A specialized tour designed specifically for travelers of African Descent welcoming you back home to the motherland. A journey celebrating culture past and present focusing on the positive news from this exceptional region of Africa. An educative and enjoyable African Heritage tour showcasing Ghana’s rich and colorful cultural identity that still lives on and plays a vital role in everyday life for its people. A traditional naming ceremony will be arranged for you and your family. You will all receive the actual name you would have been given if born here in Ghana as it is connected to the day of the week you were born on. An emotional journey through the tragic enslaved African trade era, learning first-hand what our ancestors had to endure and following in the footsteps they were forced to make. European settlers were initially lured here by the trade in Ivory and Gold. But sadly, this was soon to be replaced by the tragic trade in human cargo, bound for the rapidly increasing number of plantations in the Americas. Ghana was the main center for exporting enslaved Africans and it was at a far greater rate than any other West African country. This is evident with over 20 castles and Fortifications still dotting the Coastline today and with over 70% of all castles and fortifications along the entire West African coastline being built in Ghana there is a strong possibility your ancestors once passed through or came from here. Traditional festivals and durbars are common place and have not changed in centuries. Add this to the ancient connection with arts and crafts like Kente, Adinkra, pottery, brass works and not forgetting a rich musical history this tour is sure to show you how life was and is in current day Ghana.

Our journey gives you an excellent opportunity to mix with locals and interact with traditional rulers and the people of this wonderful country. Immersing yourself in Ghana’s diverse culture and traditions, is an experience that will live with you all forever. Our company Cultural Holidays Tours are the leading local responsible travel tour operator in the region as we give back to all the communities we visit, leaving nothing but positive footprints. To date we have built 2 separate schools in different locations offering creche, kindergarten and primary school places to over 400 children who previously did not have access to education. Booking a tour with us will make you a big part of the positive impact our ethical travel projects are making. Without you the responsible travelers, none of what our projects have achieved would be possible.

            

   Tentative Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival and transfer to hotel

Our expert local tour guides will meet with you on your arrival at the Kotoka International Airport Accra, which is situated on the beautiful gold coast of Western Africa. Look out for the Cultural Holidays Tours sign when you leave the main terminal building after passing through customs. Make yourself known to your guides who will be accompanying you for the duration of your time in Ghana and they will take care of you from here.

After boarding our vehicle, which will be your mode of transport for the duration of your tour, we transfer you to your accommodation which is situated in Accra. Once we have checked you in, our experienced guide will offer you Akwaaba (welcome) and brief you on all aspects of your trip. You can enjoy your evening meal at the hotel restaurant whilst acclimatizing yourself to West Africa.

Accommodation – In Accra

Day 2 Economic districts, National Museum, James Town, Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and National Cultural Centre.

Your first full day in Ghana, after breakfast at our hotel, we set off for our tour of Accra, passing through the economic and administrative districts on our way to the National Museum. Almost all the displays here are ethnographic in nature and the museum gives us an excellent overview of West African culture. The displays in the museum are not only from Ghana but most West African countries. There is an adjoining garden which is home to various sculptures which talk about West African tradition and customs and gives an overview of West African history. During our time here, we also get the chance to view and purchase some wonderful examples of traditional fabrics and crafts. James town is next, we will enjoy a walking tour of this old community taking in some of the historical structures that predate the colonial era. The locals are committed to conserving these buildings and have made significant efforts to maintain them, our time here gives us an excellent idea of what it was like during the colonial era. The 30-meter-high lighthouse built by the British in 1871 and the attractive colorful fishing boats on the beach are also wonderful to see. We continue to Fort James that was built by the British as a trading post in 1673, before it joined the Dutch Fort Crêvecœur, and the Danish Fort Christiansburg. Fort James gave its name to the Jamestown neighbourhood in Accra. These areas give us a perfect picture of old Accra, distinguishing between British Accra and Dutch Accra. Of interest are the Brazilian stone houses, built by free enslaved African’s who reside in Brazil, they made their way back to Africa after the slave trade was abolished and their descendants have now integrated with the locals of James Town. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant (Country Kitchen) serving a selection of West African and continental dishes. In the afternoon we pass by Black Star Square which houses the independence monument and continue to Independence Square which is our main ceremony grounds and where we find the enclosed flame of African liberation, which was lit by Kwame Nkrumah himself in 1961. A short distance away we find the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, final resting place of Ghana’s founder. Set in attractive gardens, there is an adjoining museum, which contains photos, artifacts and an insight into this incredible man’s life. The center was designed by a Ghanaian architect and built using Italian marble. Adjoining the park is the National Cultural Center, which is Ghana’s largest outdoor arts and crafts market where we find locals selling traditional crafts from all over West Africa. After an action packed first full day, we return to our accommodation for our evening meal and to relax with the remainder of the evening free leisure time. Accommodation – In Accra

Day 3 (Leisure at your own)

After breakfast, day free at leisure at your own to relax in hotel & enjoy the nearby places at your own.

