Ghana: Kingdom Of The Ashanti (Akwasidae Festival)
Ghana: Kingdom Of The Ashanti (Akwasidae Festival)
11 Days Starting and ending in Accra, Ghana
Visiting: Accra, Wli Waterfall, Volta Region, Kumasi, Kakum National Park, Elmina, Cape Coast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GHA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Ghana, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the Ashanti Kingdom during the vibrant Akwasidae Festival. This immersive tour offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, from the breathtaking Wli Falls and Mt Afadjato to the historic sites of Accra, Elmina, and Cape Coast. Engage with local communities by participating in projects like tree planting at a village school, and enjoy diverse experiences such as sunset river cruises, gentle kayaking, and cooking classes. Meet artisans and small business owners, and delve into the colonial history of the region. Travel comfortably in minibuses, staying in premium and superior accommodations, while savoring local cuisine with all meals included. This tour promises a unique and enriching adventure, highlighting the vibrant traditions and landscapes of Ghana.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Accra
Location: Accra
Accommodation Name: La Villa Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
The capital and largest city in Ghana, Accra is our starting point for this unique African adventure. Located on the country’s southern coast, overlooking the Gulf of Guinea, Accra was once used as the capital of the British Gold Coast and reminders and remnants of its colonial past can still be found amongst the tropical modernist architecture of the modern-day capital. The tour starts at our boutique hotel downtown in time for dinner.
Day 2: Accra: The Capital Past & Present
Location: Accra
Accommodation Name: La Villa Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a morning tour of the city, during which we will meet a well-known coffin maker whose elaborate designs have made him something of a local celebrity. This will be followed by a tour of Independence Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Park & Mausoleum, dedicated to the memory of the first president of the Ghanaian Republic. After lunch, we then head for the historic neighbourhood of Jamestown for a tour of one of the capital's less-affluent neighbourhoods in the company of a local resident followed by dinner and live jazz music at his trendy cafe.
Day 3: Accra - Wli Waterfall: Tafi Atome Community & Monkey Sanctuary
Location: Wli Waterfall
Accommodation Name: Wli Water Heights or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast this morning, we will begin the drive north east towards the border with neighbouring Togo. Our destination is the Volta region home to the dramatic cascades of the Wli Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in West Africa. Our journey takes us by way of the village of Tafi Atome, where locals have embraced community tourism and will provide some insight into the area during a tour of the monkey sanctuary. The local mona monkeys that live here were once believed to be the messengers of the gods and the villagers have taken great strides in recent years to protect and preserve both their traditional customs and their simian neighbours.
*Please note that today's drive is the longest of the tour, taking around 5-6 hours.
Day 4: Wli Waterfall - Mount Afadjato - Akosombo: Hiking In The Volta Region
Location: Volta Region
Accommodation Name: Afrikiko River Front Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we have the opportunity to enjoy a hike out to the impressive Wli Falls. Taking around 45 minutes, the walk affords us the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the inviting pools at its base, or to continue on to the upper falls an hour further on. For those in the mood for more hiking, there will also be the opportunity to walk up Mt. Afadjato, Ghana’s highest peak at around 800 metres. Not a difficult climb, it does nonetheless require a degree of physical endurance, but the views from the summit look out across the lush Volta region. This afternoon we then transfer on to Akosombo, arriving in time for a scenic sunset river cruise along the Volta River.
Wli Waterfalls is approx. 2-3hrs walking (total distance 5km)
Mt. Afadjato is approx. 3-4hrs walking (total distance 4km)
Day 5: Akosombo - Krobo - Kumasi: Family Bead Workshop
Location: Kumasi
Accommodation Name: Lancaster Kumasi City or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Home to the Volta Hydroelectric Dam, the village of Akosombo sits along the shores of the largest man-made lake in the world by surface area. This area is also renowned for its beadwork and this morning we will visit a small-scale family workshop in Krobo to learn more about this traditional craft and even try our hand at making some bead bracelets of our own. This afternoon, our journey then continues into the historic Ashanti region, as we head towards the city of Kumasi and the cultural heartlands of the old Ashanti Empire.
