Akwaaba tour in Ghana

Transcription

1 Akwaaba tour in Ghana Tour 1 Orientation, Registration, Doctor s Visit and One-on-One with your personal Chef) The American Citizen Services (ACS) unit of the Consular Section provides information and assistance to the U.S. citizens resident or traveling in Ghana at the US Embassy. It is our duty at Tulip Tour & Student Exchange to ensure all foreign nationals are safe and their respective countries local embassies are aware of their travel plans. United States Embassy, Canadian Embassy and Any European Embassy: Tourists will have to report to the embassy so that the authorities will know of your presence in the country. Tour 2 Familiarization with Chef and Medical Officers A Trip to Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana (2 Days, 1 Night) SITE 1: Elmina Castle Background: Elmina Castle was erected by the Portuguese in 1482 as São Jorge da Mina (St. George of the Mine) Castle, also known simply as Mina or Feitoria da Mina) in present-day Elmina, Ghana (formerly the Gold Coast). It was the first trading post built on the Gulf of Guinea, so is the oldest European building in existence south of the Sahara. First established as a trade settlement, the castle later became one of the most important stops on the route of the Atlantic slave trade. The Dutch seized the fort from the Portuguese in 1637, and took over all the Portuguese Gold Coast in The slave trade continued under the Dutch until 1814; in 1872, the Dutch Gold Coast, including the fort, became a possession of the British Empire. Britain granted the Gold Coast its independence in 1957, and control of the castle was transferred to the nation formed out of the colony, present-day Ghana. Today Elmina Castle is a popular historical site and was a major filming location for Werner Herzog's 1987 drama film Cobra Verde. The castle is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

2 The Elmina Castle SITE 2: Cape Coast Castle Background: Cape Coast Castle is one of about forty "slave castles", or large commercial forts, built on the Gold Coast of West Africa (now Ghana) by European traders. It was originally built by the Swedes for trade in timber and gold, but later used in the trans-atlantic slave trade. Other Ghanaian slave castles include Elmina Castle and Fort Christiansburg. They were used to hold slaves before they were loaded onto ships and sold in the Americas, especially the Caribbean. This gate of no return was the last stop before crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

3 Tour 3 Kakum National Park, Ghana Background: Kakum National Park is a home for nature lovers. Trained guides are on hand to explain the economic, cultural, and medicinal values of plants and farming. Fifteen kilometers from Cape Coast is the serene, golden beach of Brenu Akyinim, a 3-kilometer stretch of sandy beach which provides an excellent site for swimming, sun bathing, and bird watching. The uniqueness of this park lies in the fact that it was established at the initiative of the local people and not by the State Department of wildlife who are responsible for wildlife preservation in Ghana. It is one of only 3 locations in Africa with a canopy walkway, which is 350 meters (1,150 ft.) long and connects seven tree tops which provide access to the forest. The most notable endangered species of fauna in the park are Diana monkey, giant bongo antelope, yellow-backed duiker and African elephant. It is also an Important Bird Area recognized by the Bird Life International with the bird area fully overlapping the park area. The bird inventory confirmed 266 species in the park, including eight species of global conservation concern. One of these species of concern is the white-breasted Guinea fowl. Nine species of hornbill and the grey parrot have been recorded. It is very rich in butterflies as well, and a new species was discovered in Kakum National Park

