Festivals & Fetishes
Beginning in Ghana you will explore the weird and wonderful side of Accra, a modern African metropolis and the country’s capital, before heading to Benin to cross Lake Nokwe to reach Ganvie, the largest and most beautiful African village on stilts, home to approximately 25,000 inhabitants of the Tofinou ethnic group. Travelling through the heart of voodoo country, you will visit practitioners, watch trance-dances and learn about the great influence that voodoo spirits still have on people. Witness a hypnotic fire dance, enter the fairy-tale clay castle homes of the Tamberma people and visit Dankoli Fetish, where prayers for happy events are represented by countless little sticks inserted into fetishes. Finally continue to Togo to discover the tropical forests and their exotic fauna and flora, take in the immense Ashanti market and explore the former Slave Coast with its haunting European forts.
This itinerary is unique, eye opening and at times confronting, yet full of mystery and magic. As one of the most complete and spectacular journeys through West Africa it offers a glimpse into a world seen by very few westerners and virtually no tourists. Led by expert guides and with the benefit of good quality accommodation en route, this is an unparalleled experience for true Africa-philes.
Please note that this is just one of the many West African itineraries available. A range of highly specialised journeys can be planned to coincide with a range of cultural events and festivals in various locations throughout Ghana, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Senegal and the Ivory Coast. Please contact us for further details, dates and full itineraries.
You will love
- A glimpse into a secret world
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Very few westerners and virtually no tourists
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The weird and wonderful culture of fetish and voodoo
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Stilted lake villages and clay castles in the sand
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Expert guides and good quality accommodation
12 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
Please note:
This is an example 12 day itinerary but there many West African itineraries available. Please contact us for further details, dates and full itineraries.
DAY 1 | GHANA
Arrive in Accra, capital of Ghana.
DAY 2
Accra city tour.
DAY 3 | TOGO
Travel to Lome (capital of Togo); fetish market.
DAY 4
Witness a voodoo ceremony in a remote village; visit historic Ouidah, a former slave port.
DAY 5 | BENIN
Visit stilted village of Ganvie on Lake Nokwe, Benin
DAY 6
Dankoli Fetish and Taneka mountain village
DAY 7
Clay ‘castle’ houses of the Somba & Tamberma people; evening fire dance.
DAY 8
Guided expedition into tropical rainforest with entomologist.
DAY 9 | GHANA
Visit Krobo, famous for glass bead tradition
DAY 10
Wander the huge Kumasi market; attend a traditional Ashanti funeral celebration (if possible)
DAY 11
Tour of Kumasi including Royal Palace
DAY 12
Visit Elmina Castle, used historically for trading slaves and the oldest European building in Africa. Wander colouful, colonial fishing villages
NEED TO KNOW
12 days
12 days
Please enquire for pricing
Please enquire for pricing
START: Accra, Ghana | Finish: Accra, Ghana
Multiple dates and itineraries available
Single supplement may apply
Flights and insurance on request
Terms and conditions apply – please request a copy of our booking form for all details.
Price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control.
Please contact us for pricing, dates and a full itinerary
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
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