Detailed Itinerary

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VooDoo & spIrIts of west afrIcaNIger, BeNIN, togo & ghaNa

Travel to another place and time. ElderTreks 4- country

journey to Niger, Benin, Togo and Ghana is simply

fascinating, for those with a real spirit of adventure.

This region of West Africa is the birthplace of

Voodoo. Learn about the mysterious beliefs from

encounters with Voodoo followers and priests.

Explore fetish markets and visit temples and

shrines to witness a Voodoo ceremony including

the practices of chanting, drumming and the

resulting trance.

In Niger, visit the capital, Niamey and the

bizarre market of Ayorou, with it’s fascinating

tribal offerings. Journey in search of the last

wild herd of giraffes in West Africa. In Benin,

encounter a rich tribal and cultural diversity. In

Togo, visit Somba and Koutammakou, a World

Heritage Site. Drive through the lush, beautiful

mountains of central Togo, stopping to visit one

of the famous Kabye blacksmiths. We continue

south to Lome with its many markets.

facts & highlights• 22 land days • Maximum 16 travelers • Start in Niamey, Niger; finish in Accra, Ghana • All meals included • Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites • Lose yourself in the Ayorou tribal market • Visit the Giraffe Reserve • Learn about Voodoo; visit fetish markets • Enjoy the lush central plateau of Togo • Visit the haunting Cape Coast and Elmina “slave” castles, UNESCO sites • Explore Kakum National Park including canopy walk • Visit the Ashanti people of Ghana • Enjoy the Volta river safari and Ewe Tribal village

departure dates & price: Nov 13 – Dec 04, 15 - $9295 USD Nov 18 – Dec 09, 16 - $9495 USD Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Roads will be rough and dusty. Many places are very remote with very limited facilities enroute. Niger in particular is very interesting but very underdeveloped. Extreme heat may also play a role. We recommend that only those in good health participate in this tour.

accommodationsMostly comfortable hotels with private facilities, but in the more undeveloped areas, we will stay in the best available which may be less than our usual standards.

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In Ghana, visit slave castles including the

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Elmina and Cape

Coast. Experience the haunting reminder of their

sad history. Relax in the lush surrounds of Kakum

National Park. Meet the Ashanti of Kumasi and

enjoy a boat journey on the Volta River. Visit a

Ewe Tribe and their Voodoo Shrine. We return to

the capital of Accra, your departing point for this

truly remote and adventurous journey in West

Africa.

Day 1 : arrIVe IN NIamey, NIgerYou are met on arrival in Niamey and transferred

to our group hotel. Niamey, located on the Niger

River, is the administrative, cultural and economic

centre of Niger, and is the capital of this seldom-

visited country. We meet this evening for dinner and

orientation. Overnight in Niamey.

Day 2 : NIamey cIty sIghtsWe spend the day exploring the sights of Niamey

including the Grand Mosque, which was built by

Moamar Khadafi and boasts soaring minarets,

glistening domes, and intricately carved woodwork.

The Grand Marche, carries an incredible selection of

goods, from meats and breads, to almost anything else

one could desire. Along the Niger River waterfront

women and children bathe and wash clothes while

local men harvest the wild rice that grows along the

banks of the river. Overnight in Niamey.

Day 3 : DrIVe to ayorou for a market Day We drive through small villages before arriving in

Ayorou. We will visit the rustic, tribal market where

the semi-nomadic Tuareg and Fulani do their trading.

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The market features a massive donkey parking-lot

and an abundance of local color. Overnight in Niamey.

Day 4 : malaNVIlle (BeNIN) VIa gIraffe reserVeToday we depart Niger for the Benin border. Enroute

and not far from Niamey is Koure, a giraffe reserve,

where we will stop to view the last wild herd of

giraffes in West Africa. The gentle long-neck giants

can be found grazing on the plentiful acacia trees. We

continue our drive to the border and on to Malan-

ville, Benin. Overnight in Malanville.

Day 5 : NatItINgou VIa DjougouDepart Malanville after breakfast for a long drive

through the Benin countryside to Natitingou which

is populated with Ditammari, Dendi, Nateni, Fulani,

Fon and many other ethnic groups. Natitingou is

evenly divided between Christians and Muslims and,

like the rest of Benin, is notable for its ethnic and

religious tolerance. Enroute, we stop at one of the

small village markets near Djougou. Overnight in

Natitingou.

