Voodoo & Vibes of West Africa
21 days
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Group Tour
If you are expecting abundant wildlife and a well developed tourist infrastructure, then you won’t find this in West Africa. However, if you are after all things African; colour, music, vibrancy, culture, stunning landscapes, great artefacts, beautiful materials and friendly and open laughter, then you will LOVE West Africa.
Ghana, Togo and Benin have all o...
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Enjoy a fine meal and cool drink in one of Accra's many restaurants
- Swim in the clean water of the Volta River
- Guided tour of the impressive Akosombo Dam
- Enjoy a guided walk around Butterfly Mountain, Mont Kluto
- Visit the fascinating double storey mud huts in Tata Somba
- Go on a safari in the Pendjari National Park in the far north of Benin
- Overland through Benin and soak up the local culture
- Tour around the Dahomey Palace and museum in Abomey
- Stay overnight in the stilt village of Ganvie
- Visit the emotional 'Point of no return' in Ouidah
What's this trip about?
If you are expecting abundant wildlife and a well developed tourist infrastructure, then you won’t find this in West Africa. However, if you are after all things African; colour, music, vibrancy, culture, stunning landscapes, great artefacts, beautiful materials and friendly and open laughter, then you will LOVE West Africa.
Ghana, Togo and Benin have all of this in bucket loads. Just check out the local Ghanaian coffin maker and you will understand what we are saying! Great tribal homestays, cool hill hikes to see butterflies, wonderful palm fringed beaches and not forgetting boat trips to stilt villages.
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Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAccra
End CityAccra
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Use of the truck and its camping equipment, library, etc.,
- Camping meals
- All activities that are listed as included
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Day 1: Accra
Border information: if you are joining in Accra, then you will most likely enter Ghana at Accra Kotoka International Airport (IATA code: ACC).
There will be an important group meeting at 10:00am at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note f...
Day 2: Akosombo
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, com...
Day 3: Lake Volta, Akosombo
Today we will have an included visit to the nearby Akosombo Dam, a major project built in the 1960s to provide almost all of Ghana's energy needs. The rest of the day will be free to relax at our campsite in Akosombo.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit Akosombo Dam, the colossal 1960s project that provides almost all of Ghana's energy needs and created Lake Volta, one of the world's largest man-made lakes
Day 4: Mont Klouto
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Border information: Exit Ghana at Klouto, enter Togo at Klouto.
Today we will have a full day's drive to the spectacular Mont Klouto, crossing the border into Togo.
In Mont Klouto we will stay in a campsite, with the option to upgrade to dorm accommodation.
Day 5: Mont Klouto
Today we will have a free day around the beautiful Mont Klouto region, with the opportunity to head out on optional forest walks or to visit Kpalimé town nearby.
In the evening, we will head to the village centre to see a spectacular show of drumming and dancing from the local villagers.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
An evening of energetic drumming and dancing from the local villagers in Mont Klouto
Day 6: Central Togo
Estimated Drive Times - 6-7 hours each day.
Over the next 2 days we will drive up the length of Togo, all the way through the remote northern border with Benin. We will wild camp for 1 night en route.
Day 7: Tata Somba region
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
Border information: Exit Togo at Ketao, enter Benin at Ouaké.
Today we will cross the border into Benin, before continuing our journey to the Tata Somba region close to the town of Tanguiéta.
In Tanguiéta we will stay in a basic local eco-lodge.
Day 8: Tata Somba region
This morning we will go on an included walking tour of the nearby Tata Somba villages with some of the local villagers. This is a fascinating visit to an area rarely visited by tourists, where we will learn a lot about the local traditional way of life and explore the famous two-storey mud huts of the area.
In the afternoon, there is the option to walk through the stunning area to some nearby waterfalls.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Go on a guided tour of the Tata Somba villages of northern Benin, learning about the traditional culture and way of life and visiting their incredible 2-storey 'mud castle' homes
Day 9-10: Pendjari National Park
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours to the park, then as much time as required on game drives.
From the Tata Somba region we have a short journey north to the beautiful Pendjari National Park.