Accommodation – In Accra

Day 4 DuBois Centre, Aburi Botanical Gardens, Craft Market and Transfer to Kumasi

We check out of our hotel after breakfast and set off Northwards towards the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Before we set off, our first visit this morning will be the DuBois Centre. This is the final burial place and former home of the prominent American Pan-Africanist Dr William W Burghardt DuBois, who lead the Pan-African congress between 1919 and 1927 he was a vocal Anti-Segregationist and prolific speaker and writer. The centre now serves as a library and research institute for students of Pan-Africanism. Our journey today will take us into the beautiful Akuapem Hills, however before we head out of this bustling City, we visit TK beads, experts in making beautiful African beads using traditional methods. The Krobo people of Ghana are renowned for their traditional bead jewellery that dates back centuries, and it would be wonderful to see and learn first-hand the historical importance of beads and learn the ancient process used to make them. Your guide will talk you through the skilled process of making the beads and you will see skilled craftsmen at work and can even try your hand. Beads are culturally a symbol of wealth and beauty here in Ghana and are still used during traditional durbars and festivals with most Ghanaian women wearing beads daily. There is a wide selection of quality, beautiful, reasonably priced beads available for purchase at the onsite shop.

  Aburi Botanical Gardens

Our journey continues, taking us through the beautiful Akuapem range with outstanding views across Accra and Tema in the distance. At the top of the range, we find the Aburi botanical gardens, set in a beautiful location that were founded by the British in 1890. The gardens are home to a wide variety of indigenous and exotic flora, offering outstanding views to Accra on a clear day. As we walk around the gardens our guide will identify the many trees and plants found here, some with medicinal properties and explain how Ghanaians use them. A short distance from the gardens we find the relaxed and friendly Aburi craft village, where traditional African drums, sculptures and other crafts have been carved for generations. As we watch the skilled craftsmen at work it is worth noting that prices here are amongst the lowest in Ghana, making Aburi an ideal place to pick up some souvenirs. Your guide will talk you through the meaning and local beliefs connected to many of the sculptures that have been made the same way throughout history. Our lunch will be taken in Koforidua capital of the Eastern Region of Ghana before we continue our journey to Kumasi arriving in the early evening.

Accommodation – In Kumasi – Lancaster Kumasi City

Day 5 Ancient Kente and Adinkra Villages, Ashanti Traditional House and Sakoban Krofrom

A morning visit to the last material remains of the great Asante Empire as we visit the

traditional Asante buildings that are now recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. There are 10 active shrines within the buildings which are made from bamboo, timber, mud, and thatched roofs. The walls are designed with motifs that have traditional symbolic meanings attached to ancient Adinkra symbols that we will learn more about later today. This is also where Nana Yaa Asantewaa, possibly the most important women in Ashanti history comes from, a great female warrior who led the Ashanti’s in the 1901 war against the British. Nana Yaa Asantewaa was also the Queen Mother of Ejisu Besease and we will visit the local spiritual shrine where she used to fortify herself before going into battle.

  Nightlife

Heading into town to experience Ghana’s nightlife

We continue our journey through Ashanti history by visiting the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso. Our first stop is Adanwomasie, the birthplace of Ghana’s rich colorful Kente cloth. Adanwomasi produces some of Ghana’s finest Kente cloth, many designs of cloth are woven here, and some are exclusive only to this region. Quality time is dedicated here as we walk through the community, interacting with the skilled weavers whose families have been producing kente for generations playing an important role in the history of this beautiful cloth. During our time here, we learn about the history behind the many designs and see skilled weavers outside their homes still using traditional looms that have not changed in design for centuries. Former US President Bill Clinton has had a design named after him called the “Clinton Kente” as Ghanaians were impressed with the respect, he showed to Ghana when he was in office. This is an ideal time to purchase quality kente cloth at extremely low prices before we set off for Ntunso.

