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From Palm-fringed Beaches to the Edge of the Desert - a Tour to Ghana - Burkina Faso
Our West Africa trip through Ghana and Burkina Faso takes you from the palm-fringed beaches of the Atlantic Ocean to the “shore” of the desert, which is the “Sahel”. On our 16-day-tour you will experience the subcontinent from the slave castles of the Gold Coast to the mysterious ancient empires of the Mossi and the impressive residence of the Moro Naba
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| Sudanese style mosque at Bobo Dioulasso | |
Our West Africa trip offers a surprisingly immense diversity of impressions:
Experience century-old cultures and traditions alongside with modern African capitals. Compare the lifestyle of the sedentary farmers and fishermen on the tropical Atlantic coast with the daily life of the semi-nomadic Fulani tribe in the Southern Sahel zone. Discover the dry savannah with its majestic baobabs and green mango trees prevailing in Burkina Faso and the north of Ghana, as well as the unique giant mahogany of the rainforest in the south of Ghana. See how Islam and Christianity influence the tribal groups who at the same time have preserved their local religions and spiritual beliefs. Come with us to a subcontinent full of vivid contrasts!
Despite all the differences within African culture and nature there are similarities which strengthen the bond between the ethnic groups. Vibrant colourful markets with business-minded vendors, drum rhythms, traditional musicians and mysterious shamans, healers and griots act as social magnets, uniting people. Therefore bustling markets, mystical ceremonies and dances are an important part of our programme. White tropical beaches on Ghana’s Gold Coast, the abundant wildlife of Mole National Park, the breath-taking experience of exploring the rainforest in Kakum National Park, historical highlights such as Elmina and Cape Coast complete our unforgettable journey through West Africa.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP
| Aburi |
Botanical garden and history of cocoa |
| Akosombo |
Giant dam and idyllic boat ride along the River Volta |
| Accra |
Between tradition and modern lifestyle |
| Cape Coast and Elmina |
Slave castles and tropical palm-lined beaches |
| Kakum |
Awesome walk through treetops |
| Lake Bosumtwi |
Sacred lake of Ashanti gods |
| Kumasi |
Ghana‘s cultural centre |
| Mole |
Foot safaris in search of elephant |
| Lobi Country |
Fortress-like houses and fetish cult |
| Bobo Dioulasso |
Sudanese-style mosque and art craft |
| Ouagadougou |
Africa’s film capital |
| Manega |
Unique museum |
| Tiébélé |
Colourful houses of Kassena country |
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Itinerary:
Day 1, Monday, Arrival at Accra – drive to Aburi
Our tour guide welcomes you at Kotaka International Airport in Accra. After customs formalities one hour drive to Aburi.(32 km) On arrival at your hotel you’ll get detailed information about your trip.
(-/-), overnight at Aburi
Day 2, Tuesday, Aburi – Akosombo – Aburi
After breakfast we will make a nice day trip to Akosombo. Our journey takes us through the fascinating scenery of the Akwapim Hills. In the Botanical Garden of Aburi you will become acquainted with plants and trees from Ghana and from other tropical countries. At Mampong we’ll visit Ghana’s oldest cocoa farm founded by Tetteh Quarshie. Later we’ll arrive in Akosombo where we see the giant Akosombo dam. After a one-hour boat ride on the Volta River we will return to Aburi. (150 km)
(B/D), overnight at Aburi
Day 3, Wednesday, Aburi – Accra – Anomabo Beach
Our drive today takes us first to Accra. During a three-hour city-tour we’ll visit the most important sites of Ghana’s capital, such as Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial, Ussher Fort and James Town. Later you’ll have time to visit the National Museum. After the visit we continue to our overnight stop at Anomabo where we stay at a resort strung out along a palm-lined beach (210 km)
(B/D), overnight at Anomabo Beach
Day 4, Thursday, Anomabo - Elmina
This morning we continue our journey to Elmina where we’ll visit Elmina Castle, the oldest fortress on the Gold Coast. After the guided tour you’ll have time at your leisure to continue your city tour. You can explore the bustling fish market, a ship wharf and a Posuban shrine. Take a stroll to the town’s second fortress São Jago da Mina, located on a nearby hill. From here you’ll have a stunning view over the picturesque fishing harbour, the impressive Elmina Castle and the deep blue ocean. You also have the opportunity to relax on the beach or at the hotel’s pool. (30 km)
(B/D), overnight at Elmina
Day 5, Friday, Elmina – Kakum – Cape Coast - Elmina
Today we head inland to visit Kakum National Park. There is a unique canopy walkway which offers a rare opportunity to see the forest at the canopy level (optional). Those with a bad head for heights can take a walk through the park accompanied by an experienced guide who will explain you the medical or economical use of the local plants and trees. Later we continue back to the coast to Cape Coast, where we’ll explore the famous slave castle and learn more about the history of this area. (210 km)
(B/D), overnight at Elmina
Day 6, Saturday, Elmina - Lake Bosumtwi
