The Best of Ghana, Benin and Togo

Our local tour guides will meet with you on your arrival at the Kotoka International Airport Accra, which is situated on the beautiful gold coast of Western Africa. Look out for the Ashanti African Tours sign when you leave the main terminal building after passing through customs. Make yourself known to your guides who will be accompanying you for the duration of your time in Ghana and they will take care of you from here. After boarding our vehicle, which will be your mode of transport for the duration of your tour, we transfer you to your accommodation which is situated in Accra. Most flights arrive here in the late evenings as such after we checked you in, our experienced guide will offer you Akwaaba (welcome) and brief you on all aspects of your trip. You can enjoy your evening meal at the hotel restaurant whilst acclimatising yourself to West Africa.

Day at leisure

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Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra

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A relaxed morning as we allow the rush hour traffic to pass before setting off to one of Accra's best local markets. We can choose to miss or have a light breakfast at our accommodation this morning as it would be great to experience one of the local street foods Ghanaians eat here for breakfast at one of the many stalls selling here in the Makola Market. Traders sell almost anything here from local herbal remedies, traditional cloth, jewelry and food to mobile phones, televisions, and sound systems to mention but a few. The hustle and bustle of the market is a wonderful insight into daily life for many locals who trade or shop here 7 days a week. A good opportunity to purchase some souvenirs but do not forget to barter as is the norm here.

Day at leisure

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Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra

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After a relaxed breakfast in this beautiful setting, we depart for Lome the capital city of Togo. The journey will take approximately 4 hours and on our arrival in Lome we enjoy lunch at a restaurant selling local and international dishes. After lunch will visit the grand Marche or big market which will be one of our highlights in Lome. Initially, it seems chaotic, but you will be surprised at the orderliness and the hectic pace of this incredibly vibrant and beautiful market. Though it is supposed to be an indoor market the three-story building and all the surrounding streets overflow with vendors selling everything imaginable. The Sacred Heart or German Cathedral is next on our agenda after the exhilarating experience of the big market. Built in 1905, this imposing Gothic piece of architecture is one of the most beautiful legacies of the Germans. A short distance from the cathedral is the National Museum of Togo, founded in 1975 which houses ethnographical cultural and artistic exhibits.

Day at leisure

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Hotel 2 Fevrier Lome

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A leisurely breakfast this morning as we pack our bags and check out of our hotel. Today we head to Benin, but before we depart Togo, we have an interesting morning ahead of us. Aneho is found 48km east of Lome, approximately an hour's drive from the capital and was historically known as Little Popo. An important town during the slave trade era as there was a local slave market here. The neighboring town of Sebe was formerly the second capital of German Togoland from 1887 to 1897 when it was transferred to Lome. On arrival in Aneho we take a pirogue across Lake Togo to Togoville which is on north eastern side of the Lake. Togoville is historically known as the center of Voodoo in Togo. Many Voodoo practitioners were taken as slaves from here to Haiti. The chief's house known as Maison Royal has a room that houses the old King's throne which dates to 1884. It is in this room in 1884 the then chief Mlapa III signed a peace treaty giving all of what was then known as Togoland to Germany. As we mix with the locals walking through the communities, we will visit the many active shrines learning their importance to the locals living here. Prior to setting off back to Aneho we also visit a shrine that commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary on Lake Togo in the late 1970s. Our lunch will be taken at a nearby hotel before the next exciting part of our West African adventure Ouidah the birthplace of Voodoo. It should only take approximately 2 hours to cross the border into Benin and reach the ancient town of Ouidah. On our arrival in the afternoon, we will check into our accommodation and relax for the remainder of the day.

Day at leisure

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Bénin Diaspora Hôtel

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After breakfast we set off for our tour of Ouidah which is regarded as the Voodoo center of West Africa. During the 17th and 18th centuries enslaved Africans from Benin, Togo and other West African countries were shipped from Ouidah which had the only port in the country until slavery was officially abolished in 1807. Most of the slaves were shipped to Brazil, Haiti, and the Caribbean Islands thus the strong Voodoo presence in these parts of the world. A tour of the historical museum of Ouidah is a must as is visiting the sacred forest which consists of figurines representing deities of kings and the founders of Ouidah. The sacred python's temple is where we will end our tour of Ouidah. This temple houses pythons which are revered by the locals and no one is permitted to harm, capture or keep any of the pythons which leave the temple. These pythons are supposed to be returned to the temple when found outside. After visiting all these wonderful places in Ouidah, we enjoy our lunch before we continue our journey to Cotonou. On arrival we check into our accommodation, relax with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day at leisure

