.

DAY 1

ARRIVE ACCRA, GHANA
Arrive Accra; meet assist and transfer to Hotel.

Photo: Kwame Nkrumah Memorial, Barry Williams

Meal(s) Included: No
Hotel: Africa Royal Beach Hotel

DAY 2

 ACCRA CITY TOUR
 After breakfast start your city tour of Accra and vicinity. You will visit the W.E.B. Dubois Center and library. Visit Black Star Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial (the tomb of Ghana’s first President. Pass by Independence Arch-Accra’s ceremonial grounds. This evening enjoy the News Years celebration at your hotel.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Africa Royal Beach Hotel

DAY 3

TRAVEL FROM ACCRA TO CAPE COAST
After breakfast have a morning at leisure. In the afternoon drive to Cape Coast.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel:    Elmina Bay Hotel

DAY 4

CAPE COAST
After breakfast visit Cape Coast Castle and the Castle Museum for a guided tour. Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was one of the departure points for Africans being sent to slavery in the Americas. The castle is home to the infamous “Door of No Return.” In the afternoon we will visit Elmina Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1482. This castle was the first European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa.

This evening observe the rituals leading up to tomorrow’s celebration of Edina Bronya.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Elmina Bay

DAY 5

CAPE COAST
Today experience Edina Bronya, or Elmina Christmas, a festival that has been held for centuries in Elmina dating back to the Dutch occupation during the colonial period. This festival takes place on the first Thursday of January. Drumming, dancing and masquerading are all a part of this grand celebration that commemorates the lives of the ancestors. This carnival atmosphere is a great way to start the New Year.
This evening observe the preparations for overnight fishing as the colorful fishing canoes are made ready to go out to sea.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Elmina Bay

DAY 6

CAPE COAST / KUMASI
After breakfast, depart Cape Coast for Kumasi. En-route, stop at Assin Manso, the burial site of two former slaves from the U. S. and Jamaica whose remains were re-interred in August 1998 during Ghana’s first Emancipation Day Celebration. Visit the “Slave River” where captured Africans were washed before being confined in the Slave Castles to await shipment to the Americas and the Caribbean.
Arrive in Kumasi and visit the Prempreh II Jubilee Museum, named for the former Asantehene (ruler of the Ashanti people), Nana Osei Agyeman Prempreh II. Exhibits include a replica of the famed Golden Stool, which is believed to have descended from the sky and is the spiritual symbol of the Ashanti people.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel:  Miklin Hotel

DAY 7

KUMASI

Today you will visit the Ashanti craft villages. First, learn about woodcarving in the village of Ahwiaa, known for the talented artisans who fashion royal stools, walking sticks and fertility dolls from wood. Next stop is the village of Ntonso, where Artisans hand-stamp patterns on cotton cloth to make Adinkra textiles. Black-on-black and black-on-red Adinkra cloth are worn for funerals and other solemn occasions. Discover how the black dye is made from the bark of trees, and create your own Adinkra sash. Later, visit Bonwire where the famous Kente Cloth is handmade on looms in a time-honored tradition passed down through generations. Observe the Kente weavers creating the traditional Kente Cloth.

Photo: Kente Cloth Warehouse, Barry Williams

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel:   Miklin Hotel

Day 8

KUMASI
After breakfast visit the Manhyia Palace. The Manhyia Palace was built by the British in 1925 to receive Asantehene (ruler of the Ashanti people) Prempeh I when he returned from exile in the Seychelles to resume residence in Kumasi. It was used by the Ashanti kings until 1974. It now serves as a museum, containing a range of items relating to the Ashanti Kingdom.
In the afternoon tour the Kumasi Central Market, the largest traditional market in West Africa.