  Ashanti Funerals

Very important in Akan culture and can be attended by thousands of people

The ancient village of Ntunso, is where adinkra cloth and symbols originate. These traditional symbols all have meanings and are carved from calabash shells. The adinkra symbols are then printed onto traditional cloth using natural dyes made from the bark of certain local trees. Adinkra cloth has been adorned by the Ashanti’s for more than 4 centuries and pre- dates kente cloth. Even today most Ashanti’s will wear adinkra cloth for funerals, festivals, and other important occasions. During our time here, we can make our own strip of adinkra cloth using symbols with personal significance. After lunch we visit the village of Sokoban Krofrom where traditional brass casting has been the main source of income for the community for generations. A wide selection of items ranging from beads and jewellery to traditional statues are made here. The methods used to produce these wonderful brass works has not changed and during our time here we see a demonstration of the skilled process. There are several stores selling a wide range of brass products produced here, and this could be a good time to purchase some reasonably priced souvenirs. This evening you have the option of enjoying your evening meal at your hotel, alternatively we can head into town to one of the many quality restaurants serving a selection of local and international dishes and experience Kumasi

nightlife at one of the bars.

Accommodation – In Kumasi – Lancaster Kumasi City

Day 6 Assin Manso and Cape Coast Castle

This morning we take a leisurely breakfast before setting off Southwards to Elmina in the central region of Ghana. The town of Elmina was given its name by the Portuguese due to the abundance of Gold found in Ghana, translated Elmina means The Mine. Gold is of such importance to Ghana today and historically that we were even known as the Gold Coast before independence. Ghana’s gold is of the highest quality and we are the 8th largest exporter in the world and second largest exporter in Africa behind South Africa.

We stop at Assin Manso, an important town along the enslaved African trade routes. The town

surrounds the Ndonkor Nsuo (Enslaved African River). This river is where enslaved Africans were checked for fitness and bathed before being transported to Cape Coast for shipment to the Americas. The slaves would have walked hundreds of kilometers from Northern Ghana through thick forests in shackles and chains, many being in poor health once they reached Assin Manso. Once bathed and rested the slaves would continue the final 32-mile march to the dungeons of Cape Coast Castle where they would remain for up to 6 weeks before being shipped to the Americas. In 1998, a symbolic gesture was made when the bodies of two free (previously enslaved) Africans, Samuel Carson from New York U.S.A and Crystal from Kingston Jamaica were returned to Cape Coast Castle and symbolically passed through the “Door of no Return” before being transported to Assin Manso for re-internment.

After our tour we continue to Cape Coast, we enjoy lunch upon arrival at a local restaurant overlooking the ocean before visiting the nearby Cape Coast castle which has been designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO.

The castle is a thought-provoking monument to a harrowing period in the region’s history. Quality time will be spent in the afternoon on an emotional journey touring this castle which held more enslaved Africans captive than any other in West Africa, viewing the dungeons and the infamous “Door of no return”. There is a historical museum inside, which explains the entire history of the castle and Cape Coast itself, as well as a souvenir shop selling literature on all of Ghana’s forts and castles, as well as the cultural history and traditions of Ghana. Our local guide will arrange the Rite of Passage programme that will include the re-enactment of a slave group in the dungeons of the castle. This performance from a local drama group shows the painful experiences our ancestors were forced to endure during their time in captivity. Our special guest will be Mr. Kohien a prominent African American who has

relocated back to Ghana and who is now the President of Pana fest. Traditional drumming and dance will set the tone during this emotional and thought-provoking time here.

Many African Americans have relocated back home to the motherland Ghana and set up a business and home in Cape Coast and Elmina. Our evening can be at one of the restaurants owned by those that have relocated, hearing their experiences and interacting into the night. Alternatively, we can relax at our accommodation after an informative and emotional day.

Accommodation – Cape Coast.

Day 7 Kakum National Park, Canopy Walkway and Elmina Castle

After breakfast, we set off for Kakum National Park in the morning, Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway. This is a truly beautiful, tropical guinea rainforest and the canopy walkway is sure to be a highlight of your time in Cape Coast. This national park protects the original habitat that was found in this location and was the local’s home and major source of  ffood. The walkway consists of 7 bridges, attached to 7 emerging trees, 40 metres above the rainforest floor. Prepare to take a deep breath as you walk the suspended bridges. You will marvel at the outstanding views that stretch for miles across this breath-taking rainforest as you rest on the viewing platforms that are attached to the emerging trees between the bridges. We are sure you would agree that this is an exciting excursion never to be forgotten. We return to the park headquarters where we find an excellent information centre that offers a very informative overview of the park’s flora and fauna. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded within the park, which includes forest elephants, leopards and 6 primate species to mention just a few.

