Ghana-Togo-Benin: Culture, Heritage & Adventure (13 Days/12 Nights)
JOURNEY OVERVIEW
Discover the heart of West Africa on this immersive 13-day journey through Ghana, Togo, and Benin. From the bustling arts and culture scene in Accra to the historic castles of Elmina, each day is filled with unique experiences that dive deep into the region’s rich heritage. Explore sacred forests, witness mesmerizing voodoo rituals, and the stilted village of Ganvie. Engaging with artisans, vibrant local markets, and breathtaking landscapes, this tour is crafted to connect you intimately with the spirit of West Africa, leaving you with memories that resonate long after you return home.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 1
Visit Nubuke Foundation to delve into contemporary African art after which you will indulge in a decadent chocolate tasting session where you will learn about the process of turning cocoa beans into silky decadent treats you can enjoy after a hearty lunch at your own cost.
We then head to Independence Square after which we’ll visit Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP) to learn about Ghana’s independence history. Be transported to remnants of old Accra when we visit the historic Jamestown. During a walking tour here, we’ll explore Franklin House and the Brazil House, rich with stories of the Afro-Brazilian community as well as the Jamestown lighthouse and learn about the process of making “Kenkey”, a local Ghanaian delicacy.
Conclude the day with shopping at Accra’s Arts Centre and pick up unique handmade souvenirs.
DAY 2
MEALS: Welcome Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Alisa Hotel or similar
DAY 3
Today, experience a powerful rebirth ceremony, where you'll receive a Ghanaian name in a traditional welcoming ritual amongst vibrant and energetic drumming and dancing where you’ll be welcomed into a new family by the locals and elders of the village. Afterward, enjoy a private lunch in Vume, a pottery village renowned for its craftsmanship. Meet local artisans and witness their pottery techniques. In the late afternoon, arrive at Afrikiko Riverfront Resort for a sunset river cruise, a perfect close to a culturally rich day.
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION: Alisa Hotel or similar
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION: Afrikiko Riverfront Resort or similar
WOEZOR! WELCOME TO GHANA
A JOURNEY THROUGH ACCRA
REBIRTH CEREMONY & VUME VILLAGE
Welcome to Ghana! An SLL Journeys Guest Experience Director will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Relax and settle in before an afternoon art immersion in Accra’s thriving art scene. We'll explore the captivating Gallery 1957 showcasing vibrant local talent, culminating in a serene beach sundowner where you'll enjoy a lavish welcome dinner and be introduced to the flavors of Ghanaian and West African cuisine.
DAY 4
Embark on an early morning departure for the capital of the Asante Kingdom, Kumasi. Upon our arrival, we start our immersion into the Asante Kingdom with a visit to the Manhyia Palace Museum for insights into the Ashanti royal heritage, the Opoku Ware II Museum (KNUST Museum) for a unique look at contemporary art, and the Besease Shrine, an ancient place of worship. Finally, explore the bustling Kumasi Arts Centre for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
DAY 5
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION: Lancaster Hotel Kumasi or similar
DAY 6
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Okomfo Anokye Sword site, where history and myth intertwine, and explore three nearby craft villages. Ntonso is known for its Adinkra cloth stamping, Bonwire for exquisite Kente weaving, and Ahwiaa for wood carvings. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Elmina, with a meaningful stop at Assin Manso, the final resting place of returned enslaved Africans.
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION: Afrikiko Riverfront Resort or similar
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION: Ridge Royal Hotel or similar
GLOBAL MAMAS FAIR TRADE ZONE & SHAI HIILLS WILDLIFE
JOURNEY TO KUMASI
SACRED SHRINES, CRAFT VILLAGES & HERITAGE
Visit Global Mamas, a fair-trade cooperative, to learn about Ghanaian textiles and crafts. Then, we explore the art of bead-making and witness talented artisans create unique works of wearable art. Afterward, venture to Shai Hills Resource Reserve, where you may spot antelope, baboons, and even ostriches. This connection to nature will leave you refreshed and inspired.
DAY 7
Our day begins with a visit to Global Mamas, where you’ll engage in a hands-on batik-making workshop. Design your own batik piece to take home as a unique keepsake.
Afterward, we journey to Kakum National Park for an exhilarating walk on the canopy walkway, suspended high above the forest floor. Surrounded by the vibrant sounds of the rainforest, this is an unforgettable experience with stunning views of the treetops and the wildlife below.
