JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE WORLD

Dates:
September 5th – 14th, 2024
September 19th – 28th 2024
January 9th – 18th, 2025
January 23rd – February 1st, 2025

Duration: 10 days, 9 nights

8 slots maximum
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EXPLORE THE ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra and Depart for Cape Coast; Check in at Hans Cottage Botel or Coconut Grove Resort.

DAY 2

Tour Elmina and Cape Coast Castles – the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) are among about 40 slave castles built along the Ghanaian coast that served as prisons and a departure point for African slaves to the Americas.

DAY 3

Visit Kakum National Park, one of Ghana’s famous parks and tour the forest to view many different wildlife and plant species. The park is famous for its 1000 feet long aerial walkway bridge through the forest canopy, reaching a height of 150 feet.

DAY 4

Depart Elmina for Akosombo; Check in at Volta Hotel or Royal Senchi.

DAY 5

Visit Wli Waterfalls; It’s located within the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary near the village of Wli and it’s the highest waterfalls in West Africa. The hike to the waterfall takes you through a green and lush semi-deciduous forest of the Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary, which offers a chance to see a large colony of fruit bats, butterflies, birds, monkeys and baboons. Take a boat tour of the beautiful Volta River.

DAY 6

Depart for Aburi and visit Aburi Botanical Garden and Artisan Village; the entrance to the garden is beautifully lined with royal palm trees on both sides of the road.  It has a mixture of indigenous and exotic trees of global importance and medicinal properties, including the silk cotton tree, which is one of the biggest trees in West Africa.  Many species of butterflies and birds are also found here.  Shop for souvenirs at artisan’s village on the way to Accra; check in at Turtle Close B&B.

DAY 7

Visit Kpone Bawaleshie Elementary and Middle School –  You’ll have an opportunity to interact with the kids. Dance/dinner Party hosted by a Ghanaian family.

DAY 8

Tour of Accra, visit Independence Square to see the enclosed flame of African Liberation and visit Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the final resting place of Ghana’s first President; Visit the vibrant Makola Market, a renowned market place and shopping district in the center of Accra. Many different types of products are sold in the markets including auto parts, refrigerators, soccer balls and fruits; Lunch at Ghanaian family’s house.

DAY 9

Beach Day/Shopping; Dinner and farewell reception.

DAY 10

Depart for U.S.

  • All accommodations and breakfast; and dinners when visiting Ghanaian families
  • Cultural immersion – visit with families from different socio-economic backgrounds, including eating authentic home-cooked meals
  • Visit to a rural community primary school to interact with kids, teachers and community members
  • Visit to historic sites
  • Visit to national park
  • Visit to botanical garden
  • Visit to beaches
  • Boat rides
  • Entrance fees to tourist attractions
  • Transportation in air-conditioned van, including transfers to and from airport
  • Unlimited bottled water and snacks
  • Roundtrip airfare to Kotoka International Airport ($1600 from Washington Dulles)
  • Visa and passport costs; passports must be valid for at least six months after the tour ends
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance
  • Immunizations; check with your healthcare provider to make sure you get the recommended vaccines
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry services
  • Tips for driver ($50)

LOOKING TO EXTEND THE TRIP?

THREE DAY TRIP EXTENSION TO NORTHERN GHANA

DURATION: 3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS ($1,600)

Three-Day Trip Extension to Northern Ghana includes all accommodations and breakfast, airfare, transportation in air conditioned vehicle and all entrance fees to attractions

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DAY 1

Pikworo Slave Camp and Chief Crocodile Pond. Leave early morning from Kotoka International Airport and arrive at Tamale Airport. Drive to  Bolgatanga and check in at Akayet Hotel. Visit the Pikworo Slave Camp, a camp which served as a slave collection outpost by Ghanaian traders who sold humans to the French, English, and the Dutch. Next we visit the Chief Crocodile Pond, a sacred crocodile sanctuary.  Although crocodiles are considered as wild creatures, the crocodiles here are friendly and coexist with humans.  The friendly relationship between the crocodiles and humans continue to baffle the minds of many. Overnight at Akayet Hotel.

DAY 2

Larabanga Mosque &  Mole National Park (1st Safari)  Depart Akayet Hotel for the Larabanga Mosque. The  mosque is the oldest in the country and one of the oldest in West Africa and has been referred to as the “Mecca of West Africa.” It was built in Sudanese architectural style and has undergone restoration several times since it was built in 1421. From there we proceed to Mole National Park for an afternoon Safari.  The park has more than 300 species of birds and 94 species of mammals, including kob antelopes, buffaloes, baboons and warthogs. Sighting of elephants are common from December to April, and you’re guaranteed to see other mammals year-round. Overnight at Zaina Lodge or Mole Motel.

DAY 3

Mole National Park (2nd Safari)  Depart in afternoon to Tamale for an evening flight back to Accra.