4 Tour 4 & 5 The Ashanti Kingdom (2 Days, 1 Night) The Ashanti Empire (also spelled Asante) was an Akan empire and kingdom in what is now modern-day Ghana from 1670 to The Ashanti Empire expanded from Ashanti to include the Brong-Ahafo Region, Central Region, Eastern Region, Greater Accra Region and Western Region of present-day Ghana. Due to the empire's military prowess, wealth, architecture, sophisticated hierarchy and culture, the Ashanti Kingdom has been extensively studied and has more historiographies by European, primarily British authors than any other indigenous culture of Sub-Saharan Africa. Starting in the late 17th century, the Ashanti king Osei Tutu (c ) and his adviser Okomfo Anokye established the Ashanti Kingdom, with the Golden Stool of Asante as a sole unifying symbol. Osei Tutu oversaw a massive Ashanti territorial expansion, building up the army by introducing new organisation and turning a disciplined royal and paramilitary army into an effective fighting machine. In 1701, the Ashanti army conquered Denkyira, giving the Ashanti access to the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean coastal trade with Europeans, notably the Dutch. Today, the Ashanti Kingdom survives as a constitutionally protected, sub-national proto-state and traditional state in union with the Republic of Ghana. The current king of the Ashanti Kingdom is Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Asantehene. The Ashanti Kingdom is the home to Lake Bosumtwi, Ghana's only natural lake. The state's current economic revenue is derived mainly from trading in gold bars, cocoa, kola nuts and agriculture; forest has also been cleared to plant cassava, maize and yams.

5 TOUR 6, 7, & 8 Accra The Capital City (3 Days, 3 Nights) The National Museum Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, also known as the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park(KNMP) is the last resting place of the first President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. It is dedicated to him for his outstanding campaign to liberate Ghana (by then Gold Coast) from colonial rule in 6th March The entrance to the site is from the 28th February High Street just along the coast from Independence Square. It is located directly opposite the old Parliament House now known as the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). Building to the east is the Cultural and Art Centers, and to the west are the offices of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). Bronx Statue of Dr. Nkrumah (Facing the entrance) Nkrumah's body was buried in Guinea since he was the Co-president there. With Nkrumah dead, the African Students Union in London feared that, the total emancipation of Africa has come to a dead end. The students sent a memo to Guinea asking that the body of the late president should be brought to Ghana only if the then military government would denounce coup d'etat and re-erect the statue of Kwame Nkrumah that was toppled down during the coup. This marked the beginning of the Nkrumah Mausoleum Monument. After 20 years of his death, Dr. Nkrumah's image was restored in 1st July, 1992 on the same grounds where he led Ghana to liberation from colonialism on 6th march This is a place you wouldn't want to miss during your stay in Ghana, since the transition of Gold Coast to Ghana happened on this same location. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is what some scholars call the "genesis" of the actual History of Ghana.

6 La-Palm royal beach Hotel & Labadi beach Welcome to Ghana's premier city-center beach resort La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. It is a 10- minute drive from the Kotoka International Airport and a 20-minute drive to Accra Mall which is the first mall built in Accra the capital city in Ghana. La Palm Beach Hotel is a 5-minutes drive to Trade Fair and a walking distance to the Labadi beach. Explore a world of luxury that features 152 rooms laid out in chalet fashion, creating the feeling of a village complete with eight bars and restaurants, swimming pool, shopping mall, casino, health club and the finest conference and meeting facilities in the country. Relax on your own private veranda and enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean or watch the sunset. La Palm Royal Beach Hotel exceeds your expectations with a perfect medley of great service and intriguing facilities with a unique Ghanaian touch. Aqua Safari Aqua Safari Resort is situated in Big Ada in Greater Accra region, Ghana. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool. Guests enjoy balconies overlooking the tropical forest and tranquil waters and the beautiful waterfront chalets with golden sands right at their doorstep with breathtaking views of the sunrise. Free Wi-Fi access is available on the premises. The hotel boasts banqueting and meeting facilities for social and corporate gatherings. The hotel has ample parking space, the premises are fitted with CCTV cameras and guarded by trained security personnel. Aqua Safari Resort is in proximity with the Volta River and the evergreen tropical forests. If you want to treat bae or boo to a wonderful experience, look no further. University of Ghana (Educational Tour) Objects in the archeology section range from the Stone Age period to the recent historical past. Those on permanent exhibition at the ethnography gallery include chief s regalia, indigenous Ghanaian musical instruments, gold weights, beads, traditional textiles, stools and pottery. There are also objects from other African countries acquired through exchange. Examples are Senfu masks from Ivory Coast, Zulu wooden figures and bead-ware from Southern Africa. In addition, there are also ancient Ife bronze heads from Nigeria and Bushongo carvings from the Congo. Exhibits at the small but impressive art gallery consist mainly of contemporary Ghanaian paintings executed in oils, pastels, acrylics, watercolors and collages. Apart from these there are sculpture pieces in different media.

