• Day 1- Aug 16th: Arrival in Accra – Akwaaba (Welcome!)

• Day 2 – Aug 17th: Explore Vibrant Accra – History, Markets & Cuisine

• Day 3- Aug 18th: Journey to Cape Coast – Honoring the Past

• Day 4 – Aug 19th: Into the Ashanti Kingdom – Tradition and Craft in Kumasi

• Day 5 – Aug 20th: Cultural Connection – Traditional Naming Ceremony in Kumasi

• Day 6 – Aug 21st: Volta Bound – Safari at Shai Hills & Volta River Cruise

• Day 7 – Aug 22nd: Forest Encounters – Monkeys & Waterfalls of Volta

• Day 8 - Aug 23rd: Return to Accra – Beach Time & Later... Chale Wote Night

• Day 9 – Aug 24th: Art, Music & Celebration – Chale Wote Street Art Festival

• Day 10 – Aug 25th: Farewell Ghana – Departure Day

Day 1- Aug 16th: Arrival in Accra – Akwaaba (Welcome!)

Arrive in Accra on Saturday, August 16, and feel the warm Ghanaian breeze as you step off the plane. “Akwaaba!” – meaning “welcome” in the local Twi language – greets you at the airport​ where our friendly Eye Open Afrika and Tasty Cultural Tours hosts await with broad smiles.

 After smooth airport transfers, you’ll check in to your comfortable hotel in Accra and unwind from your journey​

Take time to relax and refresh; an orientation session will introduce you to the days ahead and answer any questions while giving you a first taste of Ghana’s easygoing pace.

 In the evening, gather with your travel companions for a special Akwaaba Dinner featuring delicious Ghanaian dishes​. Savor the rich flavors of jollof rice, plantains, and groundnut soup as you toast to the adventure to come. The atmosphere is warm and familial – you’re not just a visitor but a welcomed friend in Ghana.

 With a heart full of excitement, settle in for your first night in Accra.

 Overnight: Accra

Day 2 – Aug 17th: Explore Vibrant Accra – History, Markets & Cuisine

“Grand Rising” - Awaken on Sunday to your first morning in Ghana with a journaling session to center yourself for the day​ then follow with rejuvenating yoga under the gentle glow of the tropical sun. Stretch and breathe deeply, reflecting on your intentions in your travel journal.

After breakfast, get ready to explore the bustling city of Accra. Your tour kicks off, diving into Ghana’s rich history at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park​. Stroll through palm-lined grounds to the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s founding president, and absorb stories of independence and pan-African leadership. A striking bronze statue of Nkrumah stands proudly, and a guided museum visit reveals personal artifacts and photographs that bring Ghana’s 20th-century history to life.

Next, you’ll stop at Black Star Square (Independence Square), a monumental plaza where Ghana’s freedom is celebrated​.​   Stand before the Independence Arch and the Black Star Gate – adorned with Ghana’s black star emblem – symbolizing the hope and unity of the nation.

After soaking in history, dive into the lively present-day culture at the Arts Center – Accra’s sprawling craft market​. Here, the scene is vibrant: rows of stalls burst with colorful cloth, intricate bead jewelry, wooden masks, drums, and paintings. Enjoy bargaining in good humor for the perfect souvenirs; perhaps pick up a handcrafted bracelet or a batik wall hanging. You’ll leave with not just treasures but also heartfelt interactions and maybe a few Twi phrases up your sleeve.

By midday, prepare to roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Ghanaian cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, learn the secrets of beloved dishes and spices. You might pound cassava and plantain to make fufu or stir a pot of fragrant peanut soup. This interactive experience is a highlight, as you chop, grind, and season using traditional methods passed down through generations. After all that fun work, sit down to enjoy the delicious lunch you’ve created​ together.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You might choose to relax back at the hotel, lounge by the pool or beach. If you’re up for it, consider venturing out to try a local eatery for dinner – your guide can recommend favorites, such as Ghana’s famous jollof rice or fresh grilled fish. Get a good night’s rest, as tomorrow an early departure calls.

