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Peregrine Travel Centre

Benin, Togo & Ghana Adventure

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Benin, Togo & Ghana Adventure

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Description

Step off the tourist trail on this insightful 15-day adventure through Benin, Togo and Ghana. Learn about the history and cultures of these three diverse West African countries, from Cape Coast Castle, which played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, to the ancient Vodun culture of Ouidah. Visit Accra’s fantasy coffin makers, cruise along in traditional boats and journey through natural landscapes seldom explored by travellers. Hike up Mt Agou – Togo’s highest peak – and visit the Wli Waterfalls – the tallest in West Africa. Walk along Kakum National Park’s canopy walkway and look out for the local monkeys. With a local leader by your side, you’ll get a glimpse into West African life.

Trip Name
Benin, Togo & Ghana Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Hike in Ghana's Volta Region – home to lush farmlands, waterfalls and rolling hills – and in the Kpalime Region in Togo, surrounded by coffee and cocoa plantations.
  • Discover the sobering history of Ghana’s Slave Coast, with visits to coastal slave forts and castles including Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle.
  • Experience a Vodun ceremony, which showcases the traditional spiritual practices brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans. These practices merged with Indigenous and European religions, evolving into Voodoo in Louisiana, Hoodoo in the Dominican Republic and Vodou in Haiti.
  • Visit small villages and markets to gain insight into local life, cuisine and culture. Go on a boat tour of the Ganvie stilt village to see how locals live on the water.
  • Explore Accra, Ghana's capital. Go on a tasting tour in James Town, visit fantasy coffin makers to learn how the local people honour the dead and visit local homes and markets in Nima.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

Day 1 - Cotonou
Bienvenue! Welcome to Benin in West Africa. Your adventure begins in Cotonou – the largest city in Benin located on the south coast – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. If you arrive early, maybe see the 19th-century Cotonou Cathedral with its striking red-and-white stripes or wander the Haie Vive district to visit the Fondation Zinsou Museum, which showcases contemporary African art. After meeting your local leader and fellow group members, why not head out for an optional welcome dinner and get to know each other.
Day 2 - Cotonou
Start the day with a visit to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Gahni Market and Le Centre (Le Petit Musee de la Recade). Then, drive to Porto Novo – Benin's capital, sitting on the shores of Lake Nokoue. When you arrive, you'll find leafy streets and a more relaxed vibe. Explore the old city with a local guide and visit Songhai Centre – a major research centre dedicated to sustainable farming. Check out the plantations and workshops and maybe support the organisation by buying some of the centre’s produce – you can get anything from fresh quail eggs to biscuits and preserves here. Next, you’ll hop in a pirogue (traditional dugout canoe) and ride along the Adjara Black River, a place of significant spiritual importance to the people of this region. Drift by floating islands, trees, reeds and marsh to a secluded village and meet the locals to learn about their way of life in this rural environment. Then, visit a distillery to learn about the process of distilling a liquor made from palm nuts.
Day 3 - Ouidah
Say goodbye to Cotonou and drive to Ganvie – a small village out on Lake Nokoue, home to 24,000 Tofinu people. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a pirogue and tour the stilt village originally founded to protect the people from slave hunters. Carry on towards Ouidah, stopping at the Zinsou Foundation along the way. Learn how the foundation provides artists with the space, time, support, resources and equipment needed for art projects. Ouidah is a relaxed beach town and here, you’ll have a free evening to explore at your own pace or relax on the golden sands.
Day 4 - Ouidah
This morning, visit the sobering Route of the Slaves – also known as Route des Esclaves, this UNESCO-funded memorial traces the path that slaves walked from Ouidah to the ‘Door of No Return’. See the slave auction plaza (now home to the Musee d’Histoire), the Tree of Forgetfulness (where slaves were branded with their owners’ symbols) and the Tree of Return (another tree the slaves often circled with the belief that their souls would return home after death). You’ll also see the Sacred Forest and the Afro-Brazilian House. End the day with a Zangbeto ceremony – Zangbeto are the traditional Vodun guardians of the night in the Yoruba religion of Benin and Togo, also known as the ‘night watchmen’. In these communities, these guardians are highly revered and act as an unofficial police force, patrolling the streets, watching over the people and tracking down criminals.
Day 5 - Lome
After breakfast, start your journey to Togo, stopping at Possotome along the way – a typical Fon village, where you’ll see mud houses and a Vodun pottery maker. Cross the border into Agbodrafo, then take a motorised pirogue to Togoville – the former seat of the Mlapa dynasty and Togo’s historical centre of Vodun. See the ancient German Cathedral, the museum of the King of Togoville and a shrine dedicated to Vodun. After soaking up some of the local history, continue to your hotel in Lome – the capital of Togo – where you’ll have a free evening.
Day 6 - Lome
Today you’ll explore Lome with your local leader. After breakfast, visit the Palais de Lome where the president resides. Continue to the Grand Marche. This market is a hub for local food and also the realm of the famous ‘Nana Benz’ – a club of successful businesswomen dating back to the 1950s, known for controlling the trade of Dutch wax prints and riding around in Mercedes Benz vehicles. Wander the market with your leader and find everything from Togolese football tops to cheap cosmetics, then walk down Art Street (also known as the Artisans’ Village) and see its craft vendors.
Day 7 - Kpalime
Make your way to Kpalime – hidden among the forested hills of the cocoa and coffee region, this town offers some of Togo’s best scenery and hiking trails. On the way, stop at Nyobo village to hike up Mt Agou – Togo’s highest peak. The trail meanders between backyards, forests and cocoa and coffee plantations. Small terraced mountain villages pepper the slopes, and you’ll be treated to some great views – on a clear day, you can even see Lake Volta in Ghana!
Day 8 - Liate Wote
Drive to the village of Kouma Konda and say hello to the locals, taking time to get to know what village life is like. Learn about the plants that thrive here – from coffee and cacao to traditional medicinal herbs – and visit an artist’s workshop to see local creativity in action. After, make your way to Mt Klouto for a short guided walk on a botanical excursion, ending with a gorgeous view of Kpalime from above. This afternoon, cross the border into Ghana. You’ll be heading through the Volta region – popular with hikers, this area is covered in fertile farmlands and mountains with exceptional views. Continue to your guesthouse in Liati Wote and take a late afternoon stroll through the village before dinner.
Day 9 - Liate Wote
Set off early before temperatures rise for a steep hike to the peak of Mt Afadja – the highest point in Ghana. After, continue to the banks of the Wli waterfalls by crossing over nine rivers. Wli (pronounced ‘vlee’) Falls is Ghana’s tallest, sitting among rolling hills, forests and streams. Cool off with a swim or relax and watch the thousands of fruit bats nesting high up on the nearby cliffs. After a gorgeous day surrounded by green, end the day with a cultural drum and dance session back in Liati Wote.
