Cultural Tour of Ghana & South Africa – 12 Days

Following a leisure breakfast, we step out for an introductory tour of Accra, a bustling city which has a blend of modern and colonial times structures and comes alive with the daily activities of the local people. We have exciting activities and visits lined up for the day as follows: Visit the W.E.B Du Bois Centre honoring the life of the prominent Pan-Africanist who chose to live and work in Ghana.

Drive through Flagstaff House, official residence, and administrative offices of the president (Ghana’s Whitehouse). We will visit the newly renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park for the first President of Ghana – Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah.The 5.4-acre facility – which was built in 1992 to honor, promote and preserve the legacies of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has never seen any major facelift until this one.

The old facility housed the mortal remains of Nkrumah and his wife Fathia and had a museum that had on display objects from various stages of Nkrumah’s life, as well as other relevant things. The redeveloped facility has a reception Centre made up of a host of offices, a modern library, an eatery, a gift shop, an infirmary, and a digitally controlled conference facility. It also boasts of an audio-visually synchronized fountain that lights up the park at night and a mini-amphitheater for lectures and performances, as well as a picnic area for the youth. Adjoining the memorial park is the Accra Arts & Crafts Centre. How about trying out your bargaining skills at the largest open market in Accra whiles you shop for locally produced unique traditional handicrafts such as woven Kente cloths, sculptures, carvings, leather bags, jewelry, beads, African attire, woven basket. You would admire the art galleries and range of other traditional stuff that depict Ghana’s culture and heritage as well as crafts from other neighboring countries.

The center also has programs, plays, and cultural events. Enjoy a guided tour at the Independence Square where Ghana hosts most of her national ceremonies as well as take monumental photos at the Black Star Square.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Movenpick Ambassador Hotel

Following a leisurely morning, we depart to Cape Coast in Ghana’s Central Region. This region has had the most significant effect on the lives of Africans in the diaspora. We will make a stop at Mankessim, to visit the Posuban Shrine and Fante Village. From there, we will continue to Cape Coast. Upon arrival, 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. This evening go on a guided tour through the ancient town of Elmina. At the harbor see the colorful fishing canoes getting ready to go to sea for another night’s task of fishing. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight at Lemon Beach Resort

This morning, you will visit Elmina Slave Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1482. This castle was the first European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa. Next, attend a “Return to the Homeland” ceremony called “fiankra”. This ceremony illustrates how Africans were taken from the homeland without bidding goodbye to their family. It is also an initiation rite for African returnees. This afternoon, you will visit Kakum National Park, one of Ghana’s most famous parks. Take a brief walking tour on the forest floor; see birds, butterflies and perhaps catch a glimpse of the forests with over 40 species of mammals including monkeys and the reclusive forest elephant. Proceed to the canopy walkway. Kakum is home to Africa’s only aerial walkway through the treetops, a 1000-foot- long and seven-bridge walkway with viewing platforms that reach heights of over 150 feet above ground. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight at Lemon Beach Resort

After breakfast, you will check out of our hotel and make our way to Accra. We arrive in Accra in the early afternoon and where the rest of the day is at leisure. Day room is where you can rest and refresh before you are transferred to the airport for your flight to South Africa. Nonstop flight available on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Arrive in Johannesburg early in the morning where you will be met, assisted, and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon begin the tour of Johannesburg. You will travel along the footpaths of the freedom fighters and experience the City of Johannesburg and Soweto through their eyes. Highlights will include: The Hector Petersen Memorial, the spot where 12-year-old Hector was shot during the Soweto uprisings. Regina Mundi Church. The church was a meeting place for activists deprived of any other place to meet. It played a role in Soweto’s most significant day, when students, revolting against the imposition of Afrikaans teaching by the apartheid government, ran into the church. They were followed by police, who shot and injured many; firing teargas and damaging the marble altar and the figure of Christ, the bullet holes are still visible in the ceiling. Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital the largest hospital in the world; was named in honor of the African National Congress leader who was assassinated in 1993. Mandela’s House comprising four inter-leading rooms, an assortment of memorabilia, paintings, and photographs of the Mandela family as well as a collection of honorary doctorates bestowed on Nelson Mandela from universities and institutions around the world. Freedom Square, the place where the Freedom Charter was adopted as the guiding document of the government. Meal (s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight at Rivonia Premier Lodge