Overnight: Accra Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner is on you)

Note: Before bed, pack an overnight bag for the next two days, as we’ll spend 1 night in Cape Coast and 1 night in Kumasi away from Accra​

You can leave your remaining luggage safely with the hotel concierge. Also, please set aside a white outfit for tomorrow’s journey​

Wearing white is a traditional sign of respect as we prepare to honor our ancestors at the solemn sites of the Slave River and Slave dungeons.

Day 3- Aug 18th: Journey to Cape Coast – Honoring the Past

Monday begins with an early start with breakfast on the go, as we set out westward on a four-hour drive from Accra to Cape Coast​

Dressed in white today in reverence, you’ll board our comfortable private bus, settle into your seat, and watch the cityscape give way to rolling countryside. The ride doubles as a “Journal Bus” session – take this quiet morning time to jot down thoughts or intentions.

En route, your guide will share insights into the region's history, preparing you for the profound experiences ahead.

By late morning, you arrive at Assin Manso, Slave River. This is the place where captured African men and women took their “last bath” on home soil before being marched to the coast.​ You will walk along the path to the riverbank, where a memorial plaque and still waters invite you to imagine the countless souls that passed through centuries ago. We will participate in a brief remembrance ceremony in honor of our ancestors. It’s a moment of contemplation and paying homage to the ancestors – one of the most meaningful of the trip.

Continuing, we arrive at Cape Coast, a historic coastal town marked by colonial-era buildings and fishing canoes lining the shore. You see local fishing boats bobbing in the nearby harbor, a jarring contrast between present life and the past.

We will visit Elmina Castle, which is older than Cape Coast Castle and was built by the Portuguese in 1482. Elmina is another stark monument to the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

After that, you will visit the Cape Coast Castle, a massive, white-washed fortress that looms over the Atlantic Ocean. The whitewashed walls of Cape Coast Castle stand as a stark reminder of its history. A local historian leads you on an emotional tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, guiding you through the dark dungeons where enslaved Africans were once held captive​. You retrace the steps of the captives, eventually arriving at the “Door of No Return.” It’s a heavy day, but also a necessary one of remembering and honoring the past so that history is never forgotten

In the early evening, we check in at the Coconut Grove Beach Resort in Cape Coast, your home for tonight​

 After such an intense day, the resort’s serene beachfront setting is a welcome retreat. Stroll along the palm-fringed beach as the sun sets golden over the Atlantic. Then, get ready to dine at the resort’s ocean-view restaurant, where a buffet dinner awaits. We will then gather for a brief group reflection, sharing thoughts and supporting each other – truly embodying the Heart Forward spirit of openness.

Overnight: Cape Coast Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Day 4 – Aug 19th: Into the Ashanti Kingdom – Tradition and Craft in Kumasi

After breakfast, bid the coast goodbye and journey north into Ghana’s lush interior. Today, you’ll travel to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, delving into the living traditions of one of West Africa’s most prominent cultures. The drive (approximately 4–5 hours) takes you through scenic landscapes of green hills, farms, and villages. As you ascend into the Ashanti Region, notice the vegetation grow richer – you’re entering cocoa country, dotted with farms that produce Ghana’s world-famous chocolate.

Arriving in Kumasi, you immediately feel the lively hustle of Ghana’s second-largest city – a place where tradition and modern day coexist in colorful harmony. Begin your Kumasi exploration with a visit to the Manhyia Palace Museum​. This modest yet fascinating museum is set within the former residence of the Ashanti kings. Inside, a curator will walk you through halls filled with royal artifacts: opulent gold jewelry, ancient Ashanti thrones, ceremonial Kente cloths, and centuries-old war relics. As you listen to stories of legendary King Osei Tutu and the Golden Stool – the sacred symbol of Ashanti unity – you’ll gain insight into why the Ashanti empire was once so powerful.