Photo: Manhyia Palace Museum, Barry Williams

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel:    Miklin Hotel

Day 9

KUMASI TO VOLTA REGION
After breakfast travel to the Volta Region and visit the Aburi Botanical Gardens: Aburi Botanical Gardens was established as an agricultural research station and convalescent home for the British Colonial Administration. The garden overlooks the coastal plain at an elevation of 1,200 – 1,500 ft. above sea level. You will learn about the cultural and medicinal importance of the trees in these gardens. The serene environment leaves lasting memories.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Volta Hotel

Day 10

VOLTA REGION TO ACCRA / DEPART
After breakfast return to Accra, enjoy last minute shopping before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

TOUR INCLUDES

• Meeting and assistance upon arrival
• Assistance at departure on final day
• Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
• Hotel accommodation in the indicated properties for 9 nights
• Transportation in private vehicle
• Experienced tour guide
• Admission to all listed sites and events
• Meals indicated (9 breakfasts, 8 dinners)

TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Airfare to/from Ghana
• Cost of visa
• Meals not listed
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuity to driver and guide

. » Read more: Ring in the New Year In Ghana, 10 Days

Day 1

ARRIVE IN ACCRA – Tuesday

On arrival in Ghana you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel.

This afternoon there is an orientation on Ghanaian culture. This evening there is a welcome dinner with entertainment. Tailors and dressmakers from whom you can order custom made outfits will be in attendance.

Meal(s) Included: None

Overnight at Shangri-La Or Similar

Day 2

ACCRA – Wednesday

After breakfast, visit the W.E.B. Du Bois Center honoring the life of one of the most prominent Pan-Africanists who chose to live and work in Ghana.

Visit Independence Square, Accra’s open-air ceremonial grounds where all national celebrations are held.
Continue to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and museum, a tribute to Ghana’s first President. This park, formally called the Polo grounds, is where Dr. Kwame Nkrumah declared the independence of Ghana.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Shangri-La Or Similar

Day 3

TRAVEL TO KUMASI – Thursday

After breakfast we will travel to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom of Gold.

On the way you  will stop at Mampong Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine. The center conducts research in the use of plant medicine in the cure of various ailments.

Continue to Kumasi arriving early afternoon. On arrival in Kumasi you will visit the Manhiya Palace. The Manhiya Palace was built by the British in 1925 to receive Asantehene (ruler of the Ashanti people) Prempeh I when he returned from exile in the Seychelles to resume residence in Kumasi. It was used by the Ashanti kings until 1974. It now serves as a museum, containing a range of items relating to the Ashanti Kingdom.

Visit the nearby Okomfo Anokye Sword, an important symbol of Ashanti unity that marks the spot where the Golden Stool “descended from the sky” and has been in place for 300 years. Legend says the Ashanti Kingdom would collapse should the sword ever be removed.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Noda Hotel Or Similar

Day 4

KUMASI – Friday

After breakfast, visit the Ashanti craft villages starting with the woodcarving village of Ahwiaa, known for the talented craftsmen who fashion royal stools, walking sticks and fertility dolls from wood. You will have the opportunity to purchase hand carved items of all kinds.

Our next stop is the village of Ntonso where artisan’s hand-stamp patterns on cotton cloth to make Adinkra textiles.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Noda Hotel Or Similar

Day 5

TRAVEL FROM KUMASI TO CAPE COAST – Saturday

After breakfast, depart for Cape Coast.  You shall transit the rich Gold mine town of Obuasi.

On the way you will stop at Assin Manso, the burial site of two former slaves from the U. S. and Jamaica whose remains were re-interred in August 1998 during Ghana’s first Emancipation Day Celebration. You will see the “Slave River” where captured Africans were washed before being confined in the Slave Castles to await shipment to the Americas and the Caribbean.

This afternoon we will visit Cape Coast Castle and the Castle Museum for a guided tour. Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was one of the departure points for Africans being sent to slavery in the Americas. The castle is home to the infamous “Door of No Return”.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Elmina Beach Resort Or Similar

Day 6

CAPE COAST TO ACCRA – Sunday

This morning we will visit Elmina Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1482. This castle was the first European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa.

Late morning we will return to Accra. On the way, we will stop   to visit the village of Abandze, the ancestral home of Louis Armstrong, the famous American jazz musician.

Arrive in Accra early afternoon. You will still have time to shop. You can visit the popular Arts & Crafts Market if you like aggressive bartering or the African Market in Osu if you prefer fixed prices.