We’ll tour the historic Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with profound historical significance. The guided tour takes us through the castle’s dungeons and the Door of No Return, offering deep insights into the impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
After our adventure, we head back to Accra, allowing time to relax and reflect on the day's meaningful experience
DAY 8
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION: Alisa Hotel or similar
DAY 9
We depart on an early drive from Accra for the city of Lomé. Our adventure begins at the National Museum, followed by the Palais de Lomé, showcasing Togolese art and history. Next, we head to the Grand Marche in Lomé to learn about Nana Benz, the women of Lome who helped finance the country’s liberation from colonial powers. Discover the fascinating Akodessewa Fetish Market, a renowned voodoo market filled with unique artifacts and ceremonial items. Later, we unwind with lunch and beach time at Marcelo Beach Resort before heading to our hotel for a well deserved rest
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION: Ridge Royal Hotel or similar
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION: Onomo Hotel Lomé or similar
ELMINA - FISHING VILLAGES & CASTLE
CAPE COAST - ADVENTURE, CRAFT & HISTORY - RETURN TO ACCRA
JOURNEY TO TOGO
Today, we’ll delve into the rich heritage and vibrant life of Elmina, a coastal town with a storied past and a thriving cultural scene. We start with a visit to the bustling fishing villages, where colorful wooden boats line the shore and fishermen haul in their catch of the day. This experience provides an insight into the local livelihoods that have sustained this community for generations. You’ll have the chance to interact with local fishmongers and fishermen, learning about their daily lives and traditions.
Next, we’ll explore the historic Elmina Castle, the oldest European structure in sub-Saharan Africa. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1482, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in history, having served as a fortress and a major hub of the transatlantic slave trade. A guided tour takes us through the castle's stark dungeons, holding cells, and the infamous Door of No Return. Our knowledgeable guide will share stories and historical accounts that bring the past to life, offering a solemn reflection on the impact of the slave trade.
After exploring the castle, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in town. Then, we’ll return to our hotel in Cape Coast in the late afternoon, with time to unwind and reflect on the day’s rich encounters with Ghana’s history, culture, and people.
DAY 10
Our day in Ouidah includes a visit to the Temple of Pythons, a revered site in voodoo tradition, where you’ll witness the unique connection between the locals and these sacred snakes. We will also experience an authentic Zangbeto ceremony, where the guardians of the night perform an entrancing display, spinning and dancing in elaborate raffia costumes.
From there, we journey to the Sacred Forest, a mystical site filled with ancient trees and statues dedicated to voodoo deities. This forest holds deep spiritual significance for the people of Benin and is known for its statues representing gods, ancestral spirits, and mythical beings.
Afterward, we’ll visit the Door of No Return, a powerful memorial to the African diaspora, before concluding the day with a tour of the Zinsou Foundation’s contemporary African art collection and then check into our hotel in Cotonou
DAY 11
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION: Golden Tulip Diplomat or similar
DAY 12
Today we explore Ganvie, West Africa’s largest lake village, and experience the city of Cotonou.
Our day begins with a scenic boat ride to Ganvie, known as the “Venice of Africa.” Built entirely on stilts over Lake Nokoué, Ganvie is a fascinating community founded by the Tofinu people in the 16th century as a refuge from slave traders. We’ll explore the floating markets and crafts stalls, where artisans sell woven mats, carved wooden statues, and vibrant textiles.
After this unforgettable morning, we’ll head to Dantokpa Market in Cotonou. This is one of West Africa’s largest open-air markets, a bustling maze filled with stalls selling everything from handmade crafts and traditional voodoo items to spices, produce, and textiles. Here, guests can browse and buy unique souvenirs, try local snacks, and interact with vendors.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Amazon of Dahomey Monument, an iconic statue commemorating the female warriors of the Dahomey Kingdom. The statue is a tribute to these historic women, often referred to as “Agojie,” who protected the Kingdom of Dahomey (now modern-day Benin) from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Following a leisurely lunch in Cotonou, we’ll have some time to relax before returning to our hotel.
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION:Casa del Papa or similar
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
ACCOMMODATION: Golden Tulip Diplomat or similar
TOGOVILLE & SPIRITUAL TRADITION
OUIDAH'S VOODOO & HISTORY
GANVIE FLOATING VILLAGE & COTONOU TOUR
A day trip to Togoville awaits, the historical seat of Togo's voodoo culture. See a mesmerizing Koku knife dance, a powerful traditional ritual associated with the Koku deity in voodoo (vodun) spirituality dance, a form of warrior tribute, where the performers (often initiates or devotees of the Koku deity) enter a trance-like state and exhibit extraordinary feats with knives and machetes, demonstrating both bravery and the deity's spiritual protection. We continue our exploration to Agbodrafo and Aneho, coastal towns rich in Afro-Portuguese heritage, before crossing into Benin and arriving in Ouidah.
DAY 13
MEALS: Breakfast & Snacks
FAREWELL - RETURN HOME
On your final day, enjoy last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Cotonou before we bid farewell. Our team will transfer you to the airport, hopeful that you depart with fond memories of an unforgettable journey through the heart of West Africa.
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