Next, immerse yourself in Ashanti crafts with a hands-on visit to the Ntonso Adinkra Village​. Ntonso is famous for Adinkra, a traditional Ghanaian cloth decorated with symbolic stamps. Here, you’ll meet the generational keepers of the Adinkra Village, who will show you how they produce the black dye from tree bark and carve iconic Adinkra symbols into calabash stamps. Roll up your sleeves and try Adinkra stamping yourself – press a stamp (perhaps the “Gye Nyame” symbol meaning “Except God” or another sign of wisdom or unity) into the ink and onto a strip of cotton fabric. It’s an incredibly satisfying art, and you’ll come away with a personally stamped piece as a unique souvenir of your cultural experience. The artisans explain the meanings behind the symbols – each stamp is a proverb or message, essentially Ashanti wisdom expressed through art.

Not far away is Bonwire, the famed Kente weaving village known as the cradle of Ghana’s vibrant Kente cloth​. Stepping into a Bonwire workshop, you’ll hear the rhythmic click-clack of wooden looms. Friendly weavers, often young men carrying on a family tradition, interlace bright threads to create the dazzling strips of Kente fabric, each pattern accompanied by a name and a story. In the shop, you’ll see Kente cloths ranging from simple designs to elaborate pieces fit for Ashanti royalty. Feel free to purchase a scarf or stole – wearing Kente is like draping yourself in history. These moments in Bonwire and Ntonso are sure to be filled with laughter, learning, and awe at the rich craftsmanship of the Ashanti people.

The day’s heartwarming finale is a visit to a local school or community center in Kumasi​. Your hosts, Eye Open Afrika and Tasty Cultural Travels, have arranged an opportunity for you to meet schoolchildren and participate in a small donation drive. Spend time chatting and playing, a touching exchange, and to cap the visit, everyone gathers for a fun group “Yoga stretch” session, mixing travel group members and kids in simple stretches and poses.

This evening, check in at your Kumasi’s Nova Hotel and unwind after the full day​.The group will convene for a low-key evening – maybe journaling about the inspiring cultural immersion of the day. Tomorrow, you’ll deepen your cultural connection even further with a special ceremony.

Overnight: Kumasi - Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner is on you)

Day 5 – Aug 20th: Cultural Connection – Traditional Naming Ceremony in Kumasi

Wednesday starts slow and easy, giving you time to absorb the vibe of Kumasi. Enjoy a leisurely morning with Grand Rising Journaling and Yoga once more, reflect on your journey so far.

After breakfast, regroup with everyone for a truly special cultural experience ahead: the Traditional Naming Ceremony​. Please dress appropriately for you will be in the presence of the Chief and elders. This isn’t a tourist show – it’s an authentic rite of welcome performed by local elders. In Ashanti and many Ghanaian cultures, it’s tradition to give people day names based on the day of the week they were born.  You’re not just observing – you’re becoming part of the community symbolically.

 By early afternoon, it’s time to bid farewell to Kumasi and begin the journey back to Accra. The drive is about four hours, giving you a chance to rest or watch rural life out the window as we travel from the highlands back to the coastal plains. En route, we may stop at a roadside fruit stand to pick up ripe mangoes or bananas – perfect snacks for the ride. Expect to arrive in Accra by early evening. depending on traffic. * Note* you will be appointed another room at check-in. 

Tonight, take it easy in Accra. You can dine wherever you please – share stories and laughter with your travel mates about receiving your new names. Get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow, we head out early to Ghana’s Volta Region for the nature adventure part of our journey.

Overnight: Accra Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner is on you)

 Note: Don't unpack completely...you may want to change your outfits for the next adventure, as we depart early tomorrow for a 2-night trip to the Volta Region. Ensure you have the essentials for a two-day travel period (comfortable clothes, swimwear, insect repellent, etc.) and leave any excess luggage stored securely at the hotel in Accra. The Volta awaits with new landscapes and experiences!

