15 Days | Explore West Africa on an adventure from Benin to Ghana
Step off the tourist trail with this insightful 15-day adventure through Benin, Togo and Ghana. Learn about the history and cultures of these three diverse West African countries, from Cape Coast Castle, which played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, to the ancient Vodun culture of Ouidah. Visit Accra's fantasy coffin makers, cruise along in traditional boats and journey through the natural landscapes seldom explored by travellers. Hike up Mt Agou – Togo’s highest peak – and visit the Wli Waterfalls – the tallest in West Africa. Walk along Kakum National Park's canopy walkway in the middle of the rainforest and look out for the local elephants, monkeys, and over 200 bird species. This diverse trip, with a local leader by your side, showcases three fascinating countries and offers a glimpse into West African life.
Trip overview
- Start
- Cotonou, Benin
- Finish
- Accra, Ghana
- Theme
- Expeditions
- Destinations
- Benin, Togo, Ghana
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- DISG
- Hike in Ghana's Volta Region – home to lush farmlands, waterfalls and rolling hills – and in the Kpalime Region in Togo, surrounded by coffee and cocoa plantations.
- Discover the sobering history of Ghana’s Slave Coast, with visits to coastal slave forts and castles, like Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle. Wander the lavish architecture as you learn about the grim history of slave trade in this region.
- Experience a Vodun ceremony, which showcases the traditional spiritual practices brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans. These practices merged with Indigenous and European religions, evolving into Voodoo in Louisiana, Hoodoo in the Dominican Republic and Vodou in Haiti.
- Visit small villages and markets to rub shoulders with the locals, and gain insight into how they live, prepare their food and celebrate their culture. At the Ganvie stilt village, you’ll get a special insight into the history of the people and how they live on the water with a boat tour through the village.
- Spend a few days in Accra, Ghana's capital – here, you’ll go on a tasting tour in James Town (the old part of the city), visit fantasy coffin makers to learn how the local people respect the dead and tour Nima with visits to local houses and markets.
- You’ll need to be moderately fit to enjoy the hikes on this tour. It will be hot and humid, so remember to bring a hat, sun protection, plenty of water, and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.
- Tourism infrastructure in Benin, Togo, and Ghana is still developing. In certain regions, electricity may be available only during specific hours. Hot water and air conditioning can be unreliable and Wi-Fi access is not widely available.
Itinerary
Inclusions
14 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Private Vehicle
Hotel (14 nights)
- Adjara Black River - Palm Nut Distillery
- Porto Novo - Guided Old City Tour & Songhai Centre
- Adjara Black River - Pirogue Boat Tour
- Ganvie - Stilt Village Tour by Pirogue
- Ouidah - Zinsou Foundation
- Ouidah - Door of No Return
- Ouidah - Route of the Slaves
- Ouidah - Zangbeto Vodun Ceremony
- Ouidah - Afro-Brazilian House
- Togoville - Walking Tour
- Possotome - Pottery & Ceramic Centre
- Togoville - Vodun Ceremony
- Togoville - Pirogue Ride
- Lome - Grand Marche
- Lome - Palais de Lome
- Lome - Art Street
- Kpalime Region - Mt Agou Hike
- Ho - Mt Gemi hike
- Kpalime Region - Mount Klouto Hike
- Kouma Konda - Village Walk
- Volta Region - Wli Waterfalls
- Volta Region - Mount Afadja Hike
- Liati Wote - Traditional Drum & Dance
- Accra - Osu Night Market & Street Food Tour
- Akosombo - Volta River Boat Tour
- Accra - James Town Culture & Food Tour
- Accra - Fantasy Coffin Makers
- Elmina - Elmina (St George's) Castle Tour
- Kakum National Park - Canopy Walkway
- Elmina - Cape Coast Castle Guided Tour
- Elmina - Kotokuraba Market
- Accra - Nima Cultural & Tasting Tour
- Accra - Artists Alliance Art Gallery
- Ote Waterfalls - Canopy Walk - Free
- Accra - Arts Centre for National Culture - Free
- Accra - Traditional Live Music - Free
- Accra - Half Day City Tour - USD56
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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