WHISPERS FROM WEST AFRICA

Day 1 Fly to Accra. Transfer to the Labadi Beach Hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 2 Journey over the Volta River to the Shai Hills Reserve. An expanse of savannah and woodland dominated by large granite formations. Enjoy a nature walk to the Obonu Tem caves with its large colony of rare Egyptian Tomb Bats and wonderful, colourful birdlife including; Turacos, Rollers and Bee-eaters. Later travel to Akosombo, travel downriver by local canoe to encounter the Sacred Mona Monkeys of Tafi Atome. On to Serena Volta for two nights. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Explore Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary with a mguided nature walk through semi-deciduous forest to Wli Falls, the highest in West Africa. Hear the cacophony from the huge colony of Fruit Bats on the adjacent cliffs. Visit Tafi Atome, a community dedicated to preserving the endangered True Mona monkeys. Try your hand at making Gari a local delicacy and enjoy a nature walk in the forest in search of these beautiful primates. Continue to Tafi Abuife, where traditional Ewe kente cloth has been woven for generations. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Travel across the Akuapem hills to Kumasi, visit Aburi botanical gardens, founded by the British in 1890, home to a wide variety of indigenous and exotic flora. Continue to Aburi craft village, where traditional African artifacts have been created for generations. Travel to Kumasi, home of the Asantehene, King of the powerful Ashanti empire for two nights at the Golden Tulip. (B, L, D)

Day 5 A day of culture and history awaits us; visit Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene King and the Palace Museum, offering a fascinating narrative on the history and legacies of this powerful dynasty. Explore the National Cultural Centre, Prempeh II Jubilee museum and Kejetia market, the largest outdoor market in West Africa, then on to Okomfo Anokye sword Monument and finally visit Kwame Nkrumah University. This evening there is the opportunity to head into town and experience Kumasi nightlife and a live highlife band. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Travel north to Mole National Park, via Larabanga, home to an ancient Sudanese style mud and stick mosque, one of the oldest in West Africa. Built, in 1421 by the Islamic trader Ayuba. Check-in at Zaina Lodge for two nights. Situated on an escarpment overlooking the park with breathtaking views. Savour the experience of sitting on the terrace watching African savannah elephants bathe in nearby water holes. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Morning walking safari, tracking African Elephants, we are also likely to encounter troops of olive baboon and patas monkey, kob, ushbuck and waterbuck, our guides are also on hand to identify some of the 350 species of birds recorded here. Lunch around the pool with a few hours to relax. Later drive deeper in the park where hartebeest, roan antelope, lion, leopard, hyena and African buffalo roam. Visit Mognori, on the boundary of the park, explore the tobacco fields and meet the local chief and a traditional healer and experience a river safari in a traditional dugout canoe. Enjoy the evening relaxing under the beautiful clear West African night sky. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Return to Kusami, stopping at Kintampo Waterfalls, continue through Techiman, the historical crossroads of trade routes, en route to Boebeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary. The Black and White Colobus and Lowes Mona monkeys have been protected by the local villages for centuries. Discover the history behind their protection and walk the forest trails viewing these primates. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Explore the remnants of the great Asante Empire at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Adrinka, discover buildings of bamboo, timber and mud with walls decorated in symbolic motifs, birthplace of Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the most important woman in Ashanti history who led the army in the 1901 war against the British. Continue to the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso, home to Ghana’s Kente cloth, see skilled weavers outside their homes still using traditional looms. Travel south to Elmina via Assin Manso, an important town along the enslaved African trade routes. At Elmina check in at the Coconut Grove Hotel with the evening to relax. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Visit Kakum National Park and its canopy walkway in the beautiful, tropical guinea rainforest, consisting of 7 bridges. Marvel at the outstanding views that stretch for miles. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded within the park and 6 primate species. Nearby is the International Stingless Bee Project, discover their importance to the Ghanaian eco system. Enjoy lunch in the tropical guinea rainforest, teeming with bird life before reaching Elmina. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Castle of St. George, the oldest extant colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, ,steeped in history from the transatlantic enslaved African trade era. This evening venture into town to experience local nightlife. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cape mCoast Castle, a thought-provoking monument to a harrowing period in the region’s history, viewing the dungeons and infamous “Door of no return”. In Accra visit the National Museum with its adjoining garden, home to various sculptures and an overview of West African history. Overnight at the Labadi Beach Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Enjoy a walking tour of the old community of James Town, continue to Fort James, a former British trading post, and the Danish Fort, Christiansborg. See the Brazilian stone houses built by free enslaved Africans, Black Star Square and Independence Square. Travel East into Togo. Arrive at the capital, Lomé mand check in to the Hôtel 2 Février. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Visit the grand Marché, the beautiful, gothic Sacred Heart Cathedral then travel to Aneho, ‘Little Popo’, an important town in the slave trade era, and neighboring Sebe, former second capital of German Togoland. Take a pirogue across Lake Togo to Togoville, the historical center of Voodoo. Visit the chief’s house, Maison Royal and see the active shrines. Travel to Ouidah, in Benin, for two nights at Casa De Papa Beach Resort. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Enslaved West Africans were shipped from Ouidah, many to Brazil, Haiti and the Caribbean, thus the strong Voodoo presence in these parts of the world. Visit the museum, the sacred forest and python’s temple. Later witness a Voodoo ceremony. Many people in Benin actively still practice Voodoo, the majority in combination with their Christian or Islamic faith. The energy and devotion of ceremony is one to remember. (B, L, D)

Day 15 Visit beautiful Ganvie, known as the Venice of West Africa, with communities living in stilted structures over Lake Nokoue. Return to Lomé and visit the National Museum of Togo. Overnight at Hôtel 2 Février. (B, L, D)

Day 16 Visit the witches market ‘marché fetiches’ at Akodessewa and the artisan village. Return to Accra and enjoy an early evening meal before your homeward flight. (B, L, D)

Day 17 Arrive London.

• Key
• B - Breakfast
• L - Lunch
• D - Dinner