Our Ghana Family Adventure is the perfect introduction to this wonderfully friendly and welcoming country. Travelling with award-winning local expert guides, the tour provides experiences that allow you to see how life really is for the people living here. Apart from the warm welcome, you will also find ancient cultural sites, fascinating ethnic communities, beautiful beaches, a dark historical past and exceptional flora and fauna, all waiting to be discovered. The program is both educational and fun, making it a great option for those looking for a truly meaningful and unique family holiday.
This is just a suggested Itinerary. Please speak to our experienced consultants who can tailor make this trip to your needs.
To secure your place on any Tailor Made trip we require a deposit of 30% of the total trip price, per person.
Book or Enquire• Explore the rich history of Accra
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Cape Coast and Elmina Castle
• Hike to see the sacred Mona Monkeys of Tafi Atome
• Get close to nature on Kakum National Park’s stunning canopy walkway
• Mountain bike through lush tropical forests
• Relax on the beautiful Gold Coast beaches of Western Africa
These are just suggested inclusions. Please speak to our experienced consultants who can tailor make this trip to your needs.
Meals
Full Board plus unlimited mineral water, fruits and snacks
Accommodation
13 nights 4-star hotels - higher standards of accommodation available upon request
Transport
Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver throughout
Your expert local tour guide will meet you upon your arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, which is situated on the beautiful Gold Coast of Western Africa. Join your vehicle, which will be your transport for the duration of your tour, and transfer to your accommodation which is situated in Accra. Once you have checked in, your experienced guide will offer you a warm Akwaaba (welcome) and brief you on all aspects of your trip.
After breakfast you will depart Accra and start your journey towards the Volt region of Ghana, passing over the magnificent Volta River on route. Before heading out of this bustling city, you will stop at TK beads, experts in making beautiful traditional beads using ancient methods. Your guide will talk you through the skilled process of making the beads. Beads are culturally a symbol of wealth and beauty in Ghana and are still used during traditional durbars and festivals.
Your next stop will be to visit the Shai Hills Reserve, an expanse of Savannah grassland and woodland dominated by large rock formations. Large numbers of olive baboons, antelopes, green and spot nosed monkeys have been recorded in this protected area. Formerly the home of the Shai people who were ejected by the British in 1892, granite inselbergs dominate the landscape and house many active traditional shrines. You will be joined by an expert wildlife guide and hike to the Obonu Tem caves searching for wildlife during your walk. There is a large colony of Egyptian Tomb Bats, in addition to wonderful colourful birds that include Turacos, Rollers and Bee-eaters. After a wonderful morning at Shai Hills, you then continue your journey towards the Volta region, stopping for lunch on the way.
En route, you will enjoy a short tour of the Akosombo Dam, an amazing piece of engineering producing power for most of the country. This hydro-electric dam was built by Ghana’s first president Dr Kwame Nkrumah in 1965 and created what was then the largest manmade lake in the world. Today the Volta Lake is believed to be the third largest manmade lake in the world. This informative and interesting tour offers excellent photographic opportunities of the lake and habitat. In the late afternoon you will reach Hohoe, the second largest city in the Volta region of Ghana and home for the night.
After breakfast you will set off for the Wli Falls in the Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary. The Wli Falls are believed to be the highest waterfall in West Africa. Set in a beautiful location, the surrounding flora and fauna make this an idyllic setting. On our arrival you will trek through the thick semi deciduous forest leading to the falls from Wli village. As you near the falls you can hear the enormous colony of Straw-coloured Fruit Bats found on the adjacent cliffs, mixed with the powerful flow of the river. Relax and enjoy a paddle in the pool beneath the waterfall which is safe for swimming.
After lunch, you will head to the village of Tafi Atome, a wonderful community protecting a population of endangered Mona monkeys. The community here perceives the Mona Monkeys to be sacred messengers from the gods and have been protecting the monkeys and their habitat for over 200 years. Spend your time learning more about the history behind their protection as you venture into the surrounding forests to see these beautiful primates. During the walk your local guide will identify the many medicinal plants that grow here and explain how the locals use them to make traditional herbal remedies.
The local ethnic group here are Ewe, and a short distance from Tafi Atome you find the community of Tafi Abuife, who have been weaving traditional Ewe kente cloth for generations. Kente cloth designs in the Volta Region differ from the kente cloth found in the Ashanti Region. Colours and designs vary and during your time here you will learn the history behind each design and how the community started producing this beautiful cloth.
