AfroFuture 2023

The excitement builds as you touch down in Ghana, you are finally here for the beginning of your 8−day African adventure. Your expert local tour guides will meet with you on your arrival at the Kotoka International Airport Accra, which is situated on the beautiful gold coast of Western Africa. Make yourself known to your guides who will be accompanying you for the duration of your time in Ghana and they will take care of you from here. After boarding our vehicle, which will be your mode of transport for the duration of your tour, we transfer you to your hotel which is situated in Accra and check you in. Once we have checked you in, our experienced guides will offer you Akwaaba (welcome) and brief you on all aspects of your trip over dinner. Your welcome dinner will be taken around the pool as we enjoy a local high-life band helping us to release some energy and clear the cobwebs from our long hall flight.

For those who were able to sleep and reserve some energy on the flight to Ghana, we will head into town after dinner to experience a few cocktail bars as the perfect introduction to Ghana and Accra nightlife.

Accommodation – In Accra | Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel after breakfast and set off Northwards towards the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Before we set off, our first visit this morning will be to the DuBois Center. This is the final burial place and former home of the prominent American Pan-Africanist Dr. William W Burghardt DuBois, who lead the Pan-African congress between 1919 and 1927 he was a vocal Anti- Segregationist and prolific speaker and writer. The center now serves as a library and research institute for students of Pan-Africanism.

Our journey today will take us into the beautiful Akuapem Hills, however before we head out of this bustling city, we visit TK beads, experts in making beautiful African beads using traditional methods. The Krobo people of Ghana are renowned for their traditional bead jewelry that dates back centuries, and it would be wonderful to see and learn firsthand the historical importance of beads and learn the ancient process used to make them. Your guide will talk you through the skilled process of making the beads and you will see skilled craftsmen at work and can even try your hand. Beads are culturally a symbol of wealth and beauty here in Ghana and are still used during traditional durbars and festivals with most Ghanaian women wearing beads daily. There is a wide selection of quality, beautiful, reasonably priced beads available for purchase at the onsite shop.

Our journey continues, taking us through the beautiful Akuapem range with outstanding views across Accra and Tema in the distance. At the top of the range, we find the Aburi botanical gardens, set in a beautiful location that was founded by the British in 1890. The gardens are home to a wide variety of indigenous and exotic flora, offering outstanding views of Accra on a clear day. As we walk around the gardens our guide will identify the many trees and plants found here, some with medicinal properties, and explain how Ghanaians use them. A short distance from the gardens we find the relaxed and friendly Aburi craft village, where traditional African drums, sculptures, and other crafts have been carved for generations. As we watch the skilled craftsmen at work it is worth noting that prices here are amongst the lowest in Ghana, making Aburi an ideal place to pick up some souvenirs. Your guide will talk you through the meaning and local beliefs connected to many of the sculptures that have been made the same way throughout history. Our lunch will be taken in Koforidua capital of the Eastern Region of Ghana before we continue our journey to Kumasi arriving in the early evening. Tonight, you can choose to relax at your hotel or head into town to experience Kumasi at night.

Accommodation – In Kumasi | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

A morning visit to the last material remains of the great Asante Empire as we visit the traditional Asante buildings that are now recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. There are 10 active shrines within the buildings which are made from bamboo, timber, mud, and thatched roofs. The walls are designed with motifs that have traditional symbolic meanings attached to ancient Adinkra symbols that we will learn more about later today. This is also where Nana Yaa Asantewaa, possibly the most important woman in Ashanti history comes from, a great female warrior who led the Ashanti in the 1901 war against the British. Nana Yaa Asantewaa was also the Queen Mother of Ejisu Besease and we will visit the local spiritual shrine where she used to fortify herself before going into battle. We continue our journey through Ashanti history by visiting the traditional villages of Adanwomasie and Ntonso. Our first stop is Adanwomasie, the birthplace of Ghana’s rich colorful Kente cloth. Adanwomasi produces some of Ghana’s finest Kente cloth, many designs of cloth are woven here, and some are exclusive only to this region. Quality time is dedicated here as we walk through the community, interacting with the skilled weavers whose families have been producing kente for generations playing an important role in the history of this beautiful cloth. During our time here, we learn about the history behind the many designs and see skilled weavers outside their homes still using traditional looms that have not changed in design for centuries. Former US President Bill Clinton had a design named after him called the “Clinton Kente” as Ghanaians were impressed with the respect, he showed to Ghana when he was in office. This is an ideal time to purchase quality kente cloth at extremely low prices before we set off for Ntunso.

