Ghana, Togo and Benin Group Tour

Day 1 - Arrival in Togo – Gulf of Guinea

Begin your Ghana, Togo, Benin group tour with arrival in Lomé, the capital of Togo. After clearing immigration, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. This first evening is yours to unwind and settle into the rhythm of West Africa.

Overnight at the Hotel Onomo Lomé or similar (international standard)

Day 2 - Lomé - Togo

Lomé is the only African capital to have been colonised by Germany, Britain, and France. Its location on the border with Ghana and its diverse population, including descendants of Afro-Brazilians, give it a distinctive character. The city’s architecture and lifestyle reflect this rich blend of influences.

Begin with a visit to the central market, where the renowned “Nana Benz” women dominate the trade in vibrant pagne fabrics sold across Africa. Continue to the administrative quarter to view colonial-era buildings. At the fetish market, explore an array of items used in spiritual practices, from healing charms to ritual ingredients.

Later, visit a gallery showcasing African art and meet a contemporary Togolese artist. Their work, often exhibited internationally, reflects modern interpretations of traditional themes. Afterwards, take a short drive to a lakeside hotel that will serve as your base for the next two nights.

Overnight at the Hotel Onomo Lomé or similar (international standard) (BLD)

Day 3 - Voodoo Traditions – Lake Togo to Aneho - Togo

Today is dedicated to exploring Voodoo, a spiritual tradition deeply rooted in Southern Togo, Benin, and parts of Ghana. Begin in a remote village where daily rituals are performed at a unique shrine. Thousands of wooden pegs surround the fetishes, each representing a prayer or promise. Offerings of palm oil and alcohol mark the fulfilment of requests.

Continue to Aneho, Togo’s first capital, for lunch and a boat tour through its scenic estuary. In Glidji, considered the most sacred village in southern Togo, visit shrines and meet priestesses dressed in white and adorned with ancient glass beads.

Later, attend a Voodoo ceremony in a secluded settlement. As drums beat and chants rise, dancers enter trances believed to be spiritual possessions. Deities such as Sakpata, Heviesso, and Mami Water may manifest. This powerful experience offers insight into a belief system that remains vital and respected.

Overnight at the Hotel du Lac or similar (air-conditioned ensuite bungalows) (BLD)

Day 4 - Afro-Brazilian Heritage – Agbodrafo to Ouidah - Togo and Benin

Cross the border into Benin at Hilla Kodji / Save Kodji. In a nearby village, witness the Zangbeto mask dance, a ritual from the Fon culture. These straw-covered masks represent protective spirits, and their spinning movements are believed to spiritually cleanse the community.

Continue to Ouidah, once a major slave port under the Dahomey Kingdom. Today, the town features Afro-Brazilian architecture and a unique cultural blend. Visit the Python Temple, where the Dangbé cult has been active since the 17th century. Across the street, the Catholic Cathedral reflects the region’s spiritual diversity.

Walk the historic “slave road” to the beach, known as the door of no return. This poignant site invites reflection on the lives affected by the transatlantic slave trade and the resilience of those who endured it.

Overnight at the Hotel Casa del Papa or similar (oceanfront bungalows with air-conditioning) (BLD)

Day 5 - Village on Stilts – Ouidah to Abomey - Benin

Begin the day with a motorboat ride across Lake Nokwe to reach Ganvié, the largest village on stilts in Africa. Home to around 35,000 people, Ganvié is a model of sustainable living. Fishing is the main livelihood, and the lake remains ecologically balanced despite centuries of human activity.

Life unfolds on dugout canoes, where adults fish, women sell goods at floating markets, and children learn to swim before they walk. The vibrant paddles and colourful boats add to the charm of this unique community.

Return to the mainland and drive to Abomey. Upon arrival, explore recently discovered caves believed to have been used during the slave trade conflicts of the 16th century. If accessible, visit the Abomey Museum or meet local blacksmiths who continue traditional metalwork practices.

Overnight at the Hotel Tennessee or Hotel Bis or similar (basic but clean, air-conditioned ensuite rooms) (BLD)

Day 6 – Sacred Masks and Cultural Encounters – Benin

Begin the day with an early departure for a journey rich in cultural depth. Travel to a settlement where Yoruba and Fon communities live side by side. Here, you’ll witness the vibrant Gelede mask dances, a celebration dedicated to Mother Earth. These performances promote the fertility of both the land and the people. Each mask, carved and brightly painted, represents a symbolic character known only to initiates. Through mime and movement, the dancers share myths and moral tales, blending humour with tradition. The crowd responds with laughter and applause, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

Continue through a landscape of rocky hills to reach a Fulani encampment. The Fulani, also known as Peul, are pastoralists who live in nomadic or semi-nomadic communities. While men tend to herds, women manage the camp and produce cheese for local markets. Their visual language, expressed through facial tattoos and graceful movement, reflects a deep connection to nature and migration.

