Travel to Ghana : the Ashanti festival !
11 to 23 October 2023
Ghana is one of the most beautiful but also one of the most varied countries in Africa. There is a wide variety of landscapes and cultures. On this tour we visit the famous slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina, the stilt houses in Nzulezu and we walk on the suspension bridges above the rainforest of Kakum. We get to know the rich history of the Ashantis and visit Boabeng, the village with the sacred monkeys.
We make a journey throughout the country, culminating in the swirling festival of the Ashanti king!
- Tour
- Itinerary
- Hotels
- Info
- Prices
- Pictures
We see all of Ghana :
- Flight to Accra
- Domestic flight to Tamale - Larabanga
- Wildlife safari
- Boabeng monkey sanctuary - African cooking
- Akwasidae - Feast of the Ashanti king
- Bobiri Forest Reserve.
- Elmina castle and fishing village.
- Kakum - Suspension bridges over the rainforest
- Cape Coast slave castle
- Busua.
- Boat trip at sea - Dixcove Castle
- Butre - canoe trip
- Departure to Accra - return flight
Day by day - tour in Ghana
- Arrival in Accra, the capital of Ghana. You will be picked up at the airport and taken to a good hotel.
- We take the domestic flight to Tamale, in the north of the country. This is where the journey really begins! Here we are close to the Mole National Park. We first visit the village of Larabanga. We see the oldest mosque in West Africa. We visit the mosque and we have time for a chat with the villagers. We can also visit the Peuls. The Peuls are nomads who travel through West Africa with their herds. Most of them still live very traditional.
- Mole National Park is Ghana's premier wildlife park. It is best known for its elephants. In addition, there are also many other animals to see, such as antelopes, monkeys, crocodiles and many species of birds. We get up early and make a safari with a jeep. After this we can refresh ourselves at the Kintampo waterfall. We spend the night in Techiman.
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In Boabeng the monkeys are sacred animals. They are welcomed in the kitchens of the houses where they come to get food. Two types of monkeys live in and around Boabeng: the Mona, which is the least shy and likes to be in contact with people, and the black and white Colobus, which tends to stay high in the treetops. We take a fascinating walk through the village with a nature guide and also learn a lot about nature.
Here we also learn African cooking. We prepare the typical dish “fufu”. That is a kind of stew with cassava, bananas, chicken and vegetables. Together with the local cook we prepare a delicious meal.
We pay a visit to the aid organization Hand in Hand in Nkoranza. This organization, led by a Dutch doctor, provides shelter and care to disabled children from all over Ghana. We visit the residence and the workshops where jewelry and souvenirs are made, to help finance the organization. We spend the night in Techiman again. - The Akwasidae festival! Today we have an appointment with the Ashanti king in Kumasi! The Ashanti are a people known for their colorful traditions. The king of the Ashanti is the ceremonial leader. He in turn rules over the many local chiefs in Ghana. Today we can enter the palace in Kumasi, where the chiefs come to greet him. This is a unique event with lots of music and colorful costumes. In the palace museum we are further initiated into the Ashanti culture. We spend the night in a nice hotel in Kumasi.
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In Adanmowase we visit a workshop where the famous kente is woven. Kente is a special fabric that is woven by men on a specially built loom. The colors and patterns they weave into the fabric all have a symbolic meaning. The profession of kente weaver is therefore highly regarded. Weaving the many intricate patterns requires a high degree of specialization. The strips of fabric are sewn together into a rectangular piece, which is worn as clothing. Many Ghanaians see these dresses as national wear for solemn occasions. We learn to weave kente ourselves.
We visit the forest and butterfly reserve in Bobiri. We take a nice walk through the forest and learn a lot about the trees and plants. We spend the night in the beautiful guesthouse, in the middle of the forest. - We drive Elmina and see the busy fishing port and castle. Elmina Castle , built by the Portuguese in 1482 and later taken over by the Dutch, is the oldest European building in Africa. We spend the night in a nice hotel on the beach.
- In the nature park of Kakum we take a walk on the suspension bridges. The suspension bridges are attached to the tallest trees and we see the lush rainforest from above.
- We visit Cape Coast , the former colonial capital. Here we visit the castle, originally built by the Swedes and later taken by the British. We see the silent witnesses of the slave trade, in which millions of Africans were shipped to America. These castles are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- We continue to Busua, a pretty fishing village. We stay on the beach again.
