Europeans looking to become rich from gold, ivory or the slave trade struggled for power over Ghana; but the land had long before been the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom. These are striking, proud Africans whose present day king is borne high on a palanquin, bedecked in gold, accompanied by rhythmic drums. Ghana is the heartbeat of West Africa, a green land of immense natural beauty.

Akwaaba - A Warm Welcome
In the hectic capital of Accra, we begin our exploration by visiting the museum and markets. Next we head north to the village of Adanwomasi and take part in a cultural visit with the chance to sample Ghanaian cooking and Palm wine. From the port of Yeji, we take a local boat across Lake Volta and head for the far north near the border with Burkina Faso to see traditional house painting and pottery in the undeveloped region of Bolgatanga.

Elephants & Ashanti Gold
At Mole National Park, we have the chance to go out on foot to track elephants in the wild at dawn - a brilliant African experience! There is also the chance to visit the old mud mosque at Larabanga before we continue to Kumasi - once the seat of an empire that stretched from the Ivory Coast to Togo. Here we explore West Africa's largest market, jostling with women dressed in the bright colours of the locally-woven kente cloth.

Slave Fortresses & Golden Beaches
Leaving the highlands, we spend our last days along the spectacular Atlantic coast. There are long sandy beaches to explore and we will visit the "slave forts" which have now been made into thought-provoking museums. At Kakum National Park, there's also the chance to take a spectacular walk on a rope bridge suspended over the jungle canopy! before returning to Accra.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Accra; tour Accra. 2 Drive Lake Bosumtwi; cultural vist to Adanwomasi village. 3 Morning at Lake Bosumtwi; drive Atebubu. 4 Local boat to Makongo and drive to Bolgatanga. 5 In Bolgatanga; optional visit to Tengzug shrine; included visit to Paga crocodile ponds and Sirigu village.6 Drive Mole NP. 7 Elephant search on foot in Mole; optional visit to Larabanga mosque. 8 Visit Boabeng Monkey Sanctuary en route to Techiman. 9 Drive Kumasi; sightseeing. 10 In Kumasi; Free. 11 Drive to Axim beach. 12 Beachcombing; optional visit to stilt village. 13 Drive to Cape Coast; visit Elmina and Cape Coast castles. 14 Visit Kakum NP (optional canopy walk); drive Accra. 15 End Accra.

Accommodation: 12nts hotel, 3nts basic resthouse; 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Local boat/Easy walks.
Comment: A comprehensive look at one of Africa's friendliest nations. Plenty of variety with several chances to see traditional village life, local markets and wildlife. Expect a couple of long driving days over rough roads and 3 nights basic accommodation.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s).
Trip Reference: GN