Today you will set off to Mount Afajato. Your morning will be dedicated to hiking Ghana’s highest mountain Afajato (885 meters). Your guides are experts in butterflies, birds and all of Ghana’s flora and fauna and during your walk they will share with you the exceptional nature that occurs in this part of Ghana. The views are wonderful with many excellent opportunities for photography during your walk.
After lunch you will head to Aburi. Your journey will take you into the beautiful Akuapem hills with outstanding views across Accra and Tema in the distance. At the top of the range you reach the Aburi botanical gardens. Founded by the British in 1890, the gardens are home to a wide variety of indigenous and exotic flora which your guide will identify for you.
A short distance from the gardens is the friendly Aburi craft village, where traditional African drums, sculptures and other crafts have been carved for generations. Spend some time watching the skilled craftsmen at work. Your guide will talk you through the meaning and local beliefs connected to many of the sculptures that have been made the same way throughout history.
After breakfast you will make the short journey south and back to Accra on the way to Cape Coast and Elmina. On the way through Accra you will visit some of the city’s main attractions. You will undertake a walking tour of Jamestown, taking in some of the historical structures that predate the colonial era. The locals here are committed to conserving these buildings and have made significant efforts to maintain them. You will gain an understanding of what it was like during the colonial era. The 30 meter-high lighthouse built by the British in 1871 and the attractive colourful fishing boats on the beach are also wonderful to see. Continue to Fort James, built by the British as a trading post in 1673, before it joined the Dutch Fort Crêvecœur, and the Danish Fort Christiansborg. Fort James gave its name to the Jamestown neighbourhood in Accra. Also of interest are the Brazilian stone houses, built by free enslaved African’s who reside in Brazil, they made their way back to Africa after the slave trade was abolished and their descendants have now integrated with the locals of Jamestown.
In the afternoon you will visit Black Star Square, which houses the independence monument and then continue to Independence Square, which is Ghana’s main ceremony grounds and where you will see the enclosed flame of African liberation, which was lit by Kwame Nkrumah himself in 1961. A short distance away is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, final resting place of Ghana’s founder. Finally it is time to leave the busy city behind as you set off westwards towards Cape Coast and Elmina for the next part of your Ghana adventure.
A busy day ahead as you embark upon walking tours of the ancient towns of Cape Coast and Elmina. You will learn about the foreign colonial influence on the former capital. Cape Coast is known as the cradle of education in Ghana and the best performing schools are still located here. Students from all of Ghana and West Africa travel here to study. It will soon become apparent why as you visit prominent schools and Cape Coast University. Experience everyday life in these coastal communities as you walk the markets and old colonial streets.
You will also visit the local fishing market and walk the short distance to visit the boat builders in this community. Almost all the fishing boats used in this bustling fishing community are traditional wooden boats. Their design has not changed in centuries and neither have the tools and methods used to build them. Enjoy the sights of the many colourful fishing boats bringing their daily catch into the harbour and take this opportunity to mix with the locals enjoying the atmosphere of a West African fishing community. Next, you visit the nearby Cape Coast Castle which has been designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The castle is a thought provoking monument to a harrowing period in the region’s history. Quality time will be spent in the afternoon on an emotional journey touring this castle which held more enslaved Africans captive than any other in West Africa, viewing the dungeons and the infamous “Door of No Return”.
After lunch you will immerse yourselves into true African art during a traditional batik making workshop. There is no better way to get to know locals and hear how daily life is than by working side by side with them and making your own traditional batik garment. Joining a local artisan in his/her workshop to learn the traditional techniques of batik making and production from the wax heating, stamping and drying makes for an interesting afternoon. You will be given a piece of cloth for you to produce your own garment to take back home, a wonderful souvenir of your time in Ghana and one that will hold fond memories every time you wear it.
An early start as you head for Kakum National Park and Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway. This is a beautiful, tropical guinea rainforest and the canopy walkway is sure to be a highlight of your time in Cape Coast. The walkway consists of 7 bridges, attached to 7 emerging trees, 40 metres above the rainforest floor. Prepare to take a deep breath as you walk the suspended bridges. You will marvel at the outstanding views that stretch for miles across this breathtaking rainforest as you rest on the viewing platforms that are attached to the emerging trees between the bridges.
After lunch you will set off for Elmina where you will visit the castle of St. George in Elmina. This is the oldest extant colonial building in sub Saharan Africa dating from 1482. This castle is steeped in history and played a prominent part during the tragic transatlantic enslaved African trade era. There is an informative museum inside which concentrates on local history and it is designated a world heritage site by UNESCO.
After a leisurely breakfast you will enjoy a visit to one of the many schools that are directly supported by your visit to Ghana. During the visit you have the opportunity to meet children and teachers and participate in a class or sporting activity.
