West African Adventure: Highlights of Ghana, Togo & Benin
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Small Group
Average
Rating
West African Adventure: Highlights of Ghana, Togo & Benin
Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply
24 days
Small Group
Budget
Average
English
Experience Overview
For the ultimate adventure seeker, this is the journey you’ve been waiting for. Over 24 unforgettable days, dive deep into the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Ghana, Benin, and Togo with an expert G Adventures CEO leading the way.
Includes
Activities
- Your Foodie Moment: Bonkro Cooking Class Experience, Bonkro Your Hands-On Moment: Atitovou Community Visit & Kente Cloth Weaving, Atitovou
- Arrival Transfer
- Black Star Gate & Independence Square visit
- Walking Tour of Jamestown
- Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum Visit
- The Fantasy Coffins of Ghana
- Shai Hills Reserve Visit
- Volta River Sunset Cruise
- Climbing Mount Afadjato
- Wli (Agumatsa) Falls Visit
- Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi
- Outdoor Movie Night with Locals in Bonkro
- New Edubiase Market Visit
- Bonkro Community Bonfire
- Cape Coast Castle Visit
- Visit to Kakum National Park
- Stingless bees project tour
- Djembe drum performance and dance lesson
- Dugout canoe ride to Nzulezu Stilt Village
- Biking or hiking in the Ankasa Reserve
- Ankasa Village and Community Excursion
- Grand Marche and German Cathedral Visit
- Mount Kloto Visit & Hike
- Atakpame Markets
- Sokodé Horse Dance
- Sokodé's Traditional Fire Dance
- Iron Smelting at Tsare Community
- Koutammakou UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit
- Visit the Regional Museum in Natitingou
- Dankoli Shrine Visit
- The Gelede Masked Dance
- Visit the Underground Dwellings
- Chameleon Temple Visit & Private Palace Walkthrough
- Kokou Ceremony & Lake Nokoue Visit
- Amazone Statue in Cotonou
- Walking tour of Grand Marché du Dantokpa
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (19 nts), Community Guesthouse (2 nts), Lodge (2 nts)
- 23 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, boat, bicycle, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Highlights
- Sip a refreshing beverage on a relaxing sunset cruise on the Volta River
- Sit outside and enjoy a movie on the big screen with the local community members of Bonkro
- Attend the Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi where gifts are brought forth to the King of Ghana and celebration takes place
- Learn the art of Batik making from local female artisans in Elmina
- Stroll along Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway in Kakum National Park
- Enjoy a traditional weaving experience of Kente cloth led by members of the Atitovou community
- Spend time learning from and interacting with locals in their rural communities and connect on a deeper level to the important culture of Benin and Togo
Trip Details
24 days
Private vehicle, boat, bicycle, walking.
English
Accra, Ghana
Cotonou, Benin
Budget
Classic, Budget
Average
Itinerary
Day 1: Accra
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend the evening at your leisure and get settled. Opt to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on the property and rest up after a successful arrival to Ghana.Transport - Settle in and enjoy an included arrival transfer to the start hotel in Accra.Accommodation - Urbano Hotel
Day 2: Accra
The adventure continues as the group meets a local artisan of Ghana's Fantasy Coffins, which are a unique and creative way this country honours loved ones and celebrates their path to the afterlife. Check out a few of his designs and learn a little more about Ghana's lively funerary practices. The remainder of the evening will be free for travellers to explore the local area on their own, or to relax at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Sit back, relax, and scan the scenery of Accra between transfers to historical and cultural sites around the city. The longest drive time between destinations is 20 minutes, the shortest being five minutes.Activity - Your introduction to Ghana's history and culture begins at the Black Star Gate and Independence Square along Accra's coastline. This is the main ceremony grounds of the city, and where you can find the enclosed flame of African Liberation, lit in 1961 by Kwame Nkrumah himself. Your CEO will provide you with more information about the area's importance to the people of Ghana as you gather in various spots throughout the square.Activity - With your CEO at the lead, walk through the old community of Jamestown. See with your own eyes the historical structures that predate the Colonial era and learn about the different ways the locals are committed to conserving these buildings and hear about their significant efforts to maintain them. Due to their efforts, the community is able to provide travellers with an excellent idea of what it was like during Ghana's colonial past. See the 30m high lighthouse constructed by the British in 1871. Admire the colourful fishing boats on the beach, and continue to Fort James, a British trading post in 1673 which fell under Danish rule. Also of interest here are the Brazilian stone houses, built by formerly enslaved African’s who resided in Brazil and made their way back to Africa after the slave trade was abolished. This area in Accra is also famous for producing many world champion boxers like Africa's greatest, Azuma Nelson.Activity - Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, located in downtown Accra. The location is the final resting place of Ghana's founder and first president. The museum was created in his honour and contains photographs, artifacts, and important insight into this incredible human's life. The centre was designed by a Ghanaian architect and was built using Italian marble.Activity - Like much of the world, Ghana's funeral and burial ceremonies are very solemn occasions, but the celebration that follows is quite incredible! It's believed that the newly deceased move on into another world and so their coffins are made to represent the occupation of the dead, or to depict something that was very important to them during their lives. Visit a local artisan and see a few of his coffin designs that one could be buried in. Options range from cars and airplanes, to cocoa pods, cigarette packets, bottles of beer, and crocodiles. You'll experience an entirely new take on death and what it can look like to celebrate the lives and passions of those dearest to us.Free_time - Spend a free evening exploring more of Accra on your own with suggestions from your CEO, or if you are feeling tired, you can choose to rest at the hotel.Accommodation - Urbano Hotel
