Ghana
Ghana – Golden Realms of the Ashanti – a 14 day Small Group Tour.
Explore West Africa’s most welcoming nation. Join us on this small group adventure as we discover remote villages with strong ancestral traditions and learn about the Ashanti kingdom at Kumasi.
We visit the home of sacred monkeys and learn about the tragic history of this part of Africa in the slave castle at Elmina.
A fascinating journey through an enchanting country.
Stretching from the dusty borderlands of the north to the tropical coast in the south, Ghana encapsulates all that is special about West Africa, with great scenery and wildlife complemented by a joyous and exuberant people who will make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.
On this tour you will meet the Ashanti. The Ashanti people were one of the most powerful nations in Africa until the end of the 19th century. Originally from the northern savannah regions, the Ashanti people migrated south, carving farms out of the wild rainforest. The region was rich in gold, and trade in this precious metal developed quickly, with small tribal states developing and vying for control of resources. In the late 17th century the Ashanti ruler brought these states together in a loose confederation and the Ashanti Kingdom was born. Their social organisation is centred on the Ashantehene figure, the king of all the Ashanti. The Ashanti are the lords of the gold, so they adorn themselves in it during ceremonies. The Ashanti Kingdom was famed for its gold, royalty, ceremony and the development of a bureaucratic judicial system.
Ghana is vibrant and seductive, and it’s no wonder that it’s many people’s introduction to West Africa. Ghana is the sort of place that remains in your soul long after you have visited.
- Fitness
- Off the beaten track
- Culture
- History
- Wildlife
Tour pace
Busy
Tour style
Traveller
Relaxed Pace
Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.
Moderate Pace
Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.
Busy Pace
A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.
Pioneer Class Tours
On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.
Traveller Class Tours
Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.
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)
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
(Approximate driving time: five hours)
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
(Approximate driving time: 45 minutes)
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 – Kumasi
(Approximate driving time: five hours)
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
(Approximate driving time: three hours)
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
(Approximate driving time: three hours)
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)
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)
Day 11 - Brenu Akyinim Community, Nzulezu Stilt Village and Ankasa Reserve
(Approximate driving time: five hours)
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
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)
NOTE
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.
Dates & Price.
Tour Notes
Single Supplement
Single supplement from £495.
Togo & Benin - Back to Back
It is possible to combine this tour with our 11-day Hidden Gems of Togo and Benin tour. Contact us for details.
Flights
Flights from London to Accra start from £450. Please contact us for details.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers provided on a shared or private basis depending on location. On occasions the transfer will be operated by a hotel shuttle bus (*please see notes below)
- All accommodation
- Services of English speaking guide / tour leader (there may be more than one guide with the group and the explanations may be in additional languages)
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
- Visa support (letter of invitation)
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visa (single entry Ghana)
- Drinks
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips (discretionary)
Please note that airport transfers will be provided on the advertised start and end dates of the tour. In addition arrival and/or departure transfers will be provided in conjunction with any pre and/or post tour accommodation that has been booked and paid for through Undiscovered Destinations. In all other cases charges may apply for airport transfers.
Read more about Ghana and our West African tours
Undiscovered Destinations
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