Upon arrival in Accra, claim your bags and proceed toward the arrival hall. Our representative will meet you and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. (Standard check-in time is 3:00 pm).
Check-in at the hotel. Evening enjoy dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight in Accra

After breakfast, depart your hotel at 9:30 AM for a sightseeing tour of Accra, the Capital of Ghana. Experience the city’s highlights during this Accra orientation. The capital of Ghana since 1877, Accra is also the capital of the Greater Accra Region. In addition, it’s the country’s most populous city. Travel through the administrative and economic districts of Accra. Also, see the Artiste Alliance Gallery, the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Pan African Culture, and the Independence/Black Star Square. Learn about important events in Ghana’s history and the country’s first president, who helped lead Ghana to independence.

Continue your tour to The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, dedicated to the legacy of Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah, and his role in African independence. The tour includes visits to Nkrumah's mausoleum, a museum showcasing his life, his personal residence, the eternal Flame of African Liberation, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Learn about Nkrumah's early life, political career, and Pan-African vision. End the day’s tour at the Arts Center, where participants can sharpen their bargaining skills to shop for goods from Ghana and West Africa in an open-air market. On display, you will see fabrics of different materials, designs, colors, and textures to purchase from.

Later this evening enjoy dinner.

Overnight in Accra

After breakfast, check out of your hotel at 7:30 AM and depart for Cape Coast. Upon arrival, drive through the historic Denkyira Kingdom to Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rainforests. Choose between a 2 km nature walk through the rain forest to discover the wide variety of exotic flora and fauna species and the medicinal values they offer, or take a walk on the canopy walkway hanging 40 meters above the forest ground.

After lunch, embark on a tour of the infamous Forts, Castles, and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. History will unfold the story of the slave trade, whose impact is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today. Visit the Cape Coast Castle, built by the Swedes in 1653, which was later taken over by the British. Here, you would learn about the relationship between the Western slave traders and the African tribes that made the trans-Atlantic slave trade possible. It is an opportunity to be up and close with history – to stand in the dark and stuffy dungeons, imagining the experience and conditions that millions of Africans endured. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum.

Overnight in Cape Coast

At 11:00 AM, depart your hotel to explore Elmina, a fishing village that’s both picturesque and gritty, charming and thought-provoking. What better way to appreciate it than to immerse oneself in its main industry – fishing! Meet with local fishermen to learn the intricacies of their trade and the challenges they face in their day-to-day work. Next, meet the fishmongers in the village who will demonstrate the various stages of smoking the fish in earthenware ovens. This is a unique way to experience one of Ghana’s oldest and most important trades.

After lunch on your own, visit Elmina Castle, also known as St. George’s Castle, which was built by the Portuguese in 1482. Here, learn about the relationship between the Western slave traders and the African tribes that participated in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Here, participants will witness the dark and stuffy dungeons local people were forced to endure before being sent on a long and perilous passage across the Atlantic. To see the truth of these conditions in person is a powerful reminder of the inhumanity of the slave trade.

In the evening, join the group for a "kasa" session, a time for meaningful discussions and conversations. Led by your knowledgeable tour leader or guide, these sessions provide an opportunity to delve deeper into Ghanaian culture, engage with fellow travelers, and share impressions and reflections on the tour experiences. It is a time for connection, learning, and further appreciation of the rich tapestry of Ghanaian life.

Overnight in Cape Coast

Following breakfast, spend your day at leisure. 

Optional - Door of Return Ceremony in Cape Castle - USD 210 Per person (minimum 10 travelers)
The Door of Return Ceremony at Cape Coast Castle is a poignant and symbolic event that honors the memory of those who were enslaved and forcibly taken from Africa. This ceremony typically involves a procession to the Door of No Return, where enslaved Africans were once herded onto ships bound for the Americas. During the ceremony, participants often engage in rituals that reflect themes of remembrance, healing, and reconciliation. Speeches from community leaders, historians, and descendants of the enslaved may be included, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging this painful history. Cultural performances, including music and dance, often highlight African heritage and resilience.  The ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of the transatlantic slave trade and fosters a spirit of unity and hope for future generations. It’s a time for reflection on the past and a call to honor those who suffered while celebrating the strength of their descendants.

Evening Enjoy Dinner

Overnight in Cape Coast

Following breakfast, complete the check-out process at your hotel, and around 8:30 Am, embark on a scenic drive through the forested region, heading towards Kumasi, the vibrant capital of the Ashanti Empire. Immerse yourself in the rich legends and traditions of the renowned Ashanti people, whose influential heritage continues to resonate in the present day.