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Azalaï Hotel Cotonou

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A leisurely breakfast before we depart for Porto-Novo the capital city of Benin. Our first point of call during our time in Porto-Novo is the Ethnographic Museum which was established by the Dahomey Institute in 1957. The museum houses costumes, ceremonial masks and drums in addition to other historical artifacts. The Royal Palace now known as the Honme Museum is an interesting excursion, the museum is housed in the walled compound of King Toffa who signed the first treaty with the French in 1863. Most of the displays here are from the period of King Toffas reign and there is an excellent example of Alounloun a traditional Beninese instrument used to play music called Adjogon. A stone throws away from Honme is the Da Silva Museum which is in a beautiful Afro-Brazilian house dating back to the 1870's. An interesting and informative excursion, this eclectic museum is home to some wonderful Afro-Brazilian artefacts and is a must visit during our time here. The Great Mosque in Porto Novo offers excellent photographic opportunities and the history behind how this former Church became a Mosque is fascinating. We head back to Cotonou where we enjoy our lunch at a local restaurant selling international and local dishes before visiting the Dantokpa Marche one of West Africa's largest outdoor markets. Covering and area of over 20 hectares it sells everything you could imagine and is a major contributor to the Benin economy. The wax print section of the market is a must visit if we A stone throws away from Honme is the Da Silva Museum which is in a beautiful Afro-Brazilian house dating back to the 1870's. An interesting and informative excursion, this eclectic museum is home to some wonderful Afro-Brazilian artefacts and is a must visit during our time here. The Great Mosque in Porto Novo offers excellent photographic opportunities and the history behind how this former Church became a Mosque is fascinating.

Day at leisure

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Azalaï Hotel Cotonou

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We checkout of our hotel after a relaxing breakfast. Our focus today prior to heading to Abomey is visiting one of the most beautiful communities here in Benin at Ganvie. Known as the Venice of West Africa, Ganvie is a community of over 30,000 inhabitants living in structures built on stilts over Lake Nokoue. The largest community living on water in Western Africa, most locals here are fishermen. A relaxed paced day and we may decide to try our hands at fishing under the tutelage of a local fisherman. If we are lucky and get a sizeable catch, then our lunch will be fresh fish grilled the local way. After our lunch we set off to Abomey which is approximately a 2 hours' drive. Our aim is to reach Abomey by mid- afternoon and visit the recently (1998) discovered underground dwellings of Agongointo - Zoungoudo just a few kilometers outside of Abomey. Discovered during road construction these underground dwellings are believed to date back to the 16th century during the reign of King Dakodonou the second King of Abomey. There are believed to be several hundred of these built 10 meters underground and they were used to protect locals from invaders in addition to offering the element of surprise for local warriors when attacking the enemy.

Day at leisure

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Bois Vert Hotel

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An early start as we dedicate the morning to a city tour of Abomey before we depart back to Ghana. Abomey was the capital of the Dahomey kingdom from 1625 to 1900. The main attraction here is the royal palaces or what is left of them. These clusters of old buildings were constructed by 12 successive kings and cover an area of about 47 hectares. The palace buildings, terraces and open courtyards have a perimeter of 4 kilometers a 10-meter-high wall and could accommodate up to 8,000 people. Our visit here will give us an insight into the history and exploits of these warrior kings. The architecture is quite unique and though the palaces are no more inhabited, two of them are now in use as the Historical Museum of Abomey. The museum contains some 1050 relics of the Abomey kings which include Voodoo artefacts, some skulls, and banners of the royal family. Some of the wall art depicts the bloody battles of the people of Abomey. We end the tour of the museum at the artisans shop next door, after which we will set off for Wli. Our aim is to get to Wli before sunset and on our arrival, we check into our hotel, enjoy our evening meal, and relax for the remainder of our evening.

Day at leisure

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Hotel Parc Residence

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After a relaxing breakfast we set off for the nearby Wli (Agumatsa) Falls found in the Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary in the Volta region of Ghana. The Wli Falls are believed to be the highest waterfall in West Africa, set in a beautiful location the surrounding flora and fauna make this an idyllic setting. On our arrival we will trek through the thick semi deciduous forest leading to the falls from Wli village. As we near the falls we can hear the enormous colony of Straw- coloured Fruit Bats found on the adjacent cliffs mixed with the powerful flow of the river. We can relax and enjoy a paddle in the pool beneath the waterfall which is safe for swimming if you are feeling adventurous. If you are feeling fit, then there is also the option to hike to the upper falls before returning to our accommodation for lunch and to check out. The afternoon is spent with the locals from the village of Tafi Atome, a wonderful community protecting a population of endangered True Mona monkeys. The community here perceives the Mona Monkeys to be sacred messengers from the gods and have been protecting the monkeys and their habitat for over 200 years. Quality time is dedicated here learning more about the history behind their protection from the local traditionalists during our time in the village. We venture into the surrounding forests to see these beautiful primates and during the walk our local guide will identify the many medicinal plants that grow here and explain how the locals use them to make traditional herbal remedies. The local ethnic group here are Ewe. We head to the White Volta River in Akosombo and check into our accommodation that is set on the banks of this beautiful river to relax for the evening after an action-packed day.

