Spirit of West Africa

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Arrive Accra, Ghana
• 3 Accra
• 4 Accra, Ghana & Lomé, Togo
• 5 Lomé
• 6 Lomé & Togoville, Togo & Ouidah & Cotonou, Benin
• 7 Cotonou, Ganvié & Porto-Novo
• 8 Cotonou, Benin & Accra, Ghana
• 9 Accra & Kumasi
• 10 Kumasi & Akwasidae Festival
• 11 Kumasi
• 12 Kumasi & Elmina
• 13 Elmina
• 14 Elmina, Accra & Depart Ghana

Dates & Prices

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Your journey begins as you check in for your overnight flight to Accra, Ghana

Day 2 Arrive Accra, Ghana

• Arrive in Accra, meet our representative, and transfer to your hotel
• Gather for a tour briefing and welcome dinner

Fiesta Residences Boutique Hotel or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Welcome to West Africa! Upon arrival at Accra International Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. This evening, gather with your guide and fellow travelers for a tour briefing, followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 Accra

• Visit Independence Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
• Interact with local artists at the Artists Alliance Art Gallery and gain insight into Ghana’s vibrant contemporary art scene
• Meet one of Ghana’s famous fantasy coffin makers
• Take a walking tour of historic Jamestown
• Enjoy an Afro music experience

Fiesta Residences Boutique Hotel or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Begin your exploration of Ghana’s capital with a visit to Independence Square, one of Accra’s most important civic landmarks. Continue to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the final resting place of Ghana’s first president, where exhibits and personal items offer insight into his life and legacy.

Later, visit the Artists Alliance Art Gallery, home to one of the largest collections of contemporary art in West Africa. Meet local artists and learn about the creative traditions and modern influences shaping Ghana’s art scene today.

Savor a seafront lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to the workshop of one of Ghana’s famous fantasy coffin makers, known for creating colorful coffins that celebrate the lives, professions, and passions of the deceased.

In the late afternoon, walk through Jamestown, one of Accra’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its colonial-era architecture and fishing community. This evening, enjoy dinner independently before an Afro music night, where you’ll meet local musicians and experience an introduction to Ghanaian music and performance.

Day 4 Accra, Ghana & Lomé, Togo

• Visit the Nkyinkyim outdoor museum
• Travel from Ghana into Togo, crossing the international border
• Spend the evening at leisure in Lomé or join your guide for a local nightlife experience

Hotel 2 Février Lomé or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, continue your West African adventure with a visit to the Nkyinkyim outdoor museum in Ghana. Created by renowned artist Kwame Akoto Bamfo, this powerful open-air installation features hundreds of sculptural figures that explore themes of resilience, remembrance, and the experiences of Africans affected by slavery and the African diaspora.

After lunch in Sogakope, located near Ghana’s eastern border, continue toward Togo and cross into the country’s lively capital, Lomé. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in.

This evening, join your guide to experience Lomé nightlife at a local lounge, sample regional drinks, and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, spend the evening at leisure and take advantage of the hotel’s restaurants, bars, swimming pool, and spa facilities.

Day 5 Lomé

• Explore Lomé’s Grand Marché and learn about the influential “Nana Benz” traders
• Visit Art Street, the Artisans’ Village, and the Akodessawa Fetish Market
• Explore the restored Palais de Lomé, one of West Africa’s leading cultural centers
• Participate in a traditional Togolese culinary experience with local hosts

Hotel 2 Février Lomé or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Begin the day at Lomé’s colorful Grand Marché, the city’s largest and most vibrant market. Explore bustling stalls overflowing with textiles, spices, household goods, and traditional products while learning about the influential Nana Benz traders who helped shape Togo’s commercial history. Along the way, sample local snacks and experience the sights, sounds, and rhythms of everyday life in Lomé. Continue to Art Street and the Artisans’ Village, where local craftspeople create and sell wood carvings, textiles, jewelry, paintings, and other handmade works. Meet artisans and learn about traditional techniques while browsing one of the city’s best collections of locally produced crafts.

Later, visit the Akodessawa Fetish Market, one of West Africa’s best-known centers for traditional spiritual practices. Explore stalls displaying charms, medicinal plants, and ritual objects while learning how Vodun beliefs continue to shape spiritual practices, ceremonies, and community life across parts of Togo and Benin.

