AfroFuture Escapade: Heritage Exploration in Accra & Cape Coast

Touch down in Ghana, the start of your 8-day African adventure. Expert local guides greet you at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, on the vibrant gold coast of Western Africa. Transfer to your Accra hotel, check-in, and a warm Akwaaba (welcome) awaits. 

Experience your welcome dinner by the pool accompanied by a vibrant local high life band, setting the tone for an energetic start to your Ghanaian adventure. Afterward, those ready to explore further can join us in town for a glimpse into Accra's dynamic nightlife at a few cocktail bars.

Overnight in Accra | Meals: Dinner 

After breakfast, our focus will be on pre-AfroFuture shopping as we set off to the Art Centre in Accra. The Art Centre 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. 

The excitement builds as we enjoy our lunch before heading to Afro Future. 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 include Highlife. Hip life, 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.

Overnight in Accra | Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After a lively night, savor a leisurely breakfast as we unwind and prepare for the day ahead.
Embark on a captivating Accra tour, passing the city's key districts en route to the National Museum. This ethnographic treasure trove offers a comprehensive view of West African culture, featuring exhibits not just from Ghana but various neighboring countries. Pass by the iconic Black Star Gate symbolizing freedom, and visit Independence Square, the nation's ceremonial grounds housing the enduring flame of African liberation, ceremoniously lit by Kwame Nkrumah in 1961. Nearby lies the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the revered resting place of the visionary leader who steered the Gold Coast to independence from British rule in 1957.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant sampling West African delicacies, including the famed Jollof Rice.
Embark on a fascinating walking tour through Jamestown and Ussher town, Accra's oldest suburbs. Experience the area's rich history, pre-colonial structures, and iconic landmarks like the 30-meter-high lighthouse and historic forts. Witness the resilience of this community as we explore the Brazilian stone houses, once home to freed enslaved Africans returning from Brazil. In the evening, engage with locals dedicated to uplifting youth through boxing programs, a vital part of Jamestown's identity. Meet aspiring boxers and witness their training sessions. Depending on scheduling, attend a local boxing event or visit training gyms.
Conclude the day with a return to the hotel before heading to the Afro Future at El-Wak for day 2 of the festival.
Overnight in Accra | Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After breakfast, our day kicks off with a visit to TK Beads, known for their intricate traditional bead-making using time-honored techniques. Experience the artistry behind these culturally significant adornments and explore a diverse array of beads available at their onsite shop.
Our journey continues to the DuBois Center, the former residence and final resting place of the influential American Pan-Africanist, Dr. William W. Burghardt DuBois. Serving now as a library and research institute on Pan-Africanism, the center holds historical importance in the movement.
We will then continue to the stunning Akuapem Hills, offering panoramic vistas of Accra and Tema in the distance. At the peak, we discover the scenic Aburi Botanical Gardens, established in 1890 by the British. Wander through these gardens teeming with indigenous and exotic flora while learning about their medicinal properties.
Just a short distance away lies the charming and artisanal Aburi Craft Village. Here, witness skilled craftsmen fashioning traditional African drums, sculptures, and crafts. Notably, the prices here are among the most reasonable in Ghana, making it an ideal spot for souvenir shopping. Our knowledgeable guide will enlighten us about the symbolism and local beliefs connected to these age-old sculptures.
We'll savor lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Accra. As evening descends, you have the option to unwind at the hotel or immerse yourself in Accra's lively nightlife.
Overnight in Accra | Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After a relaxed breakfast, our journey southward to Cape Coast begins. Our first solemn pause is at Assin Manso, a pivotal town on the harrowing enslaved African trade route. This stop allows us to connect with the heart-wrenching past of ancestors, who, after marching barefoot and shackled for hundreds of kilometers from Northern Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Niger, were rested and bathed at the Ndonkor Nsuo (Slave River) before continuing to the dungeons of Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.

Continuing our journey, our focus shifts to Cape Coast Castle, a paramount monument along the West African coastline. This powerful edifice, with its unsettling history, stands as a testament to the trials and tribulations endured by countless enslaved Africans. Our time here is dedicated to exploring the different sections of the castle, from the dungeons—where up to 600 men, women, and children were held—to the solemn shrine that pays homage to those who suffered. The museum on-site offers a comprehensive understanding of the castle's history and Ghana's cultural heritage.
Following this visit, we'll return to get ready for tonight’s New Year’s festivities. After freshening up and enjoying a delightful evening meal at our hotel, we'll head into town to celebrate and join the local bars and clubs for the New Year celebrations.
Overnight in Cape Coast | Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Happy New Year! An adventure-filled day awaits as we kickstart with breakfast at the hotel bright and early.
The first stop of the day will be Kakum National Park, famous for its rainforest canopy walkway. Seven bridges suspended between emerging trees offer breathtaking views, showcasing the beauty of the tropical rainforest. Returning to the park headquarters, we learn about its diverse flora and fauna, home to various mammals and primate species, which includes forest elephants, leopards, and 6 primate species to mention just a few.
Next, we visit the International Stingless Bee Project, discovering the significance of stingless bees in our ecosystem. We explore their hives, taste honey, and witness forest butterflies in the surrounding habitat of palm plantations and cocoa farms. Highlighting the impact of palm plantations on rainforests, we learn about sustainable cocoa farming practices.
Following lunch, we delve into a profound experience: a traditional Naming Ceremony held in a local village. This event is a significant honor where you'll receive your unique African name rooted in tradition and heritage, a deeply emotional and cherished ceremony.
The rituals commence with the pouring of libation, symbolically welcoming you back to the land of your ancestors. Immersed in drumming and dancing, you'll gain a firsthand understanding of traditional village life in Ghana. The poignant moment arrives for your personal naming ceremony, led by respected chiefs and elders. This ancient rite, performed for generations, grants you the opportunity to embrace your African name based on birth order or day of the week, a name that holds profound emotional significance to many recipients.
Overnight in Cape Coast | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Following a relaxing breakfast, we'll meet with our local chef to gather ingredients at the market, an opportunity for some lively bartering. The morning unfolds into a fun, hands-on cooking session where we'll learn to prepare a local delicacy, and our chef will share insights on various Ghanaian dishes like Red red, Groundnut soup, fufu, banku, and jollof rice.
After enjoying the lunch we've prepared, our day continues with a fascinating traditional batik making workshop hosted by Global Mamas. This initiative empowers local women by teaching artistic skills and supporting their families through fair-trade sales. Engaging in this workshop alongside local artisans, we'll learn the traditional techniques of batik making, creating our own garment to take home as a cherished memento of our time in Ghana.
Overnight in Cape Coast | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Following a relaxing breakfast, we depart for Accra. En route, we stop at Elmina, home to the Castle of St. George, an ancient colonial fortress dating back to 1482. This UNESCO World Heritage site stands as a solemn reminder of the tragic transatlantic slave trade.
Our visit includes an insightful tour of the castle and a stroll through the local fishing market. We witness the traditional boat-building methods in this historic fishing town, offering a glimpse into its unchanged heritage since the days of the slave trade.
Upon return to Accra, we share an early evening meal together, a perfect time for farewells and reflections on our memorable journey. Finally, we transfer you to the International Airport for your departure flight, where you'll be assisted by our representative.
Meals Included |Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner