Coastal Kingdoms of West Africa

Fly from London; transfer to your hotel.

Tour the capital of Ghana, including the National Museum, the historic quarter of Jamestown, and a workshop where elaborate "fantasy coffins" are built as an expression of local culture. Later, attend a welcome dinner.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Drive along Ghana’s Gold Coast to the fishing town of Elmina, stopping en route in Anomabu to see posuban shrines. In Elmina, you visit the old town, fish market and castle – the oldest European structure in sub-Saharan Africa.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Cross the canopy walkway of Kakum National Park for a view of the rainforest. Next, visit the nearby Stingless Bee Centre, followed by an afternoon boat ride to see Elmina Castle from the water.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Drive to Kumasi (seven hours with stops), the historic capital of the Ashanti kingdom. Visit the Ashanti Cultural Centre, followed by the possibility of attending an Ashanti funeral, an event full of music and colour.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Explore Kumasi’s cultural highlights, including the Royal Palace Museum. Attend the vibrant Akwasidae festival (all departures except October), a unique Ashanti celebration. Witness the pageantry of the grand procession and see the King and Queen Mother arrive with their retinues, adorned in gold and shaded by colourful umbrellas. Afternoon at leisure.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Early start, for drive to Akosombo (six hours). In the afternoon, cruise on the Volta River.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Visit a Krobo community that produces glass beads in the traditional way, for use as jewellery and in ceremonies.

On group departures in October, the Volta River cruise will take place this morning, followed by a full-day visit to the colourful Millet Festival celebrations in Akosombo. The Krobo community visit will move to the afternoon of Day 7.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Cross into Togo and on to the rural town of Kpalimé, set amid coffee and cocoa plantations. Take a nature walk to learn about local plants, butterflies and other insects.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Head north to Sokodé, stopping en route in the hilly town of Atakpamé, where weavers create fabric called kente; and at a traditional palm alcohol distillery. This evening, witness a traditional fire dance, performed by the Tem people to hypnotic drum rhythms.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Watch the Kotokoli people perform a dramatic display of horsemanship. En route to Kara, visit the Kabye people to see a blacksmiths’ demonstration.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Take an excursion into the remote Atakora highlands inhabited by the Batammariba people, and walk between the fortified takienta homes, which are built from layers of clay and mud in a layout shaped by animist beliefs.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Drive into Benin and on to Dassa-Zoumé, stopping en route at the Dankoli Fetish, a sacred voodoo shrine. This afternoon, observe the Egungun masked dance, associated with ancestral spirits.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Drive to Ouidah. En route, stop in Abomey to visit the Royal Palaces (subject to their restoration schedule); and cross Lake Nokwe by boat to visit Ganvie, one of Africa’s largest stilt villages and home to Tofinu fishermen.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Take a morning walking tour of Ouidah – the spiritual centre of the rich and complex voodoo religion – passing the Python Temple and Catholic cathedral, then visit the Zinsou Foundation Museum and its collection of contemporary African art.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Drive to Lomé, Togo’s capital, stopping en route to attend a Zangbeto mask dance and witness a voodoo ceremony. In Lomé, enjoy an introductory city tour.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Visit Lomé’s lively Grand Marché, where the famous Nana Benz women sell their traditional wax-print fabrics; and the Akodessawa Fetish Market, Africa’s largest voodoo market. This afternoon, return across the border to Accra and attend your farewell dinner.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Explore Accra and catch your flight home, arriving the following day.

Meals: breakfast