Total price: $4,665/person for Single Occupancy. $4,265.00 for Double Occupancy. 20% deposit is required to secure your reservation. The final payment is due by October 21, 2022. Your trip includes hotel accommodations, group tours, and breakfast daily. (Airfare not included. Contact us if you would like our travel assistant to book your flight. We are happy to help you). To reserve your trip call Debert Cook or Mr. Nuru Dean at 212-571-6559. or Email: debertcook@aol.com
TRIP OVERVIEW
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory with the company of your choice)
- Flight to Accra, Ghana
- Gratuities
- Covid-19 Testing
- Visa Fee
DAILY ITINERARY
Nov 21, 2022 | Monday, Start at 00:00 ARRIVAL IN ACCRA, GHANA, Accra Greater Accra Region – Show on map
Upon arrival at Terminal 3 of Kotoka International Airport, Accra-Ghana, You will be met by a tour guide member who will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in at the beautiful African Regent Hotel. Facilities include Business Center, Gym, Swimming Pool, Spa, Pop Up Shop, Car Rentals, Bar, Food and Beverage, Guest services.
Overnight in Accra – Show on map
Additional hotel amenities include Bar/Lounge, Barbecue Grill, and Beauty Salon. Nov 22, 2022-Tuesday, Nov 22, 2022TuesdayStart at04:50ACCRA CITY TOUR Accra Greater Accra Region, Accra, Ghana – Show on map
After breakfast, you will begin your tour of the hustle and bustle of the metropolis of Ghana’s capital. Your first stop will be at the W.E.B. Centre for Pan-African Culture. Dr. Dubois, A Pan-Africanist accepted an invitation from Dr. Kwame Nkrumah(Ghana’s first President) and the task of researching and compiling the Encyclopedia Africana. The center consists of a museum; which contains memorabilia and Dr. Dubois’s personal library, and the open-air theatre; where intellectual seminars and workshops were held. In addition, is the Marcus Garvey Guesthouse at the center. You will be treated to a guided tour of this memorial center. Afterward, you will depart to Kwame Nkrumah(First President of Ghana) Memorial Park. There, you will make stops at some side attractions including; the Independence Square of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. Depart to the National Museum of Ghana to learn about the culture of the ethnic groups in Ghana. Afterward, you will continue to the hotel to relax and await a nightlife experience in the capital of Ghana. You will have the opportunity to enjoy some local Ghanaian tunes.
Overnight in Accra. Check-in at The African Regent Hotel – Show on map9
Hotel Amenities: Bar / LoungeBarbecue / GrillBeauty Salon. Nov 23, 2022, Wednesday, Start at 02:40, Accra – Cape Coast – Elmina
Depart to the Central Region after breakfast. If the hustle and bustle of Accra the smooth tour you intend to have in Ghana, wait till you leave that behind as you enter a new and calmer region where you will see the rapid transformation. Your first stop will be to explore the Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical forests. There is a canopy walkway which lies on the forest of Kakum and is the most common activity in the park. You will take a hike into the forest with the guidance of an experienced park guide to enjoy the canopy walkway experience. We will depart afterward to Cape Coast Slave Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cape Coast Castle was built in 1653 by the Swedish and later taken over by the British. It is regarded as the second biggest slave castle in Ghana and the most visited. Upon arrival, you will have a tour of this infamous facility. It is going to be an emotional tour as you will be taking through the treatments that was meted out to these slaves before their export overseas. Afterward, you will depart to your hotel for your overnight. You will have a welcome complimentary dinner on the beach.
Overnight in Elmina. Check-in at Coconut Grove Beach Resort, Mmoframa Akyinim, Cape Coast, Ghana – Show on map10
Amenities: Barbecue / GrillBottled WaterConcierge Desk Show more Nov 24, 2022, Thursday – Start at 02:00, ELMINA CASTLE TOUR – CLOTH & DRUMMING LESSONS Elmina Central, Elmina, Ghana – Show on map
After a restful night, you will take your breakfast and begin with a tour of this colonial community. Today’s tour will comprise of both cultural and historic experience. You will be treated to a tour of Elmina visiting most of the notable places within the township. You will have the opportunity to visit the Elmina Slave Castle (St. George Castle) which is regarded as the biggest and oldest slave castle in Ghana. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also visit a local fishing harbor. You will continue your tour to Cape Coast for a Batik Tie and Dye Cloth Workshop. There you will be taught how to make local stamping cloth. Afterwards, you will depart for dance and drumming session before your departure to your hotel for your overnight.
