Accra

Arrive at Kotoka International Airport

National Museum of Ghana

Visit the National Museum of History and Ethnography with exhibits that reflect the heritage of Ghana throughout history to the present. This Museum houses a varied collection of Ghanaian artifacts.

Accra

Drive through Old Accra. This is a contrast of Victorian, Dutch, and post-colonial architecture. You will drive past James Fort built in 1673, Old Accra Square, and the Post Office. Drive by the Ussher Fort, one of three European forts in Accra that have survived the times.

W.E.B. DuBois Center

Continue to visit the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre for Pan-Africanism; this is the final burial place and home of the prominent American Pan-Africanist Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, who led the Pan-African Congress between 1919 and 1927. Du Bois played a significant role in Pan-Africanism, influencing leaders in the Ashanti Kingdom.

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Visit the newly redeveloped Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Park, Museum. The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park is located in downtown Accra, the capital of Ghana. The memorial complex was dedicated in 1992 and is situated on the site of the former British colonial polo grounds where Ghana’s independence was declared in Accra. The mausoleum, designed by Dr. Don Arthur, houses the bodies of Kwame Nkrumah who is regarded as the leading founding father of Ghana’s independence and one of the founding fathers of the African Union. His Egyptian Wife, Madam Fathia Nkrumah is also buried at the Mausoleum. The Mausoleum is meant to represent an upside-down sword, which in Akan culture is a symbol of peace. It is clad from top to bottom with Italian marble, with a black star at its apex to symbolize unity. A skylight at the top of the mausoleum illuminates the grave. The mausoleum is surrounded by water, a symbol of life.

Accra

Your last stop for the day is the Arts and Crafts market to view a varied collection of Ghanaian handicraft souvenirs and traditional Ashanti crafts, artifacts, and art pieces created by local artisans. This offers you an opportunity to try out your bargaining skills on the local vendors and to “shop till you drop”.

Elmina Castle

Drive along the coastal savannah vegetative cover with several fishing villages and coconut-lined beaches. Of interest along this route are food crop market towns and villages with several pineapple and vegetable stands. Drive through Mankessim and see the status of the “Three Wise Men” likened to the Elephant, Whale & Eagle which depicts the might and power of the Fante people of Ghana. Arrive and first visit the Elmina Castle a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, the oldest and largest European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa. This was built by the Portuguese in 1482 and later used as an auction market for enslaved Africans for a comprehensive guided tour. See the slave dungeons and condemned cells where slaves who resisted were incarcerated and starved to death.

Cape Coast Castle

After lunch continue to visit Cape Coast Castle which was originally started by the Swedes in 1652. It served as the headquarters and seat of the British colonial government until 1877. Go on a comprehensive tour of the Castle, and the slave dungeons where enslaved Africans were incarcerated. Visit the negotiation hall where our ancestors were bargained for and sold. This UNESCO World Heritage Monument has been visited by several world personalities including US President Barack and Michelle Obama, Steve Harvey, Boris Kodjoe, Danny Glover, etc.

Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Park

Departing for Kumasi and on your way make a stop at Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Park, a site resonating with historical significance. This park stands testament to the harsh realities of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, once serving as one of the largest slave markets. As the final link in the slavery route from northern to southern Ghana, “the Ndonkor Nsuo”, which literally means the Slave River, bears witness to the profound and heartbreaking experiences of captives.

Kumasi

Continue your journey to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, land of ancient royalty and centuries-old traditions. Ancient Kumasi was the geographic meeting point of two powerful trading systems, the Sudanic Empire across the Sahara to the north and the gold-mining Kwaman forest region which traded with Europeans. Kumasi is the second largest city in Ghana. This region has one of the richest gold mines in the world!

Kumasi

Depart to participate in the celebration of this grand version of the Akwasidae Festival to mark the Silver Jubilee celebration of the King. This festival is celebrated on a Sunday in Kumasi and other Akan-speaking communities that owe allegiance to the King of Ashanti. This is celebrated every 42 days. This is a colorful, scenic, and unique event where people gather from afar, many in traditional costumes, come to greet their King on the throne at the royal court, and people bring gifts to pay homage to the King. Join the local folks and international visitors to celebrate the Akwasidae festival. This will offer you the opportunity to interact with the local chiefs dressed in colorful Traditional cloth. The Akans (the largest ethnic group in Ghana) annual calendar is divided into nine parts, each lasting approximately six weeks (42 traditional days).

Visit Ahwiaa – the woodcarver’s village specializing in woodcarvings such as the Ashanti stools, fertility dolls, and walking sticks.

Ntonso Adinkra Craftsmen

Proceed to visit Ntonso – the traditional textile printing village, see Adinkra cloth and tie-and-dye processing, and get a demonstration of how intricate designs are applied to this sacred mourning cloth. Adinkra cloth is designed by indigenous artists whose expertise lies in textual printing using traditional symbols that express the spiritual, moral, political, and socio-cultural philosophies of the Akan people and offer you an opportunity to create your own designs.

Manhyia Palace Museum

After lunch, you will visit the Manhyia Palace Museum. The Manhyia Palace Museum was created within the old residence of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I and Otumfuo Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, the thirteenth and fourteenth Kings of Asante respectively. This historic building was rehabilitated in 1995 to serve as a museum.

Kumasi

Continue to the National Cultural Centre and Prempeh II Museum. This museum displays artefacts relating to the Ashanti King Prempeh II, including the king's war attire, ceremonial clothing, jewellery, protective amulets, personal equipment for bathing and dining, furniture, royal insignia and some fine brass weights for weighing gold. Constructed to resemble an Ashanti chief's house, it has a courtyard in front and walls adorned with traditional carved symbols.

Accra

After breakfast, it is time to depart Kumasi and return to Accra. En route, make a meaningful stop at a village community along the Kumasi – Accra highway. Here, immerse yourself in the warmth of the community, engaging with locals to gain insights into their daily lives and experience a glimpse of authentic village lifestyle. As the journey continues towards Accra, the landscapes transform, weaving a narrative of the diverse communities that mark the highway. Arrive in Accra in the afternoon and check into your hotel. After you check into your room you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Accra

Day at leisure: You can fill it in at your discretion today. You can choose to get a breath of fresh air on the beach or go downtown, hunting for souvenirs or an art gallery. Free day to explore on your own.

Accra

Morning at leisure for last-minute shopping and packing.