The ancient village of Ntunso is where adinkra cloth and symbols originate. These traditional symbols all have meanings and are carved from calabash shells. The adinkra symbols are then printed onto traditional cloth using natural dyes made from the bark of certain local trees. Adinkra cloth has been adorned by the Ashanti for more than 4 centuries and pre-dates kente cloth. Even today most Ashanti will wear adinkra cloth for funerals, festivals, and other important occasions. During our time here, we can make our own strip of adinkra cloth using symbols with personal significance. After lunch, we visit the Manhyia Palace, home of the Asantehene, King of the Ashanti and ruler of the Asanteman Kingdom. The Palace Museum offers a fascinating excursion through the history of the powerful Ashanti empire. Our tour gives you a firsthand insight into the legacies of the Ashanti and enables you to understand the importance of Ashanti culture during your time in this region. We continue to visit the National Cultural Centre. The Cultural Centre is in one of the oldest suburbs of Kumasi near Bantama. There is a wonderful craft market here and during our leisurely tour, we can visit the Prempeh II Jubilee museum which offers an excellent overview of the Ashanti history and houses some wonderful ancient artifacts. A short distance from the palace is Kejetia market which is reported to be the largest outdoor market in West Africa. Visiting here gives us a wonderful opportunity to experience everyday life for the people in this great city and pick up a few bargain souvenirs. The market is a labyrinth of stalls nestled closely together, and a hive of activity. Some stallholders sleep here in the evenings as trade rarely stops. Tonight, you have the option of relaxing at your hotel, alternatively, you can join your guide and driver, heading into town to experience Kumasi nightlife. Highlife is the most popular music in Kumasi, and we can enjoy our evening meal at one of the bars and restaurants that have a live band playing.

Accommodation – In Kumasi | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Merry Christmas! On a special day and this morning we take a leisurely breakfast before setting off Southwards to Elmina in the central region of Ghana. The town of Elmina was given its name by the Portuguese due to the abundance of Gold found in Ghana, translated Elmina means The Mine. Gold is of such importance to Ghana today and historically that we were previously known as the Gold Coast before independence. Ghana’s gold is of the highest quality and we are the 8th largest exporter in the world and the second largest exporter in Africa behind South Africa. An emotional stop at Assin Manso, a prominent town along the enslaved African trade route where so many of our ancestors from the northern parts of Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Niger were marched barefoot in shackles heading towards the coast. The town surrounds the Ndonkor Nsuo (Slave River). This river is where enslaved Africans were checked for fitness and bathed before being transported to Cape Coast for shipment to the Americas. They would have walked hundreds of kilometers from Northern Ghana through thick forests in shackles and chains, many being in poor health once they reached Assin Manso. Once bathed and rested they would continue the final 32-mile march to the dungeons of Cape Coast or Elmina Castles where they would remain for up to 6 weeks before being shipped to the Americas. In 1998, a symbolic gesture was made when the bodies of two free (previously enslaved) Africans, Samuel Carson from New York U.S.A and Crystal from Kingston Jamaica were returned to Cape Coast Castle and symbolically passed through the “Door of no Return” before being transported to Assin Manso for re-internment. After learning the history, having time to reflect, and visiting the river we continue to Cape Coast.