Day 3: Accra/Akosombo
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Become acquainted with the environment and wildlife at the Shai Hills Reserve, an expanse of Savannah grassland and woodlands dominated by large boulder rock formations. Animals likes baboons, antelopes, and certain species of monkeys reside here. It was formerly the home of the Shai people who were pushed off of the land by the British in 1892. Granite inselbergs dominate the landscape and depict many active traditional shrines. Walk with a wildlife guide to the Obonu Tem caves where there is a large colony of Egyptian Tomb Bats. Keep your eyes ready to spot colourful birds like, Turacos, Rollers, and Bee-eaters. This morning spend walking amid the boulders a great introduction to Ghana's inland terrain.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Shai Hills Reserve and Krobo Village. There will be an included lunch stop along the way at the riverside lodge in Akosombo where the group will be staying that night.Activity - Spend a few hours at a local village and meet with one of the families that make traditional Ghanaian handmade glass beads. The production of this jewelry dates back centuries. These beautiful, colourful beads are still used in present-day ceremonies and festivals, and are central to the culture of the Krobo people of Ghana. They are often worn as symbols of maturity and as an honour to one’s family heritage. During your time here the group will learn the ancient processes used to make these beads and will even have the chance to make their own design under the guidance of a local family. Become part of village life for a day and leave with your own symbol of beauty.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take a short walk to the nearby jetty of the riverfront lodge and board a boat for a sunset cruise on the calm water. Watch as the rolling hills and forests past by seeped in a golden light (weather permitting). You'll see local fishermen bringing in their daily catch and can sip on an included sundowner while the river teems with live around you.Accommodation - Afrikiko River Front Resort
Day 4: Akosombo
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Begin today with a nice hike to the top of Ghana's highest mountain; Afadjato. It sits at an elevation of 885 metres and offers excellent opportunities for photos of the beautiful landscape. Walk along a trail that passes through dense forests with nearby waterfalls, and rocky terrain. The summit offers views over the Volta River, Togo Mountains, and some of the surrounding communities on a clear day. This mountain is home to many plant and animal species and is part of the Agumatsa Range along the Ghana-Togo border. To the local people this peak is sacred and a lasting symbol of their cultural identity. *Please note that an alternate option is available for those hoping for a less strenuous experience. Route length: 4km Duration: 2hrsTransport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Fill up on lunch in the town of Wli and then head deeper into the rural landscape of Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary in the Volta region of Ghana to visit the highest waterfall in West Africa set back in a truly idyllic setting. Hike a short distance through the semi-deciduous forest from the Wli village and listen for the powerful flower of the river as well as the sounds of a Fruit Bat colony on the nearby cliffs. Once the group reaches the waterfall there will be about a half hour to enjoy a quick swim in the pool at the base of the falls before returning to the village.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Free evening at leisure back at the lodge property on the river's edge.Accommodation - Afrikiko River Front Resort
Day 5: Akosombo/Kumasi
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Prior to arriving in Kumasi, visit the last material remains of the great Asante Empire and see the traditional Asante buildings that are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are 10 active shrines within the buildings which are made from bamboo, timber, mud, and thatched roofs. The walls are designed with motifs that have traditional symbolic meanings attached to ancient Adinkra symbols that you will learn more about. This is also where Nana Yaa Asantewaa, possibly the most important woman 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 the group will visit the local spiritual shrine where she used to fortify herself before going into battle.Accommodation - Lancaster Kumasi City Hotel
Day 6: Kumasi
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle during your transport between the hotel and the Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi and back to the hotel later in the day.Activity - Visit the commercial centre of Kumasi in the Adum neighbourhood, where most Ghanaians shop. Walk down to Kejetia market and become part of every day life in the largest outdoor market in West Africa. Walk past the many stalls nestled closely together in the labyrinth and try your hand at shopping as the locals do.Activity - Pay a visit to the Manhyia Palace Museum, which offers a fascinating narrative through the history of the powerful Ashanti tribe. The tour provides firsthand insight into the legacies of the Ashanti's and offers a chance to understand their culture and see the home of the Asantehene King. The experience works well in tandem with the group's attendance to today's Akwasidae Festival.Activity - The group will walk from the palace to the durbar grounds in the courtyard which will be a