Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Ghana - Multicountry Private Tour
- Duration: 7 Days (approx.)
- Location: Lagos
- Product code: togoghana
Learn more about the African-American and African-European history and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade that happened in the 16th to 19th century on this 7-day tour of Nigeria, Togo, and Ghana. Step back in time and feel the chills at slave castles and explore interesting voodoo markets and sacred sites. At the same time, you will also get an inside scoop of the countries' rich culture and traditions and vibrant everyday lives as you mingle with the locals during the tour.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Lagos
Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and dropped off at your hotel.
If time permits, hop on to your private air-conditioned vehicle and get ready for a half-day tour of Lagos. Wander into the best spots in Lagos and discover why visiting this city is a must when in Nigeria. Led by your guide, visit Lekki Conservation Centre where you'll be greeted by monkeys, crocodiles, and birds while on a canopy walk. Then, see interesting artifacts at the National Museum and know more about Nigeria's most important artist, Nike Okundaye, at the enormous Nike Art Gallery. Mingle with the locals and have a major feel of what Lagos life in general looks like at the Lekki Craft Market.
Tour concludes with a drop off at your hotel.
Day 2: Lagos - Badagry - Cotonou - Abomey
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and depart from Lagos to Badagry early in the morning. Discover the history of slavery at the Seriki Abass Slave Museum before traveling to Cotonou, the economic center of Benin, for a quick city tour. Proceed to Abomey, one of the best places to go if you're looking to immerse yourself in ancient Beninese history. The city's main attraction is the Royal Palace Museum and the city retains many reminders of its magnificent past including the Palace, the Historical Museum, and the Royal Sepulchers. Then, hop on a small boat in Nokoue Lake to Ganvie, the biggest stilt village in Africa. Go to the narrow alleyways among the stilt houses visiting the Lovers’ Lane, the “Maison de la Francophonie”, and the floating market.
Overnight at your hotel in Abomey.
Day 3: Abomey - Ouidah
Interested in Voodoo and the West African religious practices? Then this day is for you.
After breakfast, drive to Ouidah, dubbed the voodoo capital city of Benin that saw thousands of Africans deported to the Americas during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. You will visit the Museum of History better known as the Voodoo Museum, the Sacred Forest which is the resting place of the King of Kpasse and the Ouidah Cathedral. Complete the tour with a visit to the Temple of the Pythons where you'll see 41 writhing pythons, housed and worshiped within its walls.
End the day with a drop off at your Ouidah hotel.
Day 4: Ouidah - Lome
From Ouidah, travel west to the city of Lome in Togo early in the morning.
After 3 hours and upon immigration clearing, start your tour and visit the must-see places in the city. Stop by the Independence Square, the Artisans Village, the National Museum and be fascinated by the labyrinth of street art at the Grand Marché, the realm of the famous Nana Benz ladies. Stroll the streets of Akodessewa Fetish Market, the world's "voodoo superstore" where you'll find anything one might need for a ritual.
Then, continue to Togoville, a red-earth village which was the homeland of numerous slaves taken to Haiti. Here you will find magic remedies and voodoo charms used by local sorcerers.
Overnight in Lome hotel.
Day 5: Lome - Accra
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and travel for about 4 hours to Accra. Upon arrival, you may spend the rest of the day as you wish. You may check out the main shopping venue Osu Oxford Street or arrange some activities with your guide (time-dependent).
Day 6: Accra
Spend your sixth day of the tour exploring the main attractions of Accra.
With your guide, get an inside scoop on what makes Accra one of Ghana’s gems as you visit W. E. B. Dubois Center for Pan African Culture, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the Black Star Square and the National Museum of Ghana. The tour will also take you to the 17th century-built Osu Castle, the harbor district Jamestown, the Flagstaff House, and Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop, known for its design coffins that became symbolic of African artistic creativity.
Overnight at Accra.
Day 7: Accra - Kakum National Park - Cape Coast - Accra
Appreciate Ghana's rich and diverse flora and fauna at the Kakum National Park, one of the country's most popular and accessible wildlife destinations. The park protects the core of Ghana’s largest remaining tract of rainforest and as you stroll, you are guaranteed to be welcomed by birds, butterflies, and other endemic animals. Rising 40 m above the forest floor and extending over 1000 feet is the seven-bridge canopy walk where you'll have breathtaking 360-degree views of the surroundings.
After lunch, visit the Cape Coast Castle and the Castle Museum for a guided tour. Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was one of about 40 "slave castles" which were the departure points for Africans being sent into slavery in the Americas. The castle is home to the infamous "Door of No Return" where thousands of Africans walked through directly into the ships that will sell them to slavery across the Atlantic Ocean.
End the tour with a drop off to your hotel.
Day 8: Departure from Ghana
Today, you will be dropped off by your driver-guide at the airport.
Includes
- English-speaking guide
- Fuel
- Accommodation in mid-range hotels
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Excludes
- Airfare
- Entrance fees
- Visa and visa application fees
- Travel/medical/cancellation insurance and immunizations
- Meals, beverages and snacks not included in the itinerary
- Hotel incidentals (if there are any)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
Please Note
- Tour starts in Lagos, Nigeria and ends in Accra, Ghana or vice versa (upon request).