During the journey, make a stop at Assin Manso, a significant historical site. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the remnants of "Donkor Nsuo," once a bustling slave river and market. This poignant location served as the final transit point for numerous enslaved Africans before their tragic journey. It is also the resting place of two ancestors whose mortal remains were repatriated from the United States and Jamaica, finding their final resting place at this sacred site.

We will experience the naming Ceremony,  in Asin Manso, a vibrant and culturally rich event that celebrates individuals receiving new names, often as part of a rite of passage or a significant life change. This ceremony typically involves several key elements:

Cleansing Ritual: The ceremony usually begins with a cleansing ritual conducted by elders or the chief. Participants have their feet washed, symbolizing purification and the shedding of past negativity.

Naming Ceremony: After cleansing, participants are given names based on the day of the week they were born and the clan they are joining. This part of the ceremony is filled with anticipation, as names carry deep significance and identity.

Symbolic Offerings: Guests are often presented with water and a local beverage, representing the dualities of life—good and bad moments. The chief may explain the meanings behind these offerings.

Certificates and Sashes: Each participant receives a certificate with their new name and a sash, signifying their acceptance into the community or family.

Celebration: The ceremony is marked by traditional drumming and dancing, creating an atmosphere of joy and communal celebration. This part reflects the cultural heritage and fosters a sense of belonging.

Blessings: The chief concludes the event by blessing all participants, wishing them prosperity and good fortune as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

Continue the drive towards Kumasi. Upon arrival, you will check in and relax. 

Enjoy your dinner

Overnight in Kumasi

Following a satisfying breakfast set out from your hotel and dedicate the day to exploring three renowned craft villages of the Ashanti region.  We begin at 09:30 Am. The first stop is Ahwiaa, a village known for its skilled wood carvers. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you witness the intricate process of creating African crafts from wood. Gain firsthand insight into the craftsmanship and artistic techniques employed by the local artisans. Moreover, you will have the unique opportunity to directly purchase these exquisite creations from the talented craftsmen themselves.

Next, proceed to Ntonso, a village that holds special significance for its association with Adinkra cloth. Discover the secrets behind the production of this iconic cloth adorned with traditional symbols and designs. Engage with the skilled artisans who meticulously craft each piece, as they demonstrate the various stages of creating Adinkra cloth. You will have the chance to appreciate the artistry and symbolism embedded in this cherished Ghanaian textile and acquire your own piece as a treasured memento.

Concluding the craft village tour, visit Bonwire, a village renowned for its expertise in Kente weaving. Witness the mesmerizing process of hand-weaving intricate and colorful Kente cloth, an art form deeply rooted in Ashanti tradition. Marvel at the dexterity and precision of the weavers as they bring vibrant patterns to life. This is an ideal opportunity to purchase authentic Kente cloth directly from the weavers themselves, ensuring a unique and meaningful keepsake of your Ghanaian adventure.

Throughout the day, you will have the chance to not only observe the creative process but also support the local artisans by purchasing their crafts directly. This ensures a genuine connection with the vibrant culture and traditions of the Ashanti people while acquiring beautifully crafted pieces that reflect the artistic heritage of Ghana.

Overnight in Kumasi

After breakfast, check out of your hotel at 9:00 AM and embark on a city tour of Kumasi. You will visit Manhyia Palace Museum to obtain firsthand information on the legacies of the Ashanti kingdom. A regal history that dates back to 1700 is told with relics and artefacts. Enjoy a drive through the city with monuments dedicated to the memory of the great Ashanti people. End the day’s tour at the National Cultural Centre, which features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and studios for brass, pottery, and batik makers.

Post lunch (own expense), we will depart for Accra. En route, we will stop at Besease Shrine, a World Heritage Site. The Besease Shrine is a traditional fetish shrine near the town of Ejisu. Each of these shrines is a home for a particular spirit, called obosom, that mediates between mortals and the supreme god Nyame. Observe the unique architecture and experience the mode of ancestral worship to the ancient gods. 

After this enriching experience, continue your journey and arrive in Accra. Check into your designated hotel, where you can relax and unwind, reflecting on the day's memorable encounters and experiences.

Enjoy your dinner. 

Overnight in Accra

You have a full day of leisure ahead, allowing you to start the day with a relaxed breakfast. Take this opportunity to unwind and enjoy the comforts of your accommodation. (Standard check-out time is 11:00 AM)

At the end of the day, your unforgettable Back to Roots journey through Ghana draws to a close. You will be transferred to the airport, bidding farewell to Ghana as you embark on your return flight