buzzing hive of activity as people of the Asanteman Kingdom who mad the journey here to Kumasi gather in order to pay homage to their King. The Akwasidae festival is celebrated every 42 days (or every sixth Sunday) and is sure to provide you with in-depth insight into the rich culture of the Asanteman Kingdom. All chiefs will be adorned in rich, colourful and traditional kente and adinkra cloths. Dance and drumming will accompany the proceedings, and gifts are offered to the Asantehene. During your time at the festival, you will notice how strong this kingdom still is today and glimpse the hard work being done to fuse culture, customs, and traditional values with the present so future generations will continue to uphold them. While the exact timing of the King's entrance isn't set in stone, your group will be there throughout the festival to ensure not missing it. Lunch will be available for purchase on your own at one of the various food stalls.Accommodation - Lancaster Kumasi City Hotel
Day 7: Kumasi/Bonkro
During your visit the group will meet with several of the farmers and their families, and learn how the cooperative is improving working conditions and ensuring women's voices are heard in the business. See the entire harvesting process and taste some of the local sweets. Then, set out on a short walk through the village where you'll see first-hand the benefits of community tourism in connecting cultures and strengthening. Finish the day with an included dinner back at the guesthouse and then an outdoor cinema movie night that will be joined by local families for an involved experience within the community.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Learn more about Adinkra including their historical and cultural importance in the ancient village where the cloth and symbols originated from. The traditional symbols all have meanings and are typically carved using calabash shells. Then those symbols are printed onto traditional cloth using natural dyes made from the bark of certain local trees. They are used in fabrics and pottery and are also incorporated into walls and other architecture. The Adinkra cloth has been worn by the Ashanti's for centuries and actually pre-dates Kente cloth. Try your hand at making your own strip of cloth using any symbols with personal significance and take your finished masterpiece home with you.Activity - Sit down for a delicious included lunch at the Bonkro guesthouse where your chef will prepare a variety of local dishes for the group. As you enjoy this delicious meal, your CEO will remind you about the ways in which your experience with G Adventures is helping to support this important initiative and bring more engagement to the local community.Activity - Pay a visit to the local representative of Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative, a Fair-Trade organization that works to ensure its cocoa farmer members receive a decent price for the product they grow and sell. They also work hard to ensure women's voices are heard within the business. Divine chocolate is one of the fastest growing brands in the world and the cocoa is likely to have been sourced here. Meet several of the farming families and see the entire harvesting process in action. Try the unripe cocoa that the local children use as sweets and hear how cocoa pods can be used for soap making among other things.Activity - Embark on a 20-minute walk through the village and see the outside of the local school that has been built with the support of G-Adventures. The school has had an incredible impact on the children living in this area and is providing them with the opportunity to earn an education while maintaining the fundamentals of their customs and rural ways of life. All profits generated from the initiative that involves staying at the nearby guesthouse go 100% back into the community. During the walk you'll hear more about other projects, aims, and objectives of this ethical form of tourism.Activity - Cap off the day with an outdoor movie night in which the surrounding communities are welcome to join with their families for an evening at the cinema. Sit back, watch one of the best African movies, and feel the night breeze rustle through the crowd as you experience a wonderful blending of cultures through this shared form of entertainment.Activity - Spend two nights in a remote Bonkro village and witness first-hand how the community is working to protect the surrounding Picathartes Forest Reserve. Staying here allows for a more authentic local experience and provides a valuable contribution to the resident communities and other conservation efforts that are underway.Accommodation - Picathartes Community Guesthouse
Day 8: Bonkro
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - The group will visit the local markets in New Edubiase, which is about 30 minutes from Bonkro. Here, everyone will shop for dinner using the full list of ingredients and money from the head chef at the guesthouse. Step into the daily routines of the locals and barter to get a good price for your produce. You'll also have time to explore this town a bit and have lunch on your own at a restaurant or one of the food stalls at the market that the CEO has advised are safe to try.Activity - Spend the afternoon led by the head chef of the community guesthouse and prepare your own traditional Ghanaian dish for tonight's dinner. The whole group will be involved in preparing parts of the meal and the other cooks will offer advice on your dishes. The food will be stored once it's ready and served in the evening. There likely will be a cook book available for purchase should travellers wish to take more of these delicious recipes home with them. *Please note, for those who do not wish to participate in the cooking lesson, there will be the opportunity to unwind at the guesthouse, or to visit the village and see how locals prepare Gari, one of their local delicacies.Activity - Walk a short distance to the rainforest that is part of Bonkro's reforestation project in the effort to increase the forest's size to protect this land for future generation and to help heal the planet. Your support at