Day 6 – Aug 21st: Volta Bound – Safari at Shai Hills & Volta River Cruise

Thursday morning, we set off bright and early for an adventure into eastern Ghana​.

 After a quick coffee or tea and breakfast, board the bus and wave goodbye to Accra’s bustling streets. As we drive out, the scenery quickly transforms into stretches of Ghana’s countryside – green savannahs and rocky outcrops. Today’s first stop is the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, a wildlife reserve outside Accra, known for its mix of grassland and woodland and rich cultural history. Keep your eyes peeled as we slowly navigate the dirt roads: troops of baboons often lounge by the roadside and might come up to curiously inspect our bus! We pause to admire the dramatic rock formations and caves that were once home to the Shai people. Shai Hills is a gentle introduction to Ghana’s natural beauty – a safari experience on Ghanaian terms, modest in scale but rich in insight.

By late morning, we continue our journey to the Volta Region. The road leads us over the Volta River, where you might catch a glimpse of the Akosombo Dam in the distance, which forms Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. Around midday, we arrive at Akosombo on the banks of the Volta River. Lush green hills and the shining lake welcome us to a tranquil retreat from city life. You’ll check in at Afrikiko Riverfront Resort where we’ll be staying for the next two nights.​ The resort is a little paradise – cozy chalet-style rooms amid tropical gardens, a swimming pool, and best of all, a stunning view of the Volta River right at your doorstep. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink, perhaps made from bissap (hibiscus) or fresh pineapple.

Take a short rest and have lunch overlooking the water. (Lunch is likely on your own today, so feel free to choose what entices you.) After you’ve savored your meal, it’s time for a leisurely boat cruise on the Volta River​, Ghana’s longest river. The cruise offers pure relaxation – feel free to enjoy a drink, sit back and soak in the panoramic views. The Volta River is expansive here, essentially the start of Lake Volta, This golden afternoon on the water is all about connecting with nature and enjoying the present moment.

Back at the resort by early evening, you’ll have time to freshen up before a delightful dinner. The night in the Volta Region is enchantingly quiet, filled with stars that are not obscured by city lights. Say goodnight and retreat to your room for a restful sleep, surrounded by the embrace of nature.

Overnight: Afrikiko Resort Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is on you)

Day 7 – Aug 22nd: Forest Encounters – Monkeys & Waterfalls of Volta

Wake up on Friday to the tranquil sounds of the Volta Region. Once more, we start the day with an early Grand Rising journaling session and a gentle yoga practice to greet the day​.

 After breakfast, we embark on a day of eco-adventures, so dress in comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. Today, you’ll experience both wildlife and one of Ghana’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Our first stop is the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, a community-protected forest about 2–3 hours drive from Akosombo. Enjoy the scenic ride through the Volta region’s countryside .

Arriving at Tafi Atome mid-morning, you are welcomed by sanctuary guides who brief you on the special relationship between the local community and their sacred monkeys. This forest has been home to Mona monkeys for over 200 years, protected by villagers due to a belief that the monkeys are messengers of the gods​.

The monkeys are not shy, and you’ll understand why this place is so cherished: it’s a shining example of humans and wildlife living in harmony.

We bid farewell to our furry friends and continue on to the Wli Waterfalls. Along the way, the road winds through verdant hills and lush forest – this is the greener, tropical side of Ghana. Wli is famed as the tallest waterfall in West Africa, with an 80m (260 ft) drop in its lower cascade​. At the visitor’s center, a local guide will lead you on a hike through the rainforest of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary to reach the base of the falls. The trail is primarily flat and well-shaded, crossing small streams. After about a 30-45 minute walk. You might want to take a dip in the shallow edges of the pool, it’s a great way to cool off and fully experience the waterfall’s magic.

After ample time at Wli, we make our way back to our resort in Akosombo. Afrikiko Resort. You have the rest of the evening free to relax.

