West African Kaleidoscope

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
Arrival in Abidjan, pick-up from the airport and transfer to the hotel. (-/-/-)

Day 2. Abidjan - Grand Bassam - Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
After breakfast, we will drive to Grand Bassam, the colonial capital city. We will see some of its highlights like the French colonial district, the costume museum, the craft center, The governor “Binger” Palace, and the Ariane Monument, which commemorates the victims of the yellow fever epidemic during colonial times. In the afternoon we will visit the market for souvenirs and then drive back to Abidjan. (B/-/-)

Day 3. Abidjan - Yamoussoukro (Ivory Coast)
After breakfast, we will drive to Yamoussoukro, the political capital city. We spend the afternoon visiting the Basilica “Notre dame de la Paix” (Basilica of Our Lady of Peace) - the largest basilica in the world. Continue onward, we will see the crocodiles, which the city is famous for and are considered sacred, as well as the mosques and the polytechnic schools. (B/-/-)

Day 4. Yamoussoukro - Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
After breakfast, we will return to Abidjan. In the afternoon we will go on a city tour to see the highlights of Abidjan, including Le Plateau - the central, high-rise commercial area, Cocody - the upscale residential section and Treichville, which is linked to Le Plateau by two major bridges. Treichville is one of the areas where the masses live. It has a few colorful markets and quite an interesting, vibrant nightlife. Overnight in Abidjan. (B/-/-)

Day 5. Fly Abidjan* - Accra (Ghana)
Arrival in Accra. Free time and overnight in Accra. (-/-/-)

Day 6. Accra city tour (Ghana)
Our first day in Ghana is dedicated to exploring the capital Accra and its surroundings. We will start with a walk around the neighbourhood of Nima - one of the most densely populated settlements in Accra, home to hundreds of migrants from Ghana and West Africa. We will walk around the local markets and learn about the typical local products, fruits, and spices. We might also pass by some stalls selling fetishes, charms, and anything connected with the local voodoo practices.
After lunch, we will continue our tour with a visit to Jamestown - one of the most historic parts of Accra with signature sites like Fort James and Jamestown Lighthouse. To finish the city tour, we will pay a visit to the famous fantasy coffin-makers and learn about this unique local tradition. These coffins are made to represent the profession, dreams, and interests of the deceased. The idea stems from the belief that life transcends death and the that the deceased will continue to practice their jobs and hobbies in the afterlife. The design options are endless - pianos, football pitches, planes, birds, and whatnot. We will then continue driving west to Cape Coast, where we will spend the night in a hotel (accommodation in Cape Coast or Elmina). (B/-/-)

Day 7. Accra - Elmina, Cape Coast (Ghana)
Today we will explore the town of Cape Coast. What is nowadays an easygoing fishing town, used to be one of the largest slave trade centers in West Africa.
Here we will visit the Cape Coast Castle - one of the biggest so-called “slave castles” which were used as prisons for the enslaved people.
It is estimated that some three million West African slaves were shipped out to the Americas from this ironically picturesque fading white fort. Tourists are now allowed to visit some of the underground dungeons, where hundreds of people were cramped and suffered under horrific living conditions. Less than 20 km away from here, there is another fort that played a significant role during the Atlantic Slave Trade - the Elmina castle which will be our next stop. It is renowned as the first major European construction in the region, built by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and was initially used for gold trading. We will check in at our hotel in the early afternoon and have some free time to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery. Overnight in Cape Coast/Elmina or the region. (B/-/-)

Day 8. Elmina - Kumasi (Ghana)
Today we are leaving the coast and heading towards the interior of the country. Our first stop will be the Kakum National Park - one of the most popular natural attractions in Ghana. The national park covers an area of about 350 km², more than 80% of which is dense rainforest. The most prominent feature of the park is the canopy walkway, which allows visitors to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the canopy - the highest part of the dense rainforest which people rarely get to see. We will then have a short stop at the Hans Cottage Botel - a luxury hotel which offers its guests and visitors numerous attractions, including a pond with crocodiles, which we will get to see. In the evening we will arrive in Kumasi - the capital of the Ashanti region, where we will spend the night. (B/-/-)