the guesthouse stay has a ripple effect allowing for more native trees to be planted along the boundary line of the current forest. Hear more about the protection efforts and the ways in this is changing the lives of the future generations in this community.Activity - Enjoy a night of relaxation around a crackling bonfire joined by local community members. Sit around the warm glow together, listen to traditional music, enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar, and hear stories and old fables of Ghana's past. It's a memorable way to cap of your stay in this unique and important area of GhanaActivity - Spend two nights in a remote Bonkro village and witness first-hand how the community is working to protect the surrounding Picathartes Forest Reserve. Staying here allows for a more authentic local experience and provides a valuable contribution to the resident communities and other conservation efforts that are underway.Activity - Choose to ride bikes back to Bonkro and pedal through local villages in the area and along dirt roads for a chance to fully embrace the landscape. Please note that you can choose to transfer back to the guesthouse stay by vehicle rather than bike.Accommodation - Picathartes Community Guesthouse
Day 9: Bonkro/Accra
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Bonkro and Accra. There will be a stop after almost 2hrs for the group to have lunch in a small local town before continuing on. Arrival to Accra will be in the evening.Free_time - After dinner, spend the evening at your leisure and explore more of Accra on your own.Accommodation - Urbano Hotel
Day 10: Accra/Elmina
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the way to Cape Coast and the historic castle there.Activity - Visit Cape Coast Castle, a designated UNESCO world heritage site, for an emotional and thought-provoking experience in a monument that reflects a harrowing period in the region's history. The site is notable for its role in the transatlantic slave trade and is now being used as a way to educate visitors and provide more of an understanding of Ghana's recent history. The group will walk through the castle and view the dungeons, where the infamous "Door of no Return" is located. The visit will finish with the historical museum that has literature on all of Ghana's forts and castles, including cultural history and traditions, allowing you to leave with a much deeper understanding of the area's complex past than when you first arrived.Free_time - Enjoy time to yourself as you spend the rest of the day at leisure in your charming coastal accommodations in the town of Elmina.Activity - Spend the afternoon becoming acquainted with the true African art of traditional batik making during a workshop let by the Global Mamas. This inspiring organization is dedicated to empowering local women to hone their artistic skills and sell their finished products in the fair-trade market, thus enabling them to financially support their own families. Get to know the locals as you work side by side with them, and learn more about daily life here as you observe their technique from wax production to heating, stamping, and drying. The group will be given their own pieces of cloth to produce designs of your own before the local tailor or seamstress will make it into a shirt or dress for you to take back home. A beautiful way to hold your fond memories of Ghana.Accommodation - Lemon Beach Resort
Day 11: Elmina
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Please note the drive time listed includes the stops for the national park, the bees project, the community lunch, and the Cape Coast walking tour before heading back to Elmina.Activity - Visit Kakum National Park to witness its 100-foot-high Canopy Walkway. The National Park covers 375 km (145 mi) with tropical rainforest and gained protected park status after locals fought to have the wildlife in the area protected in 1992. There are over 300 types of birds in the area as well as other endangered species. From high above the treetops, the Walkway will get you incredibly close to the flora and fauna of the region. There are 7 bridges attached to 7 emerging trees, set 40 metres about the rainforest floor. Take a deep breath and walk across them all on this exciting adventure. Return to the park headquarters to discover the excellent array of information at the centre there. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded in the park including forest elephants, leopards, and 6 different primates species.Activity - Enjoy an informative visit to a stingless bees project near the national park. There have been approximately 9 species of stingless bees identified here in Ghana. While here, learn about their paramount importance to the ecosystem, their medicinal qualities, and visit their hikes where you will taste their honey. Travellers can also enjoy the stingless bee walkway and butterfly garden onsite, where many come to feed.Activity - Sit down for lunch at a wonderful community organization in Cape Coast. The Baobab Foundation works to provide local children with the hope of a better future. Focused on helping children with disabilities, or children who have not attended school, or have left school early, this organization is working tirelessly to help those children in need secure a bright future. The vegetarian restaurant is operated by adults who were former street children and they work hard to give back into the community. Your time here, supports this amazing initiative.Activity - Set off on a brief walking tour of Cape Coast with your CEO and group to further explore this important coastal city.Activity - This evening learn from one of the best local drumming and dance teachers as they join the group for a lesson and performance with the traditional Djembe drum.Accommodation - Lemon Beach Resort
Day 12: Elmina/Ankasa
