GHANA, TOGO, BENIN: FESTIVALS AND TRADITION

Day 1 : ACCRA, GHANA IN Arrival in Accra (Ghana) and transfer to the hotel. Free time to relax.

Day 2 : ACCRA | ACCRA CITY TOUR | AFRICAN METROPOLIS

Accra, the capital of Ghana, has maintained its unique identity despite the fast paced development currently underway in this intriguing African city.On the agenda is a visit to the National Museum, one of the first works of independent Ghana. We explore the old quarter of James Town.

Day 3 : TOGO | FETISH MARKET

Lome, the vibrant capital of Togo, is the only African city having been colonized by Germans, British and French. It is also one of the few capitals in the world to be on the border with another nation.

Day 4 : BENIN | BENIN VOODOO TOUR

In a remote hidden village we will join a Voodoo ceremony: the frenetic rhythm of the drums and the chants of the adepts help calling in the voodoo spirit who then takes possession of some of the dancers.

Day 5 : BENIN | ROYAL PALACE

We move to Abomey where we visit the Royal Palace. The walls of the palace are decorated with bas-reliefs representing symbols of the ancient Dahomey kings. Now a museum listed on the Unesco World Heritage List, it displays items belonging to the ancient kings: thrones, cult altars, statues, costumes and weapons. and human blood.

Day 6 : BENIN | FETISH HILL

We stop at the Dankoli Fetish, an important place for the Voodoo cult: thousands of little sticks are pushed in the fetish as testimony of the countless prayers for a good harvest.

Day 7 : BENIN TOUR | FIRE DANCE

In the evening, fire dance. At the centre of the village a large fire lights up the faces of the participants, they dance to the hypnotic beat of the drums eventually leaping into the glowing embers, picking up burning coals, passing them over their bodies and even putting them in their mouths

Day 8 : TOGO | RAINFOREST

From Atakpame we move to the tropical forests surrounding Kpalime, a town with a rich colonial past which is now an important trade center.

Day 9 : GHANA | KOFORIDUA GLASS BEADS

We reach Koforidua on time to visit the weely beads market. Great opportunity for shopping.

Day 10 : GHANA | THE ASHANTI KINGDOM

Kumasi is the historical and spiritual capital of the old Ashanti Kingdom. The tribute paid today to the Asantehene (=King) is the best evidence of their past splendour and strength.

Day 11 : GHANA | THE ASHANTI GOLDEN KINGDOMS

 At the Royal Palace in Kumasi, traditional ceremony takes place in one of the last African Kingdoms which has maintained its ancient rituals still alive.

Day 12 GHANA | HISTORIC SLAVES' CASTLES

Elmina Castle is the oldest European building in Africa. At different times the castle has been used as a warehouse to trade gold, ivory, and eventually slaves.

DEPARTURE: Drive back to Accra for departure.