Enjoy an independent lunch before visiting the Palais de Lomé, a beautifully restored former governors’ palace that has been transformed into one of West Africa’s leading cultural centers. Dedicated to the region’s art, history, culture, and heritage, the center hosts rotating exhibitions and cultural programming that celebrate both Togo’s past and its contemporary creative scene. Explore its galleries and gardens while learning about the building’s remarkable journey from colonial-era residence to vibrant public cultural space.

This evening, join local hosts for an immersive Togolese culinary experience. Discover the flavors and traditions that define the country’s cuisine as you learn about regional ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations. Help prepare several local dishes before gathering around the table to share the meal together, experiencing the warmth of Togolese hospitality firsthand.

Day 6 Lomé & Togoville, Togo & Ouidah & Cotonou, Benin

• Travel along Togo’s coast and cross Lake Togo by boat to Togoville
• Learn about Vodun traditions at local shrines
• Cross the border into Benin and visit Ouidah, the spiritual heart of Vodun
• Reflect at the Door of No Return, a memorial connected to the transatlantic slave trade

Maison Rouge Cotonou or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing! Depart Lomé and travel east through Aného near the border with Benin. Continue to Lake Togo and cross by boat to Togoville, one of the country’s most important spiritual centers and a place closely associated with Vodun, an ancient, nature-based religion with millions of followers in West Africa. Visit local shrines and sacred sites while learning about the ceremonies, symbols, and beliefs associated with Vodun.

After lunch, cross the international border from Togo into Benin and continue to Ouidah, regarded as the spiritual heart of Vodun in West Africa.

Visit the Sacred Forest and the Temple of the Pythons, two of Ouidah’s most important religious sites. The Sacred Forest is home to shrines, sculptures, and sacred trees dedicated to Vodun deities and spirits, while the Temple of the Pythons houses revered royal pythons, long considered symbols of protection and spiritual power.

Continue along the former Slave Route to the Door of No Return, one of West Africa’s most significant memorials to the transatlantic slave trade. This striking monument marks the last point from which countless enslaved Africans were forced onto ships bound for the Americas, symbolizing both the immense human tragedy of the slave trade and the enduring resilience of the African diaspora. Standing at this poignant site overlooking the Atlantic Ocean offers a powerful opportunity for reflection on a history that shaped nations and communities across the world.

Later, transfer to Cotonou and check in to your hotel.

Day 7 Cotonou, Ganvié & Porto-Novo

• Cruise by boat to Ganvié, the largest lake village in Africa
• Explore Porto-Novo’s Afro-Brazilian heritage
• See the Grand Mosque and King Toffa’s Palace
• Visit the striking Amazon Monument honoring the legendary women warriors, the Dahomey Amazons
• Drive along Cotonou’s contemporary Graffiti Wall

Maison Rouge Cotonou or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Today, depart for Ganvié, often called the “Venice of Africa.” Set on Lake Nokoué, this remarkable stilt village was founded centuries ago by the Tofinu people, who sought refuge from slave traders. Travel by boat through the waterways and learn about daily life in one of Africa’s largest lake villages.

Continue to Porto-Novo, Benin’s capital named by the Portuguese in the 1500s. Many Afro-Brazilians settled here after returning to Africa following emancipation in Brazil, and their influence can still be seen in the city’s architecture and culture.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then walk through the old city with brief stops at the lively market, the Grand Mosque, formerly a church designed in Brazilian style, and the 300-year-old Palace of King Toffa, which traces the history of Porto-Novo.

In Cotonou, visit the striking Amazon Monument, one of Benin’s most recognizable modern landmarks. Towering above the city, the monument honors the legendary Dahomey Amazons, the elite all-female military regiment that served the Kingdom of Dahomey for centuries. The monument commemorates the women warriors of the Kingdom of Dahomey, whose military service played a significant role in the kingdom's history. Learn about their training, responsibilities, and lasting place in Beninese history.

End your day with a leisurely drive along Cotonou’s renowned Graffiti Wall, an ever-evolving open-air gallery showcasing vibrant murals by local and international artists. Stretching along the waterfront, this dynamic outdoor exhibition reflects contemporary themes, cultural identity, and social expression, offering a colorful contrast to the city’s historic landmarks.

Day 8 Cotonou, Benin & Accra, Ghana

• Journey overland from Benin through Togo and into Ghana
• Visit Aného, a historic coastal town connected to the transatlantic slave trade
• Return to Accra for dinner at the hotel

Fiesta Residences Boutique Hotel or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Following breakfast at the hotel, begin the journey back to Ghana. Today's journey includes two international border crossings and a long overland drive back to Ghana.