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop for lunch on your own along the way.Activity - Travel through the beautiful Amasuri wetlands in a traditional dugout canoe to find the community of Nzulezu Stilt Village. Legend has it that the community here migrated from Watala, part of the ancient Ghanaian Empire 600 years ago after being driven from their homes during conflict. It's said that a snail led them to this remote location where they would be safe, and the community decided to build their homes over the lake for additional protection. The snail is now sacred to this community and is not eaten here as it is in other parts of Ghana. Surprisingly the community members here are mainly farmers and not fishermen as you would expect. The boat ride is a major highlight as the wetlands are these beautiful, marshy swamps important for native and migratory birds. It's a perfect afternoon with outdoor activity and interactions with the local community.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Arrive to your lodge stay in the Ankasa Reserve which is connected to the Nini-Suhien National Park and protects an area of over 500 square kilometers of pristine, wet evergreen upper guinea rainforest. Historically this habitat played in important role life of Ghanaians as it was their main source of water and food. The area protects many endangered mammals and is home to so many wonderful birds and wildlife. On arrival check into the Ankasa Reserve Lodge and enjoy your lovely surroundings with a free evening.Accommodation - Ankasa Reserve Lodge
Day 13: Ankasa
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Set out into this wonderful forest habitat for a morning amidst nature. Visit the remote Bamboo Cathedral, where the stalks of these plants have grown towards each other forming tall arches over the path. You have two choices on how to get to this location. The first is pedaling 9km one way from the main entrance gate on a mountain bike, or you can choose to ride in a 4x4 from the lodge. If you choose to bike you will need to leave a bit earlier than the rest of the group. A full morning is dedicated to being inside the forest, where your guides are on hand to identify any birds or mammals the group may come across during your journey to the Bamboo Cathedral.Activity - Most visitors to Ghana will not see this remote community, but today, you will! The Ankasa Village is made up of mainly subsistence farmers living happily in basic mud houses, trading their produce at the local markets to enable them to buy items and provide for their families. This afternoon is dedicated to spending time in the community and meeting with farmers living here. It's an area where very few tourists visit. Experience making a local delicacy like Gari or pounding FuFu. Visit the local chop bar where people of the community go to have a drink, meet up, and socialize. Ghana is the world's second largest exporter of cocoa and during your visit a farmer will talk the group through the entire process from planting to harvesting. It's a truly unique and immersive experience for travellers hoping to connect on a deeper level with the local village community.Accommodation - Ankasa Reserve Lodge
Day 14: Ankasa/Brenu Achinum
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Please note, there will be a stop for lunch on your own en route to break up the journey.Free_time - Enjoy free time to relax in a beautiful beachfront setting.Accommodation - Brenu Beach Lodge
Day 15: Brenu Achinum/Accra
Travel back to Accra. Along the way make a stop in Elmina to visit the Castle of St. George, dating back to 1482. Afterwards, visit the local fishing market and walk a short distance to visit the boat builders of this coastal community. The design of these boats has not changed in centuries nor have the methods or tools used to build them. Lunch will be had on your own in Anomabo. Arrive in Accra by early afternoon and pay a visit to the final resting place of Ghana's founder, Kwame Nkrumah, and delve into his incredible life and efforts to liberate this country. Transfer to the hotel from here and enjoy free time to relax or wander around the city before an included group dinner tonight at one of the most popular restaurants in Accra. Choose to return to the hotel after or head out to experience Ghana's nightlife.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the way in Elmina and in another town for lunch on your own before arriving in Accra.Activity - As the group returns to Accra there will be a stop in the fishing town of Elmina, which has hardly changed since the colonial days. During the group's time here you will visit the Castle of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest surviving colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, dating back to 1482. The castle played a prominent part during the tragic, transatlantic slave trade era and houses an informative museum which showcases the area's history. Afterwards, stop by the local fishing market and walk a short distance to visit the boat builders in this community. Almost all are traditional wooden boats made using designs, methods, and tools that have not changed for centuries. Take in the sight of these colourful fishing boats and watch as the daily catch is brought in.Activity - Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, located in downtown Accra. The location is the final resting place of Ghana's founder and first president. The museum was created in his honour and contains photographs, artifacts, and important insight into this incredible human's life. The centre was designed by a Ghanaian architect and was built using Italian marble.Free_time - After an included dinner at a local favorite restaurant, spend a free evening exploring more of Accra on your own with suggestions from your CEO.Accommodation - Urbano Hotel
Day 16: Accra/Lomé
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Accra and Lomé.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Free_time - Spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Opt to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on the property and rest up after a successful arrival to Togo.Accommodation - ONOMO Hotel Lome
Day 17: Lomé/Kpalimé
