Ghana: Kingdom Of The Ashanti
10 Days Starting and ending in Accra, Ghana
Visiting: Accra, Wli Waterfall, Volta Region, Kumasi, Kakum National Park, Elmina, Cape Coast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GHA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Named after a great medieval trading empire, Ghana today is a destination of quite extraordinary contrasts. Multi-ethnic, forged by the conflicts of ancient empires and colonial imperialism, it is a land that perfectly encapsulates the rich cultural traditions of West Africa.
This remarkable journey takes us from its bustling capital, Accra, deep into the lush forests of the Volta region and crossing over to the heart of Ashanti country before finishing at the golden beaches of its Atlantic coast. Largely undiscovered, Ghana provides some truly authentic encounters, from traditional celebrations of the Ashanti people to an outdoor movie night with locals in a remote village. Along the way there will also be opportunities to visit one of the highest waterfalls in West Africa, kayak on the gentle waters of a lagoon and learn to cook Ghanaian style.
Filled with historic castles, African flair and some truly unique encounters with local customs and characters, this is an adventure into a region that is largely still not fixed on the mainstream tourist radar. If one word could describe this journey, it would be genuine.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Accra
Location: Accra
Accommodation Name: La Villa Boutique or similar
The capital and largest city in Ghana, Accra is our starting point for this unique African adventure. Located on the country’s southern coast, overlooking the Gulf of Guinea, Accra was once used as the capital of the British Gold Coast and reminders and remnants of its colonial past can still be found amongst the tropical modernist architecture of the modern-day capital.
Day 2: Accra: The Capital Past & Present
Location: Accra
Accommodation Name: La Villa Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a morning tour of the city, during which we will meet a well-known coffin maker whose elaborate designs have made him something of a local celebrity. This will be followed by a tour of Independence Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Park & Mausoleum, dedicated to the memory of the first president of the Ghanaian Republic. After lunch, we then head for the historic neighbourhood of Jamestown for a tour of one of the capital's less-affluent neighbourhoods in the company of a local resident followed by dinner and live jazz music at his trendy cafe.
Day 3: Accra - Wli Waterfall: Tafi Atome Community & Monkey Sanctuary
Location: Wli Waterfall
Accommodation Name: Wli Water Heights or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast this morning, we will begin the drive north east towards the border with neighbouring Togo. Our destination is the Volta region home to the dramatic cascades of the Wli Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in West Africa. Our journey takes us by way of the village of Tafi Atome, where locals have embraced community tourism and will provide some insight into the area during a tour of the monkey sanctuary. The local mona monkeys that live here were once believed to be the messengers of the gods and the villagers have taken great strides in recent years to protect and preserve both their traditional customs and their simian neighbours.
*Please note that today's drive is the longest of the tour, taking around 5-6 hours.
Day 4: Wli Waterfall - Mount Afadjato - Akosombo: Hiking In The Volta Region
Location: Volta Region
Accommodation Name: Afrikiko River Front Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we have the opportunity to enjoy a hike out to the impressive Wli Falls. Taking around 45 minutes, the walk affords us the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the inviting pools at its base, or to continue on to the upper falls an hour further on. For those in the mood for more hiking, there will also be the opportunity to walk up Mt. Afadjato, Ghana’s highest peak at around 885 metres. Not a difficult climb, it does nonetheless require a degree of physical endurance, but the views from the summit look out across the lush Volta region. This afternoon we then transfer on to Akosombo, arriving in time for a scenic sunset river cruise along the Volta River.Wli Waterfalls is approx. 2-3hrs walking (total distance 5km)Mt. Afadjato is approx. 3-4hrs walking (total distance 4km)
Day 5: Akosombo - Krobo - Kumasi: Family Bead Workshop
Location: Kumasi
Accommodation Name: Lancaster Kumasi City or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Home to the Volta Hydroelectric Dam, the village of Akosombo sits along the shores of the largest man-made lake in the world by surface area. This area is also renowned for its beadwork and this morning we will visit a small-scale family workshop in Krobo to learn more about this traditional craft and even try our hand at making some bead bracelets of our own. This afternoon, our journey then continues into the historic Ashanti region, as we head towards the city of Kumasi and the cultural heartlands of the old Ashanti Empire.
*Please note that today's drive takes around 5 hours, not including stops for lunch and the bead-making workshop in Krobo along the way.
Day 6: Kumasi: Kente Cloth & The Ashanti
Location: Kumasi
Accommodation Name: Lancaster Kumasi City or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we visit a local community tourism project involved in the making of traditional Kente cloth, worn by African kings for centuries. Another type of cloth produced locally is Adinkra, whose colourful designs are created from plant dyes and we’ll get an opportunity to create some unique prints of our own as a souvenir, before a final stop at the UNESCO Asante Traditional Buildings Site. This afternoon we then take a tour of the Manhyia Palace, the official residence of the Asantehene, the ceremonial ruler of the modern Ashanti, before exploring Kejetia Market, the largest of its kind in the country.
Day 7: Kumasi - Bonkro: Optional Community Activities
Location: Kumasi
Accommodation Name: Bonkro Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing Kumasi this morning we head next to the small village of Bonkro for a taste of rural life in the Ghanaian bush. On the way, we'll stop off at a small town market to pick up some ingredients for our guesthouse stay. Upon our afternoon arrival, there will then be the option to either take part in cooking lesson or a walk in search of one of rarest birds on the entire continent, the white-necked rockfowl (or picathartes). Later this evening there are also options to take a night jungle walk or to join the local villagers with some popcorn for an outdoor movie night in the garden of our guesthouse.
