Road Scholar : Home
Experience West Africa: Ghana, Benin and Togo

Program Number: 20279RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/7/2012 - 9/24/2012;
Duration: 17 nights
Location: Ghana/Togo/Benin
Price starting at: $4,425.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Meals: 39; 15 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 14 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Trace the rich history of three West African countries, Ghana, Togo and Benin, from the era of hunter-gatherer tribes to the slave trade to their modern identities as developing democracies. Experience the diversity of cultures in West Africa and learn about the impact of colonialism on traditional language and traditions. Delve into the spiritual life of this region, from the impact of major religions to the practice of “vodun” (voodoo).




Highlights

• Delve into the West African slave trade with experts and step inside the fortresses that were the point of no return for thousands.
• Participate in a tradition of village life in a customary naming ceremony and share dinner with a family in their modern home.
• Learn about the history and artisan culture of the Ashante Kingdom and the impact of gold on its economy today.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles a day on varied terrain. Some stairs without railings. Long drives on bumpy roads. Modern bathroom facilities limited outside of hotels.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Accra (Ghana), 2 nights; coach to Elmina, 2 nights; coach to Kumasi, 2 nights; coach to Akosombo, 2 nights;
coach to Sogakope, 1 night; coach to Cotonou (Benin), 4 nights; coach to Lome (Togo), 1 night; coach to Accra (Ghana), 1 night; departure.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Accra (Ghana)
2 nights

Gain an understanding of Ghana through lectures on its social structure and traditional systems. A field trip in Accra, Ghana’s capital, includes Independence Square and the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Pan African Culture.



Coach to Elmina
2 nights

Pay a visit to an NGO called BaBa Blankets that brings together women to weave and sell blankets as part of a fair-trade cooperative. Visit Elmina Castle, a Gold Coast stronghold of the Portuguese then the Dutch. Learn about Ghana’s educational system at a local school and Cape Coast University.



Coach to Kumasi
2 nights

Put on your hardhat and boots to discover the Anglo Gold Ashanti mine in Obuasi, one of the world’s ten largest gold mines. Delve into the history of the Ashanti people, once the rulers of a large and influential empire, and explore Manhyia Palace in the Ashanti capital of Kumasi.



Coach to Akosombo
2 nights
Coach to Sogakope
1 night

Experience life in the kente-cloth weaving village of Adonwomasi, observing weavers in their workshops. Continue to Ntonso for a hands-on Adinkra cloth printing lesson. Members of a traditional village welcome you with drumming, dancing and a naming ceremony.



Coach to Cotonou (Benin)
4 nights

A local university professor introduces you the country of Benin. Explore Ouidah’s voodoo python temple, fetish market and the Sacred Forest of Kpasse. Discover the Royal Palaces of Abomey, earthen structures built by the Fon people, and meet the current King of Abomey. Venture to Ganvie, a lake village build on stilts.



Coach to Lomé (Togo)
1 night
Coach to Accra (Ghana)
1 night
Overnight flight to the U.S.A.
1 night

Experience the hubbub of the colossal Lomé Grand Market. Return to Ghana for a celebratory farewell dinner and a free day to explore Accra.
Accommodations
Accra: Hotel in Dzorwulu district. Elmina: Resort hotel on beach. Kumasi: Family-owned hotel. Akosombo: Hotel with lake views. Sogakope: Chalet-style hotel in Volta region. Cotonou: Hotel on Lake Nokoue. Lome: Beach hotel in city center.
Meals and Lodgings
   Fiesta Royale Hotel
  Accra, Ghana 2 nights
   Elmina Bay Resort
  Elmina, Ghana 2 nights
   Miklin Hotel
  Kumasi, Ghana 2 nights
   Volta Hotel
  Akosombo, Ghana 2 nights
   Villa Cisneros Resort
  Sogakofe, Ghana 1 night
   Hotel Du Lac
  Cotonou, Benin 4 nights
   Ibis Hotel
  Lome, Togo 1 night
   Fiesta Royale Hotel
  Accra, Ghana 1 night
 Fiesta Royale Hotel
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: The Fiesta Royale is a pleasant, modern hotel located in the Dzorwulu district of Accra, a short drive from Kotoka International Airport and the Accra Mall. The hotel was built in 2004.
  Contact info: Motorway Extension
North Dzorwulu
Accra,   Ghana
phone: +233 0302 517 411
web: www.fiestaroyalehotel.com
  Room amenities: Standard category rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi Internet access, television, direct-dial telephone, tea and coffee making facility, room service, in-room safe, mini-bar, private bathroom with shower and hot water heater.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar; Wi-Fi Internet access, foreign currency exchange, concierge desk, business center, gift shop, laundry service, outdoor swimming pool.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $310/nt; SNG $290/nt. Rate includes tax and breakfast. Contact the Program Provider for reservations. Late check-out can be arranged at an additional cost.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $310/nt; SNG $290/nt. Rate includes tax and breakfast. Contact the Program Provider for reservations. Late check-out can be arranged at an additional cost.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM

 Elmina Bay Resort
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Elmina Bay Resort is a newly-constructed, family-owned property situated on the beach on the outskirts of Elmina town. Rooms are housed in townhouse-style buildings, with two upper- and two lower-level rooms per building. Single rooms and the conference room are located on the second floor, there is no elevator.
  Contact info: Elmina,   Ghana
phone: +233 0541 614 812
web: www.elminabayresort.com
  Room amenities: 22 comfortable, modern rooms have sea-view, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, Wi-Fi Internet access, satellite television, telephone, tea and coffee making facility, mini-bar, private bathroom with shower and hot water heater.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar; Wi-Fi Internet access, laundry service, outdoor swimming pool and beach.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Miklin Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Miklin Hotel is a traditional, family-owned hotel situated in the center of Kumasi. The hotel was constructed in 2002.
  Contact info: 15 Cedar Road
Danyame
Kumasi,   Ghana
phone: +233 0322 039 121
web: www.miklin-gh.com
  Room amenities: 60 comfortable, traditionally-furnished rooms with air-conditioning, data port for Internet access, cable television, direct-dial telephone, tea and coffee making facility, in-room safe, mini-bar, private bathroom with shower and hot water heater.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar; Internet access, business center, gift shop, laundry service, swimming pool, fitness center, beauty salon. The hotel has two floors, no elevator.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Volta Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Overlooking Lake Volta, the Volta Hotel is a modern facility with recently-updated furnishings. All rooms are situated one floor down from the main lobby and restaurant area; there is no elevator.
  Contact info: Akosombo,   Ghana
phone: +233 0343 066 0041
web: www.voltahotel.net
  Room amenities: All rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi Internet access, satellite television, direct-dial telephone, tea and coffee making facility, iron and ironing board in-room safe, mini-bar, private bathroom with bathtub/shower, hot water heater and hairdryer.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar; Wi-Fi Internet access, business center, gift shop, laundry service, swimming pool.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Villa Cisneros Resort
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Villa Cisneros Resort is a privately-owned hotel and is the best-available accommodation in this rural area of Ghana’s Volta region.
  Contact info: Sogakope,   Ghana
phone: +233 0244 330 624
web: www.villacisnerosresort.com
  Room amenities: Superior category rooms are situated in chalet-style buildings and have air-conditioning, satellite television, private bathroom with shower and hot water heater.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar; swimming pool, fitness center, spa services, beauty salon.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Hotel Du Lac
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The Hotel du Lac is situated in Benin’s capital city of Cotonou, on the edge of Lake Nokoué.
  Contact info: Rue de l'hotel du Lac
Cotonou,   Benin
phone: +229 331919
web: www.hoteldulac-benin.com
  Room amenities: All rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi Internet access, satellite television, direct-dial telephone, mini-bar, private bathroom with shower.
  Facility amenities: Lakeside terrace restaurant and bar; Wi-Fi Internet access, laundry service, swimming pool.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Ibis Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The Ibis Hotel is located on the beach in the center of Lomé, the capital of Togo. The hotel is modern, with simple, functional furnishings.
  Contact info: Avenue du Général de Gaulle
Lome,   Togo
phone: +228 221 24 85
web: www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-5268-ibis-lome-centre/index.shtml
  Room amenities: 108 rooms with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi Internet access, satellite television, direct-dial telephone, private bathroom with bathtub or shower.
  Facility amenities: Outdoor restaurant and bar; Wi-Fi Internet access, business center, swimming pool.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
6 p.m. Orientation and Dinner in the hotel on Day 2. Note: Some dates have evening flight arrivals and orientation will be after breakfast on Day 3. You will be staying at Fiesta Royale Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Flights to the USA normally depart late evening of Day 17. Rooms are kept for late check out. You will be staying at Fiesta Royale Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Yellow fever vaccination and certificate of proof are required in order to apply for the Benin visa and for entry into Ghana, Togo and Benin. A multiple-entry visa for Ghana and for Togo are required. A single-entry visa for Benin is required.
  Required innoculations:
Yes: Yellow fever vaccination and certificate of proof are required in order to apply for the Benin visa and for entry into Ghana, Togo and Benin.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Accra
  Nearest airport:  Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
  Transportation to site: A taxi to the hotel should cost no more than 10 GHC. Obtain GHC before leaving the airport, and ensure you agree on the price with the driver before getting into the taxi. Negotiating the taxi fare is customary and no additional tip is expected.
  From End of Program
  Location: Accra
  Transportation from site: A taxi to the airport should cost no more than 10 GHC. Ensure you agree on the price with the driver before getting into the taxi. Negotiating the taxi fare is customary and no additional tip is expected.
    (Additional transportation information same as above)