Day at leisure

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The Royal Senchi

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An early start this morning after breakfast as we set off to Kumasi. Our journey today will take us into the beautiful Akuapem hills with outstanding views across Accra and Tema in the distance. At the top of the range, we find the Aburi botanical gardens, set in a beautiful location that were founded by the British in 1890. The gardens are home to a wide variety of indigenous and exotic flora, offering outstanding views to Accra on a clear day. As we walk around the gardens your guide will identify the many trees and plants found here, some with medicinal properties and explain how they benefit the locals. There are several rare butterflies found here and birds are also in abundance. A short distance from the gardens we find the relaxed and friendly Aburi craft village, where traditional African drums, sculptures and other crafts have been carved for generations. As we watch the skilled craftsmen at work it is worth noting that prices here are amongst the lowest in Ghana, making Aburi an ideal place to pick up some souvenirs. Your guide will talk you through the meaning and local beliefs connected to many of the sculptures that have been made the same way throughout history. Our lunch will be taken in Koforidua the capital of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Koforidua is famous for its traditional bead market and it is a must visit before we set off on the final leg of our journey to Kumasi. All the traders here sell local beads and some of them are antique, others newer designs but all beautiful and very reasonably priced. After mixing with the locals at the market we continue our journey to Kumasi, home of the Asantehene, King of the powerful Ashanti empire. On reaching Kumasi we check into our hotel with the remainder of the day free leisure time.

Day at leisure

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Ike's Cultural Village

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A well-deserved relaxing breakfast this morning after our long journey yesterday. A day of culture and history awaits us as we set off on our city tour of Kumasi heading to the Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene King of the Ashanti's and ruler of the powerful Asanteman Kingdom. The Palace Museum offers a fascinating excursion through the history of this powerful tribe and is extremely informative on the well documented Ashanti history and culture. Our tour gives us a firsthand insight into the legacies of the Ashanti's and enables us to understand their culture during our time in this region. We continue to visit the National Cultural Centre. The cultural center is in one of the oldest suburbs of Kumasi near Bantama. There is a wonderful craft market here and during our leisurely tour we can visit the Prempeh II Jubilee museum which offers an excellent overview of Ashanti history and houses some wonderful ancient artifacts. A short distance from the palace is Kejetia market which is reported to be the largest outdoor market in West Africa. Visiting here gives us a wonderful opportunity to experience everyday life for the people in this great city and pick up a few bargain souvenirs. The market is a labyrinth of stalls nestled closely together, and a hive of activity. Some stall holders sleep here in the evenings as trade rarely stops. holders sleep here in the evenings as trade rarely stops ontinental dishes. Our next stop is the Okomfo Anokye sword found at the Okomfo Anokye teaching hospital in Kumasi. Okomfo Anokye was a powerful priest born in 1600 in the Eastern Region of Ghana who helped the then Ashanti King Osei Tutu I to defeat the powerful Denkyera tribe. After defeating the Denkyera, legend has it the Golden Stool of Ashanti descended from the sky and landed on Okomfo Anokye's lap, which he gave to the Ashanti King. He then planted a sword into the ground as a symbol of unity between the Ashanti's and Nzema tribes.

Day at leisure

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Ike's Cultural Village

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A morning visit to the last material remains of the great Asante Empire as we visit the traditional Asante buildings that are now recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A morning visit to the last material remains of the great Asante Empire as we visit the traditional Asante buildings that are now recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. There are 10 active shrines within the buildings which are made from bamboo, timber and mud and thatched roofs. The walls are designed with motifs that have traditional symbolic meanings attached to ancient Adinkra symbols that we will learn more about later today. This is also where Nana Yaa Asantewaa, possibly the most important women in Ashanti history comes from, a great female warrior who led the Ashanti's in the 1901 war against the British. Nana Yaa Asantewaa was also the Queen Mother of Ejisu Besease and we will visit the local spiritual shrine where she used to fortify herself before going into battle. We continue our journey through Ashanti history by visiting the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso. Our first stop is Adanwomasie, the birthplace of Ghana's rich colorful Kente cloth. Adanwomasi produces some of Ghana's finest Kente cloth, many designs of cloth are woven here, and some are exclusive only to this region. Quality time is dedicated here as we walk through the community, interacting with the locals whose families have been weaving kente for generations playing an important role in the history of this beautiful cloth.

