Ghana, Benin, Togo – 12 days
Ghana, Togo and Benin are three countries of Western Africa that do not have large areas but are extremely interesting in the cultural, historical and natural aspects. Our tour is an exceptional opportunity to visit them and get to know the people who live there.
The town of Ganyie located on the waters of Lake Nokume, strongholds made of adobe clay in Koutammakou, the culture of the Batammariba people, fabric dyers in the capital of the Kingdom of Ashanti, the town of Ouidah called the capital of voodoo are only some highlights of the journey to Ghana, Togo and Benin.
itinerary
Flights to Accra usually take place in the afternoon and evening. After arrival, visa formalities. Transfer to the hotel and, after a short rest, an organisational meeting and dinner.
D.
After breakfast, we will set off to visit the capital of Ghana. To begin with, the National Museum of History and Ethnography, and then we will visit the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah, the father of independent Ghana. We will also see the Black Star Square, the Arch of Independence and, from outside, the presidential palace. There will also be some time to visit local craft shops. Overnight stay in the Ghana capital.
B. L. D.
After breakfast, we will set off to the Kakum National Park where we will see the rainforest of the Atlantic coast. We will admire the lush vegetation from suspension bridges spread across the forest canopy. The Kakum National Park is also a place of protection of numerous species of birds and insects that have lost their previous habitats on the West African coast due to deforestation. Then we will set out to visit the Cape Coast Castle erected by the Swedes in 1652, the seat of the British colonial authorities to 1877. Subsequently, we will drive to the fort in Elmina that was constructed by the Portuguese in 1482. It was the first colonial fortification in the West Africa and one of the longest operating slave harbours. Dinner and night rest in Elmina.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will set off for the town of Kumasi, the capital of the ancient Ashanti Kingdom. We will visit the remnants of those times and the workshops of local craftsmen. A highlight of this day will be a visit at the fair of wooden figures and furniture. We will also visit dyeing workshops in Notonso and Adinkra where we will see the traditional methods of creating patterns and dying fabrics. If anybody wants, they may create their own pattern. Dinner and night rest in Kumasi.
B.L.D.
After leaving Kumasi, we will start our journey through the farmlands of Ghana to Koforidua. En route we will stop in the Bobiri Forest Reserve where we will visit a butterfly protection centre. We will also stop at a workshop producing colourful beads in the town of Somanya. If anybody wants, they may make their own unique string of beads. For dinner and night rest, we will drive to Akosobo located at Lake Volta, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will depart on a short cruise on Lake Volta, to see the water dam and power plant. While sailing we will pass near coastal fishing villages and we will meet fishermen at work. Then we will set off to the border with Togo. We will have a brief stop in the town called Ho. After crossing the border, we will drive to the city of Kpalime where we will visit the cathedral built by German colonists. We will also the local crafts market where we will see the traditional method of batik production. We will have dinner in one of local restaurants. Night rest in Kpalime.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will drive to Kum Konda where we will have a short walk through the forest to get to know the most interesting medicinal plants of the local forests. Then we will drive to Atakpamé, a town famous for its long blacksmith tradition. At our visit, we will be able to watch masters of hammer and anvil at work. After a short rest, we will set off for the town of Kara – the capital of the Kabye people, where we will have our dinner and night rest.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will set off for Kabye, a location of traditional metal foundries. Then we will drive to Koutammakou where we will have an encounter with the exceptional culture of the Batrammariba people. One of its characteristic artifacts are houses shaped like castles, made of adobe clay, and also typical head covers. Return to Kara, and then a drive to Sokodé. En route we will stop in Aledjo fault, a location of an exceptionally picturesque rock. After arrival in Sokodé, check-in at the hotel and some rest. In the evening, we will have dinner and see a fire-eater dance performance.
B.L.D.
We will set off for the border with Benin in the morning. Our destination will be the city of Abomey. En route we will stop in Dankoli to visit a voodoo shrine to learn more about the traditions and beliefs related to voodoo. In the afternoon, arrival in Abomey, dinner and night rest at the hotel.
B.L.D.