Day 6 : VIllage walk; meet the chIef aND hIs wIVes

Today we visit the incredible village of Taneka Koko,

with its idyllic setting. We hike to the village and

have the opportunity to meet with the village Chief

and also his wives. We return to Natitingou and

spend some time at the museum to learn about the

Somba Culture. Overnight in Natitingou.

Day 7 : to togo, koutammakou – trIBal VIllages, uNesco worlD herItage sIteWe depart Natitingou after breakfast and drive west

to Togo. En route, we visit the Somba tribal area

and Koutammakou, a World Heritage Site, which is

home to the Batammariba whose remarkable mud

tower houses (Takienta) have come to be seen as a

symbol of Togo. In this landscape, nature is strongly

associated with the rituals and beliefs of society.

Many of the buildings are two storeys high and are

grouped in villages which also include ceremonial

spaces and sites reserved for initiation ceremonies.

We proceed through the Defale Mountains to the

land of the Losso, who build their houses in a unique

style called Soukala. Each family compound has the

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walls attached to the next house, creating a fence

around the compound. We visit the famous Kabye

blacksmiths, who are unique and revered members

of society. Overnight in Kara.

Day 8 : kara to BaNDjelI to NotseAfter breakfast we drive to Bandjeli, a mountainous

region, which is home to the Kokomba, skilled

craftsmen who have kept their traditional secrets of

iron production. In Bandjeli, we meet with the chief

and visit a traditional blast furnace which is used in

the processing of iron ore. We also visit the chief’s

house and witness T’bol, the dance of fire. We

drive to Sokode, an historically important trading

center because of its location, and then on to Notse.

Overnight in Notse.

Day 9 : fetIsh mouNtaINs After breakfast, we drive through beautiful moun-

tains where we will have several stops in local vil-

lages. In the evening, we enjoy Akpesse folkdance in

an Ewe village. Overnight in Kpalime.

Day 10 : kpalIme aND DaNce of the ewe huNtersDepart Kpalime after breakfast for Kouma Konda for

a morning walk. We will enjoy a picnic lunch in

Kpalime. Later we explore Kpalime Market, also a

great place to people watch. Overnight in Kpalime.

Day 11 : lomeAfter breakfast, we depart for Lome, the picturesque

capital city of Togo. Enroute, we will stop at Sanguera

Voodoo village to witness a Voodoo ceremony which

will include a mix of chanting, drumming and trance.

We will have lunch at a local restaurant before continu-

ing on to Lome, the capital of Togo. Overnight in Lome.

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Day 12 : sIghts of lome – fetIsh market aND VooDoo

We will visit some of Lome’s sights including

Independence Square, the National Museum, the

fishing harbour and the fetish market. The famous

fetish market is dedicated to the sale of ingredients

with which traditional healers can make potions to

ward off evil, bring luck or secure love. You may wish

to stock up on all the latest Voodoo accessories be-

fore our visit with Hounon, a Voodoo expert. Next we

will proceed to Lome’s central market as well as Art

Street and the Artisan’s village. We will have lunch at

a local restaurant. Overnight in Lome.

Day 13 : coastal togo –slaVe DuNgeoNs aND the raIsINg of the sacreD stoNeAfter breakfast, we drive through the coconut groves

for Agbodrafo, a former slave trade post on the coast

of Togo. We arrive in Agbodrafo, the Portuguese Porto

Seguro where we will enjoy a welcome ceremony by

royalty and court. We will also visit the slave dun-

geons before proceeding to Pedakondji fishermen’s

village. On arrival, we visit the fishermen’s habitat

and get acquainted with the everyday chores of the

locals. We drive through Aneho, the first capital city

of Togo enroute to Glidji, the spiritual centre of the

Guen people. Here, we learn about the important cer-

emony of the raising of the sacred stone. We will also

visit the sacred places before driving to Hlande, a lost

village in the farmlands.

Discover the faces of Africa through the ritual dances

of the Zangbeto, the traditional night guardians. We

depart Hlande for Togo Lake. Overnight in Agbodrafo.

Day 14 : to ghaNa; DzoDze VIllage; VooDoo ceremoNy

We arrive at Segbe (Ghana / Togo border) in the late

morning where we proceed through customs and

immigration. From here, we will depart for Nogokpo.