Later in the afternoon, attend the Egun mask ceremony. These masks are believed to embody the spirits of the departed. Initiates dressed in vibrant, multi-coloured garments emerge from the forest and parade through village paths. Their sudden leaps toward spectators are meant to evoke awe and caution. Those touched by an Egun may collapse briefly, only to recover quickly in the care of spiritual custodians. The ceremony culminates in a dramatic performance that blends ritual with theatrical intensity.

Overnight at the Hotel Jeko or similar (basic but clean, air-conditioned ensuite rooms) (BLD)

Day 7 – Royal Encounters and Northern Landscapes – Benin and Togo

Today, travel north through the heart of Benin. Along the way, pause at the Dankoli Shrine in Savalou, a sacred site where offerings and prayers are made daily. Continue to meet His Majesty Atchiba II, a respected leader of the Anii people, whose communities span central Benin and Togo.

The royal audience takes place in a circular council hall, where the King sits surrounded by elders in traditional attire. After a formal greeting, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about the Anii’s history, customs, and governance. This rare encounter offers a respectful and insightful exchange with local leadership.

As the journey continues, the road winds through hilly terrain toward the Togo border at Soudou. Eventually, you’ll arrive in Kara, the cultural centre of northern Togo, where you’ll settle in for a two-night stay.

Overnight at the Hotel Lumen Valley or Hotel Kara (comfortable air-conditioned ensuite bungalows) (BLD)

Day 8 – Adobe Architecture and Animist Traditions – Togo

Set out on a scenic track to explore the remote Tamberma Valley. For centuries, communities here have built fortified adobe dwellings to protect themselves from slave raids originating in the northern savannahs. These homes, shaped like miniature castles, are among the finest examples of traditional African architecture.

Anthropologists link the Tamberma people to the Dogon of Mali, noting their shared commitment to animist beliefs. Large shrines, often phallic in form, guard the entrances to their homes. The construction process is entirely manual—mud is shaped layer by layer, forming rounded structures that blend strength, care, and artistry. Swiss architect Le Corbusier famously described this style as “sculptural architecture.”

With permission from residents, you’ll enter these homes to learn more about their way of life. In this region, similar dwellings are built by communities known as Tamberma, Betammaribe, or Somba, depending on the valley. The Tamberma of Togo have been recognised by UNESCO for their sacred baobabs, animist shrines, and preserved environment.

Overnight at the Hotel Lumen Valley or Hotel Kara (comfortable air-conditioned ensuite bungalows) (BLD)

Day 9 – Iron Age Traditions and the Fire Dance – Togo

Begin the day with an optional but included experience: breakfast in the bush with two young elephants. These elephants, rescued after losing their mother to poaching, have formed a bond with the local community. They roam freely and often choose to join visitors for breakfast, creating a memorable and respectful encounter.

As the journey continues through the mountains, you’ll meet members of the Kabye community. Their dwellings, known as soukala, consist of several adobe huts joined by a protective wall. In these hilltop villages, women practise pottery without a wheel, using ancient techniques, while men forge iron using stones. These are methods dating back to the dawn of the Iron Age.

Later, arrive in Sokodé, home to the Kotokoli and Tem communities. After dinner, visit a Tem village to witness the fire dance. Around a blazing fire, dancers move to hypnotic drumbeats, leaping into embers and handling burning coals without injury. Whether through belief, ritual, or resilience, this performance leaves a lasting impression.

Overnight at the Hotel Solim or Hotel Lamireille (comfortable air-conditioned ensuite rooms)(BLD)

Day 10 – Horsemen and Forest Markets - Sokodé to Kpalimé – Togo

Today’s journey begins with a unique cultural performance. The Kotokoli people, historically known for their cavalry, continue to honour their equestrian traditions through ceremonial horse riding. Influenced by North African Fantasia, this event features riders in traditional attire guiding horses with precision and flair. Drums set the rhythm as horses gallop and dance, creating a surreal and celebratory atmosphere.

Heading south, stop in Atakpamé, a hillside town known for its forest produce and vibrant market. Here, artisans weave large, brightly coloured Kente fabrics using small looms. These textiles reflect both skill and cultural pride.

Continue to Kpalimé, a town with a rich colonial past and a thriving cocoa and coffee trade. Walk through the surrounding hills, passing farms and villages. With guidance from a local expert, learn about plants used in traditional herbal medicine, gaining insight into the region’s natural healing practices.

Overnight at the Hotel Résidence Parc or Jess Hotel (comfortable air-conditioned ensuite rooms) (BLD)

Day 11 – Bead Making and Scenic Landscapes - Kpalimé to Koforidua – Togo and Ghana

Cross the border into Ghana via Kpadape and enter the lush Volta Region. Here, you’ll meet the Krobo community, renowned for their glass bead craftsmanship. These beads hold ceremonial and aesthetic value and are worn with pride during important events.