Day 9. Kumasi - Kintampo Waterfalls - Kintampo (Ghana)
We will start our day with a visit to some of the neighboring villages, where we will get to learn more about the Ashanti people, indigenous to this region and their culture. The Ashanti people had their own empire between the 17th and 20th century, which was one of the African states that strongly resisted European colonization for years before eventually becoming a British protectorate. To this day, they have preserved their distinct culture and beliefs. In the villages we will learn more about their special ceremonial clothes - how they are made and what is the symbolic meaning behind the different patterns. Here you will have the opportunity to get a unique souvenir to bring back home. Our next stop will be the Ashanti People Place - the seat of the Asantehene, a title given to the emperor of the Ashanti Empire and the ceremonial ruler of the Ashanti community nowadays. Part of the palace is turned into a museum, dedicated to the history of the empire. We will then continue to the stunning cascading waterfalls Kintampo - one of Ghana’s tallest waterfalls, reaching a height of about 70 metres in total. Overnight in a hotel nearby. (B/-/-)

Day 10. Tanoboase - Boabeng - Fiema Monkey Sanctuary - Tamale (Ghana)
Our first stop for today will be the Tanoboase Sacred Grove and Shrine - a site of great significance for the local Bono people. The place is believed to be the home of some of the most important local gods, as well as the spirits of the ancestors and other supernatural beings. We will walk around the caves and climb some of the rock formations to soak in the surrounding scenery. We will then continue to the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, home to several monkey species, like Campbell’s Mona Monkey, black and white colobus and others, as well as dozens of bird and butterfly species. It is one of the few places in the world where traditional local beliefs and scientific conservation efforts compliment each other and work in harmony to preserve the local flora and fauna. The local villagers believe that the animals in this forest are sacred and have been putting a lot of effort into protecting them. We will then continue driving to Tamale where we will spend the night. (B/-/-)

Day 11. Tamale - Kara (Togo)
Today we have quite a long day ahead of us. We will start with a visit to one of the nearby villages of the Dagomba tribe. Here we will enjoy a traditional dance and drumming performance. The Dagomba have a rich history and tradition which has been passed down from generation to generation mainly orally, through dance and music. The local drummers are seen as storytellers and keepers of history and are some of the most respected members of the community. If we have enough time, we might also stop by a local shea butter producing factory. Most of the shea butter in the world is produced in West Africa with Ghana being one of the biggest exporters. It has become a main source of income, especially for women in the rural areas. We will then continue to the border with Togo. The border crossing procedures might take a few hours sometimes, so be prepared for a long day and late arrival at our hotel in Kara. (B/-/-)

Day 12. Kara - Sokode (Togo)
Today is dedicated to exploring the region Koutammakou, home to the Batammariba people, which covers about 50 000 ha. The region is known for the traditional mud tower-houses, known as Takienta, which have become one of the most recognisable symbols of Togo. They not only serve their practical purpose of providing shelter and refuge to the locals, but also speak volumes about the connection between peoples and landscape. Even the name of the Batammariba can be translated as “those who are the real architects of earth”. To help preserve this unique lifestyle and skill sets, the region was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. In the afternoon we will continue driving towards Sokode, where we will spend the night. In the evening, we will witness the spectacular traditional fire dance, a captivating and culturally significant performance that is a highlight of the region. This traditional ritual, rooted in the animist beliefs of the Tem tribe, involves skilled dancers entering a trance-like state induced by rhythmic drumming. In this state, they perform extraordinary feats such as handling burning embers, running them across their bodies, and even placing them in their mouths, all without showing signs of pain or injury. Historically, this dance was performed to honor the God of Fire, seeking protection for the community. Today, it remains a profound expression of faith and resilience, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Sokodé. (B/-/-)

Day 13. Sokode - Abomey (Benin)
Today we have a long day of driving and crossing the border with Benin. Overnight in a hotel in Abomey. (B/-/-)

Day 14. Abomey - Ouidah (Benin)
We begin the day with a visit to the Abomey Royal Palace Complex, the former seat of the powerful Dahomey Kingdom, known for its role in the Atlantic slave trade and its legendary all-female military unit, the Agojie (inspiration for The Woman King). Next, we explore the Agongointo-Zoungoudo Underground Town, a tentative UNESCO site featuring 16th - 17th-century bunker-style dwellings thought to shelter Dahomey warriors. In the afternoon, we visit Ganvie Lake Village, dubbed the "Venice of Africa," where locals have lived in stilt houses on Lake Nokoué since fleeing capture during the slave trade.
In the evening, we will witness the Zangbeto Ceremony, a fascinating Vodun tradition featuring "Guardians of the Night" performing spiritual dances and extraordinary feats. This vibrant ritual offers an unforgettable glimpse into Beninese heritage. We then check into our hotel in Ouidah for the night. (B/-/-)