Visit Aného, a coastal town on the Gulf of Guinea near the border with Benin. Founded in the late 17th century, Aného later developed into a commercial center and a former colonial capital. Visit the Wood Home, a historic site associated with the transatlantic slave trade, and take time to reflect on this difficult chapter of regional and world history.

After lunch in Lomé, continue across the border into Ghana and travel onward to Accra. Upon arrival this evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 9 Accra & Kumasi

• Fly from Accra to Kumasi, the heart of the Ashanti Kingdom
• Explore Kejetia Market, one of West Africa’s largest open-air markets
• Visit the Kumasi Cultural Centre and Prempeh II Jubilee Museum

Oak Plaza Suites Kumasi or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kumasi, the historic heart of the Ashanti Kingdom. Upon arrival, visit Kejetia Market, one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa, where women play a central role in the daily rhythm of trade and commerce.

Sample local foods for lunch, then continue to the Kumasi Cultural Centre, featuring exhibits on Ashanti history, traditional crafts, royal regalia, and daily life. The center also houses the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, featuring a fascinating collection related to Asante history, leadership, and royal traditions.

Depending on local events, there may be an opportunity to observe a traditional Ashanti funeral celebration, an important cultural tradition that honors the life and legacy of a loved one through music, ceremony, and community participation.

Day 10 Kumasi & Akwasidae Festival

• Visit Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom
• Experience the Akwasidae Festival
• Witness chiefs and elders paying homage to the Asantehene

Oak Plaza Suites Kumasi or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Begin the day at Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom. Its large compound features statues of past kings and queens, offering insight into the history and continuing traditions of Asante leadership.

Then, take part in the extraordinary Akwasidae Festival, one of West Africa’s most spectacular cultural celebrations and a highlight of your journey through Ghana. Held every six weeks in Kumasi, this centuries-old royal ceremony brings together chiefs, elders, and community members from across the Ashanti Kingdom to honor the Asantehene, the king of the Ashanti people. Dressed in colorful kente cloth and adorned with intricate gold jewelry, participants gather for a day of drumming, dance, ceremonial observances, and royal pageantry. Witness a tradition that continues to play an important role in Ashanti cultural and civic life.

Return to the festival grounds after lunch to continue experiencing the celebrations and cultural activities. Spend the evening at leisure.

Day 11 Kumasi

• Visit the Asante Traditional Buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Explore craft villages known for Adinkra, woodcarving, and kente weaving
• Meet local artisans and learn about traditional Ghanaian craftsmanship

Oak Plaza Suites Kumasi or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, continue exploring Kumasi with a visit to the Asante Traditional Buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving some of the last remaining examples of traditional Ashanti architecture. Constructed of earth and timber and adorned with symbolic motifs, these shrines once served as important spiritual and ceremonial centers of the Ashanti Kingdom. Today, they preserve traditional Ashanti building techniques and feature designs associated with religious and ceremonial practices.

Visit several craft villages surrounding Kumasi. In Ntonso, learn about Adinkra symbols and the traditional stamped cloth designs that carry proverbs, values, and cultural meanings. Continue to Ahwiaa, known for skilled woodcarving, then visit Adanwomase, a village celebrated for kente weaving. Meet local artisans and learn about the history, techniques, and symbolism behind these important Ghanaian crafts.

Return to the hotel in the evening and enjoy dinner.

Day 12 Kumasi & Elmina

• Travel to Ghana’s Central Region
• Visit Ancestral River Park in Assin Manso, a site of remembrance and reflection
• Tour Cape Coast Castle, a historic fortress connected to the transatlantic slave trade

Lemon Beach Resort or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Today, set off for Ghana’s Central Region. En route, stop at Ancestral River Park in Assin Manso, a deeply meaningful site of remembrance and reflection. Here, people taken from northern Ghana and other parts of West Africa were brought before continuing toward the coast during the era of the transatlantic slave trade.

After lunch, continue to Cape Coast Castle, a fortress originally built by the Swedes in 1653, later seized by the Danes and eventually controlled by the British. Today, the castle stands as one of Ghana’s most significant historic sites connected to the transatlantic slave trade.

Later, continue to your beachfront resort in Elmina and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 13 Elmina

• Walk across the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park
• Visit a local cocoa farm and meet a farmer
• Join a hands-on cooking experience with Global Mamas
• Gather for a farewell dinner

Lemon Beach Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, visit Kakum National Park, a tropical rainforest home to many endangered mammals, butterflies, walking trails, and one of Ghana’s most memorable canopy walkways. Walk high above the forest floor for a unique perspective on the rainforest ecosystem, then continue along forest trails to discover local plants, herbs, and tropical berries.

