Ghana: Beaches & Breathtaking Coastlines

Arrive at any time. Your transfer to the hotel is included as part of your tour. Upon arrival take some time to get settled and opt to have dinner at the onsite restaurant, or your CEO can recommend some local options for you. The adventure begins tomorrow. Stay: Urbano Hotel

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this morning with your CEO before transferring to Cape Coast, the capital of the Central Region in southern Ghana, and known for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Have lunch on your own at a friendly, fresh, and local spot before exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cape Coast Castle. This emotional experience is extremely important in understanding the recent history of Ghana. Spend the remainder of the afternoon immersing yourself in the true African art of traditional batik making at a workshop led by Global Mamas. This organization works hard to empower local women to hone their artistic skills and enter the fair-trade market, thus enabling them to support their families. Later, transfer to your beach front accommodation in Elmina where you will have free time to relax and explore the area on your own. Stay: Lemon Beach Resort (B)

Set off for the spectacular scenery and fascinating wildlife of Kakum National Park, tucked away in the Assin Attandansco Reserve. The park’s best-known feature is its Canopy Walkway made up of 7 suspension bridges that stretch high about the forest floor, and are over 300 years old. Marvel at the outstanding views spanning for miles across this tropical guinea rainforest, and search for unique plants and animals as you walk through. Afterwards, visit the nearby Stingless Bees project to take a tour of the centre where you will learn about the incredible importance of these different species, and how they provide for our ecosystem in a myriad of ways. Then, sit down for a delicious vegetarian lunch at a local community organization that works to provide resources for children who have left school, so they will have the hope of a better future. Finish off the day with a brief walking tour of Cape Coast town before heading back to the accommodations in Elmina, where the group will join one of the best local drumming and dance teachers for a lesson and performance with the traditional Djembe drum. Stay: Lemon Beach Resort (B/L)

After breakfast the group will transfer to Beyin, a coastal village notable for its beautiful beaches, historic fort castle, and serving as a museum of Nzema culture. In the afternoon, set off 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 some 600 years ago after being driven from their homes during conflict. It’s said a snail led them to this remote location where they would be safe. This shelled creature is now sacred to the people here and is not eaten as in other parts of Ghana. Later, travel to Ankasa Reserve Lodge, located in Ghana’s finest remaining rainforest habitat and responsible for protecting many endangered mammals. Enjoy time to settle in at the lodge and relax before dinner. There will be an optional night walk through the forest for anyone looking for a little more adventure after an otherwise long day. Stay: Ankasa Reserve Lodge (B/D)

Enjoy a beautiful morning in this wonderful forest environment and head to the stunning Bamboo Cathedral, where the stalks bend towards each other above the road forming tall arcs. Located about 9km into the forest from the main gate, there are two ways to get here. The first is by mountain bikes or you can choose to ride in a 4x4 vehicle. Learn about the plant and animal life from your CEO and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this remote location. Return to the lodge for an included lunch before visiting the Ankasa Village and community. Their remote community is made up mainly of 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. Spend time with the farmers that live here and learn more about their local customs, even trying a delicacy like Gari, or pounding FuFu. Arrive back to the lodge in the evening for an included dinner and free time. An optional night walk is available for those looking for a more active evening amid nocturnal nature. Stay: Ankasa Reserve Lodge (B/L/D)

Travel to Brenu Akyinim with its scenic beaches and serene lagoon nearby. Upon arrival the group will board kayaks and finish the journey to the beach resort by paddling through the coastal lagoon. Explore as much as you, enjoy the bird life, and witness locals from the nearby fishing village work to collect their daily catch. Finish the journey with a half hour walk through the community of Brenu Akyinim to your accommodation. A wonderful way to cap off the day as the golden light of sunset illuminates the gorgeous Gold Coast of West Africa. The remainder of the day features time to relax in the beach-front setting before an included dinner overlooking the water. Stay: Brenu Beach Lodge (B/D)

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. Stay: Urbano Hotel (B/D)

The morning begins with a group visit to 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 the many different designs and learn about Ghana’s lively funerary practices. Then, transfer to the historical community of Jamestown for a walking tour through the structures that predate the Colonial era, and gain a true picture of old Accra with its many European influences. Follow this up with afternoon visits to the Artist Alliance Gallery and Makola Market, both fantastic places to experience and purchase traditional art and artifacts to bring home with you if desired. Today’s final stop is Black Star Gate and the main ceremony grounds of Independence Square to learn about Ghana’s journey towards liberation from British rule. Attend a farewell lunch in the late afternoon before the group heads together to the Accra airport where your tour comes to an end. (B/L)