Day 1: Arrival in Accra
Welcome to Ghana!
Upon arrival at Accra airport, we will be met by our driver for a transfer to the hotel and a welcome drink. Meals: Welcome drink
Overnight stay: Urban Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Accra – Dzita
Depart in the morning for Dzita. On the way we will stop in Atsiekpoe, the frequencies of this delightful village are perfect for us to start tuning in to our new surroundings. Here our Ghanaian journey begins and we can unwind by exchanging small talk with the villagers and preparing our palates for the vibrant culinary dishes
Arrival in the evening in Dzita
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Overnight stay: Meet Me There
Day 3: Dzita-experiences with locals at Meet Me There
At Meet Me There we will learn much about the diverse and complex Ghanaian ecosystem. In the morning we will sling the oars of the kayak for an initial foray inside the mangrove forest capturing the energy of this overwhelming wildlife.
Calmer afternoon exploring territory such as Keta Lagoon and ancient forts used for the slave trade such as Fort Prinzenstein.
The Meet Me There participates in the NGO Dream Big Ghana project (www.dreambigghana.org.uk/our-programmes/) and a stay here is in itself an action in support of NGO projects. The food is superlative and typically Ghanaian with 100% local ingredients but you can also choose the international menu.
Meals: breakfast
Overnight stay: Meet Me There
Day 4: Dzita – Liati Wote
Depart for Liati Wote and another day of adventure! On the way, in fact, we will stop in Amedzofe to experience the breathtaking Canopy Walkway or Zipline in Kpando. From an elevated bridge hanging among the trees the view is unique, the perspective gained allowing us to admire the biodiversity in all its splendor ensuring our breath is cut short by the strong emotion.
In the afternoon arrival at Liati Wote and first exploration of the village.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight stay: Tagbo Falls Lodge
Day 5: Liati Wote – Tagbo Falls – Liati Wote
Today the enchanting beauty of Tagbo Falls awaits us. Reaching this wonder of nature is an adventure in itself, in fact the path we will take winds through aromatic cocoa and coffee plantations, lush forests and picturesque villages. Upon arrival the spectacle is incredible, the waterfall is set in a semicircular amphitheater-like rock formation that seems to welcome you in an embrace of beauty, Tagbo is the perfect place to invigorate body and soul.
In the afternoon we will be at Liati Wote village, engaged in the Clean and Green Hub project. The project involves activities to reduce, collect and recycle plastic waste left behind by tourists by transforming it into products with commercial value; in addition, another goal of the project is to develop awareness of the land and its protection among youth and community members.
While in this village we will meet the people of Liati Wote and witness activities such as cocoa drying, palm oil extraction, cooking, and corn grinding. We will breathe in moments of daily life such as admiring people simply chatting among market stalls or actively participating in rural work together with local farmers.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight stay: Tagbo Falls Lodge
Day 6: Liati Wote – Mount Afadjato – Liati Wote
To the conquest of Mount Afadjato! We will start the day with a vigorous hike up Ghana’s highest mountain, from the top we will overlook much of the Volta region with its fascinating landscapes.
In the afternoon, we will get our hands dirty in the kitchen of Philo, the village cook, preparing a local dish with the harvest from the fields, or participate in a painting workshop with Khriz where we can release and express our emotions on paper or wood, or even romp to the hypnotic rhythm of drums played by local artists.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight stay: Tagbo Falls Lodge
Day 7: Liati Wote – Agumtasa Nature Reserve – Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary – Kente Village – Lake Volta
We continue our exploration of this prosperous region with the Wli Falls, in the Agumtasa Nature Reserve, and the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary. The falls are the highest in West Africa and, in addition to the extraordinary beauty and variety of flora and fauna, carry with them an intense cultural and spiritual significance. The Ewe people, the predominant ethnic group in this area, consider them sacred because (according to their belief) they are inhabited by spirits and divine presences.
Next we will get acquainted with authentic Mona monkeys (mona guenons) at Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary. tranquil village and important regional ecotourism destination. Local staff will be available to take us on a tour of the village and forest where we can play with and feed these cute monkeys, considered by the inhabitants to be messengers of the gods.
Not far away we find Tafi Abuipe, the Kente Village, a village renowned for the production of kente textiles. We will visit the weaving room, chat with the master weaver and with the families of the village, many of whom have permanent looms outside their homes. The villagers will offer us the opportunity to witness an authentic and exciting performance by them with drums and ancient dances capable of awakening deep emotions.