Required innoculations:

Yes: Yellow fever vaccination and certificate of proof are required in order to apply for the Benin visa and for entry into Ghana, Togo and Benin.
Equipment Requirements: Yellow fever vaccination and certificate of proof are required in order to apply for the Benin visa and for entry into Ghana, Togo and Benin.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Departures
(Friday, September 7)
   
 Evening: Depart on overnight flights from the USA.

Day 2: Arrivals, Welcome and Program Overview
(Saturday, September 8)
   
 Afternoon: Afternoon arrivals in Accra, Ghana.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: Welcome, introductions and program orientation. (May be moved to accommodate late flights if necessary.)
   
Accommodations: Fiesta Royale Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Introduction to Ghana and the Capital City of Accra
(Sunday, September 9)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Two introductory lectures detail Ghana’s social structure and cultural traditions, to provide a framework for understanding what you will see and experience as you travel through the country.
 Lunch: In a local Ghanaian restaurant.
 Afternoon: Drive through the administrative and economic districts of Accra, the capital of Ghana. This 133-year-old city has a blend of colonial and modern architecture that summarizes her history. Visit the W. E. B. Dubois Center for Pan African Culture, Independence/ Black Star Square and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
 Dinner: Welcome Dinner in the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Fiesta Royale Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Elmina Castle and the History of the Slave Trade
(Monday, September 10)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Depart Accra along the coastal road. At Baba Blankets, a non-profit and fair trade organization that teaches women to be economically independent, meet the ladies, learn about their work and the process used to create batik products that are then marketed internationally. Continue to Elmina.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Take a guided walk with your Study Leader through the town of Elmina, with its fishing fleet and family shrines. Then visit Elmina Castle, the oldest European structure in sub-Saharan Africa. Built as a trading post by the Portuguese in 1482 for the gold and ivory trade, the castle later became one of the most important stops on the route of the Atlantic slave trade.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: A lecture presents the history of the slave trade on the Gold Coast.
   
Accommodations: Elmina Bay Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Cape Coast, Past and Present
(Tuesday, September 11)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Visit a local school to learn about education in Ghana. Drive through the campus of Cape Coast University, then visit Cape Coast Castle. Learn how this fortress was built by the Swedes for the timber and gold trade then was converted for the slave trade. Return to Elmina.
 Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Afternoon: The afternoon is free to wander Elmina village at leisure or relax at the seaside.
 Dinner: Enjoy dinner and socializing with members of the ex-patriot American community at Mabel's, a well-known local restaurant.
 Evening: Return to the hotel after dinner and music.
   