We will stay for two nights wild camping in the National Park, where we will have freedom to explore and head out on game drives in the truck in search of wildlife.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit the stunning landscapes of Pendjari National Park, famous for being one of the best wildlife reserves in West Africa
Day 11: Central Benin
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
Today we have a full day's drive heading south through Benin. We will wild camp somewhere en route between the towns of Natitingou and Abomey.
Day 12-13: Abomey
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
Our journey today continues to Abomey, the ancient capital of the Dahomey kingdom. On arrival we will take an included tour of the Dahomey Palace and Museum. We will then have a free day to explore the local area.
In Abomey we will stay in a campsite, with the possibility to upgrade to rooms for 2 nights.
Day 14: Ganvie
Estimated Drive Time - 6-8 hours.
This morning we will drive to Abomey-Calavi (a port on the outskirts of Cotonou), where we say goodbye to the truck for the night and jump aboard motorised pirogues to Ganvie, a fascinating town built entirely on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoué.
In Ganvie we will stay in a basic hotel in the stilt village itself!
Day 15: Ouidah, Ganvie
Estimated Drive Time - 1-3 hours.
Today we will start with an included tour of the stilt town of Ganvie, exploring deeper on our pirogues and soaking up the unique way of life in the floating village. Following this, we will head back to land to re-join the truck and d...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit to the incredible stilt village of Ganvie, where an entire community of fisherman live in a town entirely built on stilts in the middle of Lake Noukoe near Cotonou
Day 16: Grand Popo, Ouidah
Estimated Drive Time - 1-2 hours.
Today we will take a very interesting half-day tour of the sites in Ouidah, including the Voodoo Python Temple, the "Route des Esclaves" (Slave Route), La Maison du Brésil art gallery and the Ouidah Museum of History in the old Portugu...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
See the Vodun Temple of Pythons in Ouidah, dedicated to the voodoo snake diety Dangbe and home to hundreds of revered pythons!
Half-day tour of Ouidah, including the museums and exhibitions at La Maison Bresil, learning about the history of slavery on the 'Route des Esclaves' and the Point of No Return, and a visit to the voodoo Snake Temple.
Day 17: Grand Popo
Today we will have a free day at Grand Popo for relaxing on the beach or taking a pirogue trip around the nearby ocean and mangroves.
There is also an option this evening to visit an incredible local vodun (voodoo) ceremony in the nearby village, complete with very ene...
Day 18: Agbodrafo
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
Border information: Exit Benin and re-enter Togo at Hilla-Condji.
Leaving the beach behind, our journey continues over the border from Benin and back into Togo. We will head to the small quiet town of Agbodrafo on the southern shores...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Trip in a local non-motorised pirogue across Lac Togo to Togoville, where you can explore the town and learn all about it's history and culture
Day 19: Keta
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Border information: exit Togo at Lomé, enter Ghana at Aflao.
Today we will cross back into Ghana and head for Keta, where we will visit the very atmospheric and evocative ruins of the abondoned Fort Prinzenstein, built by the Danes 300 years ago as a transit point for transporting slaves to the Americas.
In Keta we will stay in a small local hotel.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit the ruins of the small Danish slave fort of Fort Prinzenstein, and take in its haunting and moving atmosphere
Day 20: Accra
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
The final drive of this trip takes us back to Accra, the chaotic capital of Ghana!
In Accra we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
Day 21: Accra
Border information: if you are leaving in Accra, you will most likely exit Ghana at Accra Kotoka International Airport (IATA code: ACC).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Accra. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonigh...
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Dates & Availability
Price From $1,845
Price per day$88
Last Updated: 0/7/2022
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Dragoman.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Dragoman Reviews & Ratings
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Loved my first overland adventure, I just struggled with the lack of option when we had free time
Loved the game drives
Loved the game drives in Pendjari National Park and the trip to Ganvie.
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Tour Operator
At Dragoman we aim to offer authentic, grass-roots adventurous holidays. Travel with us and we’ll get you off the beaten track and really under the skin of the places, whatever style of trip you choose. This means taking the road less travelled, mixing with the locals, learning about their culture and most importantly having an open mind.