Dinner is at your leisure (the resort restaurant offers a variety of dishes), and you can dine while gazing at the twinkling lights across the lake. As night falls on your last evening in the Volta Region, take a moment to appreciate the natural wonders you’ve witnessed.

Overnight: Afrikiko Resort Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner is on you)

Day 8 - Aug 23rd: Return to Accra – Beach Time & Later... Chale Wote Night

This morning, wake up for one more peaceful Volta morning. Enjoy breakfast, and then we will prepare to check out and head back to Accra.

The excitement of Accra is calling, including a taste of one of Ghana’s most significant art festivals, Chale Wote. The drive back to Accra is estimated to be around 3 hours​.

Upon arrival in Accra, we transition into a relaxed, flexible day.

Check in at your Accra hotel for our final stretch of the trip​. Flex day, you have two enticing options for how to spend the afternoon.

Option A: Beach Relaxation. If you’re craving some sun and sea, head to one of Accra’s beautiful beaches, such as Labadi Beach. Put on your swimsuit, flip-flops, and relax on the sandy shore​. Feel the Atlantic Ocean breeze and listen to the sound of waves. You can rent a lounge chair, sip on fresh coconut water straight from the coconut, and just unwind. Take a refreshing dip in the ocean (the water is warm!) or simply stroll along the coastline collecting shells. After the past days of activity, a lazy afternoon on the beach is the perfect way to recharge.

Option B: Batik Fabric Workshop. For those feeling creative, join a Batik-making class to learn about Ghana’s vibrant textile art​. At a local arts center in Accra, friendly instructors will introduce you to the batik process, which involves using hot wax and dyes to create patterns on fabric. You’ll don an apron (things can get messy in the best way) and choose your stamps or designs. Whether you’ve made a scarf, bandana, or just a sample square, this is a fabulous souvenir with your personal touch  - you have your own handmade batik cloth to take home!. The workshop is fun and engaging, and you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for Ghana’s textiles (which are a huge part of the culture here). Plus, you get bragging rights for making one yourself!

By late afternoon, reunite with the group (sun-kissed or with ink-stained hands) and prepare for an exciting night ahead. This evening, Accra’s famous annual arts festival, Chale Wote, is kicking off its festivities and you get to be part of it! Chale Wote Night Street Festival is on the agenda​. “Chale wote” means “Friend, let’s go!” in Ga, and indeed, let’s go experience this spectacular event. As dusk falls, head to the Jamestown area or another nearby neighborhood where the festival events are taking place tonight. The streets are alive with art and music. Chale Wote Night is like a preview party for the main festival day tomorrow, often featuring street parades or night markets. You’ll be swept up in the creative, bohemian atmosphere – this is Accra’s alternative arts scene at its most expressive. Your guides will ensure you move safely with the group, but also give you freedom to explore and soak it in. Feel free to interact with the artists, ask about the murals, or join a circle of dancing locals – Chale Wote is all about breaking boundaries and celebrating together. After a few hours of sensory delight, we head back to the hotel to rest, as tomorrow will be another big day.

Overnight: Accra Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner is on you )

Day 9 – Aug 24th: Art, Music & Celebration – Chale Wote Street Art Festival

Sunday, is here, and it’s the culmination of our cultural immersion – a full day at the famous Chale Wote Street Art Festival in Accra! This festival is the largest annual arts gathering in West Africa, and it transforms the historic streets of Accra (especially Jamestown) into a living, breathing canvas​.

After a relaxed night’s rest, join in for one final group yoga and journaling session to set a mindful tone for the exciting day​), enjoy breakfast and get ready for the festivities. You might want to wear comfortable shoes and something fun and funky to match the creative spirit – today you’re not just observing art, you are part of it!

