Benin, Togo & Ghana Adventure

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Step off the tourist trail with this insightful 15-day adventure through Benin, Togo and Ghana.

Highlights

Hike in Ghana's Volta Region – home to lush farmlands, waterfalls and rolling hills – and in the Kpalime Region in Togo, surrounded by coffee and cocoa plantations.
Discover the sobering history of Ghana’s Slave Coast, with visits to coastal slave forts and castles, like Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle. Wander the lavish architecture as you learn about the grim history of slave trade in this region.
Experience a Vodun ceremony, which showcases the traditional spiritual practices brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans. These practices merged with Indigenous and European religions, evolving into Voodoo in Louisiana, Hoodoo in the Dominican Republic and Vodou in Haiti.
Visit small villages and markets to rub shoulders with the locals, and gain insight into how they live, prepare their food and celebrate their culture. At the Ganvie stilt village, you’ll get a special insight into the history of the people and how they live on the water with a boat tour through the village.
Spend a few days in Accra, Ghana's capital – here, you’ll go on a tasting tour in James Town (the old part of the city), visit fantasy coffin makers to learn how the local people respect the dead and tour Nima with visits to local houses and markets.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cotonou, Benin , Benin

Finishes

Accra, Benin

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Cotonou, Benin

Bienvenue! Welcome to Benin in West Africa. Your adventure begins in Cotonou – the largest city in Benin located on the south coast – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. If you arrive early, maybe see the 19th-century Cotonou Cathedral with its striking red-and-white stripes or wander the Haie Vive district to visit the Fondation Zinsou Museum, which showcases some contemporary African art. After meeting your local leader and fellow group members, why not head out for an optional welcome dinner and get to know each other.

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Cotonou, Benin

Drive to Porto Novo – Benin's capital, sitting on the shores of Lake Nokoue. When you arrive, you'll find leafy streets and a more relaxed vibe. Head out to the old city with a local guide and visit Songhai Centre – a major research centre dedicated to sustainable farming. Check out the plantations and workshops and maybe support the organisation by buying some of the centre’s produce – you can get anything from fresh quail eggs to biscuits and preserves here! After lunch, you’ll hop in a pirogue (traditional dugout canoe) and ride along the Adjara Black River – home to crocodiles, snakes, alligators and fish, this river is a significant site for the spiritual well-being of the locals. Drift by floating islands, trees, reeds and marsh to a secluded village and meet the locals to learn about their way of life in this rural environment. Then, visit a local distillery to learn about the process of distilling a liquer made from palm nuts. Tonight, you have a free evening to relax at the hotel.

Included Activities:

Adjara Black River - Palm Nut Distillery
Porto Novo - Guided Old City Tour & Songhai Centre
Adjara Black River - Pirogue Boat Tour

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Ouidah, Benin

Start the day with a visit to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Dantokpa Market and Le Centre (Le Petit Musee de la Recade). Then, say goodbye to Cotonou and drive to Ganvie – a small village out on Lake Nokou, home to 24,000 Tofinu people. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a pirogue and tour the stilt village created to protect the people from slave hunters. Carry on towards Ouidah, stopping at the Zinsou Foundation along the way. Learn how the foundation provides artists with the space, time, support, resources and equipment needed for art projects. Ouidah is a relaxed beach town and here, you’ll have a free evening to explore at your own pace or relax on the golden sands.

Included Activities:

Ganvie - Stilt Village Tour by Pirogue
Ouidah - Zinsou Foundation

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Ouidah, Benin

This morning, visit the sobering Route of the Slaves – also known as Route des Esclaves, this UNESCO-funded memorial traces the path that slaves walked from Ouidah to the Door of No Return. See the slave auction plaza (now home to the Musee d’Histoire), the Tree of Forgetfulness (where slaves were branded with their owners’ symbols) and the Tree of Return (another tree the slaves often circled with the belief that their souls would return home after death). You’ll also see the L’arbre de l’Oubli, the Sacred Forest and the Afro-Brazilian House. End the day with a Zangbeto Ceremony – the traditional Vodun guardians of the night in the Yoruba religion of Benin and Togo, known as the ‘night watchmen’. In these communities, these guardians are highly revered and act as an unofficial police force, patrolling the streets, watching over the people and tracking down criminals.