We are based in rural Suffolk in the east of England and are proud to be independently owned. We ran our first tour in 1981 and have grown to be a market leader in overland travel. Over the years we’ve grown steadily in size but are still small enough to aim to ensure that each Dragoman traveller has a unique - and hopefully - life changing experience. Last year 2500 travellers joined us on a Dragoman adventure, visiting 55 different countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Our overland tours range from 9 days to 235 days in length. Our shorter 2 or 3 week trips offer a great snapshot of a country or region; giving our travellers a short, sharp adventure travel experience. In just a short break from your everyday life we can get you off the tourist trail and take you on a perspective-changing journey.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Our trip price and kitty do not include optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Connecting flights
- Airport transfers
- Border taxes or charges
- Transportation while not on the trip or while exploring a city
- Passports and visas
- Vaccinations and first aid kits or medicines
- Extra accommodation
- Contingency route expenses in case of emergency or natural disaster
- Meals at restaurants or cafes or whilst staying in hotels, drinks, tips, or personal spending money
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
.
Meals Included
11 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches and 10 Dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
Optional Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Day 1:
USD 0.92
Explore the fascinating and chaotic Ghanaian capital city of Accra
USD 7.37
Learn all about the history and culture of Ghana in the National Museum
USD 0.92
Visit the famous Labadi Beach situated on the outskirts of Accra
Free
Freely explore the huge Independence Square and Black Star Arch in Accra, where independence was celebrated in 1957
Free
Freely explore the area of Jamestown, Accra's oldest district and a vibrant fishing area
Free
Visit the outside of the famous Osu Castle, the seat of power in Ghana since the 1600s
Day 5:
USD 13.60
Guided walks around Mont Klouto looking for butterflies and enjoying the beautiful forest scenery
Day 8:
USD 4.25
Head out on a guided walk through the beautiful scenery in the hills of the Tata Somba region to visit some local waterfalls
Day 12-13:
USD 6.46
A guided tour of the capital of the ancient Dahomey empire, including the Dahomey Palace and Museum.
Day 15:
Free
Half-day tour of Ouidah, including the museums and exhibitions at La Maison Bresil, learning about the history of slavery on the 'Route des Esclaves' and the Point of No Return, and a visit to the voodoo Snake Temple.
Free
See the Vodun Temple of Pythons in Ouidah, dedicated to the voodoo snake diety Dangbe and home to hundreds of revered pythons!
Free
Visit the Point of No Return, the UNESCO-built memorial to the thousands of slaves that last departed Africa at that point - there is also the option to walk the 4km route from the fort to this point, known as the Slave Route
Free
Visit La Maison du Brésil, an excellent exhibition of modern scuplture, paintings and photos, as well as a museum of voodoo culture and objects related to the African diaspora
Day 17:
USD 8.50
Head out at night to walk to the remote beaches where Atlantic Green Turtles are often seen laying their eggs between Novermber and March (please note that sightings of turtles are not guaranteed, and the chances of seeing them are more like 50-50!)
USD 20
Observe a local voodoo celebration in the nearby village of Grand Popo, watch the hypnotic drumming and dancing of the 'Nightwatchman', and see some mind-blowing black magic!
USD 8.50
Explore the rivers, mangroves and villages of Grand Popo on a pirogue trip around the local area
Day 18:
Free
Relax on the beach of the stunning Lac Togo at Agbodrafo
Day 20:
USD 0.92
Explore the fascinating and chaotic Ghanaian capital city of Accra
USD 7.37
Learn all about the history and culture of Ghana in the National Museum
USD 0.92
Visit the famous Labadi Beach situated on the outskirts of Accra
Free
Freely explore the huge Independence Square and Black Star Arch in Accra, where independence was celebrated in 1957
Free
Freely explore the area of Jamestown, Accra's oldest district and a vibrant fishing area
Free
Visit the outside of the famous Osu Castle, the seat of power in
Additional Information
Trip ID
dragom-ZAA
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