Ghana, Togo, Benin - Voodoo and Tribal Festivals

Itinerary:

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

Day 2. Accra City Tour 
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 3. Cape Coast - Elmina
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 4. Elmina - Kumasi
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 5. Kumasi - Kintampo Waterfall - Kintampo
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 6. Tanoboase - Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary - Tamale
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 7. 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 8. Kara - Koutammakou, the land of the Batammariba - Sokode
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 9. 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 10. Abomey - Ouidah
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 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.