After lunch you will enjoy an afternoon of traditional Djembe African drumming and dance lessons. Your expert teacher will take you through the rhythms and moves of some local classic music. It is surprising how quickly you can improve your drumming skills and sound with a few hours of dedicated lessons.
An early start as you head westward through Takoradi, the capital of the Western Region. Reaching Beyin around lunchtime, you will then set off through the beautiful Amasuri wetlands in a traditional dugout canoe to find the community of Nzulezu Stilt Village. Legend has it that the community were led hereby a snail! The snail is now sacred to this community and is not eaten here as it is in other parts of Ghana. The boat ride is a major highlight as the wetlands are beautiful, marshy swamps now recognized as globally important wetlands for birds. During your time here, you will visit Fort Apollonia whose construction was completed in 1768 and now houses the Museum of Nzema Culture and History. An informative museum focused on the history of the local ethnic group here Nzema.
Finally, you set off towards Ankasa Reserve which is connected to the Nini-Suhien National Park and protects an area of over 500 square kilometers of mostly pristine wet evergreen upper guinea rainforest. This habitat played an important role in the life of Ghanaians historically as it was their main source of water and food. By far Ghana’s finest remaining rainforest habitat this area protects many endangered mammals and is home to so many wonderful birds and wildlife. There will be an option for a night walk inside the forest.
The next two days are dedicated to getting around on mountain bikes, which is a wonderful way to experience life, landscapes and the African breeze. A totally unique experience, as you ride inside Ghana’s only pristine Upper Guinea wet evergreen rainforest at Ankasa Reserve. You will follow unmade roads through this beautiful forest that protects many mammal and bird species that include forest elephants. You may also spend some time hiking to see the beautiful bamboo cathedral and forest swamps.
Depending on how keen you are as a cyclist, today you have the option of riding to you next location at Axim. It is approximately 65km away and you will have the entire day to get there at your own pace. As your vehicle will be taking the bags to your hotel, there is the option to ride part of the way or a go by car for the whole journey.
On arrival in Axim, head to your beautiful beachfront hotel, located in a private bay with its own private island.
Today is dedicated to recharging your batteries. Overlooking the beautiful Gold Coast of Western Africa, Axim is the perfect location to unwind and relax after the excitement of your time in Ghana.
After a leisurely breakfast, load up your vehicle and head back to Accra for your final night in Ghana.
Depending upon the time of your departing flight, you may have time to visit Fantasy Coffins of Teshie Nungua. Funeral and burial ceremonies in Ghana are very solemn occasions, but after the burial a celebration follows. Ghanaians believe that the departed move on into another world, the coffins made here may represent the occupation of the deceased or depict something that was important to them. There are all manner of coffin designs which one could be buried in from cars, cocoa pods, cigarette packets and airplanes to crocodiles, shoes, bottles of beer and boats. After this excursion we may have time to head to the Accra Mall to give you an insight into modern day Ghana and opportunity to also purchase some last-minute souvenirs.
At an appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for your departing international flight.
We want you to enjoy your trip to the fullest extent possible, so we ask you to take a moment to read through the following information and make sure you’re fully aware of the kind of trip you will be joining.
Imaginative Traveller trips and adventure travel in general can be quite demanding and there are risks and hazards that are inherent in such trips. Long driving days can sometimes be uncomfortable and tiring. Many of the places we visit are off the beaten track and so do not have the infrastructure that we are accustomed to in western society. Accommodation can vary greatly in standards and when wild camping on an Overland trip we rely entirely on our own provisions.
You will have the opportunity to take part in many exciting activities and excursions, some of which are included whilst others are optional (i.e. hiking the Inca Trail, trekking to see Mountain Gorillas) these require a certain level of fitness, so it’s important that you read through the trip notes thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough to enjoy this trip to its fullest. Some activities may have higher risks than you are used to and you must judge whether or not you wish to, or have the physical ability to take part. All travellers are also required to carry their own bag and lift it into storage areas, get on and off public transport or if on an Overland trip - be able to manage the 2-foot step on and off the Overland truck.
Weather conditions in certain areas can also make physical activity more challenging. This also applies to our trips that travel at altitude.
It is extremely rare for us to have to refuse anyone a space on our trips for medical reasons. If at the time of booking you have any concern at all about a medical condition that may prevent you from participating fully in the trip, please let your travel agent or Imaginative Traveller know as soon as possible. If upon disclosure, our operator is of the opinion that the trip is not suitable for you, then we reserve the right to cancel your booking or alternatively to limit your participation in certain activities.