Abomey was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey. While visiting the city, we will see the historical museum and royal palaces that are on the UNESCO world heritage list. Then we will set off for Ouidah, a town which is often called the capital of voodoo in Benin. While visiting the town, we will go to the sacred Kapasse forest to see sculptures related to the voodoo cult. Moreover, we will see an ancient Portuguese fortress that now houses a historical museum. We will go to the coast, at the Gate of No Return – a monument commemorating the victims of slavery. Dinner and night rest in Ouidah.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will set off for the Atlantic coast, to Abomey-Calavi, and we will take a cruise on a small boat on Lake Nokume. We will visit the small town of Ganvié – the larges such settlement in Africa, built on stilts planted in the bottom of the lake. We will get to know the everyday life and culture of the inhabitants of this water town, mostly members of the Tofin people. In the afternoon, return to Abomey-Calavi and drive to Cotonou where we will visit the local craft market. In the evening, dinner and night rest in Cotonou.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will drive to Porto-Novo. While visiting the Benin capital, we will see the royal palace and the ethnographic museum that has a unique collection of ritual masks. Lunch in one of local restaurants. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and flight home from Benin or drive to the border with Nigeria for the persons who will continue the tour to Nigeria.
B.L.
Practical information
- the length of the tour : 12 days in Africa;
- start of the trip: Accra – Ghana
- end of the trip: Porto-Novo – Benin
- the highlights of this expedition The highlight of the tour will be the possibility of getting to know the culture, beliefs, traditions and history of three countries of West Africa. During our tour, we will visit the town of Ouidah called the capital of voodoo. There will be no shortage of nature wonders during the visits in parks and reserves that protect highly biodiverse habitats of West Africa. During our tour we will also visit traditional workshops where we will be introduced into the secrets of the trade of smithery, weaving and fabric dyeing.
It will be a sightseeing tour to three West African countries that are relatively unpopular with tourists. It will be oriented on cultural, sightseeing and historical tourism. Because of the special nature of the visited places and of the expedition features, the travellers are required to be physically and mentally fit. Because of the condition of roads and traffic problems, some drives between towns may be long and tiring. In most areas where we will travel, temperatures during the day will exceed +30°C. Moreover, the high humidity of the air and intense rainfalls may cause fatigue and discomfort. Accommodation is planned only in hotels. No hikes are planned during our tour, but we will visit many towns on foot. The itinerary was designed to enable best possible viewing of the places away from mass tourism routes, while meeting basic safety standards and ensuring comfort to the travellers. You should bear in mind that Ghana, Benin and Togo are countries of many cultures and traditions, having a special and unique character.
Depending on the political situation, the length of the tour and the order of visited places may change. In a situation of a serious threat to travellers’ safety, the tour may be cancelled. We will keep you updated as to whether the expedition is possible.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned end of the tour.
- Single entry visa for the Republic of Ghana must be obtained prior to arrival in Ghana. Before departure, you must obtain the tourist visas at one of your nearest embassies of Ghana. Having booked the tour, the travellers will receive a letter of invitation necessary for obtaining the visa. The completed visa application and two current colour photographs will also be necessary.
- Single entry visa to the Republic of Togo – possible to obtain at the border
- Single entry visa to the Republic of Benin – e-visa https://evisa.gouv.bj/en/
To obtain a visa, you may use the services of visa agents or the help of BTP Adventure.
You should take with you for the trip a photocopy of your passport (the photo page) and an additional ID document.
- Take with you for the trip the yellow vaccination booklet with certified valid yellow fever vaccination – it is impossible to enter the Republic of Ghana Benin and Togo without this document and vaccination.
- Before departure, we recommend a consultation with a family physician and a tropical medicine specialist.
- Vaccination against yellow fever, tetanus, diphtheria, viral hepatitis A and B, meningococci and typhus is recommended.
- Malaria prevention measures (Malarone or Lariam) are necessary.
- There is a risk of dengue and tuberculosis at the places planned to be visited during the trip.
- We recommend visiting https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries.