The festival really gets going in the afternoon. Before diving into the thick of Chale Wote, we’ll swing by the Arts Center (Centre for National Culture) once more for any last-minute souvenir shopping​. This is a chance to pick up any artworks or crafts you may have missed earlier – maybe that wooden mask you were eyeing or some extra beads and fabric. Once everyone has their treasures and perhaps a quick light lunch, it’s off to Jamestown – the heart of Chale Wote.

Jamestown, one of Accra’s oldest districts, is already pulsating with energy. Streets are closed off to cars, and crowds of locals and visitors meander through, all eager to witness the creativity on display. As you enter the main festival avenue, you’re greeted by a kaleidoscope of murals covering building walls – every year new ones appear, painted by talented artists from Ghana and around the world. The festival’s theme for the year is reflected in these artworks, often addressing social issues, heritage, or Afrofuturistic dreams in bold, surreal imagery. The air is filled with music, cheers, and laughter – an incredible ambiance of celebratory excitement!, The name “Chale Wote” translates to “Friend, let’s go” – and indeed you’ll find the atmosphere incredibly friendly and communal​.

By early evening, many streets turn into a spontaneous concert and dance floor. Jump in and dance if a groove strikes – the motto here is “feel free”!

Back at the hotel later in the evening, you’re likely to be exhilarated and pleasantly exhausted. It’s time to pack up your belongings and treasures collected throughout the journey, as tomorrow, we bid farewell to Ghana.

Overnight: Accra Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner on you)

Day 10 – Aug 25th: Farewell Ghana – Departure Day

It’s time to say farewell to Ghana – at least for now. Enjoy your final Ghanaian breakfast and soak in the last morning in Accra. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a bit of free time to do some final activities. If you have a late departure, your hosts can help arrange last-minute shopping​.

When the time comes, your driver will transfer you to Kotoka International Airport​.

At the airport, your Eye Open Afrika host and guide will help you with check-in. In Ghana, we don’t like to say goodbye, so instead, we say, “Safe journey! We’ll meet again.”

This Heart Forward 4.0 tour has been more than a trip – it’s a journey of cultural understanding, healing history, celebrating heritage, and embracing the joys of the present.

From all of us in Ghana, medaase pii (thank you very much) for coming, and Akwaaba (you are always welcome) to return​. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!

What's Included

• Hotel Accommodations: Stay in 4 handpicked hotels across Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi, and the Volta Region.

• Ground Transportation: Private, air-conditioned transportation throughout the duration of the tour.

• Guided Tours: Visits to key sites and cultural landmarks with a dedicated English-speaking local guide.

• Excursions & Activities: All scheduled excursions as outlined in the itinerary, including cultural experiences, nature visits, and special ceremonies.

• Entrance Fees: Admission to all listed attractions, parks, and historical sites.

• Meals: Meals as per the itinerary (noted with B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

What’s Not Included

• International Flights:
  Participants are responsible for booking their own flights. Please ensure arrival in Accra on August 16, 2025 and departure on August 25, 2025.

• Visa Processing:
  A valid Ghana visa is required for entry. Eye Open Afrika can assist with your visa application process for an additional fee of $45.

• Yellow Fever Vaccination:
  Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for visa approval and entry into Ghana. Please consult with your physician or request recommendations for a travel clinic from Eye Open Afrika.

• Travel Insurance:
  Highly recommended and to be arranged at your own expense.

• Airport Portage & Trolleys

• Tips for Guide/Driver/Escort

• Any services not listed in the official itinerary

Important Notes

• A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot and hotel reservation.

• Package pricing is based on double occupancy. If you prefer a private room, a $1,000 single supplement applies.

• Space is guaranteed only after reservations and initial deposit are confirmed.

• A minimum 50% payment of the total cost is due following the scheduled payment plan to secure your booking.

• The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, local availability, or changes in site operations.

Questions?
For any inquiries regarding the itinerary, visa support, payment plans, or special accommodations, please contact:

RoseAnn Baptiste
Trip Host, Eye Open Afrika
📞 +1 (929) 799-1102
📧 [email protected]
🌍 www.eyeopenafrika.com