*Please note that today's drive takes around 5 hours, not including stops for lunch and the bead-making workshop in Krobo along the way.
Day 6: Kumasi: Akwasidae Festival
Location: Kumasi
Accommodation Name: Lancaster Kumasi City or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kumasi rose to prominence during the late 17th century when it became the capital of the Ashanti Empire. This morning we will take a tour of the Manhyia Palace, the official residence of the Asantehene, the ceremonial ruler of the modern Ashanti. Built in 1925, the palace was converted into a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the royal line of Ashanti. Heading outside the palace after our visit, we then take our seats for the celebrations of the Akwasidae Festival, which occurs every 42 days as a showpiece to highlight the still thriving culture of the Ashanti monarchy - expect richly coloured textiles, vibrant celebrations and lots of gold. After the festivities, there'll be the opportunity to visit Kejetia Market this afternoon, the largest of its kind in the country.
Day 7: Kumasi - Bonkro: Kente Cloth & Night Rainforest Walk
Location: Kumasi
Accommodation Name: Bonkro Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Before we leave Kumasi, this morning we will enjoy a visit to a nearby community tourism project involved in the making of traditional Kente cloth. Worn by African kings for centuries, Kente cloth is still made in the traditional way in Adanwomasie, much as it has been since the 17th century. Another type of cloth produced locally is Adinkra, whose colourful designs are created from plant dyes and we’ll get an opportunity to create some unique prints of our own as a souvenir before visiting the UNESCO Asante Traditional Buildings Site. Our Ghanaian journey then continues to the small village of Bonkro this afternoon, where we'll settle in and enjoy a homecooked dinner before heading out on a night rainforest walk in the African bush, hopefully to try and spot an armadillo.
Day 8: Bonkro: Cooking Class, Rainforest Walk & Movie Night
Location: Kakum National Park
Accommodation Name: Bonkro Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our stay in Bonkro affords us some quite extraordinary local interaction, beginning this morning a cookery class in the company of the guesthouse's head chef. This afternoon we'll head off on a walk through a nearby rainforest that the owners of the guesthouse have tirelessly worked to protect in search of one of its most spectacular residents, the picathartes bird. After dinner, we'll spend the evening enjoying popcorn and an outdoor movie in the garden of our guesthouse with locals from the surrounding villages.
Day 9: Bonkro - Kakum Np - Elmina: Coco Plantation Cycle & Hanging Rainforest Canopy Bridges
Location: Kakum National Park
Accommodation Name: Golden Hill Parker Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our stay in Bonkro affords us some quite unforgettable local interaction, and this morning the experience is capped off with a cycle ride to a family run Fairtrade cocoa plantation. After a tour of the plantation we’ll continue by bike to take part in an ongoing tree planting project, providing some much needed shade for a local school. This afternoon we'll then transfer by road to the Kakum National Park for a canopy walk through the forest, before the day’s end sees us in the town of Elmina on Ghana’s southern coast.
*see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION and KEY INFORMATION sections below for more information on cycling in Ghana.
Day 10: Elmina: Fishermen, Chiefs & A Sunset Kayak
Location: Elmina
Accommodation Name: Golden Hill Parker Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elmina is home to a rich fishing community and this morning we will hopefully witness the boats coming in as the day starts for the town's local residents. After a tour of Elmina and chance to drop in on some local businesses, there will be opportunity for a bit of downtime back at the hotel for the rest of the morning. The late afternoon then sees us making the most of our surroundings with a gentle kayak through an inland lagoon and past an artisanal salt processing operation to the shores of the Atlantic Coast, where we'll enjoy a beachside dinner, complete with a bonfire and a drumming workshop and performance for a farewell dinner like no other.