Leaving the coast we continue north through a lush forested landscape to the crater Lake Bosumtwi, where you can have a swim in the lake’s crystal-clear water. In the afternoon you will have free time to enjoy the lake and to walk along the shore. (190 km)
(B/D), overnight at Abono
Day 7, Sunday, Lake Bosumtwi - Kumasi
From Lake Bosumtwi we continue to Kumasi, Ghana’s second largest town right in the heart of the Ashanti Region, which is located only at a one-hour-drive from Abono. On our city tour we’ll first visit the National Cultural Centre with an excellent craft market and Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, offering a good overview of Ashanti history. We’ll spend some time in the Manhyia Palace, which is the residence of the Asantehane, If we are at Kumasi on an Adae festival day we will visit this event, when the Asantehene receives homage from his subjects. (60 km)
(B/D), overnight at Kumasi
Day 8, Monday, Kumasi - Boabeng-Fiama Monkey Sanctuary - Techiman
This morning we’ll explore Kejetia market, the largest open air market in West Africa. Don’t get lost in the labyrinthine narrow alleys of the market! Later today we head north to Boabeng-Fiama Monkey Sanctuary which is home to the rare mona monkey and the black-and-white colobus monkey. After the visit we continue to our overnight stop at Techiman. (210 km)
(B/D), overnight at Techiman
Day 9, Tuesday, Techiman – Mole National Park
Today we make a long drive to Mole National Park. The tropical rainforest gives way to dry savannah grasslands. We stop to visit the Kintampo Falls. On our way to the National Park we cross the Black Volta, one of the rivers forming Ghana’s longest stream, the Volta River. Later a dirt road takes us to Mole National Park. On arrival you have the opportunity to take a first foot safari (optional). (280 km)
(B/D), overnight at Mole
Day 10, Wednesday, Mole National Park
You’d like to get a nice photograph of you with an elephant? This is possible today. Early in the morning and in the late afternoon we’ll go on a game drive or a game walk in the park. Accompanied by an experienced ranger we’ll watch animals in their natural habitat. The Mole National Park is home to elephant, several species of antelope, warthog, baboon and even lion and leopard. It is also an ideal place for bird lovers.
(B/D), overnight at Mole
Day 11, Thursday, Mole National Park –Wa
This morning you have one more opportunity to go on a game walk (optional) in Mole National Park. After breakfast we continue our trip. Leaving Mole National Park we will stop to visit the Larabanga mosque which is reputedly the oldest building in Ghana. In the early afternoon we reach Wa, capital of the Upper West region. Later we go on a city tour to visit this lovely town in the north west of Ghana which has once been a resting place for camel caravans from the Sahara desert. We see the king’s palace and the old mosque of Wa, both erected in the west Sudanese architectural style. (180 km)
(B/D), overnight at Wa
Day 12, Friday, Wa – Bobo Dioulasso
Today we leave Ghana and cross the border into Burkina Faso at Hamile. After customs formalities we reach the land of the Lobi where we become acquainted with their culture and traditions. They still adhere to many of their traditional lifestyle and animist practices, continuing to uphold their age-old beliefs. They live in fortress-like mud-brick buildings. Towards evening we’ll arrive at Burkina Faso‘s second largest town and capital of music. This evening there will be the opportunity to visit a musical event or concert. (335 km)
(B/D), overnight at Bobo Dioulasso
Day 13, Wednesday, Bobo Dioulasso
This morning we go on a city tour in Bobo Dioulasso. We visit the Grand Mosque, the oldest mosque in Burkina Faso built in Sudanese architectural style. We also wander through the old town of Bobo Dioulasso, consisting of four different quarters and walk through the modern part of the town. We visit the bustling market and the catholic cathedral and end our tour at the colonial-style train station. This afternoon is left free to relax or go for shopping. There is an optional tour to the village of Koro
(B/D), overnight at Bobo Dioulasso
Day 14, Thursday, Bobo Dioulasso - Ouagadougou
This morning we continue to the Burkina capital of Ouagadougou. On our way to Ouaga we stop at Sabou to see the sacred crocodiles. Later today we head north to visit the museum of Manega, located around 50 km from Ouagadougou, one of the best museums in Burkina Faso. (470 km)
(B/D) overnight at Ouagadougou
Day 15, Friday, Ouagadougou – excursion to Tiebele
This day we make a tour to Tiébélé, the best place to see well-preserved Kassena houses. We visit the Royal Court which contains a lot of beautifully decorated dwellings. Later this afternoon we return to Ouagadougou. (330 km)
(B/D) overnight at Ouagadougou
Day 16, Tuesday, Ouagadougou – flight to Europe
Our final day sees us visiting the capital city of Burkina Faso. We take a tour to explore the town. We visit the distinctive cathedral, a traditional bronze workshop and the Village Artisanal, an artisan centre on the outskirts of the city, dedicated to the skill and artistry of hundreds of local craftsmen. This evening our tour ends. You will have the use of two day rooms until the transfer to the airport for the flight home. (40 km)
(B), 2 day rooms at Ouagadougou
Please note that from time to time our itineraries may be amended.
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