Day 8: Bonkro - Kakum Np - Elmina: Coco Plantation Cycle & Hanging Rainforest Canopy Bridges
Location: Kakum National Park
Accommodation Name: Golden Hill Parker Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our stay in Bonkro affords us some quite unforgettable local interaction, and this morning the experience is capped off with a cycle ride to a family run Fairtrade cocoa plantation. After a tour of the plantation we’ll continue by bike to take part in an ongoing tree planting project, providing some much needed shade for a local school. This afternoon we'll then transfer by road to the Kakum National Park for a canopy walk through the forest, before the day’s end sees us in the town of Elmina on Ghana’s southern coast.*see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION and KEY INFORMATION sections below for more information on cycling in Ghana.
Day 9: Elmina: Fishermen, Chiefs & A Sunset Kayak
Location: Elmina
Accommodation Name: Golden Hill Parker Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elmina is home to a rich fishing community and this morning we will hopefully witness the boats coming in as the day starts for the town's local residents. Later we'll head to a meeting with a local Iture chief sure to leave us with a profound and lasting understanding of Ghana's rich heritage. Following in the traditions of their Iture forebears, the community will come together to greet us as foreign dignitaries at a welcome ceremony in our honour. After a bit of downtime back at the hotel, this afternoon sees us making the most of our surroundings with a gentle kayak through an inland lagoon and past an artisanal salt processing operation to the shores of the Atlantic Coast, before enjoying a beachside dinner, complete with a bonfire and a drumming workshop and performance for a farewell dinner like no other.*the kayaking today is very easy and those who do not wish to kayak can be kayaked by one of the guides or driven to the beach instead.
Day 10: Elmina - Cape Coast Castle - Tour Ends In Accra
Location: Cape Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ending with a visit to one of around 40 ‘slave castles’ that were built on West Africa’s Gold Coast by European colonisers, our time in this rich land is brought to a close with a tour of Ghana's most iconic site, the infamous Cape Coast Castle. Built originally as a Portuguese trading post, today its inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List signifies its importance as both a reminder of the grim history of the Atlantic gold and slave trades and a more positive vision for the future. Returning to the hotel for lunch, there will then be some downtime this afternoon before being transferred back to Accra, around three hours away.
What's Included
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MEALS
9 x Breakfasts9 x Lunches8 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
4 nights x Premium
5 nights x Superior -
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory -
Tips
Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
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International Flights
Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
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Airport Transfers
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Beverages & any costs of a personal nature
This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably in minibuses, providing a convenient and efficient way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural sites of Ghana.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights in premium accommodations and 5 nights in superior accommodations, ensuring comfort and quality throughout your journey in Ghana.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note that there is a bit of hiking on day 4 of the itinerary near Wli Waterfall. Mount Afadjato is Ghana's tallest mountain and is around a two-hour hike up, though at only 885m, a slightly-above-average level of fitness and a desire to get to the top should suffice to partake in the experience. The hike can also be sat out if preferred. During our time in Bonkro, a bike ride has been arranged which, again, would require a similar fitness level as roads there are bumpy and there is a small hill enroute. There are also a couple of days with drives of around five hours that travellers should be aware of. All other transfers on this tour are typically two to three hours long.
Though vegetarians can be catered for, the variety of food will be limited at times. This is not a ‘foodie’ tour and our main evening meals are likely to consist of a combination of chicken/fish, vegetables and basic carbs. Clients with specific dietary requirements might struggle at times on this tour so this should be discussed with the office before booking. Please be aware that if you suffer from any kind of nut allergy you must discuss this with the office before booking this tour as nuts are used so extensively in food throughout the West Africa region.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of physical activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of physical activities such as hiking to Wli Falls and Mount Afadjato, cycling to a cocoa plantation, and gentle kayaking through an inland lagoon. The hike to Mount Afadjato, Ghana's highest peak, requires a slightly-above-average level of fitness.
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Are there any long drives during the tour?
Yes, there are a couple of days with long drives. On Day 3, the drive to the Volta region takes around 5-6 hours. On Day 5, the drive to Kumasi takes around 5 hours, not including stops for lunch and the bead-making workshop in Krobo.
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What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on this tour?
The tour offers a variety of cultural experiences including meeting a well-known coffin maker in Accra, visiting a family bead workshop in Krobo, learning about traditional Kente cloth and Adinkra cloth making in Kumasi, and participating in a welcome ceremony with a local Iture chief in Elmina.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 4 nights in premium accommodation and 5 nights in superior accommodation. Specific hotels mentioned include La Villa Boutique in Accra, Wli Water Heights, Afrikiko River Front Resort, Lancaster Kumasi City, Bonkro Guesthouse, and Golden Hill Parker Hotel.
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Are there any opportunities to interact with local communities?
Yes, the tour includes several opportunities to interact with local communities. You will visit a community tourism project in Tafi Atome, a family bead workshop in Krobo, and participate in a welcome ceremony with a local Iture chief in Elmina. Additionally, you will have the chance to help with a tree planting project at a local school.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 8 dinners. The meals are likely to consist of a combination of chicken or fish, vegetables, and basic carbs. Vegetarians can be catered for, but the variety of food may be limited at times.
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Is there any special equipment needed for the activities on this tour?
No special equipment is mentioned as being required for the activities on this tour. However, a reasonable level of fitness is recommended for the hiking and cycling activities.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?
You will visit the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see mona monkeys. In Bonkro, there is an option to go on a walk in search of the white-necked rockfowl, one of the rarest birds on the continent. Additionally, you will visit Kakum National Park, which is home to various species of wildlife.
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What kind of historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as Independence Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Park & Mausoleum in Accra, the UNESCO Asante Traditional Buildings Site, and the Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available such as a cooking lesson or a walk in search of the white-necked rockfowl in Bonkro, and a night jungle walk or an outdoor movie night with local villagers.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025Book with Confidence
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