Afterward, stop at a nearby cocoa farm. On a walk through the farm, learn about cocoa cultivation, and meet a local farmer.

Continue to Global Mamas, a social enterprise that empowers women entrepreneurs through sustainable livelihoods and cultural exchange. During a hands-on cooking experience, learn about traditional Ghanaian ingredients and culinary techniques as you prepare authentic local dishes alongside community members. Enjoy the meal you've prepared while learning how local ingredients are used in regional dishes. Return to the resort and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

This evening, celebrate the journey with a memorable farewell dinner at Lemon Beach Resort. Set in a private beachfront hut overlooking the Atlantic, this exclusive dining experience features a specially curated five-course menu of African and Continental flavors crafted from premium local seasonal ingredients. As you reflect on the cultural encounters and shared experiences of the past two weeks, enjoy a fitting grand finale to your West African adventure.

Please note: The Kakum Canopy Walkway is not ideal for travelers with mobility issues or a fear of heights. Reaching the first platform requires an uphill walk and several flights of stairs, equivalent to approximately 100 steps. Moderate fitness is recommended. Travelers who decide not to take the trek up can enjoy the air-conditioned museum, on-site restaurant, and souvenir shop.

Day 14 Elmina, Accra & Depart Ghana

• Walk through Elmina Township, including the fish market and harbor
• Visit Elmina Castle, a historic site connected to the transatlantic slave trade
• Return to Accra and freshen up before your flight home
• Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight back to the USA

The Palms by Eagles or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, take a walk through Elmina Township to experience daily life in this coastal Fante community. Visit the fish market and harbor, where fishing traditions remain an important part of the town’s identity.

Continue to Elmina Castle, one of the oldest European-built structures in sub-Saharan Africa, and learn about the castle's changing role over the centuries and its connection to the transatlantic slave trade.

Later, return to Accra with lunch included en route. Then, transfer to your day-use room to relax and freshen up. Bid farewell to West Africa as you transfer to the airport for your overnight return flights. Arrive in the USA the following day.

Hotels

Fiesta Residences Boutique Hotel

First Class

Experience contemporary comfort and warm Ghanaian hospitality at Fiesta Residences Boutique Hotel in Accra. Unwind in stylish accommodations, take a refreshing dip in the pool, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment inspired by Africa’s wellness traditions, or savor creative cuisine that blends international flavors with local influences. Thoughtfully designed amenities and attentive service make it the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day of exploration. 

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Hotel 2 Février Lomé

Deluxe

Enjoy a comfortable stay at Hotel 2 Février Lomé, an iconic landmark in the heart of Togo’s vibrant capital. Unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, or keep up your fitness routine at the well-equipped gym. With easy access to Lomé’s cultural attractions, markets, museums, and waterfront, this welcoming hotel provides the perfect base for exploring the city.

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Maison Rouge Cotonou

First Class

Experience a stylish stay at Maison Rouge Cotonou, a contemporary retreat where striking design, local artwork, and ocean views create an atmosphere that is uniquely Beninese. Unwind on the panoramic terrace overlooking the Atlantic, relax by one of the hotel's inviting pools, or stroll through lush gardens after a day of discovery in Cotonou. With its sophisticated ambiance and thoughtful amenities, Maison Rouge offers the perfect blend of comfort, culture, and relaxation. 

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Oak Plaza Suites Kumasi

First Class

Nestled in the heart of Kumasi, Oak Plaza Suites combines contemporary comfort with warm Ghanaian hospitality. Unwind with a refreshing swim in the pool, stay active in the fitness center, or enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and cuisine in the hotel’s inviting lounge and restaurant. Thoughtfully designed accommodations and attentive service create a welcoming retreat after a day of discovery.

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Lemon Beach Resort

First Class

Lemon Beach Resort is nestled in Elmina and offers breathtaking sea views. Popular attractions like Elmina Castle are less than 3 miles away. 

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The Palms by Eagles

First Class

Relax in comfort at The Palms by Eagles, where well-appointed guest rooms and modern amenities provide a welcoming retreat after a day of sightseeing. Unwind with a swim in the outdoor pool, stay active in the fitness center, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or spa treatment before enjoying a meal at one of the hotel's inviting restaurants.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 16 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Ghana? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Togo? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Benin? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.