Ghana, Togo, Benin - Voodoo and Tribal Festivals

Ghana, Togo and Benin - a colourful African palette with plenty of sun and spirit!

If you wish to immerse in the real atmosphere of voodoo society, to explore the roots 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! 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!

NB! Every sixth Sunday of the year, the Ashanti people celebrate the Akwasidae Festival - colourful celebrations with rituals, dances and songs, honouring personal and community ancestors. This festival is next in importance only to the National Day. 

Tour highlights
♦ The Voodoo culture
♦ Elmina Castle - a gloomy reminiscence of slavery
♦ Royal Palaces of Abomey - Benin's most famous attraction

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Accra
Arrival in Accra.Free time and overnight in Accra. B/-/-

Day 2. Accra, Accra - Elmina
Today is dedicated to exploring the capital city of Accra and its surroundings to dive into the local life, to learn more about the local culture and arts and crafts scene. Overnight in Elmina. B/-/-

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 and others. B/-/-

Day 4. Elmina - Kumasi
Today we are continuing to Kumasi , known as the center of Ashanti culture. On the way we will stop for a visit to Kakum National Park to enjoy the spectacular scenery and a fascinating wildlife that the park is famous for. Overnight in Kumasi. B/-/-

Day 5. Kumasi - Brong - Ahafo
Today we are continuing to one of the less popular regions of Ghana - Brong-Ahofo region. On the way there we will a few villages to learn more about the local culture and way of life. We will also stop by the beautiful Kintambo Waterfalls - one of the highest in the country. B/-/-

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, we will then continue to the rock formations Tano Boase. Transfer to Tamale for overnight. B/-/-

Day 7. Tamale - Kara (Togo)
Before crossing the border with Togo, we will stop at some of the villages to meet some of the local tribes (Dagomba, Konkomba or Bassar tribe). Arrival in Kara for overnight. B/-/-

Day 8. Kara - Sokode
Visit the Tamberma-Valley with its beautiful "Tata" (miniature fortified castles built with clay). Also visit the handicraft centers of "Losso soukala" and Kodhani. In the evening there is a chance to witness the fire dance at the village of Tinadou. B/-/-

Day 9. Sokode - Abomey (Benin)
We start the day with a visit to Sokode market. Depart through Atakpame, with a stopover the colourful Anie Market and the industrious Kotokoli women. Also visit the Demadeli traditional soap makers, where we learn the process of making the traditional soap. Finally, we visit the Blacksmiths Quarter before crossing the border into Abomey in Benin. B/-/-

Day 10. Abomey - Ouidah
Visit of Royal Palace Museum and Abomey History museum, and the underground town of Agongionto in Bohicon. We continue afterwards to Ganvié – “The Venice of Africa” and Ouidah, where we spend the night. There is also possibility for a cruise on Lake Nokoue to visit the water villages. B/-/-

Day 11. Ouidah - Cotonou
We start the day with a visit to the Sacred Forest and the Temple of Pythons - both important vodoo shrines. We continue to Cotonou - the former  capital of Benin. Sightseeing in the city - Notre Dame des Apotres Cathedral, the Artisan Center and the Dantokpa market. B/-/-

Day 12. Departure. 
Free morning before departure. B/-/-

Visa: It is required to have a visa for each of the three countries. Please, check with the local embassies in your country.
Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for this trip.

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Price Includes:
Accommodation in double / twin rooms in Standart hotels with breakfast
local certified English-speaking guides
transport according to the itinerary
tour-leader from Penguin Travel (at min 8 p.)

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Not Included:
international flights
visa
entrance fees (allow ca. 70 USD)
any personal expenses
insurance

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Gallery

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