Life in Ghana

Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, your local guide will meet you for private transfer to your hotel, followed by Akwaaba (welcome) and a briefing regarding your tour. Take the remainder of the day to unwind and acclimatise, take advantage of your hotel's facilities or explore the local area.

Ghana flag

Ghana Traditional Dress

Ghana local

Accra Coast

highlights

Fiesta Royale Hotel

overnight

You may want to skip breakfast in your hotel to try the street food at the first stop of the guided tour, Makola Market. Vendors offer everything from traditional remedies and fabrics to electronics and snacks – remember to barter if you’re buying souvenirs! The tour continues to the Artist Alliance Gallery on the beachfront, showcasing art and crafts from across Ghana and nearby countries, including paintings, textiles, carvings, and photographs. From there, visit “Fantasy coffin workshops” in Teshie Nungua, known for creating custom designs that reflect a person’s life or profession - ranging from boats and animals to tools and vehicles. Later, stop at Black Star Square and Independence Square, both key landmarks in Ghana’s post-colonial history. Nearby, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park offers a museum and peaceful grounds, honoring the country’s first president. In the afternoon, walk through Jamestown, one of the city’s oldest districts, where colonial buildings still stand, including a lighthouse built in 1871 and Fort James, a former British trading post. The area reveals layers of history, including homes built by Afro-Brazilians who returned after the slave trade ended. Jamestown faces economic hardship, and local efforts to support youth are focused on boxing, a long-standing tradition here. Several champions, including Azumah Nelson and Richard Commey, began their careers in this neighborhood. Depending on the day, the visit may include a stop at a training gym or a local match. Dinner is at a popular local restaurant in the heart of the community.

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum

Jamestown Lighthouse

Community boxing

Makola market

highlights

Fiesta Royale Hotel

overnight

Following a leisurely breakfast, we'll venture into Krobo, celebrated for its traditional bead jewelry crafted by local families, delving into the cultural significance of these beads, which symbolize wealth and beauty and are a daily adornment for Ghanaian women. Engage in a hands-on bead-making session with a local family to further enrich your experience. Continuing our journey to the Volta region, we'll cross the Volta River and savor lunch with a breathtaking river view. Upon reaching Wli in the late afternoon, settle into your accommodation before immersing yourself in the wonders of Wli Falls, one of West Africa's tallest waterfalls within a wildlife sanctuary. Witness the captivating sight and sounds of the falls and observe a sizable colony of fruit bats at Wli village. Unwind by swimming or taking a refreshing dip in the waterfall pool. For the more adventurous, an optional hike to the upper falls is available before returning to your accommodation in the evening.

TK Beads

Wli Falls

Jungle Hike, Wli

Volta River

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Big Foot Safari Lodge

overnight

As the sun rises, head out to hike up Mount Afajato, Ghana's majestic pinnacle standing at an elevation of 885 meters, assuming your fitness level allows, otherwise you will go on a shorter tour). Local experts guide you through the realms of butterflies, birds, and flourishing flora, and there will be plenty of incredible photo opportunities. In the afternoon you will visit Tafi Atome, where the locals work to protect the endangered True Mona monkeys, who they believe to be sacred messengers from the gods. A local guide will show you medicinal plants in the forest and the monkeys in their natural habitat. Then it's on to your next hotel in Akosombo.

Mount Afadjato

Mona Monkeys

Akosombo Dam

Neem Tree

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The Royal Senchi

overnight

After breakfast in Akosombo, set out for Elmina, traveling through the scenic Akuapem Hills with expansive views of Accra and Tema along the way. The first stop is Aburi Botanical Gardens, established by the British in 1890. The gardens feature a wide array of both native and foreign plant species. Your guide will point out various trees and plants—some known for their healing properties—and explain their importance to local communities. You may also notice several species of rare butterflies and an abundance of birdlife. Close by is the Aburi craft village, where artisans have been creating African drums, sculptures, and other handmade items for generations. Prices are among the most affordable in Ghana, making it a great opportunity to shop. Lunch will be in Accra, followed by an early evening arrival in Elmina.

Aburi Botanical Gardens

Monarch butterfly

Aburi Craft Village

Double-toothed Barbet (Lybius bidentatus

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Lemon Beach Resort

overnight

Begin early to catch the sunrise before heading to the Kakum Canopy Walkway, located in the tropical Guinea rainforest. Suspended 120 feet above the forest floor, the walkway includes seven rope bridges connected by viewing platforms that offer sweeping views of the treetops. After the walk, visit the park’s information center for an overview of its plant and animal life. Kakum is home to more than 40 species of mammals, including forest elephants, leopards, and six types of primates. Next, visit the Stingless Bee Project, which features nine bee species. Here you’ll learn about their role in local ecosystems, traditional medicine, and honey production. Walk through the bee trail and a nearby garden frequented by butterflies. The area surrounding the forest includes palm plantations and cocoa farms. While palm cultivation has led to widespread forest clearance globally, it also supports local industries—providing sap for palm wine (around 3% alcohol) and Akpeteshi, a potent local gin (up to 70% alcohol). Cocoa farmers often grow trees alongside native species to improve productivity and soil health. Lunch will be served at Han’s Cottage Botel, located near Kakum and built above a small lake inhabited by Nile crocodiles. The surrounding rainforest is home to a wide range of birds. In the afternoon, continue to Elmina on the Cape Coast, where you’ll stay for the next few days.

Kakum National Park

Rainforest Canopy

Local bar

Han’s Cottage Botel

highlights

Lemon Beach Resort

overnight

Today begins with a visit to Cape Coast Castle in Elmina—a site that played a significant role during the transatlantic slave trade. This fortress held more enslaved Africans than any other in West Africa. You’ll tour the dungeons and the infamous "Door of No Return." The museum inside provides detailed information about the castle's past and the wider history of Cape Coast. Next, head to Global Mamas for a hands-on batik workshop led by local women artisans. You'll learn each step of the process, including wax heating, stamping patterns onto fabric, and drying. You'll also have the opportunity to create a piece to take home. Lunch will be served at the Baobab Children’s Foundation, a community-run school supporting underprivileged youth with basic education and vocational training. The kitchen prepares a variety of nutritious, locally sourced meals. After lunch, take a final opportunity to browse the Baobab shop for handmade goods. In the evening, enjoy a local meal before transferring to Accra for your departing flight.

Elmina Castle & Fishing Community

Cape Coast Castle

Elmina

Ghana locals

highlights

Lemon Beach Resort

overnight