Realms of the Ashanti
Ghana Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
If you would like to experience life how it is for the locals during your time in Ghana and not just follow the well-trodden tourist routes, then this tour is perfect for you. Mixing with the locals at every opportunity and experiencing daily life in this wonderfully welcoming country with our expert local guides, opens doors and experiences that last a lifetime. There are so many positives to embrace here and mixing everyday experiences with ancient cultural sites, beautiful beaches learning about the dark historical past and exceptional flora and fauna makes this the perfect trip of a lifetime.
Tour Highlights
• Immerse yourself in the culture of the Ashanti people in Kumasi
• Take a trip back in time and visit the slave castles of Elmina and Cape Coast
• Enjoy the spectacular sunrise before heading to Kakum National Park for a canopy walk
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
3/5
Culture
4/5
History
3/5
Wildlife
1/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Accra
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)
Accra
Ghana’s capital is one of Africa’s biggest cities, with the inevitable traffic, noise and mayhem. Despite being a fast growing, lively city, the people are friendly and welcoming and maintain many aspects of their tribal African roots. The National Museum houses one of West Africa’s best ethnographic, historical and art collections, which gives a good introduction to Ghana and surrounding areas. The old quarter of Jamestown is the heart of the old colonial town (British protected area) and was inhabited by the Ga people, who founded Accra in the 16th century. There are numerous bustling markets to explore where you can discover everything from food, clothing and household goods to traditional crafts. There is even an area for the fabrication of special coffins that take the forms of fish, fruit, animals, or your favourite car, traditionally based on the occupation of the deceased, but customisable by prior request.
Day 2: Accra
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 poorestsuburbs, 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)
Day 3: Krobo Traditional Beads and Wli Waterfalls (approx. 5 hours total driving)
This morning we leave Accra and heard towards the Volta region. Our first stop is Krobo, renowned for their traditional bead jewellery. We fisit 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, corssing 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)
Day 4: Mount Afajato and Tafi Atome (approx. 45 mins driving)
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)
Day 5: To Kumasi (approx. 5 hours driving)
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)
Day 6: Local Villages of Kumasi
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)
Day 7: Ashanti Kingdom (approx. 3 hours driving)
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)
Day 8: Community Life and a Cooking Lesson
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)
Day 9: Cape Coast Castle, Baobab Foundation and Batik (approx. 3 hours driving)
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)
Elmina
Elmina is best known for its Castle of St George, built in 1482 by the Portuguese and occupied by the Dutch and British in the following centuries. The Castle and its museum are of considerable interest and the town is now a colourful thriving fishing port where hundreds of colourfully painted wooden fishing canoes are anchored. The best time to see the port is in the morning when fishermen arrive back with their catches, and traders crowd the area. In addition to the Castle of St George Elmina boasts another – the smaller Fort St Jago, situated on top of a hill as a protective measure against the castle being bombarded from above. There are also numerous animistic shrines throughout the town built by Posuban societies to protect the fishermen.
Day 10: Kakum National Park
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)
Kakum National Park,
Covers a surface of 357 sq. km of mostly undisturbed virgin rainforest. It is found at the easternmost extent of the Guinean Forest of West Africa and reputed to be one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the African continent. Park rangers are here specifically trained in the medical and cultural significance of the local plants.
Day 11: Brenu Akyinim Community, Nzulezu Stilt Village and Ankasa Reserve (approx. 5 hours driving)
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)
Day 12: Ankasa Reserve
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)
Optional – afternoon biking around the surrounding area or a walking trail in the forest.
Day 13: Brenu Akyinim
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)
Day 14: Elmina Markets and Departure (approx. 3 hours driving)
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)
IT IS POSSIBLE TO COMBINE THIS TOUR WITH OUR TOGO AND BENIN TOUR. YOU WOULD SPEND A NIGHT IN ACCRA BEFORE TRANSFERRING TO LOME VIA ROAD ON DAY 15 (DAY 1 OF THE TOGO AND BENIN TOUR). CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS.
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Ghana that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Ghana. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Africa, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
