West African Kingdoms

16 days - from $4975

Ancient kingdoms, voodoo rituals and distinct local cultures feature in this remote adventure This west African adventure takes us from Ouagadougou, in Burkina Faso, via Benin and Togo, to Accra, capital of Ghana. Along the way we experience the essence of a region that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. We also enjoy the incredible warmth and exuberance of the local people we meet, as we immerse ourselves in an extraordinary mix of cultures. A wildlife safari takes us face-to-face with elephants, hippos and lions. Our journey also includes colourful markets and visits to remnants of ancient kingdoms and powerful civilisations. Some of this history is also tragic as we walk in the footsteps of slaves who were subsequently transported to the New World. The walls of the so-called 'slave castles' still resonate to the echoes of their anguished cries. But the music of west Africa leaves us with happy rhythms and captures the heartbeat of this vibrant part of the world.

Highlights

• Beach out in Grand Popo
• Explore Ouidah, the birthplace of voodoo
• Safari in Pendjari, Benin
• Visit Abomey’s Royal Palace, Benin
• Lose yourself in Kumasi’s market
• Visit Elmina Slave Castle, Ghana
• Across Lake Togo by boat
• Visit the Fetish Market near Lomé, Togo

Itinerary:

Day 1: (Mon) Arrive in Ouagadougou and transfer to hotel.2: Drive to the intricately decorated village of Tiebele – all the buildings are covered in symbolic painting and carving.3: Enter Benin. Go on wildlife safari in Pendjari National Park.4: Visit the Betamaribé tribe of the remote Atakora Mountains in northern Benin. Overnight in Natitingou.5-6: Explore Abomey – the ancient capital of the Dahomey Kingdom. See a unique performance of the Geleden Mask Dance.7-8: Drive to the lakeside village of Ganvié. Continue to Ouidah – birthplace of voodoo. Visit the Temple of Pythons and experience a voodoo dance.9: Cross border into Togo. Take a boat trip on Lake Togo to visit historic Togoville. Overnight in Lomé.10: Visit the National Museum. Cross into Ghana. Continue to Akosombo Dam on the Upper Volta River.11-12: Travel to Kumasi – the Ashanti capital. Visit the former palace of the Ashanti king and the nearby sacred lake. Watch Ghanaian artisans weave beautiful kente cloth.13-14: Rest and relax for two days at beautiful Axim Beach. Visit Axim Fort and fishing village.15: Visit former slave castle of Elmina on the Cape Coast.16: Drive to Accra. Afternoon city tour of Kwame Nkumah Memorial, the Cultural Centre and Accra’s streets. Evening transfer to Accra Airport, where our expedition ends (Tue).
Included: Peregrine tour leader, arrival and departure airport transfers, transport, accommodation, meals as indicated.
Not Included:

International flights, airport taxes or any other departure taxes, visas, meals not included in the itinerary, sleeping bag, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.