Penguin Travel

Horrible rituals, sinister spells, frightening images… The film industry and hearings have lent the voodoo religion satanic reputation of black and evil magic. Although, there is a grain of truth in this concept, this popular image misrepresents the meaning of an ancient religion. If you wish to immerse in the real atmosphere of voodoo society, to explore the roofs of this unique concept of the world, to become a witness of the traditional voodoo practices, follow us towards the place where this cult lives its daily, genuine life – Ghana, Togo and Benin in Western Africa! The choice of the destination is not casual – from here the galleys with slaves started, taking with them in the stuffed holds invisible contraband goods – their voodoo beliefs.
Besides seaside colonial fortresses having served as starting points in the slave trade and attendance of local voodoo rituals and fire dances, the tour offers also walks in the capitals of these three countries as well as in their much more curios countryside – villages with traditional African architecture, national parks, sailing along Volta River and the unique Abomey Palace – the centre of the legendary kingdom of Dahomey!
Ghana, Togo and Benin – a colourful African palette with plenty of sun and spirit!
 

 

Departure dates:
17 March 2010

Country region:   Roundtrip

Price without flight ticket:    2500 EUR

Trip plan:   

Day 1. Accra
Arrival at Kotoka International Airport, meeting with the local guide and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2. Accra, Accra-Elmina
In the morning visit to the famous master of artistic coffins Papa Jo. Then sightseeing in Accra – National Museum, National Cultural Centre, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. Transfer to Elmina via Anomabu.

Day 3. Elmina, Cape Coast
Sightseeing in Elmina and Cape Coast. Visit of the forts, related to the slave trade, the port in Elmina, the fish market, the Asafo shrines.

Day 4. Elmina – Kumasi
On the way to Kumasi visit of Kakum National Park and Hans Botten Resort built as a stilt village. Arrival in Kumasi, visit of Ashanti Cultural Center, known for its rich collection of Ashanti artefacts housed in a wonderful reproduction of an Ashanti house.

Day 5. Kumasi – Brong-Ahafo
Visit of Manhyia Palace, the centre of Ashanti Kingdom. Join the Akwasidae Festival. Then visit of the villages Ahwiaa and Ntonso famous for their handicrafts. On the way to Brong-Ahofo stop by Kintampo waterfalls.

Day 6. Brong-Ahafo – Tamale
The day starts with walk in the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana's most famous example of traditional African conservation, and the rock formations Tano Boase. Transfer to Tamale.

Day 7. Tamale – Kara, Togo
Visit of one of the six witches’ villages. On the way to the border with Togo, visit to the villages of the tribes Dagomba and Konkomba as well as a meeting with Bassar tribe. Crossing the border with Togo at Tatali and arrival in Kara.

Day 8. Kara – Sokode
On the way, walk through Tamberma Valley with the beautiful “tata”. Visit of the handicraft centers Losso Soukala and Kodhani. In the evening there is opportunity to view the fire dance of Tem tribe in Tinadu.

Day 9. Sokode – Bohicon, Benin
Visit the traditional weaving center and the market in Sokode as well as the Dankoli Shrine in Savalou – the entrance to the voodoo world. Transfer to Bohicon in Benin, on the way we pass near Notse the hometown of Ewe tribe.

Day 10. Bohicon – Cotonou
Visit of Abomey Palace – the birthplace of voodoo. On the way, we walk in Ganvié – “The Venice of Africa”. Option for cruise on Nokowe Lake. The tour continues with visit to the Holly Wood and Python Temple. In the centre of the town there is an impressive cathedral and old colonial quarter. The Museum of History is situated in close proximity to the Portugal Fortress. The exposition is focused on the slave trade and the following relations of Benin with Brazil and The Caribbean.

Day 11. Cotonou – Lome, Togo
Crossing of the border with Togo. We arrive in Lome, the capital of Togo. Sightseeing in the city - Idependence Square, National Museum, voodoo shrines, catholic cathedral, the market “Grand Marché”.

Day 12. Lome – Ghana, the delta of Volta River – Accra
We cross the border with Ghana. We spend the day in a resort with options for a walk to a fishing village nearby; sailing by boat along Volta River, water activities with jets, water ski, etc. In the late afternoon transfer to Accra.

Day 13.
Free morning before departure.

Accommodation and food: Accommodation in double / twin rooms in the following hotels: Novotel Hotel in Accra or similar; Anomabu Beach Resort in Anomabu or similar; Hotel Miklin or similar in Kumasi; Hotel Premier Palace in Techiman or similar; Gariba Lodge in Tamale or similar; Hotel Kara in Kara or similar; Hotel Central in Sokode or similar; Hotel Dako in Bohicon or similar; Hotel Casa del Papa in Ouidah or similar; Ibis hotel in Lome or similar; Full board from breakfast day 2 to lunch day 12.

Included in the price: Accommodation in 3-star hotels; local certified English-speaking guides; tour-leader from Penguin Travel; transport according to the itinerary; full board from breakfast day 2 to lunch day 12.

Not included in the price:   International flight; visa; any personal expenses; drinks; Dinner day 1 and 12; Expenses to release lost luggage.

Tour difficulty:   A 

No special experience is needed; everyone who is in condition to cope with long Saturday walks in the forest can also cope with these tours. As a rule, the trips are short and at a low altitude. Often, it is your choice to join or skip a day-tour. The routes follow a hilly terrain without steep ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3/5h a day.

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