- During our expedition, we will drink only bottled water. You should avoid ice in your beverages and eating raw or undercooked foods. In Nigeria, healthcare is at a satisfactory level in larger towns.
- The cost of a private medical visit is usually over USD 100, and a day of hospitalisation costs between USD 100 and 200.
- Because of difficult travelling and accommodation conditions and particularities of the country, good physical fitness is necessary. Furthermore, your patience will definitely be tested and you should prepare for hardships of long journeys, lassitude and discomfort.
- Please take with you a first aid kit and a sufficient supply of your regular (prescription) medicines, if any. Some useful contents of the first aid kit:
- insect repellents – absolutely necessary
- medicines for malaria prevention
- high sun protection cream (recommended SPF 50)
- disinfectants, wound dressing materials
- analgesics and antipyretics
- antibiotics, as a precaution
- anti-diarrhoeals, electrolytes and vitamins
Ghana Togo and Benin are currently relatively stable and relatively safe countries. In some parts of the country there is a terrorist threat or a threat related to an armed conflict. However, we arrange our travel programs in such a way as to avoid potentially dangerous places (the northern region of Togo near the border with Burkina Faso).
It is very important to stay vigilant at such places as markets and crowded streets, because of pickpockets and rare robberies.
Owing to the good relations we have with local contractors, we keep following the news to be aware of any potential threats and safety risks. We also recommend you to read the latest news on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
During the tour, please take seriously the instructions of our contractors, guides and tour leader.
It is very important to respect local customs and abide by local laws and regulations. You will receive the necessary information on an on-going-basis from your local guides and the tour leader.
It is strictly prohibited to take photos and make video recordings at military and police installations and at airports. You are also not allowed to take photos where people in military/police uniforms are present!!!
Photographing people is possible only when they expressly agree to it. Taking pictures when the subjects have not allowed it often ends up with escalating aggressive behaviours.
The legal tender in the Republic of Ghana is cedi. On the other hand, West African franc is used in Togo and Benin. Currency exchange is possible at the airport, in banks and in most hotels. Using payment cards is possible in many hotels and gift shops but caution should be exercised because of frequent data theft scams. The best foreign exchange rate is for euros and US dollars. UK pounds are not generally exchangeable.
For current foreign exchange rates see www.xe.com or install xe.com on your phone.
The official language in the Republic of Ghana is English. In Togo and Benin the official language is French. Several dozen local languages are also spoken. For self-guided tours, you must speak English or French.
Ghana, Togo and Benin are multi-ethnic and multi-religious countries, with definite predominance of Christians belonging to various Protestant churches and the Catholic Church. Traditional African religions, including voodoo, constitute an important part of the customs and beliefs of the individual ethnic groups and local communities. The northern part of Ghana is inhabited mostly by Sunni Muslims.
It is very important to respect local customs and abide by local laws. You will receive the relevant information from your local guide or the tour leader.
The tour dates are proposed in periods of the best possible weather conditions at the sites included in the itinerary. The best time for expeditions to Ghana, Togo and Benin is the period between August and March. At most of the visited places, during the day temperatures reach up to +32°C and at night drop to +25°C. Some showers should be expected. Major problems are low quality of roads, dust in the air in the dry season and mud after rainfalls.
For detailed information see https://www.meteoblue.com/en.
Mobile network coverage is available in most towns and villages. Purchase of a local SIM-card with an Internet package ispossible and relatively cheap. , however, due to the short duration of stay in each of the visited countries, it is not very profitable.Before the trip, please enquire with your mobile network operator whether they have a contract signed with operators in the Ghana Benin and Togo and what the prices of call and SMS roaming are. To avoid a nasty surprise, we recommend disabling mobile data usage.
- Wi-Fi is available at some hotels and in some restaurants.
- Additionally, we recommend taking a capacious power bank.
- Ghana Power sockets of type C and E. Voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz.
- Benin Power sockets of type C and E. Voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz.
- Togo Power sockets of type C and E. Voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz.