After returning to the hotel with the great bargains you have secured, prepare for  tomorrows flight to Senegal.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Shangri-La Or Similar

Day 7

FLY TO DAKAR, SENEGAL – Monday

Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your  flight to Dakar.On arrival in Dakar you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Your guide and driver will assist you in  choosing  activities for the rest of the day.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Novotel Dakar Or Similar

Day 8

TOUR OF DAKAR – Tuesday

Today  begin the tour of Dakar and vicinity. Places to visit in Dakar include:
The colorful markets including Tilen Market, famous for a variety of medicinal herbs and traditional healers, the Presidential Palace,  the national gallery, the Ifan museum and the artisan village of Soumbedioune.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Novotel Dakar Or Similar

Day 9

VISIT TO GOREE ISLAND – Wednesday

This morning depart for the 15 minutes ferry ride to the charming yet infamous/famous Goree Island. See the “Door of No Return” through which millions passed on the way to slavery in the Americas. The tour includes a visit to the ethnographic museum and a lecture by the curator on the history of Goree Island. Goree Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Early afternoon return to Dakar where you may relax or continue the city tour started yesterday.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Novotel Dakar Or Similar

Day 10

TOUR OF PINK LAKE AND DAKAR – Thursday

After breakfast, travel to visit the Pink Lake, a rare natural phenomena caused by a unique combination of micro-organism and high concentration of salts which gives the lake its pink colour. Interact with the women harvesting salt and visit the nearby Fulani Village where you will be welcomed by the Chief and his wives.   This afternoon return to Dakar and complete your shopping at the crafts and sand painting market then prepare for this evenings farewell dinner.

Late night transfer to the airport for tomorrows   early morning flight to New York.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Novotel Dakar Or Similar

Day 11

DAKAR/DEPART – Friday

Today’s activities will be depend  on your departing flight time. Your guide and driver will be available to show you  more of Dakar and vicinity until you are transferred to the airport for the onward flight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

. » Read more: Historical Tour of Ghana & Senegal , 11 Days

Day 1

Tuesday – ARRIVE IN ACCRA

On arrival in Ghana you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Today’s activities will be determined based on your flight arrival time.

Meal(s) Included: No

Overnight at Travel Xpress Hotel or similar

Day 2

Wednesday – ACCRA

Today you will visit Independence Square (also known as Black Star Square), home of Independence Arch and the Flame of Liberation. Continue to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial, the mausoleum of Ghana’s first President.  This park, formally called the Polo grounds, is where Dr.  Nkrumah declared Ghana’s Independence from Britain.  Here you will see books authored by Dr. Nkrumah as well as several of his most treasured possessions.

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial – Barry Williams

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Travel Xpress Hotel or similar

Day 3

Thursday – ACCRA-KUMASI

After breakfast, travel to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom of Gold. On the way, you will stop at Mampong Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine. The center conducts research in the use of plant medicine in the cure of various ailments. On arrival in Kumasi, you will visit the Manhiya Palace which was built by the British in 1925 to receive Asantehene Prempeh I (King of the Ashanti people). It was used by the Ashanti kings until 1974. It now serves as a museum, containing a range of items relating to the Ashanti Kingdom. Visit the nearby Okomfo Anokye Sword, an important symbol of Ashanti unity for 300 years.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Noda Hotel or similar

Day 4

Friday – KUMASI

After breakfast, visit the Ashanti craft villages starting with the woodcarving village of Ahwiaa, known for the talented craftsmen who fashion royal stools, walking sticks and fertility dolls from wood. You will have the opportunity to purchase hand carved items of all kinds. Your next stop is the village of Ntonso where artisan’s hand-stamp patterns on cotton cloth to make Adinkra textiles. You will learn how the black dye is made in the village from the bark of trees, and create your own Adinkra sash. The final village is Bonwire, where the famous Kente cloth is handmade on looms in a time-honored tradition passed down through generations. You will see the Kente weavers in process of creating Kente cloth in various styles. This evening you can visit the Kumasi Central Market (also known as Kejetia Market), the largest open-air market in West Africa, where more than 10,000 vendors sell their wares. Here you will find just about any product imaginable.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Noda Hotel or similar