En route we visit Dzodze, an Ewe Craft Village know

for its pottery. After lunch we continue on to Nogok-

po in the Volta region is known for its Great God of

Thunder. This Great God of Thunder is a spiritual

judge and if someone steals and the thief is not

known, the victim can report the case to the thunder

gods of Nogokpo who may strike down the culprit

with lighting. This shrine also serves as a court of

arbitration where one can speak the truth, only the

truth, and nothing but the truth. It is a place to look

for fortune in life, prosperity and long life. The group

will experience a Voodoo ceremony including spiri-

tual trances and mesmerotic chanting.

Driving through beautiful landscapes, we arrive in

Ho. We explore (time permitting) this historic town,

which served as the capital of German colonialists

when they ruled the present day Volta Region and

Togo during the 18th and 19th centuries and up to

the end of World War I. Overnight in Ho.

Day 15 : Volta rIVer aND moNkey saNctuaryWe visit Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary near Nyagbo.

This unique Monkey Sanctuary lies in a beautiful

peaceful village whose inhabitants believe that

the rare True Mona Monkeys are sacred and are

messengers of the gods and their protectors. We will

have the opportunity to walk through the village of

Tafi Atome to see the natural wonder of man and

monkey living together in harmony and learn about

their Voodoo rituals. In the afternoon we will take a

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Slave Castle, Ghana

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boat excursion on the Volta River to enjoy everything

from the scenery, to villages to it’s wildlife. Overnight

on the Akosombo.

Day 16 : to accra – cIty tourAfter breakfast, enroute to Accra, Ghana’s capital, we

stop at Krobo-Odumase to visit the Cedi Bead Fac-

tory and workshop where beautiful African jewelry is

available. We continue to Accra driving past the Shai

Hills and Kloyo Mountains and the industrial city

of Tema. In the afternoon visit La Township to see

uniquely designed special caskets at the Teshie and

Nungua areas which reflect the beliefs of the people

in life after death. (A bus driver may be buried in a

bus, a waiter in a large beer bottle etc.) We visit the

Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum Park and the National

Museum for History and Ethnography. Drive past

the Independence Arch and Black Star Square - Ac-

cra’s ceremonial grounds, and view in the distance

Christiansborg Castle. In the late afternoon, stop at

the city’s arts and crafts market to try out your bar-

gaining skills. Overnight in Accra.

Day 17 : sos VIllage, kumasI aND ashaNtI kINg’s palace We depart Accra and drive inland to Kumasi. En-

route, we drive past several scenic villages and

charming towns. We stop to visit Potroase, a typical

Cocoa farming community, to meet the Cheif and his

elders. We have a unique opportunity to see a tradi-

tional cultural performance and to meet and interact

with the local people to learn about village life in

Ghana.

We continue to Asiakwa SOS Children’s Village, a

true oasis of hope. Established in November 1993 to

carter for orphaned and abandoned children in rural

areas of Ghana. We will have an opportunity to meet

and interact with the housemothers and children.

After lunch, we continue our journey to the Ashanti

Region, known as the Kingdom of Gold, History and

Culture. We drive through beautiful villages with fine

examples of traditional buildings. Note the change in

vegetation from coastal shrub to forest as we drive

northwards across the River Pra to the historic and cul-

tural capital city of Ashanti-Kumasi. Arrive in Kumasi

by late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Overnight

in Kumasi.

Day 18 : ashaNtI VIllages uNesco sItesWe depart on a city tour of Kumasi, visiting the

National Cultural Centre, Okomfo Anokye Sword,

Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, and drive past the School

of Art of the University of Science and Technology. We

will also visit a sculpture garden, the Military Museum

and the Kumasi central market- the largest open-air

market in West Africa. We will have lunch at a local

Ghanaian restaurant.

After lunch continue on visiting a few Ashanti craft

villages to observe craftsmen and wood carvers

making Ashanti stools, fertility dolls and Kente cloth

weaving. You may try your hand at making Kente cloth

weaving. Overnight in Kumasi.

Day 19 : cape coast aND hIstorIc fortsToday we depart Kumasi and make the three hour journey

to Elmina in the Central Region. We drive past several

charming farming villages along the way. We arrive at Cape

Coast Castle (visited by President Obama and the First

Lady on their first visit to Africa in 2009) built by Swedish

traders in 1652 and was later taken over by the British.