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Grand Marché, also known as Big Market, is one of the must-see highlights while in Lomé. Become easily immersed in daily local life and explore this outdoor market with your CEO. Initially, it may seem chaotic, but there is an orderliness amid the hectic pace that will surprise you. The surrounding streets overflow with vendors selling everything imaginable. Your senses will rush into overdrive, but it's a worthwhile experience at one of the most vibrant markets in all of West Africa. The Sacred Heart or German Cathedral is located next to the market and you'll visit here to learn more about the history of this imposing piece of Gothic architecture built in 1905, even stepping inside to admire its beauty. If one of the religious leaders is available the group will have the chance to meet them and ask a few questions.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Lomé and the community of Atitovou.Activity - Togolese people are passionate about preserving their culture and history, and you'll see evidence of this today when you meet the people of Atitovou, whose community has been weaving traditional Kente cloth for centuries. Take a walk past their family homes and witness weavers, who are mainly men, creating beautiful traditional cloth using looms and methods that have been passed down through generations. The group will sit down briefly with one of the local families and learn how weaving still benefits the community as their main source of income. You'll be shown the entire process and will even have the chance to try weaving yourself. The different designs of the cloth all have traditional meanings which will be explained during your time here. Should you wish to further support this thriving community, you will be able to purchase your own Kente cloth during your visit.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a visit to the beautiful landscape of Mount Kloto and stretch those legs on a short hike here. A great way to become immersed in life within the rural mountains of Togo, this area offers dense forest trails, cascading waterfalls and over 500 different species of butterflies. Your local guide will identify the different medicinal plants found here and explain the ways in which the nearby communities use them. Keep searching for the colourful butterflies and enjoy stunning views across this unique habitat.Free_time - Enjoy a free evening at your leisure back at the hotel.Accommodation - Hotel Parc Residence
Day 18: Kpalimé/Sokodé
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be stops along the way to break up the journey between Kpalimé and Sokodé.Activity - During today's long journey there will be a stop along the way to the markets in Atakpame offering a glimpse at life in the more rural village settings of Togo. Here you'll find a vibrant hub of social interaction and cultural exchange, offering unique souvenirs, fresh produce, and a chance to experience the local culture firsthand. These markets are vital trading points for subsistence farmers and other traders selling items like yams, plantain, fruit and vegetables grown on their farms, to clothes, local herbs, medicines and electrical goods. As the group explore the market you'll gain a sense of its crucial importance to the region and daily life compared to the more populated cities in the south.Activity - Experience a key aspect of Togo's cultural identity during the Sokodé Horse Dance that showcases equestrian traditions with horse races, dances, and parades. This beautiful event dates back centuries and is seldom experienced by many outsiders. The community will gather together and the excitement builds as the horsemen arrive. It's known that only the finest warriors can parade and dance with their horses during this energetic performance. It's a time to showcase triumphs over enemies and honour the community's forefathers. It's a passionate displace of locals preserving their culture and getting to witness this side by side with them will be a true privilege and a lasting memory for even the most seasoned of travellers.Activity - Get ready to experience the epic and ancient fire dance, traditionally performed at festivals and on special occasions in this remote northern part of Togo. Leave the hotel as the sun sets and set off on the short 30 minute journey to a local market where locals have gathered around a fire. The fire has ben set in anticipation of the arrival of the spiritually powerful men from within this rural community who wish to showcase their strength. Mingle with the locals and take your places around the flames to witness this unique and important part of their culture. Watch as the community members dance to the rhythm of the drums and use their spiritually gifted steps to stand, eat, and lay in the fire. This experience offers fabulous insight into an ancient ritual and the importance of cultural preservation for future generations.Accommodation - Nassam's Hôtel
Day 19: Sokodé/Natitingou
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Start the morning with a visit to the Fugu weavers of Bafilo. This traditional cloth in northern Togo differs from the Kente cloth which originates from the southern parts of the country. The group will be greeted by one of the resident families in the community that have been weaving Fugu for generations. Enjoy a demonstration of this skilled process and watch the effort it takes to create these many beautiful designs. The different style, colour, and designs are unique to this region and here is a great place to support the culture of the local community and purchase some of the traditional cloth for yourself.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Venture to further remote parts of Togo to a community that still practices the ancient and traditional method of iron smelting. Visit a local family here and watch as they go through the process of making iron products, something that has been part of their daily life for generations. The techniques have not changed and the group will witness the entire process from ground extraction to the making of the iron tools. Observe the how harsh conditions can be while they work and gain an authentic immersion in local life as you hear about daily routines here amid the villagers.