For climatic and cultural reasons, loose garments will be most appropriate: long trousers, long skirts, long-sleeved shirts, which can be easily washed and will quickly dry. The most comfortable footwear for the tour will be lightweight boots. Palladium brand boots are recommended. You may walk in open sandals but in towns and desert regions this may be uncomfortable because of stones, thorny plants and sharp grasses. Light hiking boots may prove useful. The following are worth taking:
- sachet for documents and money
- wet wipes for body cleaning and antibacterial gels
- rain jacket
- fleece or warmer blouse – in some regions of the country, especially in the north, nights may be cold
- head cover and sunglasses – mandatory, the sun is no joke!
- comfortable summer clothes, useful during practically the whole trip
- light T-shirts/shirts
- useful odds and ends: torch, Swiss Army knife, sewing kit (usually is not needed but is not heavy and does not take much place), chargers, mug (for special occasions); inflatable neck pillow, useful on the plane and during car rides; small wallet for the local currency; books to pass the time on flights and car rides
Price
Price: £ 3590 p/p
During the tour, we will we will travel by passenger cars or minibuses, and also, if necessary, by off-road vehicles, and a motor boat cruise around the tour. Speed depends on the road surface conditions, terrain characteristics and number and length of stops.
We are not able to guarantee a uniform accommodation standard at each of the planned sites during the stay in Ghana Benin and Togo. Our priorities are your comfort, appropriate location, character of the site and historical, cultural and natural values. We always place emphasis on the support of local community when selecting the sites for our accommodation. In general, rooms will be assigned on the assumption of two people sharing a twin room (rooms with individual bathrooms). The surcharges for single rooms are quoted in the “Price” section. During our tour, we plan accommodation in 4- and 5-star hotels, depending on availability.
Meals are included in the tour price, as specified in the itinerary. B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner. In most places we will visit, shops and markets are well stocked but prices of some goods – especially the imported ones – may be higher than in most European countries. The Nigerian cuisine is extremely varied, reflecting the local particularities and cultures of the individual regions of Nigeria.
For information about the local costs of living see https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/.
Local and special guides in National Parks
All entrance fees and permits to visit national parks and reserves in the itinerary
Trip preparation, visa mediation, the invitation necessary to obtain a visa
Costs of the main flight to Accra (Ghana) and from Porto-Novo (Benin)
Costs of flight tickets are not covered by the tour price. BTP Adventure does not directly arrange and buy tickets for international flights. However, we may suggest the best connections and airlines. For this purpose, contact us by e-mail or call us.
Visas for Ghana, Togo and Benin
Insurance is not covered by the tour price. Having valid insurance is a condition for taking part in the trip. We recommend taking out insurance that will be appropriate for the planned itinerary and for your individual state of health and needs. Please send us the proof of your insurance contract.
You can purchase insurance on your own on the website of Axa or any other insurance company: https://www.axa.co.uk/travel-insurance/.
BTP Adventure may help you obtain adequate insurance cover. If you want our help, please contact us.
The price does not includes the cost of tips and porters’ fees.
Meals other than those listed in the final itinerary.
Personal expenses and souvenirs.
Surcharge for a single room: 450 £
supplementary payment for the additional accommodation In the case of arrival or departure on a different date,
We will keep updating the detailed information on the safety and final itinerary of the tour. Before you decide to submit the booking form, please learn about the current political and sanitary situation in the Ghana Benin end Togo, especially at the places on the itinerary of our tour.
The planned expedition is an exclusive proposal prepared on the basis of our experience and knowledge of the local peculiarities and major sightseeing attractions of the Ghana Benin end Togo.
We are committed to ensure the best possible and safe and, as far as feasible, comfortable travelling through this rarely visited and extremely interesting country which is the Ghana Benin end Togo.
Depending on the political situation, the length of the tour and the order of visited places may change. In a situation of a serious threat to travellers’ safety, the tour may be cancelled. We will keep you updated as to whether the expedition is possible.
The Ghana Benin end Togo tour may be combined with the trips to Nigeria, Mali, Liberia, Niger or Cameroon. If you are interested, please contact the office.
With any questions please contact BTP ADVENTURE
3590 £ Per Person
The trip can be combined with an expedition to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria and Uganda.