Overnight in Elmina. Check-in at Coconut Grove Beach Resort, Mmoframa Akyinim, Cape Coast, Ghana – Show on map10
AmenitiesBarbecue / GrillBottled WaterConcierge DeskShow more Nov 25, 2022FridayNov 25, 2022FridayStart at00:00ELMINA – ASSIN MANSO – KUMASI
After breakfast, we will depart to the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It is a journey of about 4-5hours. We will make a stop at the Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Site. This facility houses the river that served as the last bath for the slaves before their shipment overseas. You will also witness an Ancestral Graveyard at the facility. Continue afterward to Kumasi. You have the option of experiencing a typical nightlife in Kumasi.
Overnight in Kumasi.Check-in at GOLDEN TULIP KUMASI CITY.
Nov 26, 2022, Saturday – Start at 02:40 KUMASI CITY TOUR, Kumasi Ashanti Region, Kumasi, Ghana – Show on map
5
After a restful night, you will start your tour after breakfast. Your first stop will be at the Military Museum (Kumasi Fort). Artifacts on display include; military equipment and other objects used in the British-Ashanti War as well as that of the second World War. Continue to Okomfo Anokye Sword Site. It is situated on the premises of the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. At this site is over 300years old sword which was planted into the grounds by a famous fetish priest called Okomfo Anokye. Several attempts to remove this sword from the ground have proved futile. According to history. This site also serves as the exact site where the famous priest conjured a golden stool for the Ashanti Kingdom. You will have a tour of this facility to learn more about this famous fetish priest of the Ashanti Kingdom. Continue to the Kejetia Market, which is regarded as one of the biggest open market in West Africa. After our tour of the market, we will depart to the Prempeh II Museum to learn about the history of the Ashanti Kingdom which is located inside the Kumasi Cultural Center. We will have lunch after this tour and depart to our last tour site; Manhyia Palace. This museum is located on the premises of the Palace of the king of the Ashanti kingdom. There, you will learn more about the Ashanti culture after which we will depart to the hotel.
Overnight in Kumasi
Check-in at GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL, KUMASI CITY.
Sunday, Nov 27, 2022 – Start at 00:55, FREE DAY.
After breakfast, you will have the rest of the day to relax at your hotel. We have the option of enjoying a special Sunday local Ghanaian delicacy whilst enjoying Ghanaian tunes.
Overnight in KumasiCheck-in AT GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL, KUMASI CITY.
Nov 28, 2022, Monday – Start at 02:40, KUMASI CULTURAL VILLAGE TOUR.
After breakfast, you will visit some villages in the Ashanti Kingdom. Your first stop will be at Ntonso Adinkra Village. This village is famous for the Adinkra Symbols. The Adinkra Symbols have proverbial meanings. You will have a local textile printing workshop with these unique symbols and be treated to the history behind the symbols as you choose and print with them. Continue to Adanwomase Kente Weaving Village. Kente is a colorful silk and cotton fabric made of interwoven cloth strips mostly used by the Akan ethnic group of Ghana to grace special occasions. You will have a kente weaving workshop. You can also buy some kente products as well. Continue with a Cocoa farm tour. Afterward, you will move to the chief palace for your traditional naming ceremony(African descendant in the diaspora ). Your ceremony will be comprised of a cultural display as the chief and elders of the village perform your naming rite. You will be given a local Ghanaian name afterward. Depart to your hotel to relax after a long day.
Overnight in at Kumasi. Check-in at GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL, KUMASI CITY.