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - In the afternoon experience the seldom visited Koutammakou. This unique wonder has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most stunning African landscapes. Take in the beautiful changing scenery, local villages, and people assuming their daily tasks. Quality time will be dedicated to interacting with and learning from the locals of this ancient community. You'll visit their traditional homesteads and learn what it's like to live in these unique structures. The mud houses, known as Takienta are home to the local Batammariba community. They are only found in this region of West Africa and they reflect the social structure of the community as well as their traditional spiritual beliefs of Voodoo. You'll gather with locals while here and learn more about their history, customs, and how they conduct special occasions like weddings, naming ceremonies, and yearly festivals. It's the perfect afternoon stop with the people of this rural community while travelling to Benin.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a border crossing into Benin along this route.Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Accommodation - Hôtel Totora
Day 20: Natitingou
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery as the group drives around to important sites and villages within the Natitingou area. The max drive time today will not be more than 2hrs total and it's broken up throughout the stops.Activity - This morning you'll have the rare privilege to visit a local Fulani village and gain insight into the lives of these normally nomadic people. Fulani communities are seldom visited and the local culture differs greatly from other parts of Benin. Meet one of the resident families and spend the morning listening to how they came to settle here and tour their homesteads to learn more about the family structure and roles divided between women and men. You'll also witness some local cheese making for a full sense of daily life in this remote community.Activity - Head to a Tata Somba village and meet the Tata Somba and Ditamari people who live in this region of northwest Benin. The locals here still live in their traditional homesteads that have bnot changed in centuries. Entire families have remained in these remarkable buildings that were built as fortresses to keep out intruders and wild animals. During your time here, you'll meet the locals and learn more about their daily life away from the pressures of modern society. Walk through the village and observe traditional body scaring on the village inhabitants. This practice has long been the way in which the markings represent which tribe the individual belongs to. Additional scarring is given later in life to indicate readiness for marriage, reaching puberty, and after childbirth.Activity - The group will walk a short distance to visit a local family that produces organic shea butter. The head of the family will greet you before taking everyone to where they process the shea nuts. Meet other family members and be welcomed into their home. The local shea nut trees are traditionally used for many different things in this regions from cooking oil to body cream, hair cream, and healing cuts or reducing scarring. Learn about the entire process from harvesting to producing the butter and extracting the oil. This tree is an important source of income for so many people in this area and your quality time here will showcase that sentiment within the village.Activity - After a day spent immersed in the incredible cultures of this region, the group will pay a visit to the Regional Museum to add more perspectives and knowledge regarding the history, traditions, and life of the Somba people that reside in this area. You'll find an abundance of artifacts like jewelry and musical instruments that provide a deeper understanding of the tangible culture and traditions you observed today.Accommodation - Hôtel Totora
Day 21: Natitingou/Savalou
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - In the morning the group will visit the community of Teneka Beri in the mountains of Benin. The locals here practice the animist religion, in which it is believed that everything has a soul. Their customs and traditions remain strong today and during your visit you'll gain further insight into daily life here. Spend time at a family homestead and meet one of the spiritual leaders within the community. Pass by their traditional shrines and learn how these remote settlements migrated here several hundred years ago while trying to escape slave raiders in the southern part of Benin. Enjoy the surrounding mountainous landscape and the natural beauty of this area few travellers ever reach.Activity - Enjoy an afternoon visit to the sacred village of the Dankoli and the Dankoli Shrine. It's believed this site is the most powerful of all shrines in Benin and people travel from all over West Africa to speak directly with the Gods of the Dankoli Shrine seeking guidance and help for personal life. Locals must return with their promised sacrificial offering once the Gods have answered their prayers. Take in the enormity of this spiritual place, and learn a bit of the shrine's history and importance within society.Transport - Settle in and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle during today's journey. There will be a few different stops along the way to break up the length of the drive.Accommodation - Hotel F&F Savalou
Day 22: Savalou/Ouidah