7 TOUR 9 The Eastern Region (1 Day Return Trip Back To Accra) Aburi Botanical gardens (Serene Attraction with rare Trees) The garden occupies an area of 64.8 hectares. It was opened in March, Before the garden was established, it was the site of a sanatorium built in 1875 for Gold Coast government officials. During the governorship of William Branford-Griffith, a Basel missionary supervised clearing of land around the sanatorium to start the Botanic Department. In 1890 William Crowther, a student from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, was appointed the garden's first curator. The gardens played an important role in encouraging cocoa production in South Ghana, by supplying cheap cocoa seedlings and information about scientific farming methods. After Hevea Brasiliensis was sent to Aburi from Kew in 1893, the gardens also encouraged rubber production in Ghana.

8 Akosombo Dam Visit the amazing Akosombo Dam on the Lake Volta, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. The Akosombo dam is a monumental hydro-electric dam built by Ghana's first president in 1965 that provides a majority of the county's electricity. Learn about this great symbol of Ghanaian industry and technology as well as its continued socio-economic impact. You'll also be able to enjoy lunch with a spectacular view of Lake Volta at the famous Volta Hotel. Then you'll visit the Shai Hills Nature Reserve, one of Ghana's most beautiful nature parks with an incredible diversity of plant and wildlife. Shai Hills Reserve Visit the Shai Hills Reserve which combines nature conservation, rich cultural and archaeological sites with splendid scenic beauty. Trek through the Savannah plains to view West Africa s big game: antelopes, bushbucks, krobs, baboons, monkeys, and many bird species including the crested eagle, ground hornbill, blank bellied bustard and more. Visit the Obonu Tem & Se Yo Caves which serve as home to many animals, notably insectivorous bats. Learn about the various artifacts that have been found on this very site (homeland to the Krobo people). The biggest hydroelectric dam in Ghana located on the amazing Lake Volta that produces over 1,020MW of electrical output. Learn about the history of technological and industrial advancement in Ghana. Road transportation in air conditioned vehicle A trained driver/ tour guide to escort the group for duration of tour

9 Boti Falls (waterfall) Boti Falls is located just 17km North-east of Koforidua, the eastern regional capital. For those interested in how soon it takes to get there, it is just over 30 minutes drive from Koforidua and over 90 minutes from Accra depending on your means of transportation. The land on which the falls is located is not without any controversy though. The Akyems of Tafo who were the original owners of the forest/land wanted it back. But it was realized later that the Tafohene had sold that piece of land to one Tetteh Nguo, a Krobo. It took a court settlement to bring the dispute to a closure. If the dispute brought Boti Falls into the public domain then a visit of the president of Ghana at the time (Dr. Kwame Nkrumah) propelled it into its status as the most attractive and talked about falls in the eastern region of Ghana. The president visited the falls in 1961 and was amazed at the splendor and grandeur of the falls. He therefore tasked the regional commissioner to construct a rest house at the falls. There are actually two falls at Boti: The upper falls and the lower falls. These are the main features of the Boti Falls (what has widely been talked about is the lower falls). The locals describe it as male and female (this description is for the lower falls only). When the volume of water is high especially during the rainy season, the two meet in what the local describe as a mating ceremony. This ceremony is graced by the rainbow that is formed by the splashing water. To get to this beautiful mating ceremony, visitors will have to descend over 70 steps. The steps offer a timely exercise for people who have not had an exercise in a long time and the plunge pool formed at the base of the falls should provide a refreshing cooling down effect for those who want to take a bath. Two attractions that are also available for visitors to see but not directly related to the falls are the umbrella rock and the three head- palm tree. The locals have managed to develop these sites to enhance visitor experience, which means that you are not limited only the falls but other notable attractions as well. The umbrella rock is just 30 minutes walk from the falls. The three head palm tree is unique and can be described as the Siemens of the plant life. For those who want a guided tour of the forest reserve around the falls, tour guides are available to provide guided tours. The woods also provide a sacred place for those who want to set aside some time to reflect.