Nov 29, 2022, Tuesday – Start at 02:40, KUMASI – ACCRA Kumasi Ashanti Region, Kumasi, Ghana – Show on map
After breakfast, we will depart to tour facilities we were not able to tour on our first day Kumasi Tour. Afterward, we will continue to Accra.
Upon arrival, we have the rest of the day to relax.
Overnight in AccraCheck-inThe African Regent Hotel237 – Show on map9
Amenities include Bar / Lounge, Barbecue / GrillBeauty Salon. Nov 30, 2022, Wednesday – Start at 08:00, ABURI GARDENS – SHAI HILLS GAME RESERVE – AKOSOMBO.
After breakfast, you will be picked to begin your tour.
Your first stop will be to the Aburi Botanical Gardens. The cool mountainous weather and beautiful landscape of this area makes it an interesting destination for tourist who love the cool side of life. Upon arrival at the garden, you will be welcomed by the beautifully lined-up royal palm trees (Roystonea Regia) on both sides of the entrance leading to the garden. After your tour of the garden, you will depart to Shai Hills Game Reserve. This reserve is covered with grassland and low dry forest vegetation. The reserve can boast of newly four hundred(400) plant and animal species including antelopes, bats, birds, baboons, zebra and many more. You will enjoy a hike into the reserve to familiarize yourself with some fauna and flora and also the beautiful rocks climbing experience. Depart afterwards to Akosombo.
Overnight in AKosombo.Check-in at Royal Senchi Hotel.
Dec 01, 2022, Thursday – Start at 00:00, AKOSOMBO – ACCRA Akosombo Eastern Region, Akosombo, Ghana – Show on map
After a restful day, we will check out at noon to have a cruise on the Volta Lake. The Volta lake is regarded as the biggest man-made lake in the world. After the cruise, we will depart to Accra for the overnight. Check-in at The African Regent Hotel – Show on map
AmenitiesBar / LoungeBarbecue / GrillBeauty SalonShow more Dec 02, 2022FridayDec 02, 2022FridayStart at12:00SHOPPING – DEPARTURE
Checkout from your hotel to visit a shopping center in Accra. You will make a stop at the Accra Arts Centre. It is a large market with different kinds of artifacts. Be ready to experience how shopkeepers and hawkers convince clients to buy their products and also be prepared to bargain with sellers so that you can buy things at very low prices. Afterward, if there is time, you will depart to the beach until your transfer to the airport to depart home. End of Tour
Medaase (Thank you) Ghana
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**Important Notice: Your passport must have four blank visa pages (two facing pages – two facing pages) for any visas and entry stamps upon arrival in Ghana. (Please make sure the blank pages say “Visa” at the top) If visiting other countries, more will be required. Also, your passport must be valid for six months after the intended date of return from Ghana.** Only MACHINE READABLE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (MRTDs) will be accepted to enter Ghana with effect from 24 November 2015. Please note that extended passports won’t be accepted any longer. For this reason, we advise you to closely check your travel documents.
*Itinerary subject to change and prices subject to change without reservation.
Travel Information
Ghana is often referred to as ‘Africa for beginners’ and for good reason. It is a friendly and largely safe country with locals who typically speak excellent English and are usually eager to help first-time foreigners find their feet on African soil. This spectacularly scenic nation boasts an exquisite tropical coastline and some exceptional national parks providing a haven for some unusual flora and fauna. The capital, Accra is a thriving metropolis complete with bustling markets, luxury hotels and a lively nightlife scene. Pack your itinerary with visits to gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, ancient forts, historic dungeons/castles, and quaint fishing villages. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach vacation or are keen to immerse yourself in the fascinating ancient cultures of this nation’s diverse ethnic groups, Ghana offers a unique and compelling African experience.
As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from their passport. Also recommended is that you take a picture of your passport with your phone to keep it handy.