This Castle served as the seat of the former colonial admin-

istration of the then Gold Coast ( Ghana’s former name)

until 1877 when it was relocated to Accra. The Castle also

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Canopy walk of Kakum National Park

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houses the West African Historical Museum. You will ex-

perience the slave quarters and Palaver Hall where slaves

were bargained for and sold.

The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach. Over-

night in Elmina.

Day 20 : uNesco sItes; kakum NatIoN-al park aND elmINa slaVe castlesAfter breakfast we visit Kakum National Park were

we can enjoy a walk on the “Kuntan Trail” and see

the countless trees with their medicinal properties.

For the more daring, experience the Canopy Walk

suspended 100 feet from the ground for a panoramic

view of the flora and fauna which is one of the last

remaining vestiges of the rain forest.

After lunch, we visit Elmina “slave” Castle. It is the

first European structure built in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it was later used

as an auction market. We visit the slave dungeons

and condemned cells where slaves who attempted to

escape were incarcerated.

Enjoy time to relax on the beach in the late after-

noon. Overnight in Elmina.

Day 21 : returN to accra

We enjoy a morning at leisure before we depart

Elmina for Accra. We drive along the coast through

several fishing villages and coconut lined beaches

and arrive by early afternoon. We can enjoy some

free time to explore the markets. This evening,

we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Accra.

Day 22 : Departure We bid farewell to our new friends and Voodoo

Spirits and head home.

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QuestIoNs & aNswers 1. how big are the groups? Each group is limited to 16 participants. Small groups are an important ingredient in adventure travel. They allow for more interaction and more personalized service throughout the itinerary.

2. what is included in the tour price?All accommodations throughout; all meals, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); bottled drink-ing water throughout the trip; all internal transportation; airport transfers on day 1 and departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); all day trips and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary; tips for hotels (porterage), bus driver, restaurants and spot guides; services of a trip leader.

3. what is not included in the tour price?International flights, tips to ElderTreks tour leader, national guide, alcoholic drinks, visa’s and travel insurance.

4. are these “educational” tours?Yes, in the broadest sense of the word, “educational”. We visit museums, National Parks and Reserves and have lectures on flora and fauna. We learn about the different cultures we visit. But this is only a portion of the educational experience. We believe that it is equally educational to meet local people on a non-commercial basis, visit their homes and even try to learn a few words in the native language. Sometimes the most “educational” moments are spent sipping a cold drink in a street market.

5. how do we travel during the tour?All local transportation is included in the land price of the trip. We travel by private minivan or microbus for road travel, 4x4 vehicles, by boat and by foot.

6. what are our accommodations like?Mostly comfortable hotels with private bathroom facilities, but in the more undeveloped areas, we will stay in best available which may be less than our usual standards.

7. what about the weather?You can expect a variation in weather conditions depend-ing on where you are. In the coastal regions of Ghana and Togo rain is possible. Inland it will be dry. Humidity in Benin is low and temperatures range from warm to hot.

In Niamey temperatures range from the 70’s to the 90’s°F (21-32˚C) with low humidity, but as you travel south in Niger, the temperatures and humidity increase.

8. when is payment due?A non-refundable deposit of $500 or £300 GBP (plus insurance if you require it) is due at time of booking and will reserve your place on the tour. Payment of the full land cost is due 100 days before departure. Cancellation charges are applicable and are outlined in the “Terms and Conditions” section of our brochure.

9. Is medical insurance required?Insurance coverage is not included in the cost of your trip. Please note that medical insurance is not required for this adventure but is recommended. ElderTreks offers comprehensive travel insurance and we are happy to provide you with a quote if you call our office. If you are purchasing insurance elsewhere, please ensure you provide the details to ElderTreks as soon as possible. *Please note those travelers with pre-existing medical conditions must take out travel insurance at the time of deposit

10. what should I take on the tour?There is a detailed “What to Bring” list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after receiving your booking deposit for the trip.

11. what meals are included?All meals during the itinerary are included, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day. We eat a variety of local foods prepared in a wide range of settings. In many cases, we simply order a number of dishes and share, allowing you to sample new foods and decide what you enjoy best.

12. can you arrange my flights?We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries — not group flights. Stop over enroute, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary.

13. what if I would like more information?If you have any further questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to contact our office for additional information. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked on the tour.

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Ayorou market