- We sail out to sea in a canoe, to a beautiful island nearby. We also visit the Fort Metal Cross in Dixcove.
- We take a nice walk along the beach and through the forest to the village of Butre. Here we also make a boat trip on the river. We see the mangroves, trees that stand on the border of land and water and form a shelter for many birds, fish, shellfish and amphibians. We may also see crocodiles.
- Return drive to Accra. In Accra we visit the famous coffin makers , who make coffins in many shapes: in a fish for a fisherman, a car for a taxi driver, in an airplane, a beer bottle, a pineapple, etc., according to the preference or profession of the deceased . Flight back.
Hotels - trip to Ghana
This region is not known for its luxury hotels. Nevertheless, we strive to offer the most comfortable accommodation possible. In most cases this means a tidy room with air conditioning. However, it is inevitable that some less comfort is available in remote places. However, this is compensated by the beautiful surroundings and the warm welcome. It may exceptionally happen that one of the listed hotels is not available. Then you will spend the night in a similar hotel.
Here is a selection of hotels for this trip :
Paloma Hotel | Accra A/C
After the flight we are immediately in a nice hotel. There is a good and cozy restaurant. We enjoy every comfort and a very good breakfast before taking the domestic flight the next day.
Forest Lodge | Bobiri
The Forest Lodge is an oasis of peace, in the middle of the forest, with a very warm welcome. We sleep in very nicely decorated rooms.
Mole hotel | Mole Park A/C
This hotel is located on a hill above a small lake. From the terrace we can see the elephants bathing.
Ko-Sa Beach Resort | Elmina A/C
This is a very nice hotel on the beach, run by Dutch people. The good cuisine is known for its fish dishes. We can see the fishermen at work nearby as they haul in the nets.
Ahanta Eco Lodge | Busua
This little paradise is located on the lagoon, in the middle of the coconut palms. It is always pleasant to stay there. The kitchen is very good.
Info - travel to Ghana
Data : 11 tot 23 October 2023 (13 days)
Groep : 4 to 12 persons
Meals : as for mmeals, we strive to offer the best possible quality. In the larger cities we can eat in the better restaurants. In smaller places the choice is more limited. Yet tasty food can be eaten everywhere, without fear of contamination. Along the coast we find delicious fish or lobster. African cuisine is little known, but certainly not to be sneezed at. Tap water cannot always be trusted, but bottled water, beer and soft drinks can be bought everywhere. A budget of approx. €20 per day can suffice for meals.
Transport : the transport is done with a private minibus or 4x4 car.
Language : in Ghana, English is the official language. In addition, several African languages are also spoken.
Documents : for Ghana you need a valid travel pass and a visa. The travel pass must still be valid for 6 months after the end of the trip. We are happy to help you obtain the visa.
Condition : anyone in normal condition can make the trip. Many travelers are over the age of 60. If you are less mobile, we can certainly take that into account.
Health : A vaccination against yellow fever and against covid-19 is mandatory. You can get those for yellow fever in one of the vaccination centers. There you can also obtain the necessary information about any other vaccinations and malaria prevention. If you have a medical problem, it is best to inform us before the start of the trip, so that we can take this into account as well as possible.
Money : in Ghana the currency is the Cedi. 1 € = 13 cedis. You can exchange money or withdraw money with a credit card in most cities. In certain hotels you can also pay by card. However, it is better to bring some cash in euros.
Insurance : A travel insurance is recommended.
Mobile phone and internet : Wi-Fi is available in most hotels. The connection is usually a bit slower. Your mobile subscription normally works almost everywhere in Togo and in Benin. In case of doubt, it is best to contact your provider. If you plan to call or surf a lot, you can buy a SIM card on site. This way you escape the high roaming costs. Whatsapp and other apps will continue to work.
Photo and video: Of course we all like to take some nice pictures while traveling. If you want to take pictures of people, or a busy market or something, a little courtesy works wonders. If you introduce yourself nicely and ask to take a picture, that is usually no problem. What you are NEVER allowed to photograph are police stations, border posts, soldiers and the like.