10 Bunso arboretum (Ecotourism) Wildlife and Nature ReservE The Bunso Arboretum Forest Reserve The Bunso Arboretum is a protected forest reserve, spanning 16.5 hectares. Half of this area is semi-deciduous forest while the other half is made up of indigenous trees, along with fruits, nuts and timber tree species which have been introduced to Ghana by the Plant Genetic Resources Centre of Bunso. The Arboretum is home to over 110 species of birds, some of which are very rare. The protected Arboretum offers them a peaceful place to call home. The herb garden which is located in the Arboretum contains 100 different species of herbs with a wide range of uses, from food to medicinal to aromatic. Visitors can stroll through the many kilometres of nature trails in the arboretum. Guests can identify the local trees and plants along the way and learn about all

11 Tour 10 Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary The Black Volta (1 Day return trip back to Accra) The Sanctuary is not only one of most favorite tourism spot in Volta region but also in whole Ghana. You can play with lovely monkey and spend funny time in wildlife and nature in Volta region. It is thought that about 200 years ago when the ancestors of current inhabitants of Tafi Atome arrived at the village, the monkeys were believed to be messengers of the gods and their protectors. However, when Christianity became the main religion in the 1980 s, the villagers lost their reverence for the animals. To protect the monkeys and the forest they live in this Sanctuary was created in 1993 by a coalition of villagers, public institutions and NGO. Tafi Atome Visitor center is created at that time. When you reach Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary, you visit this visitor center first. You can get much information as activity to enjoy monkey sanctuary. Of course you can play with monkey, in addition, for example, feeding, walking tour around village, mountain biking. Visitors also have the opportunity to see the daily activities of local people through cultural village tour, and partake in activities such as kente weaving palm oil production or fufu pounding and so on. There are many tourists in Monkey sanctuary, from Accra with bus tour, private tourist, local Ghanaians visitors etc. Aqua Safari It is an exotic resort in Ada Foah and a favourite for tourists and business travellers looking for a luxury hotel to relax at away from Accra. Top luxury holiday getaway resort in Ghana Aqua Safari Resort is situated in Big Ada in Greater Accra Region, Ghana. The plush Aqua Safari boasts an outdoor swimming pool. Guests enjoy balconies overlooking the tropical forest and tranquil waters and the beautiful waterfront chalets with golden sands right at their doorstep with breath taking views of the sunrise. Wifi access is freely available on the Aqua Safari Resort premises. The Safari has an in house Doctor and boasts 24-hours CCTV surveillance with well-trained security guards. The Safari has a Spa and Salon on-site.

12 The rooms at Aqua Safari, Big Ada are designed and furnished beautifully with the comfort of guests in mind. Each room is fitted with flat-screen TVs with cable TV service, ornate lampshades, work desks, artworks, hairdryers, telephones, minibars and wardrobes. Each room features an en-suite bathroom with showers/bathtubs with complimentary toiletries. 24-hours room serves and housing keeping is provided upon request. The Safari Restaurant and Bar offers you cuisines that are prepared with the hands of an outstanding Award-Winning Chef from Mauritius. Our catering is with style and grace, customized to any size or budget with a tasty variety of continental and local dishes. With a wellstocked bar that will remind you of all the various heroes; Jack Daniels, Hennessey, Ciroc and all of your favorite brands and cocktails, you are guaranteed a jolly good time at the bar. Ask about Aqua nights from the bar. Aqua Safari Resort, Ada boasts banqueting and meeting facilities for social and corporate gatherings. The hotel has ample parking space available and bell service. Holy Trinity Spa & Health Farm The Holy Trinity SPA & Health farm is the Integrative Health Department of the multiple award winning Holy Trinity Medical Centre Accra Ghana. The SPA is situated in a quiet, beautiful natural surrounding spreading along Ghana s biggest river the Volta River. It is impressively designed and decorated in calm vegetation green colours. The relaxing environment is a complete change from every day stress and strains of life. The natural ambiance, cool breeze from the Volta River, chirping of several species of birds, enables a person to switch off into a relaxed mode. The minimum effect you receive from the SPA is to lift the human spirit, enhance the feel good factor and enable you to reflect on life with celestial bliss and clarity. With a highly motivated staff comprising of doctors, dentists, dieticians, exercise physiologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, optometrists, herbal practitioners, massage and spa therapists, hospitality service providers, we provide wellness with fun, recreation. Our health service focuses on the whole person a spiritual, emotional, mental, psychological, social and physical well-being.

