Spirit of West Africa
Discover the spirit of West Africa: Experience living traditions, historic landmarks, and festival celebrations across Ghana, Togo & Benin
| Style | Small Group Tour Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout | ||
| Departures | October 2027 – March 2028 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Themes | History & Culture, Festivals | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Travelers should be comfortable with several long touring days, extended periods of time in a vehicle, multiple border crossings, and some travel on uneven or unpaved roads. Rest stops may be limited in certain areas. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
Check prices & book now
Get updates about this package
Few regions celebrate tradition as publicly and passionately as West Africa. On this 14-day journey through Ghana, Togo, and Benin, explore historic coastal cities, royal heritage, local communities, and one of the region’s most important annual festivals. From Accra’s contemporary art scene and Lomé’s markets to the spiritual centers of Togoville and Ouidah, experience the beliefs and customs that shape daily life across the region. Reflect at sites connected to the transatlantic slave trade, including Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, and the Door of No Return, and learn about the lasting impact on West Africa and the African diaspora.
A highlight of the journey is the opportunity to experience one of three celebrated festivals. Whether witnessing the royal traditions of Akwasidae, joining the processions of Hogbetsotso, or experiencing the ceremonies and performances of Benin’s Voodoo Festival, you’ll encounter traditions passed down through generations.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from Washington Dulles (IAD) including taxes and fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 12 nights in superior first class and first class accommodations
- 28 meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 5 dinners, including a welcome dinner and farewell dinner
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking tour guides
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other select cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation
- Want to extend your stay before the tour starts or after the tour ends? Request details when making your reservation.
Why you'll love it
- Experience one of West Africa's festivals: Akwasidae Festival, Hogbetsotso Festival, or Voodoo Festival.
- Explore Accra's vibrant art scene at the Artists Alliance Art Gallery and discover the work of leading Ghanaian artists.
- Visit one of Ghana's renowned fantasy coffin workshops and learn about this unique artistic tradition.
- Wander Lomé's Grand Marché and learn about the influential "Nana Benz" traders who helped shape West Africa's textile trade.
- Visit the restored Palais de Lomé, one of West Africa’s leading cultural centers.
- Participate in a traditional Togolese culinary experience with local hosts.
- Cross Lake Togo by boat to Togoville, one of Togo's most important spiritual centers.
- Reflect at the Door of No Return, a memorial connected to the transatlantic slave trade.
- Cruise through Ganvié, Benin's remarkable stilt village known as the "Venice of Africa."
- Visit the striking Amazon Monument honoring the legendary women warriors, the Dahomey Amazons.
- Explore Kejetia Market, the Kumasi Cultural Centre, Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, and Asante Traditional Buildings in Kumasi.
- Learn about traditional Ghanaian craftsmanship from local artisans.
- Walk across the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park.
- Join a hands-on cooking experience with Global Mamas, a social enterprise that empowers women entrepreneurs through sustainable livelihoods and cultural exchange.
- Visit Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, powerful landmarks connected to the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
Itinerary at a Glance
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
The itinerary below is a sample, based on the Akwasidae Festival departures. Your actual itinerary will vary based on the unique West African celebration scheduled.
Learn more about each incredible festival departure here.
Akwasidae Festival: Oct 15, 2027 & Feb 18, 2028
Hogbestotso Festival: Nov 3, 2027
Voodoo Festival: Jan 3, 2028
For more information about a specific departure, please contact us.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Your journey begins as you check in for your overnight flight to Accra, Ghana
Day 2 Arrive Accra, Ghana
- Arrive in Accra, meet our representative, and transfer to your hotel
- Gather for a tour briefing and welcome dinner
Fiesta Residences Boutique Hotel or similarDinner
Day 3 Accra
- Visit Independence Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
- Interact with local artists at the Artists Alliance Art Gallery and gain insight into Ghana’s vibrant contemporary art scene
- Meet one of Ghana’s famous fantasy coffin makers
- Take a walking tour of historic Jamestown
- Enjoy an Afro music experience
Fiesta Residences Boutique Hotel or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 4 Accra, Ghana & Lomé, Togo
- Visit the Nkyinkyim outdoor museum
- Travel from Ghana into Togo, crossing the international border
- Spend the evening at leisure in Lomé or join your guide for a local nightlife experience
Hotel 2 Février Lomé or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 5 Lomé
- Explore Lomé’s Grand Marché and learn about the influential “Nana Benz” traders
- Visit Art Street, the Artisans’ Village, and the Akodessawa Fetish Market
- Explore the restored Palais de Lomé, one of West Africa’s leading cultural centers
- Participate in a traditional Togolese culinary experience with local hosts
Hotel 2 Février Lomé or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 6 Lomé & Togoville, Togo & Ouidah & Cotonou, Benin
- Travel along Togo’s coast and cross Lake Togo by boat to Togoville
- Learn about Vodun traditions at local shrines
- Cross the border into Benin and visit Ouidah, the spiritual heart of Vodun
- Reflect at the Door of No Return, a memorial connected to the transatlantic slave trade
Maison Rouge Cotonou or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 7 Cotonou, Ganvié & Porto-Novo
- Cruise by boat to Ganvié, the largest lake village in Africa
- Explore Porto-Novo’s Afro-Brazilian heritage
- See the Grand Mosque and King Toffa’s Palace
- Visit the striking Amazon Monument honoring the legendary women warriors, the Dahomey Amazons
- Drive along Cotonou’s contemporary Graffiti Wall
Maison Rouge Cotonou or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 8 Cotonou, Benin & Accra, Ghana
- Journey overland from Benin through Togo and into Ghana
- Visit Aného, a historic coastal town connected to the transatlantic slave trade
- Return to Accra for dinner at the hotel
Fiesta Residences Boutique Hotel or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9 Accra & Kumasi
- Fly from Accra to Kumasi, the heart of the Ashanti Kingdom
- Explore Kejetia Market, one of West Africa’s largest open-air markets
- Visit the Kumasi Cultural Centre and Prempeh II Jubilee Museum
Oak Plaza Suites Kumasi or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 10 Kumasi & Akwasidae Festival
- Visit Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom
- Experience the Akwasidae Festival
- Witness chiefs and elders paying homage to the Asantehene
Oak Plaza Suites Kumasi or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 11 Kumasi
- Visit the Asante Traditional Buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore craft villages known for Adinkra, woodcarving, and kente weaving
- Meet local artisans and learn about traditional Ghanaian craftsmanship
Oak Plaza Suites Kumasi or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 12 Kumasi & Elmina
- Travel to Ghana’s Central Region
- Visit Ancestral River Park in Assin Manso, a site of remembrance and reflection
- Tour Cape Coast Castle, a historic fortress connected to the transatlantic slave trade
Lemon Beach Resort or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 13 Elmina
- Walk across the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park
- Visit a local cocoa farm and meet a farmer
- Join a hands-on cooking experience with Global Mamas
- Gather for a farewell dinner
Lemon Beach Resort or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 14 Elmina, Accra & Depart Ghana
- Walk through Elmina Township, including the fish market and harbor
- Visit Elmina Castle, a historic site connected to the transatlantic slave trade
- Return to Accra and freshen up before your flight home
- Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight back to the USA
The Palms by Eagles or similarBreakfast & lunch
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Reviews & Photos
We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Here are some moments other travelers captured on this package. Or check out our entire fan photo gallery.
No reviews yet! Check back soon to see what our travelers are saying.
Traveled with us, but haven't received an invitation to review your trip? Contact us at reviews@friendlyplanet.com.
Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 16 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Ghana?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Togo?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Benin?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.