After breakfast we depart to Pilanesberg National Park for a safari. The Park boasts a healthy population of lions, buffaloes, leopards, elephants, black and white rhino – Africa’s Big Five. There is an extensive range of rare and common species of wildlife including the brown hyena, sable, wild dogs, cheetah, giraffe, and hippos. More than 360 species of birds are found in this park. Late afternoon depart to Lesedi Cultural Village. On the way we stop at the Market where you have a wide variety of Southern Africa made goods perfect as souvenirs. Continue to Lesedi where upon arrival you will be welcomed in the Ndebele village before settling down to a multimedia presentation on the history of South Africa’s rainbow nation. The presentation is followed by a guided tour of each of the 4 unique cultural villages where you will learn the various cultural rituals and folklore of South Africa’s ethnic groups and learn a few key phrases of the local languages. A traditional cultural performance rounds off the day’s activities, followed by a dinner buffet of African fare fit for a king, hosted in the 200-seater Nyama Choma restaurant, with a wide variety of meats such as impala, ostrich, or crocodile. Return to Johannesburg for overnight. Meal (s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight at Rivonia Premier Lodge

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cape Town. On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met, assisted, and transferred to your hotel located near to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The rest of the day is at leisure in this sprawling city that boasts a multitude of entertainment and recreational activities, ranging from the outdoors to a vibrant nightlife. The culture of this city is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and music. The vast range of shopping opportunities includes bargaining with vendors at Greenmarket Square Flea Market, as well as visits to the upscale and stylish shopping malls. The huge variety of restaurants that caters to every taste, from fast-food and casual to elegant, reflects the multicultural history of the Cape. Within its warm summer, temperate winter, and friendly communities, the Mother City is an ideal all–year vacation destination. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Protea Hotel & Hotel Sea Point

After breakfast, take the ferry to Robben Island, the former prison where the late president Mandela spent many years incarcerated – now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Robben Island is followed by a Cultural Tour of Cape Townships. Here you will have the opportunity to interact with different Communities – including Langa, Cape Town’s oldest formal township. You will gain insights into the legacy of apartheid and the country’s struggle for democracy. In Gugulethu township, visit a community-driven project and observe artisans and crafters at work. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Protea Hotel & Hotel Sea Point

Early morning tour of Table Mountain. Ride the state-of-the-art cable car that rotates 360 degrees on its way to the top, offering a panoramic view of the city. After Table Mountain, continue a tour of the Cape Peninsula including a visit to a wine cellar. Drive along the breath-taking Atlantic coastline, past the world-famous Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches, Bakoven, Llandudno and through Hout Bay. Continue along the world-renowned magnificent Chapman’s Peak Drive through the quaint seaside village of Scarborough to the Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain National Park. Enjoy complimentary tea/ coffee and biscuits at the much-photographed Cape of Good Hope signboard before arriving at the Flying Dutchman Funicular for an incredibly beautiful view from the base of the old Cape Point lighthouse. Lunch will be at Seaforth near Boulders. After lunch continue to the Constantia Valley Wine Route, one of 9 routes in South Africa. Enjoy a tasting of fine wine at one of the carefully selected estates. Enjoy a scenic drive back to Cape town past Botanical Gardens. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight at Protea Hotel & Hotel Sea Point

The day is at leisure where at your own pace you can enjoy the Mother City with its vast shopping, leisure, and dining opportunities. Meal(s) include: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight at Protea Hotel Hotel Sea Point

After breakfast, the day is at leisure until you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Meal(s) include: Breakfast