This morning, take a tour of the century old capital of Ghana, Accra. Start the day with a visit to the DuBois center for Pan African culture, a house where Dr. Dubois lived and died. Then take a drive/walking tour of the colonial section of Accra (Jamestown). Drive through the main street of the colonial section of the city and view the Ussher and James Forts built by the Dutch (1650) and British (1673) respectively and also the Light House which used to guide ships to the Accra Harbour in colonial days. Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and museum, a monument dedicated to Ghana’s first post-independence President. Visit the Independence Arch and then continue to visit Osu Christiansborg Castle. After this visit the intriguing craftsmen at Nungua who make fantasy coffins in the shape of vegetables, fruits, cars, etc. usually depicting the profession of the deceased. For example, a fisherman might be buried in a coffin in the shape of a giant fish. After lunch visit the Arts and Craft market where you will find items from all over Ghana and West Africa.

Overnight: Accra

Depart Accra via the forest belt to Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Empire, which was built on a similar basis as the Dahomey Empire, i.e. through wars. Upon arrival visit the Cultural Center that features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and various studios of brass makers, potters, drum carvers, and batik makers. Then take a tour of the Ashanti craft villages to observe craftsmen at work and to purchase souvenir gift items. These villages are:  Ahwiaa, where woodcarvers produce Ashanti stools, fertility dolls & walking sticks, etc. Ntonso, where Adinkra cloth is processed and Bonwire, where kente cloth is woven. Kente, very colorful fabric is usually worn on festive and very important occasions like marriage ceremonies, child naming, etc. 

Overnight: Kumasi

Today take a tour of Kumasi, Visit the Royal Manhyia Palace Museum, home and office of former Ashanti Kings. A regal history that dates back to 1700 is told with relics and artifacts. Witness the Ashanti King, Nana Osei-Tutu II, who presides over the Ashanti Kingdom, arrive in his palanquin and then later seated in state whilst all his subchiefs come and re-affirm their oath of allegiance to him. The King and all his sub-chiefs come dressed in all their traditional regalia whilst the general public attending the festival wear black and white. The King also uses this day to receive very important guests and gifts. There will be lots of traditional drumming and dancing to grace the occasion.                             

Overnight: Kumasi

Depart Kumasi to Elmina. 

Arrive in Elmina and check into your hotel. Later in the afternoon, Naming Ceremony. An incredibly special time arrives after lunch as we prepare for your official Naming Ceremony. We set off to visit a local village to pay a courtesy call on the chiefs, queen mothers and community elders. As tradition dictates, they start with the pouring of libation to officially welcome you home, to the land your ancestors were forcibly taken from and where your heritage and culture live on. Drumming and dancing are all around us as you get an in-depth feel of traditional village life here in Ghana. The time has finally arrived for you to be given your true African name during your own personal traditional naming ceremony in your honor. Chiefs and elders of the community officially welcome you as they lead you through the ceremony which has been performed by your ancestors through history. You will finally have the chance to adopt your own African name based on the day of the week you were born or numeric order of your siblings. This would have been your actual name if you were born in Ghana and has an emotional attachment to many when they receive them. A major highlight of your time here, after an afternoon of celebrations we return to your hotel to relax. In the evening we hope to celebrate such an important occasion, our plan is to head into Cape Coast town and visit one of the most popular night spots to enjoy a local live band, dancing and reflecting on such an incredible day. If you would prefer to relax and reflect at your hotel this would not be a problem.

Overnight: Elmina

KAKUM NATIONAL PARK & CAPE COAST CASTLE

This morning drive further north of Cape Coast to the Kakum National Park a tropical rainforest in the heart of the Attandaso reserve for an adventurous and breathe taking walk on the ‘Canopy Walkway’. It is composed of 350 meters of suspended bridge and six platforms at a height of 60 meters (100ft). After lunch visit the Cape Coast Castle, and take a tour of the infamous slave dungeons, built in 1653 by the Swedes and later taken over by the Britishers. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum. The guide will take you through the governor’s quarters, condemned cells, and the ‘Door of Return’. 

Overnight: Elmina

ELMINA CASTLE - ACCRA

Breakfast and check out, then visit the Elmina Castle, the oldest European monument in Ghana built in 1482 by the Portuguese. First established as a trade settlement, the castle later became one of the most important stops on the route of the Atlantic Slave Trade. The Dutch seized the fort from the Portuguese in 1637 and took over all the Portuguese Gold Coast in 1642. The slave trade continued under the Dutch until 1814. In 1871, the fort became a possession of the British Empire. Both the Elmina and Cape Coast Castles have been designated as UNESCO Heritage Sites. After this tour, take a short walk around the colourful fishing harbour to see the fish market and traditional dugout canoes the local people use for their livelihoods. We take a return trip back to Accra.

Overnight:  Accra

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the international airport for your flight back home.