Our afternoon is dedicated to honoring our ancestors at arguably the most significant edifice remaining along the West African coastline. Cape Coast Castle is an emotional, thought-provoking monument to a harrowing period in our region’s history. Quality time will be dedicated here on an educational and spiritual journey visiting all corners of this castle that kept more enslaved Africans captive than any other in West Africa. Located below the governor’s place of worship and castle church we find the dungeons where up to 600 African men, women, and children were kept at any one time in atrocious conditions until being taken through the infamous “Door of no return” to waiting for ships. There is the opportunity to pay our respects at a local shrine in the end dungeon where a tunnel led to the door of no return. An informative and educational museum explains the entire history of the castle and Cape Coast itself, as well as a shop selling literature on all of Ghana’s forts and castles, as well as the cultural history and traditions of Ghana.

Many African Americans have relocated back to their ancestral home here in Ghana, setting up businesses and purchasing homes in Cape Coast and Elmina. As it is Christmas, a very special day on our calendar we can choose to head into town to celebrate, or alternatively we can enjoy a Christmas dinner at our hotel overlooking the beautiful Gold Coast of Western Africa. The perfect Christmas back in our homeland.

Accommodation – In Elmina | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

An action-packed day lies ahead and an early start for us as we enjoy the sunrise and our breakfast on arguably Ghana’s finest beachfront location. Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway awaits us as we set off to Kakum National Park which is a semi-deciduous upper guinea rainforest. This is an incredibly beautiful, tropical guinea rainforest and the canopy walkway is sure to be one of the highlights of your time in Cape Coast. This National Park protects the original habitat that was found in this location and was the major source of food for locals prior to it becoming a National Park.

The walkway consists of 7 bridges, attached to 7 emerging trees, 40 meters above the rainforest floor. Prepare to take a deep breath as you walk the suspended bridges. You will marvel at the outstanding views that stretch for miles across this breathtaking rainforest as you rest on the viewing platforms that are attached to the emerging trees between the bridges. We are sure you would agree that this is an exciting excursion never to be forgotten. We return to the park headquarters where we find an excellent information center that offers a highly informative overview of the park’s flora and fauna. Over 40 different mammal species have been recorded within the park, which includes forest elephants, leopards, and 6 primate species to mention just a few. An incredibly special time arrives after lunch as we prepare for your official Naming Ceremony. We set off to visit a local village to pay a courtesy call on the chiefs, queen mothers, and community elders. As tradition dictates, they start with the pouring of libation to officially welcome you home, to the land your ancestors were forcibly taken from and where your heritage and culture live. Drumming and dancing are all around us as you get an in-depth feel of traditional village life here in Ghana.

The time has finally arrived for you to be given your true African name during your own personal traditional naming ceremony in your honor. Chiefs and elders of the community officially welcome you as they lead you through the ceremony which has been performed by your ancestors throughout history. You will finally have the chance to adopt your own African name based on the day of the week you were born or the numeric order of your siblings. This would have been your actual name if you were born in Ghana and had an emotional attachment to many when they receive them. Time to celebrate such a special occasion and also your final full day here in Ghana as we head to a private beach party, we have organized for you in Brenu Akyenim. During our time here we have the option to visit one of the schools our company has been able to build through responsibly minded travelers like yourselves booking tours through us. It is a major part of our company giving back to communities in need that we visit during our tours and this is the perfect time to meet the children you are helping. If you have any donations or school supplies, you would like to give out during your time in Ghana then this is a good opportunity. We hope you have packed your swimming costumes as we walk to the nearby beach which is one of the finest in Ghana and dedicate the entire afternoon and early evening to a fun enjoyable beach party.

There will be great music and beach games available to play like volleyball, and soccer and we are sure the friendly local community will head down and join in the fun. One of Elmina’s finest DJs will be spinning the decks keeping us moving to all the latest local and international beats. As always there will be the option to head to Cape Coast to enjoy the local nightlife on your final night here in the central region of Ghana.

