Greater Accra Region

Accra is the capitol and gateway to Ghana. As a result of rural-urban migration, it is the most densely populated city. Greater Accra contains two metropolitan areas, Accra and Tema, which host the country's major industrial and commercial centers. For $180 per person, on this tour you will see:

• Ada Beach Resort and the estuary of the great River Volta. Water spots and river trips (a great place to relax, while the waters off the coast teem with game fish


• Krokrobite Beach Resort, and Shai Resource Reserve


• The National Museum Accra, Centre for National Culture, and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum (pictured below)

Central Region

This was the former governmental center of the Gold Coast. It was the seat of the British colonial administration up until 1877 when it was moved to Accra. For $260 per person, on this tour you will see:

• Cape Coast and the Elmina slave castles. The Cape Coast castle has been identified as a World Heritage Monument by the World Heritage Foundation under UNESCO.


• Elmina / Cape Coast Beach. The beaches of the Central Region are palm-fringed and warmed by the African sunshine.


• Kakum National Park. This park has a virgin rainforest, preserved as a habitat for rare local animals and hosts the highest treetop canopy walkway in Africa.


• Ebony nature trail walks through the virgin rainforest.

Western Region

The Western Region shares a border with Cote d'lvoire and presents a striking contrast between ancient and modern times. It contains some of the oldest mines in the country, yet sits by a modern harbour and commericial center (Sekondi-Takoradi, pictured below). It's also one of the most fertile lands in Ghana, and the roads are lined with rubber, cocoa plantations, and farms. For $220 per person, on this tour you will see:

• Fort Appolonia at Bevin and Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove


• Busua Pleasure Beach


• The famous stilt village of Nzulezu

Volta Region

This is an area of extraordinary scenic beauty, with rolling hills and valleys, rocky outcrops overlooking Volta Lake, and a collection of lagoons, rivers, and waterfalls. The capitol of this area is Ho, and stretches from teh coastal plaines on the Atlantic coast right up to the arid lands of the north. They host festivals and ceremonies, such as the Hogbetsosto of the Anlos. For $190 per person, on this tour your activities shall include:

• Mountain climbing at Mt. Afadjato, the tallest mountain in Ghana at 885cm


• Visiting the Tafi Monkey Village, and the caves of Likpe, Nyagbo, and Logbo


• Experiencing Wli Falls

Eastern Region

The Eastern Region is famous for its large areas of lush tropical forest and cascading waterfalls. It is a region with a rich blend of dramatic landscapes, historic relics, and traditional cultures. Volta Lake is the world's largest man-made lake, thanks to the Akosombo Dam. The Dam is a major source for hydroelectric power in ghana. For $210 per person, on this tour you will see:

• Traditional and historic villages and towns


• Aburi Botanical Gardens with a rich collection of tropical flora which attracts scores of birds and butterflies


• Volta Lake, Dodi Island, and Akosombo Dam (hydro power plant)

Ashanti Region

The Ashanti Region is the traditional heartland of Ghana, and occupies the central portion of the country. As the hub of the ancient kingdom of the Ashanti (or, Asante) people, it is a kingdom of gold, history, and culture. It was founded by the Great Osei Tutu in 1695. The Palace (Manhvia) of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reveals the cultural and historical background of all Ashantis. The people in the region celebrate the triumphal Akwasidae festival. For $220 per person, on this tour you will see:

• Kejetia market


• Lake Bosumtwi


• Owabi Bird Sanctuary


• Bonwire to


• Bonwire Kente weaving village


• Okomfo Anokye sword site

Brong Ahafo Region

The Brong Ahafo Region is considered a green region, for its extensive forest reserves and cocoa plantations. Leaves from these forests are used in traditional medicines to cure a wide variety of ailments. The local people have been mainly farmers for generations because they benefit from the longer rainy season and the busy markets in the small towns and villages. Its capitol city is Sunyani. Techiman is also a popular town in this region. Near Techiman is the famous Catholic monastery of Tuobodom. For $290 per person, on this tour you will see:

• Bonomanso slave market


• Kintampo waterfalls


• Boabeng-Fiema Sanctuary, home to many families of Colobus and Mona monkeys (pictured below), held sacred by local people. Visitors taking the forest walks, along shaded trails, are rewarded with sightings of many birds, butterflies, and indigenous flowers and trees


• Tano sacred groove, at Tanopase

Northern Region

This is the largest region in Ghana. Due to its size, visitors travelling through the region will discover the distinct differences from landscapes and architecture in the southern regions. Closer to the north, you will find traditional mud-walled villages that are similar to those found in Mali and Burkina Faso. These villages adapt well to the demanding climate, and provide interesting side trips for the traveler. Tamale is the capitol, which is accessible by air, or by an 8 hour drive from Accra. For $250 per person, on this tour you will see:

• Mole National Park, a broad savannah and safari. It's perfect for indigenous flora and fauna, safe from predatory man. 4840 km of savannah and rocky outcrops, home to 93 species of mammals, including herds of elephants, bucks, and small plains games.


• The Larabanga Mosque from the 13th century, pictured below. It is believed to be first built by the Moorish traders. It is one of the holiest sites in Ghana. Its distinctive facade has been widely photographed.


• The mystery stone of Larabanga

Upper East Region

The gateway to Ghana from Burkina Faso, the Upper East Region is the traditional crossroad for the Trans-Saharan trade routes. The landscape includes savannah grasslands dotted with the strange-looking baobab tree and striking terrain. In the villages with their distinctive round huts, communal activities go on as they have for generations. Locals are famous for their handicrafts with straw hats and baskets, leather goods, and metal jewellery. The administrative capitol of the Upper East is Bolgatanga (locally known as Bolga). For $230 per person, on this tour you will see:

• The magnificent palace of the Wa Naa, the Paramount Chief of the Walas, first built in the 19th century.


• Pikworo slave camp


• Paga crocodile's pond (in the Upper East, noted as a land of crocodiles)


• Teng-zu shrines and tongu hills

Lessons

For those who want to fully experience Ghana's unique local opportunities, the following lessons are offered. (Prices may be prorated.)

• Learn a local language (sessions are 1 hour per day, 3 days per week for $85 USD per month)


• Learn how to batik and/or tie-dye, using traditional symbols and signs as designs (1 full day course is $110 USD, including all kits and materials)


• Learn traditional dancing (a 2-hour intensive lesson for a day is $16 USD)


• Learn traditional drumming (2 3-hour intensive sessions for $16 USD)

There are courses for beginners through to intermediary and advanced.