Visit a local artisan workshop to observe the bead-making process. Craftspeople grind recycled glass into fine powder, form intricate patterns, and place them into handmade clay moulds lined with kaolin. After firing, the beads are decorated, washed, and strung. You’ll also have the chance to create your own bead, guided by experienced artisans.

Travel along a scenic road through tropical forests and rolling hills to reach Koforidua, a colourful town in southeastern Ghana. This leg of the Ghana Togo Benin group tour offers a blend of creativity, nature, and cultural exchange.

Overnight at the New Capital View Hotel or similar (air-conditioned ensuite rooms, with pool and gym) (BLD)

Day 12 – Ashanti Funerals and Cultural Celebration - Koforidua to Kumasi – Ghana

Travel to Kumasi, the historical and spiritual centre of the Ashanti Kingdom. Once one of Africa’s most powerful states, the Ashanti Kingdom continues to inspire pride and reverence. Today, the Asantehene (King) remains a respected figure, and the city’s vibrant culture reflects its royal legacy.

Explore Kumasi’s sprawling central market, one of the largest in Africa. Here, you’ll find Ashanti crafts such as leather goods, pottery, beads, and Kente cloth, alongside a colourful array of tropical produce. Enjoy lunch at Jofel, a well-known restaurant offering both local and international cuisine.

In the afternoon, there may be the opportunity to attend a traditional Ashanti funeral (if available!). These ceremonies are festive gatherings where mourners wear red or black togas. The event celebrates the deceased's transition into an ancestral protector. Chiefs arrive under large umbrellas, accompanied by drummers and dancers whose movements symbolise strength and vitality.

Overnight at the Hotel Lancaster (formerly Golden Tulip) (4-star international standard with swimming pool) (BLD)

Day 13 – Royal Heritage and Village Traditions - Kumasi to Obuasi – Ghana

Begin the day with a visit to the Ashanti Cultural Centre, which houses a rich collection of artefacts in a beautifully recreated Ashanti-style building. Continue to the Royal Palace Museum, where gold regalia worn by the Ashanti court is displayed, offering insight into the kingdom’s wealth and symbolism.

Later, visit nearby villages known for traditional crafts. Discover Adinkra textiles, hand-printed with symbolic motifs, and observe skilled woodcarvers at work. If your visit coincides with the Akwasidae Festival, the itinerary will be adjusted to include this vibrant celebration of Ashanti heritage.

In the afternoon, drive south to Obuasi, a town known for its gold mining history. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight at the Hotel Mawuli (comfortable, air-conditioned ensuite rooms with swimming pool) (BLD)

Day 14 – Rainforest Canopies and Coastal Castles - Obuasi to Elmina – Ghana

Start the day with a visit to Kakum National Park, located in the heart of Ghana’s rainforest. Walk the canopy bridge suspended 120 to 150 feet above the ground. This unique perspective reveals the forest’s lush canopy and offers breathtaking views of the treetops.

Continue to Ghana’s coast, once known as the Gold Coast. The region is dotted with over 50 forts and castles, reminders of the gold, ivory, and slave trade. Ghana remains Africa’s largest gold producer, a legacy rooted in this area.

Arrive at Elmina Castle, built by the Portuguese in 1482. As the oldest European structure in sub-Saharan Africa, it served various roles in trade and colonial administration. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Facing the castle, a bustling fishing harbour comes alive with colourful wooden canoes. Board a boat to explore the harbour and skim the ocean for a unique coastal experience.

Overnight at the Golden Hill Parker Hotel or similar (air-conditioned ensuite bungalows with panoramic views) (BLD)

Day 15 – Coastal Shrines and Capital City Life - Elmina to Accra – Ghana

Begin the day with a visit to a neighbouring town to explore the Posuban shrines of the Asafo companies. These colourful shrines, adorned with full-sized statues, reflect the legacy of Fante warrior groups who once protected their communities. Today, Asafo members continue to serve as guardians of local traditions.

Drive to Accra, Ghana’s capital, where modern development blends with historical charm. The city’s administrative district features elegant villas from the colonial era, reminding visitors of Ghana’s past as a flourishing colony.

Explore James Town, a historic neighbourhood inhabited by the Ga people. Facing the ocean, this area operates with its own rhythm, distinct from the nearby business district. Visit the National Museum, recently renovated, and a workshop specialising in fantasy coffins. These handcrafted coffins, shaped like animals, vehicles, and everyday objects, are now recognised globally as contemporary African art.

In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure.

Hotel day-use: Rooms available until 18:00 (all ensuite and air-conditioned) (B)

Important Note

This itinerary is designed to be flexible in order to :

• • adapt to local conditions,
  • align with the group’s interests,
  • seize spontaneous cultural opportunities.

Due to the unique nature of the journey, parts of the program may be modified due to unpredictable factors or causes of force majeure.