Included Activities:

Ouidah - Door of No Return
Ouidah - Route of the Slaves
Ouidah - Zangbeto Vodun Ceremony
Ouidah - Afro-Brazilian House

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Lome, Togo

After breakfast, start your journey to Togo, stopping at Possotome along the way – a typical Fon village, where you’ll see mud houses and a Vodun pottery maker. Cross the border into Agbodrafo, then take a motorised pirogue to Togoville – the former seat of the Mlapa dynasty and Togo’s historical centre of Vodun. See the ancient German Cathedral, the museum of the King of Togoville and a shrine dedicated to Vodun. After soaking up some of the local history, you’ll then have the opportunity to watch a Vodun ceremony in a nearby village. Later, continue to your hotel in Lome – the capital of Togo – where you’ll have a free evening.

Included Activities:

Togoville - Walking Tour
Possotome - Pottery & Ceramic Centre
Togoville - Vodun Ceremony
Togoville - Pirogue Ride

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Lome, Togo

Today you’ll be exploring Lome with your local leader. After breakfast, visit the Palais de Lome – the president's home, with guards standing to attention, dressed in their finest uniforms. Continue to the Grand Marche. This market is a hub for local food and also the realm of the famous ‘Nana Benz’ – a club of successful businesswomen dating back to the 1950s, known for controlling the trade of Dutch wax prints and riding around in Mercedes Benzes. Wander the market with your leader, and find everything from Togolese football tops to cheap cosmetics. This afternoon, end the day with a visit to the Art Street (also known as the Artisans’ Village) and see its craft vendors.

Included Activities:

Lome - Grand Marche
Lome - Palais de Lome
Lome - Art Street

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Kpalime, Togo

Make your way to Kpalime – hidden among the forested hills of the cocoa and coffee region, this town offers some of Togo’s best scenery and hiking trails. On the way, stop at Nyobo village to hike up Mt Agou – Togo’s highest peak. The trail climbs between backyards, forests and cocoa and coffee plantations. Small terraced mountain villages pepper the slopes and you’ll be treated to some great views – on a clear day, you can even see Lake Volta in Ghana!

Included Activities:

Kpalime Region - Mt Agou Hike

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Liate Wote, Ghana

Head out on an early morning walk through the village of Kouma Konda and say hello to the locals, watching the artisans at work. After, you’ll take another guided hike up Mt Klouto on a botanical excursion, ending with a gorgeous view of Kpalime from above. This afternoon, cross the border into Ghana. You’ll be heading through the Volta region – popular with hikers, this area is covered in fertile farmlands and mountains with exceptional views. Drive to the village of Amedzofe, passing through the scenic Avatime Hills. This village is home to a cooler climate, sitting at 750 m altitude as Ghana’s highest settlement. Farmlands make way to forests and waterfalls and when you arrive, you’ll head out on a hike to the peak of Mount Gemi for a view of the Volta Lake. After, continue to your homestay in Liate Wote and maybe take a late afternoon walk along the canopy walkway near the Ote waterfalls.

Included Activities:

Kpalime Region - Mount Klouto Hike
Kouma Konda - Village Walk

Optional Activities:

Ote Waterfalls - Canopy Walk - Free

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Liate Wote, Ghana

Set off early this morning for a hike to the peak of Mt Afadja – the highest point in Ghana. Continue to the banks of the Wli waterfalls, by crossing over nine rivers. Wli (pronounced ‘vlee’) Falls is Ghana’s tallest, sitting among rolling hills, forests and streams. After a gorgeous day surrounded by green, you’ll end the afternoon at a local community to join in a cultural drum and dance session. Drive to Atimpoku Village, enjoy the sounds of the drums, then spend the night back at your homestay in Liate Wote.

Included Activities:

Volta Region - Wli Waterfalls
Volta Region - Mount Afadja Hike
Liati Wote - Traditional Drum & Dance

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Accra

This morning, join your homestay hosts in their morning activities – rise early to help make breakfast, then help the family out on their farm. After, you’ll depart for Accra, stopping in Akosombo along the way for a scenic boat ride along the Volta River. When you arrive in Accra this evening, head out with your leader to visit the Osu Night Market – loaded with local street food including kenkey and fish, kelewele (spicy fried plantain) and kebabs. This market is open all day and all night, with a different set of vendors for sunrise and sunset. Here, you can stroll through the stalls and taste some street food with a chilled, local drink in hand.