Accommodations: Elmina Bay Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: The Gold of Ashanti
(Wednesday, September 12)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Depart Elmina to Assin Manso, the site of a former slave market. Continue to the town of Obuasi, home of one of the largest gold mines in Ghana. En route, your Study Leader explains the history of gold in Ghana and its impact on the local and national economy.
 Lunch: At the Miner's Lodge. Don rubber boots and hard hats in preparation for the visit.
 Afternoon: Learn how gold is mined during an above-ground exploration of the mining production site of Anglo-Ashanti mines. Continue to Kumasi.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Miklin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Kumasi, the Capital of the Ashanti Kingdom
(Thursday, September 13)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel. A lecture by the former curator of the Manhyia Palace Museum presents Ashanti history.
 Morning: During visits to the Manhyia Palace Museum and Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, learn the regal history of the Ashanti, dating to 1700, through its relics and artifacts. Drive through Kumasi city and view the bustling activity of Kejetia, West Africa's largest open market.
 Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Afternoon: Free Time. You may wish to visit the Ghana Armed Forces Museum, the arts and crafts cultural center or wander through the market on your own.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Miklin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Artisan Textile Crafts of Ashanti: Adinkra and Kente Cloth
(Friday, September 14)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Depart Kumasi to Adonwomasi, a kente cloth weaving village, for a guided walk through the home-workshops of the weavers. Continue to Ntonso village for a hands-on Adinkra cloth printing lesson.
 Lunch: In a restaurant in Kumasi.
 Afternoon: Depart to Akosombo. En route, an orientation briefing prepares you for tomorrow’s visit and traditional naming ceremony. Learn some basic words in the Ewe language to greet your hosts.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Volta Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Akosombo Hydroelectric Project and a Village Visit & Naming Ceremony
(Saturday, September 15)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Visit the Akosombo Hydroelectric Power Generating Station on Lake Volta, the world's largest man-made lake.
 Lunch: In the Volta River Authority employee cafeteria.
 Afternoon: Arriving at Torgorme village, you are welcomed with drumming and dancing. Take part in a traditional naming ceremony, your initiation as a member of the community. Visit the homes and school of the village to witness daily life.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Volta Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: The Volta Region
(Sunday, September 16)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Travel south through the Volta region to Sogakofe, a small town on the Volta River.
 Lunch: In the hotel.
 Afternoon: Meet the hotel owner, a former university professor for a discussion on regional politics and history. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the water views or a spa treatment.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: Your Study Leader briefs you on tomorrow’s border crossings.
   
Accommodations: Villa Cisneros Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: From Ghana to Benin, Across Two Countries
(Monday, September 17)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Cross the border from Ghana into Togo and continue to the Togo/Benin border.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Continue to Cotonou, the capital city of Benin. A professor from the University of Benin presents an introduction to his country.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Du Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Ouidah: A City of Traditional African Religion
(Tuesday, September 18)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Drive to Ouidah, the spiritual capital of the Vodun religion, and learn how "voodoo" is practiced. Visit the temple of pythons - considered sacred; and the tranquil Sacred Forest of Kpasse with its immense, ancient trees and modern bronze statues.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Explore the Ouidah's colonial history and as a major slave trading port at the History Museum then trace the Route of the Slaves to the seaside monument, the "Door of No Return". Drive back to Cotonou.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Du Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: The Kingdom of Abomey, Past and Present
(Wednesday, September 19)
   
 Breakfast: Early breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Early departure to Abomey for a guided visit of the extensive Royal Palace Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Meet the present King of Abomey during a private audience with him and his family members. Return to Cotonou.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Du Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14: Ganvié, a Village on Stilts
(Thursday, September 20)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Drive to Lake Nokoué and board a motorized pirogue to navigate through the village of Ganvié, constructed on stilts in the lake hundreds of years ago, as a way to protect its residents from being captured as slaves by their enemies. Return to Cotonou.
 Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Afternoon: At leisure to explore the local market or relax on the lakeside terrace.
 Dinner: Meet local families and learn about modern city life at dinner hosted in their homes.
 Evening: Return from home-hosted dinners.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Du Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15: Lome, Togo and Its Lively Markets
(Friday, September 21)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Depart Cotonou, cross the border from Benin into Togo and continue to the capital port city of Lomé.
 Lunch: In a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: At Lomé's fetish market, learn how those who practice the traditional Vodun religion purchase the required offerings for ceremonies and shrines. Wander the lively open market, where the "Mama Benz" reign over the trade of brightly printed fabrics that make up colorful traditional clothing.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Ibis Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Return to Ghana
(Saturday, September 22)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Cross the border from Togo, back into Ghana and continue to Accra via the Keta Lagoon. Check in to the hotel.
 Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Afternoon: Explore the National Culture Center artisan crafts market, the main shopping street of Accra, or relax at leisure.
 Dinner: Celebrate your journey at a Farewell Dinner at Buka, one of Accra’s most popular restaurants.
 Evening: Return to the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Fiesta Royale Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 17: Departures
(Sunday, September 23)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Choose free time or experience a lively and colorful local church service.
 Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Afternoon: At leisure. Rooms kept for late check out.
 Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.
 Evening: Depart on overnight flights to the USA.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 18: Return to the USA
(Monday, September 24)
   
 Morning: Arrive in the USA and connect to domestic flights home.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768