Whilst we don’t want to put anyone off experiencing one of our trips, we ask that you read through the trip notes for the trip you have selected carefully and realistically self assess your ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your Dr and/or us if you have any doubts.
A positive attitude and an open mind are just as important as your ability to get involved and fully participate on your group trip.
In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The Community list is available for inspection at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/safety/air-ban/index_en.htm .In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of confirmation. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of confirmation, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible.
BOOKING CONDITIONS - Dragoman Overseas
Travel Ltd. Valid from 1st May 2019
(Updated on 10/06/19)
3.1 Payments for Small Group Tours operated by Imaginative Traveller and excluding Polar trips to the Arctic or Antarctic
Songlines Music Tours: deposit amount £600
Family Overland: deposit amount £400
Trips with Gorilla permit: deposit amount £600
Trips with Inca Trail permit: deposit amount £400
The balance of the tour cost must be paid no later than 56 days before the departure date of the first tour booked, otherwise we are entitled to treat the booking as cancelled by you in which case the cancellation charges shown in clause 4 will be payable.
3.2 Payments for Small Group Polar trips to the Arctic or Antarctic
3.3 Payments for Tailor Made Tours and Charter Trips
4.1 If you wish to cancel your tour
Small Group Tours excluding Polar trips to the Arctic or Antarctic
Days % charge
56 or more Loss of deposit
31 to 55 50%
30 or less 100%
Small Group Polar trips to the Arctic or Antarctic
Days % charge
181 or more Loss of deposit
180 or less 100%
Tailor Made Tours and Charter Trips
Days % charge
56 or more Loss of deposit
55 or less 100%
Depending on your reason for cancellation and your travel insurance terms these charges may be recoverable under your insurance policy.
4.2 Amendments and Transfers for Small Group Tours
On some trips it is not possible for us to accept late bookings as they are subject to availability.
4.3 Amendments and Transfers for Tailor Made Tours and Charter Trips
The information about trips given in this brochure is subject to change. Where practical, any changes will be reflected in the Trip Notes that are sent to you with your Final Documentation. It is your responsibility to review the up-to-date Trip Notes sent to you with Final Documentation. If you make a booking less than 56 days before departure (181 days for Polar trips to the Arctic or Antarctic) you must ensure you are fully aware of the contents of the Trip Notes. The information and conditions in the Trip Notes will be deemed to be part of the contract.
In no circumstances will we cancel your tour less than 4 weeks before the scheduled departure date except for reasons of consolidation, force majeure or failure on your part to pay the final balance. We strongly recommend that you make no travel arrangements to your point of departure, make any connecting travel that is non-refundable or non-changeable or incurs penalties or incur any costs in respect of visas or vaccinations until such time as your travel itinerary has been confirmed. If you make such arrangements which you are then unable to use due to a change in your itinerary we shall not be liable to you for the cost of those arrangements. If we are forced to cancel your holiday after departure we will, wherever possible, make suitable alternative arrangements. If we are unable to make such alternative arrangements, or you reject these for good reason then we will return you to your point of departure and refund you for any unused services, if appropriate.
Days Compensation
56 or more Nil
Between 28 and 55 £15
Between 15 and 27 £25
Less than 15 £35
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under ABTOT Combined and The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Dragoman Overseas Travel Ltd., ATOL number 4157, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:
ABTOT Combined cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made outside the EU are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Dragoman Overseas Travel Ltd.
In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.
You can access the The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/contents
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
The price of our ATOL-protected flight inclusive Packages includes the amount of £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices.
We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate or holiday itinerary, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate or itinerary (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder or supplier may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder or supplier will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder or supplier. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder or supplier, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ABTOT Combined scheme.
If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate or holiday itinerary, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder, alternative supplier or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, ABTOT Limited may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ABTOT Combined scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to ABTOT Limited any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ABTOT Combined scheme.
For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk or the ABTOT website at www.ABTOT.com.
The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.
Therefore you will benefit from all EU rights applying to the packages. Dragoman Overseas Travel Ltd. ('Dragoman') will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole.
Additionally, as required by law, Dragoman has protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that it becomes insolvent.
Key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018
A copy of The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 may be found on: www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634
(i) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party;
(ii) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your tour and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable;
(iii) force majeure;
(iv) any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which any supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised by us and we have not agreed to arrange them as part of our contract;
vii) any information and advice on visas, travel documents, climate, spending money and other costs, clothing, equipment, etc. All such information and advice has been compiled with reasonable care and is given in good faith but without responsibility on our part;
viii) loss or damage of your personal belongings while in the sight of yourself or other group members, or while under the care of airlines or airports;
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