CUSTOMS, Duty & Restrictions
See customs restrictions and more information on importing items here: https://kingshakaairport.info/travel/airport-customs.html
TRAVEL TIPS:
- Keep a photograph of your luggage and passport on your smartphone
- Download the GateGuru app before your next trip: It shows maps and amenities for any terminal
- By far the best transit guide is CityMapper. It’s free, and offers real-time directions via public transport, on foot, or by car
Safety Notices
For international travel advisory and emergency, alerts check the U.S. Department of State website. If you have lost your passport or wallet, please contact the local police department and file a report. Once you have done this, contact the U.S. Embassy in Ghana
U.S. Embassy Ghana
No. 24, Fourth Circular Rd., Cantonments, Accra
P.O. Box GP 2288
Accra, Ghana
Phone: +233 (0) 30 274 1000
Travel and Medical Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance is advised. Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your trip investment and can be purchased through the insurance agent of your choice.
Travel Vaccines & Advice for Ghana
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Ghana. Countries may change their vaccination requirements without notice and in some instances, border agents use their discretion to deny entry despite the officially stated requirements. Visit these websites to see the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
Yellow Fever Requirement
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival in Ghana from all travelers 9 months of age and older. The vaccination requirement is imposed by this country for protection against Yellow Fever since the principal mosquito vector Aedes aegypti is present in its territory.
A Yellow Fever certificate is valid 10 days after vaccination.
LUGGAGE Information
- Checked: 2 pieces at 50 pounds each per person.
- Carry on: 2 pieces -18 pounds total, one to fit in the overhead and one under the seat in front of you.
- Golf Bags are free of charge as long as the weight is under 51 pounds and with a maximum length/width/height dimension of 200cm (78.8″). The Golf bag counts as 1 piece of your 2 pieces checked luggage limit.
The amount of hand and checked baggage you are allowed depends on the class that you are flying. Your travel package has been booked for COACH class unless you have notified our agent that you wish to pay for an upgrade to Business or First Class. See all of the baggage allotment and restrictions HERE.
TRAVEL TIPS:
- Keep a photograph of your luggage and passport on your smartphone
- Download the GateGuru app before your next trip: It shows maps and amenities for any terminal
- By far the best transit guide is CityMapper. It’s free, and offers real-time directions via public transport, on foot, or by car
Banking and Currency
Currency
Ghana Cedi (GHS; symbol ¢) = 100 Ghana pesewas. Notes are in denominations of ¢50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of ¢1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pesewas.
The import of local currency is limited to the amount previously taken out of the country and declared. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, but must be declared upon arrival. The export of local currency is limited to ¢1,000. The export of foreign currency is limited to US$5,000 or equivalent. None of this is likely to have any practical implications for tourists.
The exchange rate system has been liberalized and foreign currency is freely available through authorized dealers including banks and foreign exchange bureaus. The US dollar is the most widely recognized currency, and smaller bills often fetch a poor rate compared with US$50 or US$100 bills.
US Dollar to Ghanian Cedi Currency Converter
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Friday 08h30-16h00; some banks also open Sat 08h00-12h00.
Credit and debit cards are accepted by some leading hotels, restaurants, banks, businesses and upmarket shops in Accra, but are seldom accepted elsewhere in the country, and fraud is quite common. In large urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi, a safer bet is to draw local currency from one of the many ATMs that accept international credit cards. By far the most widely accepted type of card is Visa. MasterCard is also accepted at some outlets, but other brands, including American Express and Diners Club, are near useless in Ghana.
In large urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi, ATMs accepting international Visa cards (and occasionally MasterCard) are common.
Travelers checks are close to useless in Ghana. One of the few places that will exchange them is the head office of Barclays Bank in Accra and Takoradi, but it seems likely this facility will eventually close too.
Immunizations: Look at Travel.State.Gov for complete details on Passport/Visa and Vaccinations.
Get travel and safety updates while abroad by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Communicating While Abroad Through WhatsAPP
DOWNLOAD WhatsApp before you leave the USA for easy WiFi use in communicating with the tour group, friends and family back home during your international travel. This application is available for Android and IOS.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
UBER is a travel option in Ghana. See rates HERE
The speed limit is 50kph (31mph) in towns and 80kph (50mph) outside of towns. Seat belts are compulsory and drunk driving is illegal. A UK driving license is theoretically valid for 90 days, but you are less likely to be queried by bribe-seeking officials if you carry an International Driving Permit.