Day 5

Saturday – KUMASI-CAPE COAST

After breakfast, depart for Cape Coast. You will pass through the rich Gold mine town of Obuasi. There will be a stop at Assin Manso, the burial site of two former slaves from the U.S. and Jamaica whose remains were re-interred in August 1998 during Ghana’s first Emancipation Day Celebration. You will see the “Slave River” where captured Africans were washed before being confined in the Slave Castles to await shipment to the Americas and the Caribbean. This afternoon, you will visit Cape Coast Castle and the Castle Museum for a guided tour. Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was one of the departure points for Africans being sent to slavery in the Americas. The castle is home to the infamous “Door of No Return”.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Elmina Beach Resort or similar

Day 6

Sunday – CAPE COAST

Kakum National Park’s Canopy Walkway – Barry Williams This afternoon you will visit Elmina Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1482. This castle was the first European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa. In the evening you will travel to the nearby village of Mesomagor and see the Bamboo Orchestra at their musical best. The young people in the village of Mesomagor have revived traditional art, by performing with bamboo percussion instruments to music and dance. This is a contagious dance performance you will not find anywhere else. (Minimum 8 required for this activity)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Elmina Beach Resort or similar

Day 7

Monday – CAPE COAST-ACCRA

After breakfast in Cape Coast, you return to Accra. On the way, you will stop to visit the village of Abandze, the ancestral home of Louis Armstrong. This afternoon, travel to Teshie and view its fantasy coffins. They are made by the famous Ga coffin carpenters in Accra. In traditional Ga culture, you are buried in a coffin that reflects how you earned your living and lived your life. The coffins are shaped like animals or an object that symbolizes the life style or profession of a deceased. Or Take the time to search for bargains and visit The National Cultural Center and the popular Arts & Crafts Market if you like aggressive bartering, or the African Market in OSU if you prefer fixed prices.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at Travel Xpress Hotel or similar

Day 8

Tuesday – DEPART ACCRA

Today’s activities will depend on the time of your departing flight. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

2012  Schedule

• May 24 -31, 2012
• June 7 -14, 2012
• June 21-28, 2012
• July 12-19, 2012
• August 9-26, 2012
• August 23-30, 2012
• September 20-27, 2012
• October 11-18, 2012
• November 15-22, 2012
• December 20-27, 2012

2013 Schedule

• March 31, 2013 – April 7, 2013

Tour Costs

Day 1

ARRIVE IN DAKAR, SENEGAL-

Arrive Dakar, meet assist and transfer to the hotel.

Meal(s) Included: No

Overnight at Ndiambour or Similar

Day 2

 DAKAR – GOREE ISLAND – DAKAR -

In the morning, explore Metropolitan Dakar. Bargain at the colorful markets including Tilen Market, famous for a variety of medicinal herbs and traditional healers. Visit the National Art Gallery and the picturesque residential district of Medina. In the afternoon, go back in time at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goree Island which houses “The Door of No Return”. Visit the ethnographic museum and hear a lecture by the curator on the history of Goree Island. Later, return to Dakar.

The Door of No Return, Goree Island

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Ndiambour or Similar

Day 3

DAKAR – PINK LAKE – ST-LOUIS

En route to St-Louis tour the natural phenomenon Pink Lake and observe workers harvesting salt. Visit the neighboring Fulani village where you will receive a royal welcome by the village king. Continue to St. Louis, which is approximately 165 miles from Dakar. Enjoy, the opening night at the Jazz Festival.

Harvesting salt at Pink Lake

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Overnight at The Residence or Similar » Read more: St-Louis International Jazz Festival, 8 Days

Day 1 Thursday Feb 7, 2013

ARRIVE BAMAKO

International flight arrives in Bamako, Mali. You will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel.