Day 10 - Akosombo
This morning, join members of the community for breakfast before taking the scenic route to Accra. Stop in Akosombo along the way for a boat cruise along the Volta River. Then, drive to the capital city of Accra. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening. This coastal city is known for its colourful markets, beaches and historical sites, which you’ll start exploring tomorrow.
Day 11 - Elmina
Start the day with a guided tasting tour through James Town (old Accra), dotted with historic forts and featuring a harbour and a lighthouse. This is one of the oldest settlements in Accra, and yet, it’s one of the most vibrant districts. Discover the dark history of slavery in Accra’s oldest suburb, learn about the Ga culture in the fishing community and immerse yourself in local traditions. See the traditional Ga way of cooking, indigenous to West Africa and handed down by generations of families. Taste some local snacks and drinks as you stroll through the streets, then depart for Elmina.
Day 12 - Elmina
Head out to Kakum National Park this morning – a lush virgin rainforest that shelters hundreds of bird species and an incredible diversity of butterflies and plant life. When you arrive, walk along the famous canopy walkway – a series of 30-m-high viewing platforms linked by suspension bridges. After, visit Cape Coast Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage site in the town's centre, overlooking the sea. This historic site, once central to the transatlantic slave trade, offers a stark look at the past. Take a guided tour through the dark, humid dungeons, where enslaved people were confined for weeks. The contrast between these spaces and the governor’s quarters, which feature huge windows and ocean views, highlights the harsh realities of the era. You have a free evening back in Elmina.
Day 13 - Accra
This morning, visit Elmina Castle (also known as St George’s Castle). This UNESCO World Heritage site was built as a trading post by the Portuguese in 1482, then was expanded when slaves replaced gold as the major object of commerce. Take a tour of the castle and learn of the sobering past as you walk through the dungeons, punishment cells, the ‘Door of No Return’ and the turret room, where the British imprisoned the Ashanti king, Prempeh I, for four years. Then, go on a walk through Elmina to see the town’s highlights including Fort Jago, the Dolphin House and the local churches. Next, head to the bustling fish market, where brightly painted fishing boats line the shore and the day’s catch is brought in fresh. Predominantly run by women, the market is alive with the sights, sounds and smells of daily trade. Return to Accra in the afternoon. This evening, head out with your leader to visit the Osu Night Market – loaded with local street food including kenkey and fish, kelewele (spicy fried plantain) and kebabs, this market is open all day and all night, with a different set of vendors for sunrise and sunset. Stroll through the stalls and taste some street food with a chilled drink in hand.
Day 14 - Accra
After breakfast, start the day with a walking tour through the neighbourhood of Nima. Here, you’ll visit the local market packed with spices indigenous to West Africa. Interact with the locals here, then visit some homes within the community to experience their way of life, taste some traditional snacks and listen to some stories. Continue to the Artists Alliance Art Gallery to see contemporary African art. Then, you’ll visit Accra’s ‘fantasy coffin makers.’ These artisans build elaborate coffins – ‘okadi adekai’ in the local Ga dialect – to represent the profession, dreams or vices of the deceased. The Ga people believe the deceased will continue their job in the afterlife and the coffin acts as a reminder of that. Ancestors are also believed to wield great power and honouring them with a grand coffin is a way to earn favour, and families often spend up to a year’s salary on the ceremony! Tonight, maybe head out to see a traditional live band performance at the local bar and grill and toast to an amazing adventure.
Day 15 - Accra
With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. There’s more to see in Accra if you decide to extend your stay here – just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-10-202630-10-2026AUD $ 6,830-
30-10-202613-11-2026AUD $ 6,830-
06-11-202620-11-2026AUD $ 6,830-
13-11-202627-11-2026AUD $ 6,890-
20-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 5,751-
27-11-202611-12-2026AUD $ 7,060-
04-12-202618-12-2026AUD $ 5,895-
11-12-202625-12-2026AUD $ 6,095-
01-01-202715-01-2027AUD $ 6,970-
08-01-202722-01-2027AUD $ 5,965-
22-01-202705-02-2027AUD $ 6,245-
03-02-202717-02-2027AUD $ 5,875-
19-02-202705-03-2027AUD $ 5,735-
12-03-202726-03-2027AUD $ 5,735-
01-10-202715-10-2027AUD $ 5,735-
08-10-202722-10-2027AUD $ 5,735-
15-10-202729-10-2027AUD $ 5,735-
22-10-202705-11-2027AUD $ 5,735-
29-10-202712-11-2027AUD $ 5,735-
05-11-202719-11-2027AUD $ 5,965-
12-11-202726-11-2027AUD $ 5,965-
17-11-202701-12-2027AUD $ 5,965-
19-11-202703-12-2027AUD $ 5,965-
26-11-202710-12-2027AUD $ 5,735-
10-12-202724-12-2027AUD $ 5,735-
17-12-202731-12-2027AUD $ 5,735-
24-12-202707-01-2028AUD $ 5,965-
21-01-202804-02-2028AUD $ 6,265-
02-02-202816-02-2028AUD $ 6,020-
18-02-202803-03-2028AUD $ 6,020-
10-03-202824-03-2028AUD $ 6,020-
24-03-202807-04-2028AUD $ 6,020-
29-09-202813-10-2028AUD $ 6,020-
06-10-202820-10-2028AUD $ 6,020-
13-10-202827-10-2028AUD $ 6,020-
27-10-202810-11-2028AUD $ 6,020-
03-11-202817-11-2028AUD $ 6,265-
10-11-202824-11-2028AUD $ 6,265-
17-11-202801-12-2028AUD $ 6,265-
24-11-202808-12-2028AUD $ 6,020-
08-12-202822-12-2028AUD $ 6,020-
22-12-202805-01-2029AUD $ 6,265-

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map

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