Ghana, Togo & Benin: Heritage and Celebrations

Along the coast, in the heart of voodoo regions, we meet practitioners, witness trance-dances, and learn about the profound influence of voodoo spirits on people's lives.
Day 1: Accra, Ghana
Arrive in Accra, Ghana's capital. Explore the city's unique identity, modern buildings, and colonial past. Enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Lomé, Togo
Visit Lomé, Togo's vibrant capital. Explore the central market, colonial buildings, and fetish market. Lomé is a small yet cosmopolitan hub for people, trade, and cultures. We'll visit the central market, famous for the "Nana Benz" women who control the market of expensive "pagne" cloths from Europe, and the colonial buildings in the administrative quarter. We'll also stop at the fetish market, where an eclectic assortment of ingredients for love potions and magical concoctions can be found.

Day 3: Cotonou, Benin
Discover Cotonou, visiting the Dantokpa Market, Fidjrosse Beach, and Ganvié, a village on stilts. We cross Lake Nokwe by motorized boat to reach Ganvié, the largest and most beautiful African village on stilts. Despite the long human presence, Ganvié has preserved its traditions and environment, with the lake not being over-fished. Daily life unfolds in dugout canoes: men fish, women display goods at the “floating market,” and children row to school and play.

Day 4: Abomey, Benin
Visit the Royal Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO site. Explore the history and culture of the Kingdom of Dahomey. After exploring the palaces, visit Goho Square, home to the Statue of King Béhanzin, one of Dahomey's most famous and defiant kings, who resisted French colonization.Take time to visit the Fetish Market, offering a glimpse into the traditional beliefs and practices of the region.You'll find an intriguing array of ingredients used.


Day 5: Ouidah, Benin
Embark on a day trip to Ouidah, a significant voodoo center. Visit the Python Temple and Gate of No Return. Begin your visit at the Python Temple, where pythons are revered as representations of gods and considered sacred and powerful. Witness these sacred creatures up close, understanding their importance in voodoo beliefs.

Day 6: Return to Accra
Return to Accra, reflecting on experiences in Benin.

Day 7: Accra, Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Accra. Relax on Labadi Beach, visit the Artists Alliance Gallery, or explore Oxford Street.

Day 8: Accra City Tour
Visit the W.E.B. Du Bois Center, Independence Square, and Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Museum.

Day 9: Cape Coast, Ghana
Visit Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, historic slave trade castles and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Cape Coast castle,originally built in 1555 as a Portuguese trading post named Cabo Corso and later developed by the Swedish in 1653, played a notable role in the trade of timber and gold before becoming a major hub in the slave trade.

Visit to the Elmina Castle, also known as St. George's Castle, this was the first European structure in Sub-Saharan Africa and played a significant role in the region's history

Day 10: Departure
Spend the morning shopping and relaxing. Depart from Accra, reflecting on the rich cultural experiences and memories from the journey

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.