Weather permitting, we could alternatively opt for a boat ride in the Kpando area, exploring some of the islets that dot the lake. Boating provides relaxing atmospheres perfect as a conclusion to the day.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Aylo’s Bay – quiet and comfortable resort on the shores of Lake Volta
Day 8: Lake Volta – Safari – glass factory – Lake Volta
Today we will be at Shai Hills Game, a small reserve of rocky hills, for a short safari. The rocks in some places take on the appearance of impressive and striking cliffs that hold a series of small caves, shelters that tell the story and traditions of this area. We will admire wildlife and be able to take nature walks; those who feel more adventurous can challenge themselves to a daring rock climb.
We will proceed with a visit to the Cedi Beads Factory where Mr. Cedi will show us the secrets of handcrafting glass and glass beads, we will be able to make our own exclusive object.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Overnight stay: Aylo’s Bay
Day 9: Lake Volta – Elmina
Early morning departure for Elmina with breakfast on the way. En route, if timing permits (feasibility will be assessed at the time), we will stop in Nsawam, a lively and interesting town with many opportunities to experience local culture and traditions. Here we may visit Aburi Botanic Garden and/or the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, this farm offers a unique experience to learn about cocoa production in Ghana.
Arrive in Elmina for lunch (not included). The afternoon will be devoted to an initial walking exploration of the town and its castle recognized as a UNESCO heritage site. St. George Castle tells the story of the prosperous gold and slave trade between Europe and Africa, built by the Portuguese then coming under the control of first the Dutch and then the British.
Meals: breakfast
Overnight: Bridge House – with a direct view of Benya Lagoon and Elmina Castle
Day 10: Elmina – Kakum National Park – Busua
Today we are looking forward to Kakum National Park, one of the largest parks in Ghana populated by an immense variety of life in all its forms, and its Canopy Walk. The latter consists of a series of viewing platforms in the treetops connected by a row of bold bridges suspended about 30 m above the ground. We will spend an exciting morning scouting the forest and park.
After Kakum National Park, we will continue on to Busua where an afternoon of relaxing on the beach awaits.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Overnight stay: Escape 3 Points Ecolodge
Day 11: Busua
Let’s slow down! We are in Busua, a small fishing village with a beautiful beach perfect for relaxing and taking time to assimilate and share with the group what we have experienced so far. So many thoughts and feelings emerged in the past few days, what better place than this piece of coast to process emotions and set off on a healthy inner exploration?
And maybe take advantage of some surfing lessons. Here we are in one of the best places n all of Ghana to practice surfing. On the other hand, if we feel a more artistic vibe, we can take drumming lessons with the welcoming local artists.
Given that Busua is home to a renowned fishing community, we cannot fail to try the fresh local seafood in some lovely little restaurants.
Meals: breakfast
Overnight stay. Escape 3 Points Ecolodge
Day 12: Busua
Full day at and around Escape 3 Points Ecolodge. We are surrounded by mango, orange, lime, neem, coconut, banana, plantain, oil palm and obrofo nkatie trees, various flowers and shrubs. In the organic gardens we will find fruits such as papaya and pineapple, vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, ginger, chili peppers, green peppers, and herbs such as basil and dill. The accommodations are built of earth, bamboo, raffia, straw and wood, all handmade and designed to fit harmoniously with the surroundings. We can feel at home here!
Those who wish may decide on an optional excursion to Nzulezo, the village on stilts. The place is isolated and ancient, perhaps a bit forgotten, but a boat ride through canals and lagoons provides unforgettable moments of great reflection.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Overnight stay: Escape 3 Points Ecolodge
Day 13: Busua – Accra
We head back to Accra and the conclusion of our trip but there is still time to explore Cape Coast Town with its ruined colonial buildings and beaches bustling with fishermen and traditional boats. An ancient and strategic center of the slave trade, it still bears the marks of its cumbersome past despite its soft and artistic atmosphere today. Here we will learn the technique of Batik, the most popular colored printing technique on fabric in West Africa.
Arrival in the evening in Accra.
Meals: free
Overnight stay: Urban Hotel (or similar)
Day 14: Accra – departure
Time to say goodbye to Ghana!
We are in Accra, the vibrant capital city, the fusion of colonial and contemporary styles symbolizing the city’s cultural mix. You can indulge in last-minute shopping at the Art Center, a large arts and crafts market where you’ll find products from all over West Africa, browse one of the many art galleries, visit the National Museum, the old part of town, or relax on the beach (Bojo Beach).
Transfer to the airport in time for boarding operations on the intercontinental flight back to Italy.
End of services.