Day at leisure

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Ike's Cultural Village

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This morning we take a leisurely breakfast before setting off Southwards to Elmina in the central region of Ghana. The town of Elmina was given its name by the Portuguese due to the abundance of Gold found in Ghana, translated Elmina means The Mine. Gold is of such importance to Ghana today and historically that we were even known as the Gold Coast before independence. Ghana's gold is of the highest quality and we are the 8th largest exporter in the world and second largest exporter in Africa behind South Africa. We stop at Assin Manso, an important town along the enslaved African trade routes. The town surrounds the Ndonkor Nsuo (Enslaved African River). This river is where enslaved Africans were checked for fitness and bathed before being transported to Cape Coast for shipment to the Americas. The slaves would have walked hundreds of kilometers from Northern Ghana through thick forests in shackles and chains, many being in poor health once they reached Assin Manso. Once bathed and rested the slaves would continue the final 32-mile march to the dungeons of Cape Coast Castle where they would remain for up to 6 weeks before being shipped to the Americas. In 1998, a symbolic gesture was made when the bodies of two free (previously enslaved) Africans, Samuel Carson from New York U.S.A and Crystal from Kingston Jamaica were returned to Cape Coast Castle and symbolically passed through the "Door of no Return" before being transported to Assin Manso for re-internment.

Day at leisure

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Coconut Grove Bridge House

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An early start as we set off for Kakum National Park in the morning, after breakfast and Africa's world-famous rainforest canopy walkway. This is an incredibly beautiful, tropical guinea rainforest and the canopy walkway is sure to be a highlight of your time in Cape Coast. This national park protects the original habitat that was found in this location and was the local's home and major source of food. The walkway consists of 7 bridges, attached to 7 emerging trees, 40 metres above the rainforest floor. Prepare to take a deep breath as you walk the suspended bridges. You will marvel at the outstanding views that stretch for miles across this breathtaking rainforest as you rest on the viewing platforms that are attached to the emerging trees between the bridges. We are sure you would agree that this is an exciting excursion never to be forgotten. We return to the park headquarters where we find an excellent information center that offers a highly informative overview of the park's flora and fauna. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded within the park, which includes forest elephants, leopards and 6 primate species to mention just a few. As short distance from Kakum and on the border of the forest we find the International Stingless Bee Project. There have been approximately 9 species of stingless bees identified here in Ghana and their importance to our eco system is paramount. Our tour of the center teaches us about the importance of bees locally, their medicinal qualities and we get to see their hives, taste and buy quality stingless bee honey. There is a stingless bee walkway and butterfly garden where many of the forest butterfly species come to feed. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant selling a wide selection of international and local dishes. This restaurant is run by a local organization that helps deprived children in the Cape Coast area improve their lives through education and advocacy.

Day at leisure

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Coconut Grove Bridge House

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A relaxing morning enjoying the facilities of our accommodation, maybe go for a swim, relax on the beach, or just enjoy our final morning at this beautiful location. Prior to lunch we will freshen up and re-pack our bags, your local guide will collect them from your room and bring them to our vehicle to load. Before setting off back to Accra we enjoy our lunch overlooking the beautiful Gold Coast of West Africa. On route to Accra along the coastal road we find Fort Amsterdam in the town of Abandze. This is the first Fort built by the British between 1631 and 1638 and soon became the headquarters of English Gold Coast activities. In 1665 after a long and bloody battle the Dutch captured the fort and that is where it gets its name Fort Amsterdam. In 1811 locals loyal to the British from a neighboring community, Anomabo destroyed the fort, it was later restored to its former glory in 1951. It is believed that the first slave prison on the Gold Coast was in the hollow south east bastion of the fort. After an informative tour we continue our journey to Accra. On arrival back in Ghana's capital city we may have time to head to the Accra Mall to give you an insight into modern day Ghana. An opportunity to also purchase some last-minute souvenirs before heading home. Our early evening meal will be taken at a locally owned restaurant serving an excellent selection of local and international dishes which gives us an ideal opportunity to say our goodbyes and reflect on a wonderful time together. After your meal, our team will transfer you to the airport for your departure after a fantastic Ghana, Togo, and Benin Tour with Ashanti African Tours.

Day at leisure

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Coconut Grove Bridge House

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