GHANA: DOOR OF NO RETURN | HERITAGE EXPLORATION

GHANA: DOOR OF NO RETURN | HERITAGE EXPLORATION

Accra, Kumasi, Elmina

Durations

11 Days

Difficulty

Balanced

Min Age

18

About this trip  

This is a packaged small group trip with a pre-arranged itinerary.  You will meet other like minded travelers on this trip when you reach your destination. You will have your own lodging and transportation with shared tour and dining experiences.

If you would like to experience this trip privately select "book this trip and customize it for me" in the trip interest form and our team will share the cost for custom travel planning. 

This trip was curated by our destination experts for those seeking a deeply moving and personal experience that connects you with the rich history and culture of Ghana. You’ll explore vibrant cities, traditional villages, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic castles and dungeons along the Gold Coast. These locations, like Cape Coast and Elmina Castle, hold powerful significance as they mark the path of the transatlantic slave trade.

What makes this journey truly unique is the chance to engage with local communities and experience Ghanaian traditions up close. From drumming and dancing ceremonies to connecting with the warm hospitality of the people, you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for Ghana’s culture and history. This trip is not just about sightseeing—it’s a meaningful exploration of ancestry, heritage, and resilience that’s designed to leave a lasting impact. 

 

Trip highlights 

  • Trace your family's footsteps on a fully customized tour with AncestryProGenealogists®.
  • Spend a day with a genealogist, visiting places and sites your ancestors once called home.
  • Engage in a meaningful naming ceremony and connect with locals over a shared meal.

Accommodations 

  • Lancaster Kumasi City Hotel 
  • Ridge Royal Hotel
  • Labadi Beach Hotel 
  • Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra
  • Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra

The best time to visit 

The optimal time to visit Ghana is during the dry season, from November to March. This period offers pleasant weather with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall, offering comfortable travel conditions for exploring historical sites outdoors. Additionally, December is particularly vibrant due to "Detty December," a festive season featuring numerous cultural events, concerts, and celebrations that attract visitors worldwide. Experiencing Ghana during this time provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the country's rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere.


Starting at

Regular price$11,429.00
/

Ready to book

VIEW THE ITINERARY BELOW

This trip is designed to give you the best possible experience. We prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices. 

A private transfer between the airport and your hotel is provided. 

In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

Discover the rich heritage of Old Accra and see the city’s remnants of the European rule on a privately guided tour. You will visit the vibrant community of Jamestown dotted with crumbling relics of Accra’s colonial past. Journey back in time as you explore James Fort constructed by the Royal African Company in 1662. Dive deeper into the dark chapters of West African history as you head to the Dutch-built Ussher Fort dating back to 1642 and learn about the role that this European stronghold played in the slave trade from your expert guide.

Next, visit the Mausoleum of Ghana’s former president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah before heading to Osu Castle – a whitewashed fortification formerly known as Fort Christiansborg, that once housed the government of the Gold Coast under the Scandinavian rule. Continue your immersive journey as you visit with Accra’s renowned casket makers. See how traditional carpentry blends with local art to represent the Ghanaian beliefs in afterlife. You will also have time to shop at the arts and crafts market before returning to your hotel.

To help you better understand the history of the ancestors, today we have arranged a private meeting with an expert from the University of Ghana. Based on your lineage, they have prepared an informative session that will introduce you to the stories of your specific ethnic group. A vivid picture of your ancestral roots comes to life as you find out about their geographic origins, migration, and more. Hear about their customs and traditions, and gain insight into their way of life. Today’s experience provides you with a unique opportunity to examine one's heritage through an academic lens.

This morning depart from Accra on your way to Kumasi. En route stop at Besease to visit a traditional shrine of the Ashantis. Here you will get a chance to explore the beliefs and history of this ethnic group. Feel captivated by the Ashanti historic oral account as it is told by a knowledgeable traditional linguist. From here, you will continue on your journey to Kumasi. The transfer takes approximately six hours, but it may take longer depending on the time spent at Besease and any other stops made along the way. This evening, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace or relax at your hotel.

Kumasi is located in the heart of the historical Ashanti Region of Ghana. It is here where the day will be spent exploring the various important monuments, locations, and points of interest allowing you to familiarize yourself with the culture of this ethnic group. Begin with a visit to the historic Manhyia Palace Museum housed in the former residence of Ashanti royalty, where you will obtain in-depth information on the legacies of the regal Ashanti Kingdom. The Palace played an important part in Ghana’s history and dates back to 1700. Inside the Museum view some of the ancient relics and artifacts passed down through generations of local families. The Museum also holds a rich collection of Ashanti traditional dresses, jewelry, furniture, and musical instruments. Next, visit one of the largest markets in West Africa, the Kejetia Market. It is a great place to connect with the locals and see their daily lives firsthand. Merchants often come to Kumasi from surrounding countries to trade and sell their goods at Kejetia. Your expert guide will lead you through this vibrant marketplace filled with everything from vegetables to sandals, beads, leather goods, pottery, and clothing. Upon conclusion of your experience, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

This evening, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace or relax at your hotel.