Prices
Prijzen - Ghana trip
1795 € p/p
Included :
- All land transport
- Hotels
- Domestic flight Accra-Tamale
- Services of the tour guide
- All listed entrance fees and excursions
- Services of local guides
Not included :
- flight to Accra and back
- Drinks
- Other meals
- Visas and vaccinations
- Activities not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs...)
These prices are based on double rooms.
Single supplement : € 475
Why to make this trip?
- Ghana is one of the most diverse countries in Africa.
- We see the spectacular Ashanti festival.
- We discover the "real" Africa.
- Learn to cook African food.
- Safari with many wild animals.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Ghana.
- The slave castles on the coast.
- The beautiful nature of Ghana.
- The beautiful nature of Ghana.
- Lots of contact with the population.
- Captain Africa is de specialist voor west-Afrika
Price : 1795 € p/p (excl. flight)
11 to 23 October 2023
Traveler's reviews
"A big thank you for the nice 2 weeks in which you got to know us in Ghana. We will cherish a lot of beautiful experiences, we will just carry some experiences with us in our thoughts. Visiting the traditional houses of Lobi and Peulh, meeting the friend friendly and enthusiastic residents. First scared and then enjoy the greedy Mona monkeys in Baobeng. Sharing plantain chips, cookies and mango during the sometimes long but pleasant car journeys. Spotting a group of 3 elephants at the fountain just in front of Zaina Lodge in Mole Park. Meet madame Elisabeth who, together with Alexis, prepares a delicious fufu for us. Enthusiastic reception by Dela and other children of Hand in Hand. A calabash Pito, a bottle of Palm wine, a sip of Akpeteshie and many bottles of cola, Gulder, ABC, Star and Club. Enjoy the tranquility of the Bobiri reserve and then also the tranquility and beautiful fishing scenes at Lake Bosumtwi. Get quiet during the tours of the castles of Elmina and Cape Coast. Spotting a lightning-fast monitor lizard in the garden of the Coconut Grove Beach hotel. Hiking between the tops of the trees in Kakum NP. En route, coincidentally witnessing the inauguration of a new chief. Being welcomed enthusiastically and shaking hands with all the great chiefs present. Visit to Castle of Axim, San Antonio, under the sympathetic guidance of toddler Terah and her dad. Walk back to the resort through the fishing village and along the beach. Lots of “Obruni!!” and enthusiastic hand waving. Nice boat trip to the stilt village of Nzulezu. We see difficult living conditions, a very primitive school building, but also enthusiastic boys who enjoy playing ball in the water. We enjoyed our trip, the country, the people, nature and certainly your company." Being welcomed enthusiastically and shaking hands with all the great chiefs present. Visit to Castle of Axim, San Antonio, under the sympathetic guidance of toddler Terah and her dad. Walk back to the resort through the fishing village and along the beach. Lots of “Obruni!!” and enthusiastic hand waving. Nice boat trip to the stilt village of Nzulezu. We see difficult living conditions, a very primitive school building, but also enthusiastic boys who enjoy playing ball in the water. We enjoyed our trip, the country, the people, nature and certainly your company." Being welcomed enthusiastically and shaking hands with all the great chiefs present. Visit to Castle of Axim, San Antonio, under the sympathetic guidance of toddler Terah and her dad. Walk back to the resort through the fishing village and along the beach. Lots of “Obruni!!” and enthusiastic hand waving. Nice boat trip to the stilt village of Nzulezu. We see difficult living conditions, a very primitive school building, but also enthusiastic boys who enjoy playing ball in the water. We enjoyed our trip, the country, the people, nature and certainly your company." Nice boat trip to the stilt village of Nzulezu. We see difficult living conditions, a very primitive school building, but also enthusiastic boys who enjoy playing ball in the water. We enjoyed our trip, the country, the people, nature and certainly your company." Nice boat trip to the stilt village of Nzulezu. We see difficult living conditions, a very primitive school building, but also enthusiastic boys who enjoy playing ball in the water. We enjoyed our trip, the country, the people, nature and certainly your company."
Johan and Margot"We wanted to get to know the real black Africa and we certainly achieved this with Captain Africa, through the many contacts with its friendly people and its beautiful nature. Since these countries are not yet overrun by tourism, people react very spontaneously. We had a great group of 6 and the trips on the African slopes with Captain Africa as an experienced travel guide were always an adventure! We enjoyed it."
Yvan and Christel Bourdeau
Travellers' reviews
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