West Africa. Ghana and Mali. History Tour in 12 Days

Arrive to Accra (Ghana). Transfer from airport to your hotel. Welcome drink and orientation. Overnight: Coconut Groove Regency Hotel 3*

ACCRA CITY TOUR After breakfast depart hotel for a sightseeing city tour of Accra. You will drive through the administrative and economic districts of Accra, the capital of Ghana. This 128-year-old city has a blend of colonial and modern architecture that summarize her history. You will visit the W. E. B. Dubois Center for Pan African Culture, Independence/Black Star Square and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Later you will end your tour at the Arts Centre where you will have an opportunity to use your bargaining skills to shop from an open-air market for attifacts from Ghana and West Africa. Overnight: Coconut Groove Regency Hotel 3*

CAPE COAST CASTLE / KAKUM NATIONAL PARK Depart for a drive to the Central Region to tour the infamous Forts, Castles and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. History will unfold the story of the slave trade which the impact is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today. Visit one of Ghana’s renowned Slave Castles the Cape Coast Castle built by the Swedes in 1653 and was later taken over by the British. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994. After lunch (at your own account), visit Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rainforests. Extending over 360 sq km, Kakum is the home to over 40 large mammals and 400 bird species as well as many species of butterflies, flora and fauna. The most popular attraction is the Canopy walkway which is made up of seven bridges extending 330m, hanging 30m (100ft) above the forest floor. Choose between a 2 km nature walk through this forest to discover the wide variety of exotic floral species and the medicinal values they offer or take a walk on the canopy walkway. Overnight: Coconut Grove Resort 3*.

ELMINA – KUMASI / KUMASI CITY TOUR Breakfast at hotel. Check out and depart for a drive through the forest zone to Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Empire to explore the legends of the famous Ashantis, whose legacies are still evident today. After lunch (own account), visit Manhyia Palace Museum, to obtain firsthand information on the legacies of the Ashanti kingdom. A regal history that dates back to 1700 is told with relics and artifacts. Enjoy a drive through the city with monuments dedicated to the memory of the great Ashanti people. End the day’s tour at the National Cultural Center which features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and various studios of the brass makers, potters and batik makers. Overnight: Noda Hotel 3*

ASHANTI CRAFT VILLAGES This day is devoted to visiting the three famous craft villages in Ashanti – Ahwiaa , the wood carvers’ village, Ntonso , the home of Adinkra and Bonwire , the Kente weaving village. You will have the opportunity to see how African crafts are made and to buy directly from the artisans who make them. Overnight: Noda Hotel 3* .

KUMASI – ACCRA – DAY AT LEISURE After breakfast, spend the remainder of the day at leisure in preparation towards your trip to Mali. Overnight: Coconut Grove Regency Hotel 3*

ACCRA – BAMAKO (MALI) Transfer by air to Mali. After your lunch (own account), depart for sightseeing tour of Bamako, capital of Mali. Visit the National Museum, to see some of the beautifully displayed objects, including those used in forging and weaving. Other highlights include the stylized antelope mask of Bamana; various Senoufo statuary, and, of course, the world-renowned antique Dogon Sculptures. Visit the Point G, where you will have a panoramic view of the city and some abounded cliff dwellings featuring old rock paintings. The artisan center houses an abundance of shops and stalls selling crafts and curios such as leatherwork, fabric, silverware, masks, carvings and bronze figurines. There is also the artisan’s workshop where you can watch woodcarvers, silversmiths, drum makers and other craftspeople at work. Overnight: Salam Hotel 4*

DOGON COUNTRY This day is devoted to discovering the mysteries of the Dogon people. Take a trek through the villages of Banani, Ireli, and Tireli. Ireli has the best preserved habitats of Dogon ancestors, the Pygmie, Tellum, and Tireli is famous for its Masked Dance Ceremonies. Take a tour of Sangha, a striking example of a Dogon village with traditional homes and granaries. Overnight: Sangha Campement (Basic) in Sangha

DOGON COUNTRY – MOPTI After breakfast, depart to Songo via Bandiagara to visit the spiritual chief’s house called Guinna and Songo for its famous rock paintings. Return to Bandiagara for your lunch (own account) and city tour of Mopti of former Toucouleur Palace, the mosque with its wooden pillars and the traditional medicine center. Overnight: Kanaga Hotel 3*

CITY TOUR OF MOPTI Depart early for a tour of the city of Mopti which includes its bustling harbour where you will find large wooden pinasses with canvas covers and colorful flags waving in the breeze. Moptis Grande Marche, Petit Marches and fish markets are all worth exploring. You will find variety of items including earthenware pottery and calabash products. Again visit the Grande mosque and old town with its narrow pedestrian streets and grey banco houses. Overnight: Kanaga Hotel 3*

MOPTI – BAMAKO / BAMAKO – ACCRA Check out and depart for the airport to transfer by air to Bamako. Mopti to Bamako for flight to Accra. After lunch (own account), spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight: Coconut Groove Regency Hotel 3* in Accra

DEPARTURE Day at leisure and shopping towards your journey back home. Transfer to the airport for check in and your fight home.