6 Days : Accra, Cape Coast

Tour Overview:
Ghana was one of the first African countries to become independent from colonial rule. Visit its capital and largest city, Accra. A city tour shows the contrast of colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. Travel to the Cape Coast to visit the Cape Coast Castle and its museum to learn about its history as one of the emotional departure points from Africa. Continue to Elmina to visit Elmina Castle, the oldest European building in Africa, erected by the Portuguese in the 15th century.

Day 1 – Arrive Accra

Arrival in Accra, Ghana and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 – Accra – City Sightseeing

Full day city tour. Accra, the capital of Ghana, has maintained its unique identity despite the fast paced development currently underway in this intriguing African city. The luxuriant administrative area, punctuated with elegant villas built during the first half of the 19th century, reminds us that Ghana was one of the most flourishing British colonies in West Africa. The program includes a visit to the National Museum (if open), one of the first works of independent Ghana – the idea inspiring the Museum is to relate Ghanaian art to the rest of the continent and to prove the existence of an African history as part of the general history of humanity. We explore the old quarter of James Town, inhabited by the local population known as the Ga. On the ocean shore is where local native people life fully unfolds: a village surrounded by the city! Here all economic activities follow very different rules from the ones governing “the city” (business area), just a few hundred meters away. Our tour continues with the visit of a workshop where they specialize in building fantasy coffins. These special handcrafted coffins can reflect any shape: fruits, animals, fish, cars, airplanes…. the only limit being imagination! Started in Africa, these flamboyant coffin designs are by now collected worldwide and exposed in museums. (B)

Day 3 – Accra / Cape Coast Castle / Elmina

In the morning drive to the Cape Coast Region. Along the way to our resort in Elmina we visit Cape Coast Castle. It was built by the Swedes in 1653 but from 1657 to 1664 it changed hands many times, as it was conquered by the Danes, the Dutch, the Fanti (a local tribe), again the Swedes and finally the British. Today, it hosts a museum on slave trade history. (B)

Day 4 – Elmina – Kakum National Park & Elmina Castle

In the morning, we will experience the thrill of a “canopy walk” right in the deep forest of the Kakum National Park: one of the world highest suspended rope bridges held by steel cables. Perched 37 meters (120 feet) above the earth, you will enjoy a stunning view of the rainforest – instead of unveiling their trunks, trees will reveal their tops! In the afternoon visit of Elmina Castle, the oldest European building in Africa, erected by the Portuguese in the 15th century. At different times the castle has been used as a warehouse to trade gold, ivory and, eventually, slaves. The castle we visit today is the result of successive extension works and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Outside the castle, a wonderful village with lots of large colorful fishing boats – every day these canoes are guided by skilled fishermen across strong ocean waves and currents, “fighting” to earn a living. In the old town we will see the Posuban, the shrines of the old “Asafo companies” – the warriors who used to put their offerings on the large colorful statues. The alleys in the old town have a very lively atmosphere, bringing us back to a time when Elmina was a busy colonial town. (B)

Day 5 – Elmina / Accra

Free time to relax on the beach or go for walks to explore villages and meet local fishermen. Mid day drive back to Accra. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 6 – Depart Accra

Transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)

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