Meal(s) Included: No

Overnight at 3-star hotel

Day 2 Friday Feb 8, 2013

TIMBUKTU

This morning take an early flight to legendary Timbuktu. Located near the River Niger, and at the terminus of the great trans-Saharan caravan route, Timbuktu became fabulously wealthy in the 16th century. Loaded with blocks of salt and other trade goods, huge convoys of camels would spend weeks crossing the unforgiving Sahara to reach Timbuktu. It was here that they would trade salt, pound-for-pound, with African merchants bringing gold and ivory along the Niger from the heart of Africa. Wander the dusty streets of Timbuktu, admiring such magnificent mud-brick structures as the Djinguiraiber Mosque, the Mosque of Sankore, and the Palace of Bouctou. See the houses of the various 19th century European explorers who used Timbuktu as a base. Overnight in Timbuktu.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at 3-star hotel

Day 3 Saturday Feb 9, 2013

MOPTI

This morning, leave a place whose name is synonymous with somewhere unreachable, “Timbuktu”, and fly to Mopti. On the Mopti city tour, you will see the fascinating mix of Malian cultures: Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Dogon, Fulani, Tuareg, Songhay and Hausa. Visit the beautiful mosque, the fishing port and the bustling market, where you can shop for gold or silver jewelry, Tuareg leather work, or Fulani blankets of cotton or wool. Overnight in Mopti.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at 3-star hotel

Day 4 Sunday Feb 10, 2013

MOPTI-DJENNE-MOPTI

Drive to Djenne, Timbuktus ancient sister-city on the Bani River. Visit Djenne on its weekly market day when Djenne is at its colorful best; see the magnificent Grand Mosque, the largest mud-brick architecture in the world and one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, visit the museum, wander through the narrow streests of Djenne discovering this architectural city.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at 3-star hotel

Day 5 Monday Feb 11, 2013

 DOGON COUNTRY

After breakfast, drive to Mali's fascinating Dogon country with a first stop in Songho, renowned for its rock paintings and circumcision grotto; continue to Sangha. Visit the villages of Sangha, Ogols and Bongo; see the traditional women's house, the sacrificial altar of the Hogon (the Dogon people's traditional and religious leader). Visit a Dogon seer. Overnight in Sangha.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at 3-star hotel.

Day 6 Tuesday Feb 12, 2013

DOGON COUNTRY

Breakfast, descend the Bandiagara escarpment to visit the villages of Banani (note the ancient Tellem cave dwellings in the cliff face), Ireli, Amani (visit the sacred crocodile sanctuary), and Tireli, where you may see a traditional Dogon Mask Dance.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at 3-star hotel

Day 7 Wednesday Feb 7, 2013

SEGOU, FESTIVAL ON THE NIGER

After breakfast, drive to Segou, Mali's second largest city and former colonial capital. This drive takes you through varying rural villages where you can observe the traditional way of life. Along the drive you have the opportunity to stop and visit local markets. Arrive Segou late afternoon. Enjoy the festival opening ceremonies and the evening activities (concert, story-telling, traditional dances)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at 3-star hotel.

Day 8 Thursday Feb 14, 2013

SEGOU, FESTIVAL ON THE NIGER

Excursions to nearby cultural sites including: Kalabougou, the pottery village; and Sekoro, the old-Ségou, former capital of the Bambara kingdom.

Two full days of festival activities: speakers, demonstrations, expositions, music and dance.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Overnight at 3-star hotel

Day 9 Friday Feb 15, 2013

SEGOU, FESTIVAL ON THE NIGER

Festival activities continue in Segou

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at 3-star hotel

Day 10 Saturday Feb 16, 2013

SEGOU-BAMAKO

After breakfast depart to Bamako. Founded in 1640, Bamako didn't really start to grow until the French colonial period began in 1898. Mali is a country of many tribal peoples, each with their own exuberant styles of clothing and jewelry. There is nowhere better to see this colorful diversity than in the streets and markets of Bamako. Bamako has a large art and craft centre where sculptors, weavers, leather workers, jewelers and metal workers exhibit their wares and display their skills. Another highlight in Bamako is the Grand Marchй, or ‘Great Market', where you can spend hours exploring the hundreds of stalls from carvings and cassettes, to fabrics, beads, brass and gold, the variety of goods is staggering. One area of the market is devoted entirely to traditional African medicines. Here you'll find the freshly shrunken heads of birds, monkeys and crocodiles along with lizard skins and other gruesome treatments. Visit the craft center (Maison des Artisans), the national Museum.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Overnight at 3-star hotel.

Day 11 Sunday Feb 17, 2013

BAMAKO-DEPART

Today is at leisure until you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

» Read more: Festival On The Niger 11 Days