West Africa Slavery Requiem

Includes private guide and vehicle.

Relax as your guide navigates you through the administrative and economic districts of Accra, the capital of Ghana. This 131 year-old city has a blend of colonial and modern architecture that summarize Ghana's history. You will visit the W. E. B. Dubois Center for Pan African Culture and the Independence / Black Star Square and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The mausoleum and monument provide visitors with information about the prominent Ghanaian leader Kwame Nkrumah, who spearheaded Ghana's independence in 1957; leading Ghana to become the first independent country in sub-Saharan Africa. Then visit the Arts Centre where you will have the opportunity to use your bargaining skills to shop from an open-air market. This is Accra's largest open air market which has different sections for fabrics, clothing, wooden carvings, jewellery and more - from Ghana and West Africa.

Drive from Accra to Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rainforests. Extending over 360sq km, Kakum is the home to over 40 large mammals and 400 bird species as well as many species of butterflies, flora and fauna. Enjoy this drive as you pass through villages, towns, and along the coast to the rainforest. The drive from Accra to Elmina takes approximately 3hrs plus stop time.

Today enjoy time at leisure to explore on your own, sign up for tours, or simply relax at your hotel or along the beach. Visit and volunteer at the Cape Coast School for the Deaf, head out for the evening to listen to the Traditional  Bamboo Orchestra, visit Kakum National Park where you can enjoy a guided tour through the rainforest or walk high above the forest on canopy rope bridges. Explore the town on foot walking past local shops, markets, visit the fisherman's dock and markets, or sit back and relax at a local restaurant or pub on the beach.

Includes private guide and vehicle for the day.

Embark on a tour of the infamous Forts, Castles and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. Learn and watch as history unfolds the story of the slave trade in West Africa. Begin with visiting Cape Coast Castle. The largest of its kind, this castle was built by the Swedes in 1653 and was later taken over by the British. Walk the path of slaves as your guide takes you through each section. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994. It is filled with artifacts, stories, photos and more.

After lunch, visit the Elmina Castle. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it is also known as St. George's Castle. This castle was the first European structure built in Sub–Saharan Africa and is the oldest castle in Ghana on the West African slave trade route. The colorful harbor nestled below the Elmina Castle, full of pirogues preparing to go to sea offers one of West Africa’s greatest photo opportunities.

Drive from Elmina to Kumasi. Drive through the forest zone to Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Empire to explore the legends of the famous Ashantis, whose legacies are still evident today. En route visit Assin Manso, the site of the “last bath” where slaves were taken for bathing before being shipped to the new world. It is also the burial place of two former slaves whose remains were returned to Ghana from the US and Jamaica. Then continue on to Kumasi. This transfer takes approx 3-4hrs, but can take more time depending on how long you spend at Assin Manso and stops made along the way.

Includes private guide and vehicle.

After breakfast embark on a tour of Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Empire to explore the legends of the famous Ashantis, whose legacies are still evident today.  Visit Manhyia Palace Museum, to obtain firsthand information on the legacies of the Ashanti kingdom. A regal history that dates back to 1700 is told with relics and artifacts. Enjoy a drive through the city with monuments dedicated to the memory of the great Ashanti people.  End the day’s tour at the National Cultural Center which features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and various studios of the brass makers, potters and batik makers.

Drive from Kumasi to Accra. En route stop at Besease to visit the traditional shrine of the Ashantis. Explore the beliefs, history and bravery of the Ashantis. You will be captivated by the Ashanti historic oral account as it is told by an old and knowledgeable Ashanti traditional linguist. From here, continue on to Accra. This transfer takes approx. 6hrs, but can take longer depending on time spent at Besease and any stops made along the way.

Drive between Accra, Ghana and Lome, Togo today. Your guide will help you at the border crossing and point out interesting sights along the way. Just ask! This drive will take approximately 3 hrs.

Today you will cross the border into Togo. Your guide will assist you with the border process before continuing on your journey.

After lunch, embark on an insightful city tour of Lome, a city where tradition and modernism overlap for the great delight of the visitor. Discover this metropolis with its Musee National, Place de I' Independence, fishing harbour, and the Grand Marche - the realm of the famous “Nana Benz “. Continue with a visit to the Art Street with its craft vendors, the Artisans' Village and climax the day at the Marche des Feticheurs (fetish market) - the heart of voodoo cult.

Today will be a full day. You will drive today from Lome, Togo via Ouidah to Cotonou, Benin. Stop along the way for sights and tour. This drive will take approximately 3-4hrs.

Today visit the cradle of African traditional Religion, Ouidah. Tour the temple dedicated to the sacred Python, which is believed to give vitality and protection; you will also visit the sacred forest which houses many shrines dedicated to various deities. Visit the historical Museum of Ouidah located in an old Portuguese fort built in 1721. This Museum portrays Benin's role in the Atlantic Slave Trade. Later visit the Port of No Return; a monument built by the Benin Government to commemorate the Africans that were taken from the Dahomey Empire during the Slave Trade.

Includes private guide and vehicle.

Enjoy this sensational visit to Ganvie (the village on water), commonly referred to as the Venice of West Africa. Witness firsthand, the people of Ganvie carrying out their daily routine as vendors in dugout canoes make transactions with one another and with tourists. Try shopping amongst the local vendors in the floating market whilst taking a relaxing canoe ride on the waterways of this exotic 300-year-old village. After lunch, drive through the multicolored center of the administrative and commercial capital of Benin to view it’s many statues and monuments.

Depart for Accra. Today will be a full day of driving with a stop for lunch in Lome. This drive will take approximately 9hrs.

Today you will cross the border into Togo. Your guide will assist you with the border process before continuing on your journey.

This evening spend time at leisure or relax at your hotel.

Includes private guide and vehicle.

Visit the Arts Centre where you will have the opportunity to use your bargaining skills to shop from an open-air market for artifacts from Ghana and West Africa. For finer artwork, check out the beautiful art gallery next to the market. For musical instruments, see artists at near the front of the market. Ask them for a lesson in drumming and negotiate a price, then groove to Afro-beats!