Day 15. Ouidah - Cotonou (Benin)
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 16. Drive Cotonou - Badagri - Lagos (Nigeria)
We shall set off early for our day trip to Badagry. The coastal border town of Badagry can be found west of Lagos and near the border separating Nigeria from the republic of Benin. Its coast and location made it the perfect trade route in the slave trade era. And so, here, we shall visit the old slave market, slave trade museum and relics, and the homestead the then King Seriki Abbas, and the Gberefu beach (slave embarkation point). Back to Lagos for overnight. (B/-/-)

Day 17. Lagos city tour (Nigeria)
Lagos, also known as Eko (from its origin in 1630) is the vibrant commercial hub of Nigeria. With its population of is over twenty million, Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria, and the country in turn, is the most populous black nation on earth. Lagos is known to be the economic, financial, and commercial nerve centre of west Africa, and the 5th largest in Africa. The city is located on the Atlantic coast of the region and comprises of a litany of islands, a mainland and a peninsula. Our first visit after breakfast will be to Makoko stilt village - a village built on water. Here we shall explore by canoe, the watery environs and the lifestyle of the villagers. Next stop is Lagos Island, the first settlement of Lagos where we learn about the origins of Lagos and explore historical sites. The National museum houses artifacts and culture from some of the over 250 tribes of Nigeria and will be our stopover before we proceed for lunch and experience delicious Nigerian cuisine. At Nike Art Gallery we shall behold the four floors and thousands of exquisite and authentic Nigerian art and craft done by Nigerian artists. Lekki Conservation centre shall be our last site visit for the day where you can climb the longest canopy walkway in Africa and explore the nature reserve that is home to many free range animals. B/-/-

Day 18. Lagos - Abeokuta - Ile Ife (Nigeria)
After breakfast, we take off to Abeokuta and visit historic Olumo rock, Itoku market selling ‘Adire’ (batik) fabric. We continue to Ile Ife in Osun state. Ile Ife is known as the cradle of yoruba civilisation. Then, on to the Ife archeoliógicl museum and the Natural Hiistory Museum. (B/-/-)

Day 19. Ile Ife - Osogbo (Nigeria)
After breakfast we set off for Osogbo, the capital of the Osun State. This town is a farming region where yams, cassava, grain, cotton and tobacco are grown. It also hosts the annual Osun-Osogbo festival along the River Osun. The festival is centered around the sacred grove of the river goddess Osun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove is one of the last remnants of primary high forests of southern Nigeria and is regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun. This goddess is worshipped by the traditional Yoruba Orisha worshipers. The Osun Sacred Grove was decorated by the Austrian-Nigerian artist and illustrator Susanne Wenger (1915-2009). (B/-/-)

Day 20. Osogbo - Lokoja - Abuja (Nigeria)
After breakfast, depart for a full day journey to Abuja. Along the way, we stop at Lokoja, the confluence town that offers a panoramic view of the merging point of the Niger and Benue rivers (also known as the confluence point). Proceed to visit fishing villages along the river Niger en-route Abuja. (B/-/-)

Day 21. Abuja - Gurara Falls- Zuma Rock - Abuja (Nigeria)
Abuja is an entirely purpose-built, planned administrative centre and took over from Lagos as the capital of Nigeria in 1991. The site for the new capital was chosen because of its central location, easy accessibility, pleasant climate, low population density, and the availability of land for future expansion. Abuja is surrounded by abundant hills, highlands, Savannah grassland, and tropical rain forests. After breakfast, we set off for Gurara falls and then Zuma rock just outside the city. Upon return, we proceed to the National mosque, the arts and crafts village, and Jabi lake.
You will have the option to try some of the unique delicacies attributable only to northern Nigeria...think Kilishi (spicy beef jerky) and Kunu (a sour/sweet diary-based gruel). (B/-/-)

Day 22. Abuja. City tour (Nigeria)
After breakfast, we set off for another day of exploring. First port of call is the Pottery village. Next, we tour the administrative points of interest - The national assembly complex, central business district, international conference centre. We won't leave out the largest church in west Africa - Dunamis International Gospel centre. Overnight in Abuja. (B/-/-)

Day 23. Departure from Abuja
End of service. (B/-/-)

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*Abidjan (ABJ) - Accra (ACC) Flight Dates via Air Cote d' Ivoire:

• 06.11.2026: 14:35 - 15:40 or 15:35 - 16:35 
• 04.02.2027: 20:50 - 22:05
• 04.03.2027: 20:50 - 22:05