Included Activities:

Accra - Osu Night Market & Street Food Tour
Akosombo - Volta River Boat Tour

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Elmina

Start the day with a guided tasting tour through James Town (old Accra), dotted with historic forts and featuring a harbour and a lighthouse. This is one of the oldest settlements in Accra and yet is one of the most vibrant districts. Discover the dark past of slavery in Accra’s oldest suburb and learn about the Ga culture in the fishing community, immersing you in the Ga culture. See the traditional Ga way of cooking, Indigenous to West Africa and handed down by generations of families. Taste some local snacks and drinks as you stroll through the streets, then depart for Elmina. Along the way, you’ll visit ‘fantasy coffin makers’, where they build elaborate coffins — okadi adekai in the local Ga dialect — to represent the profession, dreams or vices of the deceased. The Ga people believe the deceased will continue their job in the afterlife and the coffin acts as a reminder of that. Ancestors are also believed to wield great power and honouring them with a grand coffin is a way to earn favour, and families often spend up to a year’s salary on the ceremony!

Included Activities:

Accra - James Town Culture & Food Tour
Accra - Fantasy Coffin Makers

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Elmina

Head out to Kakum National Park this morning – a virgin rainforest, this par is home to elephants, colobus monkeys, antelopes, 300 bird species and 600 species of butterfly! When you arrive, walk along the canopy walkway – a series of viewing platforms 30 m high linked by suspension bridges. After, visit Elmina Castle (also known as St George’s Castle). This UNESCO World Heritage site was built as a trading post by the Portuguese in 1482, then was expanded when slaves replaced gold as the major object of commerce. Take a tour of the castle and learn of the sobering past as you walk through the dungeons, punishment cells, the ‘Door of No Return’ and the turret room, where the British imprisoned the Ashanti king, Prempeh I, for four years. You’ll then visit the Asafo Shrines, where warriors prepared mentally and spiritually for war. You then have the rest of the day free to explore Elmina at your own pace – this town sits on the narrow finger of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Benya Lagoon. The traditional name is Anomansa, meaning inexhaustible supply of water! Maybe visit the harbour or wander the fish market.

Included Activities:

Elmina - Elmina (St George's) Castle Tour
Kakum National Park - Canopy Walkway

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Accra

This morning, you’ll visit the Kotokuraba Market and Cape Coast Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage site in the town's centre, overlooking the sea. This historic site, once central to the transatlantic slave trade, offers a stark look at the past. Take a guided tour through the dark, humid dungeons, where enslaved people were confined for weeks, facing an uncertain future. The contrast between these spaces and the governor’s quarters, which feature huge windows and ocean views, highlights the harsh realities of the era. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Accra, where if you like, you can visit the Arts Centre for National Culture.

Included Activities:

Elmina - Cape Coast Castle Guided Tour
Elmina - Kotokuraba Market

Optional Activities:

Accra - Arts Centre for National Culture - Free

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Accra

After breakfast, start the day with a walking tour through the neighbourhood of Nima. Here, you’ll visit the local market packed with spices Indigenous to West Africa. Interact with the locals here, then visit some homes within the community to experience their way of life, taste some traditional snacks and listen to some stories. Continue to the Artists Alliance Art Gallery for Contemporary African Art, where you can wander the gallery. Tonight, maybe head out to see a traditional live band performance at the local bar and grill and toast to an amazing adventure.

Included Activities:

Accra - Nima Cultural & Tasting Tour
Accra - Artists Alliance Art Gallery

Optional Activities:

Accra - Traditional Live Music - Free

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Accra

With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to leave at any time after check out. There is an optional half-day city tour of Accra if you’d like to spend more time here – visit the Osu Castle (Christiansborg), a former slave castle. Then, head west along 28th February Road until you reach Independence Square. Finish up with a visit the newly renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Mausoleum. If you would like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Accra - Half Day City Tour (56 USD)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,070

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Step off the tourist trail with this insightful 15-day adventure through Benin, Togo and Ghana.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 Oct 2025

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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