*the kayaking today is very easy and those who do not wish to kayak can be kayaked by one of the guides or driven to the beach instead.
Day 11: Elmina - Cape Coast Castle - Tour Ends In Accra
Location: Cape Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ending with a visit to one of around 40 ‘slave castles’ that were built on West Africa’s Gold Coast by European colonisers, our time in this rich land is brought to a close with a tour of Ghana's most iconic site, the infamous Cape Coast Castle. Built originally as a Portuguese trading post, today its inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List signifies its importance as both a reminder of the grim history of the Atlantic gold and slave trades and a more positive vision for the future. Returning to the hotel for lunch, there will then be some downtime this afternoon before being transferred back to Accra, around three hours away.
What's Included
-
Transport
Travel comfortably in minibuses, providing a convenient and efficient way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural sites of Ghana.
-
Group Size
The tour accommodates a maximum of 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
-
Carbon Contributions
Contributions to climate and community projects are included for all bookings.
-
Expert Team
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate are included.
-
Entrance Fees
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
-
Fitness Rating
The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating, making it accessible to most travelers.
What's Not Included
-
Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas are tour nationality dependent, and travel insurance is mandatory.
-
Tips
Tips are always optional, but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents.
-
International Flights
International flights are not included, but an obligation-free quote for flights originating in the UK can be provided.
-
Airport Transfers
Complimentary transfers are included if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.
-
Beverages & Personal Costs
Beverages and any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs, are not included.
-
ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably in minibuses, providing a convenient and efficient way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural sites of Ghana.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights in premium accommodations and 5 nights in superior accommodations, ensuring comfort and quality throughout your journey in Ghana.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note that there is a bit of hiking on day 4 of the itinerary near Wli Waterfall. Mount Afadjato is Ghana's tallest mountain and is around a two-hour hike up, though at only 885m, a slightly-above-average level of fitness and a desire to get to the top should suffice to partake in the experience. The hike can also be sat out if preferred. During our time in Bonkro, a bike ride has been arranged which, again, would require a similar fitness level as roads there are bumpy and there is a small hill enroute. There are also a couple of days with drives of around five hours that travellers should be aware of. All other transfers on this tour are typically two to three hours long.
Though vegetarians can be catered for, the variety of food will be limited at times. This is not a ‘foodie’ tour and our main evening meals are likely to consist of a combination of chicken/fish, vegetables and basic carbs. Clients with specific dietary requirements might struggle at times on this tour so this should be discussed with the office before booking. Please be aware that if you suffer from any kind of nut allergy you must discuss this with the office before booking this tour as nuts are used so extensively in food throughout the West Africa region.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses minibuses for transportation, providing a comfortable and efficient way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural sites of Ghana.
-
What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy 4 nights in premium accommodations and 5 nights in superior accommodations, ensuring comfort and quality throughout your journey in Ghana.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners.
-
What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people.
-
Is there any physical activity involved in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes some hiking, such as a hike to Wli Falls and an optional hike up Mt. Afadjato. There is also a bike ride in Bonkro. The fitness rating for the tour is low to moderate.
-
What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of cultural experiences such as meeting a well-known coffin maker in Accra, visiting a family bead workshop in Krobo, attending the Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi, and participating in a drumming workshop in Elmina.
-
Will there be opportunities to interact with local communities?
Yes, the tour offers several opportunities to interact with local communities, including visiting the Tafi Atome community and monkey sanctuary, participating in a cooking class in Bonkro, and engaging with local artisans and small business owners.
-
What is the Akwasidae Festival and will we attend it?
The Akwasidae Festival is a celebration that occurs every 42 days to highlight the culture of the Ashanti monarchy. The tour includes attending this festival in Kumasi, where you can expect to see richly colored textiles, vibrant celebrations, and lots of gold.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
-
Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Friday
Nov 17, 2026 - Nov 27, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.