We stop for lunch at Han’s Cottage botel near Kakum, Han’s is built over a lake containing Nile crocodiles and set in a beautiful location surrounded by tropical guinea rainforest.

It is an original and comfortable establishment, which is teeming with bird life and an excellent place to enjoy lunch before setting off for Elmina. During our time in Elmina town we will visit the castle of St. George in Elmina. This is the oldest extant colonial building in sub–Saharan Africa dating from 1482. This castle is steeped in history and played a prominent part during the tragic transatlantic enslaved African trade era. There is an informative museum inside which concentrates on local history and it is designated a world heritage site by UNESCO. Our evening is free leisure time to relax.

Accommodation – Cape Coast.

Day 8 Brenu Akyinim School and Traditional Naming Ceremony

A wonderful day lies ahead as we enjoy a relaxing breakfast before setting off & check-out from the hotel to visit one of the schools our company has been able to build through responsibly minded travellers like yourselves booking tours through us. It is a major part of our company giving back to communities in need that we visit during our tours and this is the perfect time to meet the children you are helping. If you have any donations or school supplies, you would like to give out during your time in Ghana then this is a good opportunity to do so. If you don’t no problem as you are already helping locals just by booking a tour with Our time here is spent meeting the children and teachers and maybe participating in a class or sporting activity. The school is also located on one of Ghana’s finest beaches and we can enjoy our lunch overlooking the beautiful Gold Coast of Western Africa.

A special time arrives after our lunch as we visit a local village to pay a courtesy call on the chiefs and queen mothers. We start by the pouring of libation to officially welcome you back home and enjoying detailed interactions with the chiefs and elders of the village. Traditional drumming and dancing are all around as we get an in-depth feel of traditional village life here in Ghana. The time has finally arrived for you to be given your true African name during your own personal traditional naming ceremony in your honour. Chiefs and elders of the community officially welcome you as they lead you through the ceremony which has been performed by our ancestors through history. You will finally have the chance to adopt your own African name based on the day of the week you were born or numeric order of your siblings. This would have been your actual name if you were born in Ghana and has an emotional attachment to many when they receive them. A major highlight of your time here, after an afternoon of celebrations we return to our hotel to relax. In the evening we hope to celebrate such an important day and we can head out to Cape Coast’s most popular night spot to enjoy a local live band, dancing the night away. If you would prefer to relax at your accommodation this would not be a problem.

Accommodation – Elmina.

Day 9 Beach Relaxation

After the exertions, emotions and excitements from the previous 9 days travelling around Ghana experiencing so much in such a short timeframe, today will be dedicated to relaxing at one of Ghana’s finest beach front locations here in Elmina.

Accommodation – Elmina

Day 10 Beach Relaxation, Fort Amsterdam and Accra

A relaxing morning enjoying the facilities of our accommodation, maybe go for a swim, relax on the beach or just enjoy our final morning at this beautiful location. Prior to lunch we will freshen up and re-pack our bags, your local guide will collect them from your room and bring them to our vehicle to load. Before setting off back to Accra we enjoy our lunch overlooking the beautiful Gold Coast of West Africa. On route to Accra along the coastal road we find Fort Amsterdam in the town of Abandze. This is the first Fort built by the British between 1631 and 1638 and soon became the headquarters of English Gold Coast activities. In 1665 after a long and bloody battle the Dutch captured the fort and that is where it gets its name Fort Amsterdam. In 1811 locals loyal to the British from a neighbouring community, Anomabo destroyed the fort, it was later restored to its former glory in 1951. It is believed that the first slave prison on the Gold Coast was in the hollow south east bastion of the fort. After an informative tour we continue our journey to Accra. On arrival back in Ghana’s capital city we check into our accommodation with your final evening here in Ghana free time to relax or hit the town.

Accommodation – In Accra.

Day 11 Accra (Leisure at your own)

After breakfast, day free at leisure at your own to relax in hotel & enjoy the nearby places at your own.

Accommodation – In Accra.

Day 12 Dedicated to shopping and relaxing prior to departure

Today is dedicated to shopping in Accra as we head to the Accra Mall giving you an insight into modern day Ghana. An opportunity to also purchase some last-minute souvenirs before heading home. Our early evening meal will be taken at a locally owned restaurant serving an excellent selection of local and international dishes which gives us an ideal opportunity to say our goodbyes and reflect on a wonderful time together. After your meal our team will transfer you to the airport for your departure.