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be various stops along the way to break up the long drive between Savalou and Ouidah.Activity - In Cove the group will witness the excitement and spiritual performance of the Gelede Masked Dance. After being welcomed by the local community by the vehicle. the group will walk with everyone to an open area outside one of the family compounds. Here, elders and traditional leaders will be present and as custom, you will great them before being seated. Here, the Yoruba and Nago people migrated from Nigeria several centuries ago. Everyone gathers and the drums start their rhythmic tune before the unforgettable performance begins. The masked dance is a celebration of all mothers and elderly women in the community and especially the Great Mother known as lya Nia in the Yoruba religion. Simply enjoy being in the moment and witness the heart of this culture, their important traditions in the region, and the respect they have for the women in their community.Activity - Right before reaching the town of Abomey for lunch, the group will visit the recently discovered underground dwellings of Agongointo-Zoungoudojusta. In 1998 they were found during road construction in the area and are believed to date back to the 16th century during the reign of King Dakodonou. It's believed there are several hundred of these built 10 metres underground, and the locals used them as homes in order to find protection from slave raiders and tribal conflict. Explore some of the discovered dwellings during your time here and listen as a local expert discussed the history of the area.Activity - The Royal Palace is currently under renovation so the group will enjoy a brief visit to one of the private palaces in the local area. The structures are built in the same style as the Royal Palace and a representative of the property will share the local history, customs, and various traditions as you walk through the palace. Then, it's onward to the Chameleon Temple. Here, you'll learn about the interesting history of Vodun, and the sanctuary with its unique shape of a giant chameleon to symbolize adaptability and patience in the local culture. It is also a place of worship for followers of the Tohouiyo divinity.Accommodation - La Casa Del Papa
Day 23: Ouidah
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a special visit to Ganvie, dubbed the Venice of West Africa. An ancient community of over 30,000 people all living in structures built on stilts over Lake Nokoue. Established in the 16th century by the Tofinu people who were fleeing from slave raiders. Meet your wooden boat at one of the jetties and watch as other locals move about the water in their boats trying to collect goods while the fishermen continue to reel in their daily catch. Ganvie is the largest community living on water in western Africa. Tour the community by boat before heading to one of the structures on dry land. Here, experience the powerful Kokou Ceremony. It's one of the most powerful ceremonies in which the local spirits are said to take over its followers, who typically fall into a deep trance-like state during the festivities. A truly unique encounters with the local population in a very unique place within Benin.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ouidah is regarded as the Voodoo center of West Africa. It was once the only port in the country and so this is where enslaved Africas were shipped from. Most of them were shipped to Brazil, Haiti, and the Caribbean Islands. This is why there is such a strong Voodoo presence in these parts of the world. It's estimated that more than 75% of the population of Benin still actively practice the religion. The annual festival serves as a public holiday un the country and is celebrated on the 10th of January each year. Visit one of the communities around Ouidah to experience it for yourself. Community members will be gathering in anticipation Zangbeto arriving. They are traditional Voodoo guardians of the night. Over the next hour you will be immersed in the culture and history of the local people, heir community, and their spirituality.Accommodation - La Casa Del Papa
Day 24: Ouidah/Cotonou
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a half hour visit to the 30m Amazone Statue in Cotonou. This statue honours the female warriors of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey. Walk around the square, take in daily life, and listen as your CEO discusses the history of this impressive structure.Activity - Walk along the graffiti mural in Cotonou that holds the record for the longest graffiti wall in the world. The art here celebrates the Dahomey Kingdom and offers some beautiful pieces of art as the group strolls along the wall's 940m. Gain a true sense of the city's daily atmosphere and enjoy the colourful depictions before you.Activity - Enjoy time to stroll through the Grand Marché du Dantokpa, one of West Africa's largest outdoor markets coming in with an area of over 20 hectares. Your walking tour allows you to witness the day to day experiences of the traders here and gives the chance to see just how much is sold here. The wax print section of the market is a must for anyone looking for fabric souvenirs from your time in Benin. As a major contributor to the country's economy, this market stands as a testament to the importance of community and coming together to share different goods and services. Through the labyrinthine streets there is also the Fetish Market selling anything associated with Voodoo and a memorable area to walk through.Free_time - Spend a slow free morning in Ouidah. Have breakfast at your leisure and maybe choose to enjoy the hotel pool before embarking on your drive to Cotonou, Benin's largest city.Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
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- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
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 will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
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.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
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.
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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.
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From
AUD $10599
Duration: 24 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Average
For the ultimate adventure seeker, this is the journey you’ve been waiting for. Over 24 unforgettable days, dive deep into the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Ghana, Benin, and Togo with an expert G Adventures CEO leading the way.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 21 Apr 2026
Tour Operator
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
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