Accommodation – In Elmina | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a relaxing breakfast and enjoying the beach, your guide and driver will collect your bags from your room and bring them to our vehicle to load as we set off back to Accra. On route to Accra, we pass through the fishing town of Elmina. During our time in Elmina town, we visit the Castle of St. George, the oldest extant colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, dating from 1482. This castle is steeped in history and played a prominent part during the tragic, transatlantic slave trade era. There is an informative museum inside which concentrates on local history and this now silent monument to the pain and suffering our ancestors endured has been formally designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. After an informative tour, we can visit the local fishing market and walk a short distance to see the boat builders in this community. Almost all the fishing boats used in this bustling fishing community are traditional wooden boats.

Their design has not changed in centuries and neither have the tools and methods used to build them. Whilst we take in the sights of the many colorful fishing boats bringing their daily catch into the harbor, it is important to understand Elmina has hardly changed since the days our ancestors were forcibly taken through this community to the Americas. Our journey continues to Elmina Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site and on arrival back in Ghana’s capital Accra, we check into our hotel with the remainder of the evening free leisure time to relax.

Accommodation – In Accra | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, our focus will be on pre-AfroFuture shopping as we set off to the cultural center in Accra. The cultural center is an ideal place to pick up traditional materials, clothes, crafts, and art but be prepared to barter. It is important to bear in mind that if you pick up material to be made into dresses, shirts, trousers, and skirts during your time here your guides can arrange for them to be sewn into outfits for you before your departure. A trip to West Hill Mall is a great way to see modern-day Ghana and pick up any other items we may need prior to setting off for the AfroFuture celebrations. It is only in the past few years that Ghana has built several modern shopping malls across the country in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi which has changed the way we shop here in Ghana.

The excitement builds as we enjoy our lunch prior to heading to AfroFuture. The lineup has not yet been published, however, if it is half as good as the previous lineups, we are in for a real treat. The El Wak Stadium in Accra will be buzzing and a hive of activity as we enjoy Ghana’s best artists from a wide range of music that includes Highlife. Hiplife, Ragga, and many more. Our best DJs from all over the country and continent will also be on hand to ensure we keep moving to the beat. A captivating experience in the heart of West Africa, we can also enjoy the many artists, fashion outlets, and traditional cuisine all around us during an epic day in Ghana’s capital. Our night is not over as the festival draws to a close as we are just starting, we can choose to head into Osu to continue our celebrations long into the night.

Accommodation – In Accra | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

A more relaxed breakfast this morning as we recover from the exertions of the previous night’s enjoyment. Most days are glorious here and the sun should be shining as you head down to breakfast at your hotel. Our final day with you in Ghana and an exciting morning lies ahead as we set off for our tour of Accra, passing through the economic and administrative districts. We pass by Black Star Gate symbolizing our freedom and visit the adjoining Independence Square (Black Star Square) which is Ghana’s main ceremony grounds and where we find the enclosed flame of African liberation, lit by Kwame Nkrumah himself in 1961. A short distance away we find Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, final resting place of our founding father who led the Gold Coast to independence from the British in 1957.

Set in attractive gardens, there is an adjoining museum, containing photos, artifacts, and an insight into this incredible man’s life. Jamestown and Usshertown are next as we enjoy a walking tour of these vibrant communities, Accra’s oldest suburbs taking in some of the historical structures that predate the colonial era. Residents here are committed to conserving these buildings and have made significant efforts to maintain them, our time here gives us an excellent idea of what it was like pre-independence during the colonial occupation. The 30-meter-high lighthouse built by the British in 1871 is of interest and the attractive colorful fishing boats on the beach are also wonderful to see. We continue to Fort James which was built by the British as a trading post in 1673 before it joined the Dutch Fort Crêvecoeur and the Danish Fort Christiansborg. Fort James gave its name to the Jamestown neighborhood in Accra. These areas give us a perfect picture of old Accra, distinguishing between British Accra and Dutch Accra. The community tour would not be complete before seeing the Brazilian stone houses, built by free enslaved Africans who resided in Brazil. Africans who made their way home after the slave trade was abolished; their descendants have now integrated with the community here. We return to our hotel to freshen up, pack and check out. Before we transfer you to the airport for your departure, we enjoy an early evening meal. This gives us an ideal opportunity to say our goodbyes and reflect on a wonderful time together.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner