask which local dish you'd like to learn to cook for this evening's meal. Transfer to the market in New Edubiase to purchase the necessary ingredients for your dinner dish. Delve right into the daily bartering alongside the locals for an authentic grasp of everyday life. Spend free time here and have lunch on your own. Choose to ride a bike back to Bonkro and pedal through the villages along dirt roads and take in the beauty of this area, or ride back to the community guesthouse in the vehicle. Then, join the head chef at the property and prepare the group dinner. This hands-on experience will allow for a taste of Ghana's culinary culture with plenty of advice from the kitchen experts. The meal will be prepped and then fully prepared come evening. In the meantime, take a short walk to the nearby rainforest that is being protected by the community with the aim of increasing its size in the coming years to help heal the planet. Enjoy dinner made by your own hands and share the warmth of this special meal before a night around the bonfire joined by the locals with traditional music and stories of Ghana's past.

Day 9 Bonkro/Accra

Enjoy breakfast at the guesthouse before transferring back to Accra. There will be a stop en route for lunch on your own. Upon arrival to the city the group will visit a local restaurant for an included dinner before taking advantage of a free evening to explore more on your own. Your CEO can provide you with some suggestions on the best places for nightlife in this city.

Day 10 Accra/Elmina

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.

Day 11 Elmina

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.

Day 12 Elmina/Ankasa

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.

Day 13 Ankasa

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.

Day 14 Ankasa/Brenu Achinum

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.

Day 15 Brenu Achinum/Accra

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.

Day 16 Accra

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.

Please do not book onward travel before 9pm.

Details

Prices from: €3999.00

Duration: 16 Days

Trip Type: Small Group

Merchandising: New Trips

Service Level: Standard

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Travel Style: Classic

Call Us: 01 2311889

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Complete Ghana: The Beauty of Travelling West Africa Adventure Tour

Africa

Ghana

Group Leader Description

Solo Travellers

Feedback

International Flights

Arrival Complications

Packing List

My Own Room

Optional Activities

Meals Included

Joining Instructions

Emergency Fund

Max Pax

Group Size Notes

Transport

Highlights

Dossier Disclaimer

Itinerary Disclaimer

Accommodation

Spending Money

What's Included

Finishing Point Instructions

A Couple of Rules

Travel Insurance

Group Leader

Minimum Age

Day 1 Accra

Day 2 Accra

Day 3 Accra/Akosombo

Day 4 Akosombo

Day 5 Akosombo/Kumasi

Day 6 Kumasi

Day 7 Kumasi/Bonkro

Day 8 Bonkro

Day 9 Bonkro/Accra

Day 10 Accra/Elmina

Day 11 Elmina

Day 12 Elmina/Ankasa

Day 13 Ankasa

Day 14 Ankasa/Brenu Achinum

Day 15 Brenu Achinum/Accra

Day 16 Accra

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