13 Mountain Afadjato Mount Afadjato is one of the mountains in West Africa you would like to explore. Ghana may not be blessed with a lot of mountains and high peaks, but the few that are found in the country are just breathtaking. The most incredible of them all which also doubles as the highest peak in Ghana is Mountain Afadjato. It is located in the town of Gbledi very near to the Ghana Togo border in the Volta Region. Being the highest peak in Ghana, Afadjato stands at an altitude of 880meters = 2900ft. It is worth noting that the suffix TO in the regions local dialect means mountain. Legend has it that the name Afadjato is derived from the Ewe word Avadzeto meaning at war with bush. This stems from the fact that on the mountain side, there are plants that cause skin irritation hence the correct pronunciation of the mountain is Afadjato and not Mount Afadjato. The nearby town of Aduadu is actually the highest peak in Ghana but for a small relative height difference between the base and the peak, it is not considered a mountain. If you are able to make it to the top of the mountain, you can inscribe your name on the rocks there as others have done to record your achievement. As you feast your eyes to the panorama of mountain ranges spread around you and huge massifs that tower around you make you feel an intense closeness to nature like never before. These mountains showered with lush green mountain vegetation define the border between Ghana and Togo. You also find gorges and between the mountains all cloaked with lush green vegetation and well conserved to maintain its natural beauty and splendor. The feeling of being on the top of such a huge natural mystery makes you feel on top of the world. There is a feeling of freedom and contentment as you breathe in fresh and undiluted air from the peak of Afadjato.

14 TOURIST INFO: Entry into Ghana: Embassies & Visas These are the requirements for entry into Ghana at any valid point of the country. Valid passport with 6 or more months before expiration. Proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination. All non-ecowas (Economic Community of West African States) citizens require a visa for entry. Under most circumstances, visas for entry into Ghana must be obtained from the Ghanaian embassy nearest to your country of residence. There are single-entry visas, which are usually valid for entry up to 3 months from the date of issue. The multiple-entry visas allow any number of entries into Ghana for various time periods from the date of issue, or to the date of your passport expiration, whichever occurs first. Both types of visas are valid for a stay of up to 3 months in Ghana, after which a visa extension should be obtained at the Ghana Immigration Service office. There is an immigration office in each of the regional capitals as well as other major cities. The Ghana Immigration Service in Accra is located on John Hammond Road at Ako Adjei Interchange Ghana Immigration Service Accra. Extensions take time, so give them a couple of weeks unless you intend to pay for expedited service. Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC 3512 International Drive NW, Washington DC, DC Phone (202) to 4526 Hours Mondays through Thursdays, 9:30am to 3:00pm, EST. info@ghanaembassy.org Web Site http: // What to Pack for Ghana The following is a typical list of what might be required while you are in Ghana. If you are not traveling in a private car, then be certain to pack light. Bags Soft hold-all bag for excursions Smaller travel/overnight bag or daypack for traveling Lightweight backpack if traveling via public transit Hardware Flashlight or head lamp / 2 sets of batteries Camera equipment / extra lithium batteries Dust-free camera bag (Zip-lock bag is fine) Extra battery, solar charger for phone