Taxis are available throughout Ghana.
Accra has extensive bus and taxi services operated by the private sector. There is an abundance of taxis in the towns. Prices are reasonable. Drivers do not generally expect tips. Other ways of getting around, for the more adventurous traveler, are tro-tros (mini-buses), which are usually far less comfortable than taxis.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Water sources should generally be regarded as being potentially contaminated, and water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Inexpensive sachets and bottles of purified water are readily available throughout the country. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
International food is available in most large hotels and many restaurants serve a range of local traditional foods. In Accra, there are also restaurants serving Middle Eastern, Indian, Southeast Asian, French and pretty much every other international cuisine you can think of. The country’s largest concentration of eateries lies along and around the main drag through Osu – known locally as Oxford Street – where you could literally eat somewhere different every night for a month. Fast food outlets are also well represented in upmarket areas such as Osu and the Accra Mall.
Outside of Accra, a fair selection of cuisines is represented in the likes of Kumasi, Takoradi, Tema, Cape Coast, and Elmina. The most popular international cuisine is Chinese, which seems to find its way onto even the most unimaginative hotel restaurant menus.
Alternatively, wherever you are in Ghana, local food can be eaten in small restaurants known as ‘chop bars’, where you will generally be served with rice or a local staple together with a portion of meat or vegetable stew. Almost as ubiquitous (except in a few small and very Islamic settlements in the north) are small local bars known endearingly as ‘spots’. These usually serve inexpensive chilled lager-style beers in 750ml bottles (brands include Guder, Bell and Club, all with an alcohol level of around 5%) as well as inexpensive draught beer (called bubra) in the south.
Tipping is permitted; it is not usually included in the bill.
Climate and Weather
The best time to visit Ghana is between November – March when there is little to no rainfall, and every part of the country is easily accessible.
Ghana has a typically tropical climate thanks to its proximity to the equator and low elevations – the entire country lies below 1,000m (3300ft). Daytime temperatures are high throughout the year, approaching or surpassing 30°C (86°F) on most days, and humidity is also very high, especially along the coast. Temperatures tend to drop to around 20°C (68°F) drop at night, more noticeably in the relatively dry north than the humid south. The most temperate part of Ghana is the highlands area flanking the Volta Basin, which is often pleasantly cool after dusk.
There are two rainy seasons: from March to July and from September to October. Rainfall is highest in the south, with some areas receiving in excess of 2,000mm each year, but the drier north more typically receives about 800mm annually. The capital Accra, together with the coast running east to Togo and Benin, lies within the Dahomey Gap, a tract of savannah that receives relatively little rain and divides the Upper Guinean forests (running westward from central Ghana) from the Lower Guinean forests (running southward from Nigeria southward to the Congo). A noteworthy climatic phenomenon is the Harmattan winds, which blow in from the northeast from December to March, bringing dust from the Sahara and reducing visibility to as little as 1km (0.6 miles).
Clothing and Dress Recommendations What To Pack
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Light and loose is the way to go in this humid tropical climate. Bring light trousers or skirts made of a natural fabric such as cotton, combined with a stash of cotton T-shirts, and plenty of socks and underwear, also ideally must be made from natural fabrics to prevent fungal infections. Ghanaians are relatively relaxed about dress codes, but women should keep their shoulders covered and wear a skirt below the knees in the predominantly Muslim north. One sweater or sweatshirt should be adequate, since night time temperatures are seldom chilly. As for footwear, a good pair of walking shoes with solid ankle support is a must, but you’ll also want sandals. If you forget anything, don’t stress: there is a massive used-clothing industry in Ghana, and having new clothes made from local fabrics is quick and affordable.
Electricity and Plug Standards
For the most part, there are two types of electrical sockets (outlets) used in Ghana: the “Type G ” British BS-1363 and the “Type D” Indian (old British BS-546 5 amp “small”) sockets. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it’s crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in Ghana usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
SMILE!
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