NOVEMBER 22-29, 2024
8 DAYS, 7 NIGHTS
GHANA
JEK Travels creates one of a kind epic group trips to show our clients the world and to help them create experiences and learn new cultures.
𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 a country of western 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚, known for its lush forests, diverse animal life, miles of sandy beaches along a picturesque coast, and rich history! If you've ever stepped foot on African soil, you know it's a different experience than any other continent, we've visited, a different level of gratitude🙌🏾
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AKWAABA-WELCOME (D)
Arrive in Accra, Ghana. You will be met and transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.
Overnight at African Regent Hotel in Accra.
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner.
After breakfast, depart for a sightseeing tour of Accra, the Capital of Ghana. Experience the city’s highlights
during this Accra orientation. The capital of Ghana since 1877, Accra is also the capital of the Greater Accra
Region. In addition, it’s the country’s most populous city. Travel through the administrative and economic
districts of Accra. Also, see the Artiste Alliance Gallery, the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Pan African Culture,
the University of Ghana, the Independence/Black Star Square, and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Learn about important events in Ghana’s history and the country’s first president who helped lead Ghana
to independence.
End the day’s tour at the Arts Center, where participants can sharpen their bargaining skills to shop for
goods from Ghana and West Africa in an openair market. On display, you will see fabrics of different materials, designs, colorsand textures to purchase from. Later in the evening, dressmakers will take measurements and sew cloths
for interested participants.
Overnight at African Regent Hotel in Accra.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart to Cape Coast and drive
through the historic Denkyira Kingdom to Kakum National Park, one of West
Africa’s surviving tropical rain forests. Choose between a 2 km nature walk
through the rain forest to discover the wide variety of exotic flora and fauna
species and the medicinal values they offer or take a walk on the canopy
walkway hanging 40 meters above the forest ground.
After lunch, embark on a tour of the infamous Forts, Castles, and Slave
Dungeons of Ghana. History will unfold the story of the slave trade which the
impact is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today. Visit the Cape Coast Castle built by the Swedes in 1653 and was later taken over by the British. Here, you
would learn about the relationship between the western slave traders and the
African tribes that made the trans-Atlantic slave trade possible. It is an
opportunity to be up and close with history to stand in the dark and stuffy
dungeons, imagining the experience and conditions that millions of Africans endured. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum.
Overnight at Coconut Grove Beach Resort or Ridge Royal Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.
After breakfast, visit Elmina Castle, also known as St. George’s Castle, which
was built by the Portuguese in 1482. Here, learn about the relationship between the western slave traders and the African tribes that participated in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Here participants will witness the dark and stuffy dungeons
local people were forced to endure before being sent on a long and perilous
passage across the Atlantic. To see the truth of these conditions in person is a
powerful reminder of the inhumanity of the slave trade. After lunch on your own, explore Elmina, a fishing village that’s both picturesque and gritty, charming and though-provoking. What better way to appreciate it than to immerse oneself
in its main industry fishing! Meet with local fishermen to learn the intricacies
of their trade and the challenges they face in their day to day work. Next, meet
the fish mongers in the village who will demonstrate the various stages of
smoking the fish in earthenware ovens. This is a unique way to experience
one of Ghana’s oldest and important trades.
Return to the hotel and dinner is included tonight.
Overnight at Ridge Royal Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
After breakfast, spend the morning at leisure. After lunch on your own, check outof your hotel and depart to Accra.
Overnight at African Regent Hotel in Accra.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
After breakfast, depart Accra to a beautiful village located on the lower course of the splendid Volta River. You will pay a courtesy call on the chief and elders
amidst traditional drumming and dancing by the villagers. The group will
participate in a naming ceremony of recognition, where a Ghanaian name is
given to participants, and a gift presented as part of celebrating a new identity
as a Ghanaian and a member of the local community.
After lunch, you will visit cedi beads factory and market. Beads play a very
important role in the life and culture of the Krobo people of Ghana. Beads are
used to mark family status, special occasions, and the important rite of passage of girls into puberty, called the Dipo. Participants will be shown around the
factory and observe the making of beads in a traditional manner. The beads
come in every imaginable color, shape, and size and are made from recycled
glass, beer and wine bottles, and broken windows.
They are pounded and crushed with a mortar and pestle and then poured into
molds and heated individually in ovens. These ovens are made from termite
soils, which are able to withstand high temperatures. After sizzling in a special
oven for about 45 minutes, the beads are smoothed while still warm.
A cassava stick is put in the center of the bead while it melts into shape. The
beads are cooled and hand polished with sand and water and then strung.
Participants will even have the opportunity to make their own beads to take
home!
Return to your hotel in Accra for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at African Regent Hotel in Accra.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
After breakfast, visit the school of the deaf in Tema. Over here, the students
have put their disability aside and keep the African art which is a part of
Ghanaian culture and see how these unique students express themselves
through this art, cultural dancing and painting. During your visits, you can also
have the opportunity to learn about sign language or play football or other forms of interaction with the students.
Return to Accra afterwards. Later in the evening, depart to the airport for check
in and fly back home.
(Late checkout not included)
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Accommodation as per itinerary based on share
All transfers and transportation is by private minibuses.
Services of a qualified English speaking local guide
Entrance fees as per the itinerary
Meals as indicated on itinerary (B-full breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Government/local taxes at existing rates
WHAT'S NOT INLUDED:
Changes in Government/local taxes
International air, any taxes and Air Seat Selection
Personal items such as laundry, email, fax, telephone, souvenirs, fees for personal photos and videos
Meals unless listed in itinerary and all drinks
Tips & Gratuities
Early check-in & late check out of rooms (standard check-in time is 2pm and check out 10am)
Travel Insurance, Visa/passport handling fees
Porterage
All COVID19 tests and its related expenses