15 Toiletries Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant (not antiperspirant), shaver, brush & comb, moisturizing cream, decongestant, anti-fungal. Sunscreen lotion/sun block, lip-aid and floss: These are particularly difficult to obtain in Ghana. Prescription drugs/small private medical kit (pain killers, plasters, anti-septic spray) / contraceptives / tampons Contact lenses / lens fluid / spare glasses Malaria tablets Insect repellent (containing DEET is best) Papers Passport / visas / travel documents Pen / notebook / travel diary Books / reference books / magazines / games to use during long siesta hours or delays Cash in Cedis for personal expenses, tips & gratuities. Travelers cheques and credit cards are difficult to use. Optional Duct tape highly versatile! Plastic raincoat or poncho Items for bartering at markets or tips for good service Bandanas, hats, anything with a logo T/shirts, old clothes or stationery FAQ: Pre-Departure Do you offer any trip extensions? At the moment, we only offer one trip extension, beginning and ending from Accra. You can book and find more information on our web site Which airport should I fly into? Check the getting there section of the itinerary, and also your country-specific PDF (the name of the local airport is Kokota International airport in Accra-Ghana) that was included with your booking confirmation. Can you book hotels and airfare for us? Hotels: Yes, we do book hotel stays for cities where we do not have an assign home for you to stay in, unless the option of additional days is written on the tour s detailed itinerary. We can send you hotel recommendations for Accra and other cities. They will be included in your information packet after you sign up, or feel free to ask for them before you book. Airfare: We do not book airfare. We recommend for finding the cheapest airfare. This site searches through most major airlines, which is great, but also means that we cannot vouch for the quality or reliability of each individual airline!

16 Do you meet us at the airport? Yes we will pick you up from the airport. Usually your assigned tour guide will be there to welcome you. Transportation will be provided by us as well. Can I use my credit card in Ghana? Yes, your credit card should work in all of the countries that you visit in Ghana. However in some countries, credit cards are not accepted in grocery stores or small restaurants, so we highly recommend that you bring a debit card just in case! Can you accommodate special dietary requests? Yes we can. On a few tours there will be a supplement for the special meals, but more often we provide this service for free. We can easily accommodate vegetarians, vegans, or those who need a gluten-free diet. Please ask us about your special needs before booking, and make sure to tell us if you have a severe allergy to any foods. How many meals are included in the tour price? Please look at the section Meals or Included on the individual tour page. Breakfast is included on all of our tours. Do you provide a packing list? Yes, this will be provided in your first packet of information. If you have misplaced it, you can download it here. Tulip Tours & Student Exchange Booking Process In the event of cancellation by the Client the following percentages shall be due: After reservation and up to 90 days prior to departure: $100 per person From 89 to 60 days prior to departure: $400 per person (loss of deposit) From 59 to 30 days prior departure: 60% of total tour cost From 29 days prior to departure date to arrival day: 100% of total tour cost When is the full payment due? Full payment is due 70 days before your departure date. We will send you an invoice around 90 days before your departure date for the remaining balance. This will be sent by unless otherwise specified. When will I receive my daily detailed directions? You will receive these in your starting assigned home or hotel for self-guided tours, or when you arrive on board for most tours. If you are taking a guided tour but are considering to go selfguided some days, please ask us about this option. Do you offer cancellation or travel insurance? We do not personally offer travel insurance or cancellation insurance, but we do partner with CSA Travel Protection to provide this. You can find out more information on producer code is You can also call (800) Please note that they will ask you to verify that you purchased a tour with us if you need to submit a claim. Some primary health insurance companies do not provide coverage outside of your home country. Please check with your provider

17 Unfortunately, this is for US residents only. For Canadian residents, we have heard from clients that Manulife or Allianze insurance are good options. We are not affiliated with either Canadian insurance company and have no personal experience with their claim process.