Today you will transfer from Kumasi to Elmina with your private guide. A moving stop by Assin Manso allows you to trace back the steps of your ancestors as they made their harrowing journey to the Americas. Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Park was one of the largest slave markets during the infamous trans-Atlantic slave trade. It was the final link in the slavery route from northern to southern Ghana. The Ndonkor Nsuo (the Slave River), is where the captives were oiled, fed, and bathed in the waters of their native land one last time.

An impactful experience awaits as you embark on a private guided tour of the notorious Cape Coast Castle. Learn and watch the history unfold in front of your eyes as you gain a better understanding of the slave trade in West Africa. The largest of its kind, this Castle was built by the Swedes in 1653 and was later taken over by the British. Walk the path of the enslaved as your guide takes you through each of its sections. The Castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994. It is filled with artifacts, stories, and photos that allow you to visualize the agonizing journey of the innocent men and women who were forced to leave their land behind.

Spend the day with your dedicated Ancestry expert to uncover the sites and locations of your heritage, as determined in your Research Report.

Feel a true connection with your ancestors as you visit a settlement inhabited by the members of your ethnic group. The location of today’s experience will be determined based on the specific findings from your Research Report. During this interactive tour, you will get a chance to visit a Ghanaian homestead and meet a family that shares your ethnicity. Gain insight into their daily lives, learn about their customs from your knowledgeable guide, and master some common phrases from the language of your tribe. An emotional highlight of your day will be the opportunity to partake in a traditional Naming Ceremony, a memorable event blending spirituality and music. You will also learn about a traditional local dish significant to your tribe. The perfect way to round off the day is the chance to share this home-cooked meal with your hospitable hosts. If your family is part of the Akan group, some of the local delicacies you may sample today are fufu, light soup, and ampesi with kontomire stew. Following the conclusion of your experience you will be transferred back to your hotel. Please note that this day will be customized according to your specific heritage.

Explore Elmina and the infamous Elmina Castle with your private guide. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1482, it is also known as St. George's Castle. This fortification was the first European structure built in Sub–Saharan Africa, and it is the oldest of the West African slave trade route castles in Ghana. It stands as a stark reminder of one of humanity’s most horrific periods in history. A solemn experience awaits as you venture into its grim hallways and dungeons with your guide. Outside of the castle note the colorful harbor bursting with pirogues preparing to venture off to sea below, which stands in contrast to the structure’s daunting spirit. After visiting the Castle embark on a walking tour of Elmina to experience for yourself the fishing town at your own pace.

Delve into the stories of those whose sacrifices have shaped the history of the African people worldwide on a visit to Takoradi’s Bisa Aberwa Museum. Travel west to the bustling coastal city of Takoradi, the home of Bisa Aberwa. The museum boasts one of the globe’s largest private collections of artifacts and media representing the African story. The exhibits capture events within the slave dungeons in Africa, the toils of life on slave plantations, and highlights of the Civil Rights Movement. Bisa Aberwa exists to preserve and promote African heritage; provide an institution for research into African history and a platform for the conversation among people of African descent. Following your visit to the Bisa Aberwa Museum you will be transported back to Elmina.

A private transfer from Elmina to Accra is provided. The approximate transfer duration is three hours. This evening, embark on an immersive journey through the flavors and culture of Ghana during a private culinary experience with Chef PaJohn Bentsifi Dadson, a passionate advocate for the country's rich heritage. Fusing his love of writing, hospitality, and cooking, he champions authentic connections through cuisine. Chef PaJohn’s invites you to discover the vibrant flavors of Ghana with a private dinner at his chic bohemian rooftop restaurant, PaJohn's, nestled in the heart of Accra. Indulge in an exclusive dining experience as PaJohn and his team entertain you with Ghanaian humor and music, while you savor exquisite dishes that reflect the diverse culinary traditions from across the nation. After your evening, relax on a private transfer back to your hotel.

Upon checking out of your hotel, a private transfer top the airport is provided as you fly back home. Safe travels.

Included in your trip package 

  • Handpicked 5-star hotels
  • Daily breakfasts 
  • Superior dining in top-rated restaurants
  • Professional tour guide
  • Transfers between destinations
  • Entrance fees to museums & sightseeing

Excluded 

  • Visa processing fees
  • Passport fees
  • Meals outside of included dining
  • Personal shopping or incidental expenses
  • Personal travel upgrades
  • Transportation outside of the itinerary

Optional/add on's

  • Travel Insurance 

Location: This map is designed to highlight the location of this specific trip experience.

Trip packages

other trips you might like...