Benin
Ghana
Togo
Dates:
8 - 20 January 2025
Duration:
13
days
Group:
12
ppl
Lome → Ouidah → Ganvie → Abomey → Savalou → Naititingou → Tamberma Villages → Defale → Defale → Sokode → Kloto → Koforidua → Kumasi → Anomabu → Elmina → Accra
Day 1: Lome
Arrive in Lome and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Hotel Ibis or similar.
Day 2: Lome – Ouidah
Explore the city including its central markets and the fascinating – if rather gruesome – fetish market, where animal parts are sold for use in traditional medicines. We also meet a traditional healer who can cast more light on the traditional customs found here. Later, we cross into Benin and head to Ouidah for the night. Overnight Hotel Casa del Papa or similar.
Day 3: Ouidah Voodoo Festival
On the 10th January each year Benin holds a national celebration day in honour of its traditional religion and of the cults associated with it. Ouidah in particular is a focus for these ceremonies, and thousands of adepts, traditional chiefs and fetish priests gather here to perform fascinating rites and rituals. This isan amazing opportunity to witness the traditional culture of the region, where devotees assume the identity of gods and spirits and the realm of the magical is close at hand. Time permitting, we will visit the python temple, where snakes are venerated as representations of gods, the old Portuguese fort and finally head to the beach and the sombre ‘Gate of No Return’, the point from which slaves left Africa for the New World. Overnight Hotel Casa del Papa or similar.
Day 4: Ganvie – Abomey
Today we head out onto Lake Nokwe to visit Ganvie, the largest stilt village in Africa situated in the middle of the water. The ‘village’ is home to around 25,000 people, most of whom go about their daily lives without setting foot on dry land. From here we continue to Abomey, once the centre of the powerful kingdom of Dahomey, and home to an impressive Royal Palace. The palace is now a museum displaying various artefacts from that time. Overnight Hotel Jeko or similar.
Day 5: Savalou – Naititingou
Stop at the Dankoli fetish, the most important voodoo shrine in Benin, where we may be able to witness rituals taking place. From here head north to visit the villages of the Taneka people, a small but very traditional ethnic group, and meet their ‘feticheurs’ (traditional priests). Overnight Hotel Tata Somba or similar.
Day 6: Tamberma Villages - Defale
Drive into the lands of the Tamberma, one of the region’s most traditional groups who live in fortified houses known as ‘tatas’ – quite a spectacular sight. We spend time learning about their culture and customs, crossing into Togo and heading to the town of Defale for the night. Overnight Hotel Defale or similar.
Day 7: Defale – Sokode
Spend the morning exploring the villages of the Kabye and Moba people, in the Defale Mountains. We then head to the town of Sokode. This evening we witness a fire dance, where the participants use burning coals in their performance – another fascinating demonstration of local beliefs and customs. Overnight Hotel Central or similar.
Day 8: Kloto
Drive south to the tropical forests, stopping first in Atakpame to see traditional crafts and then continuing to Kpalime. Explore its markets and continue to nearby Kloto, where we take a walk in the forest. Accompanied by a local entomologist we learn about the butterflies and other insects that live here. Overnight Hotel Gess or similar.
Day 9: Koforidua
We cross into Ghana and drive to the Volta region. This is a centre for the Krobo people, and we see how they create exquisite beads using traditional methods. Overnight Hotel New Capital View or similar.
Day 10: Kumasi
Continue to Kumasi, Ghana’s second city and home of the old Ashanti Kingdom. Explore the city including the Ashanti Cultural Centre, which gives a great insight into what once was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the region. If possible, we will be able to see a traditional Ashanti funeral, quite a spectacle at which visitors are welcome. Overnight Miklin Hotel or similar.
Day 11: Kumasi – Anomabu
Continue our exploration of Kumasi by visiting the Royal Palace Museum, with its unique collection of golden jewellery. From here we drive to Anomabu on the coast. Overnight Anomabu Beach Resort or similar.
Day 12: Elmina – Accra
We visit the fishing town of Elmina, best known for St George’s Castle, the oldest European building in Africa and once used as holding centre for slaves. In the town itself, we explore the old quarter with its unique Posuban shrines, made by the traditional ‘asafo’ societies which were once responsible for local defence. From here we drive back to Accra. Overnight Hotel Villa Boutique or similar.
Day 13: Accra
Spend the morning exploring Accra, visiting the National Museum and the old quarter of Jamestown, as well as the quarter where craftsmen design flamboyant coffins for the deceased – a uniquely Ghanaian experience. Later transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Acomodation
12 nights at the hotels
Meals
Day 2-12: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Breakfast and Lunch
Guided tours
Guided tours as per itinerary (only local guides)
Transport
Transfers as per itinerary
Support
24/7 phone/WhatsApp support line
English-speaking guide
ABTA and ATOL bonded
Not Included
International flights
Meals not mentioned
Optional tours and activities
Personal expenses
Spend time in Ouidah, exploring the city
Experience the colourful annual voodoo festival
Visit Ganvie, the largest stilt village in Africa
Take a tour to Abomey, once the centre of the kingdom of Abomey
Witness a fire dance in Atakpame and Kpalime
Learn about Tamberma, one of the region’s most traditional groups
Diana Kammunkun
USA
Best Staff, Great Communication The communication and assistance from the Michael from the beginning, Alex during the pre-tour and post tour and Anna during the tour was better than exceptional; we were well taken care of. The staff truly cared about us having a memorable experience and their efforts greatly contributed to that happening. I’ll definitely be looking into their other tours.
Bruce McDougall
Australia
I recently toured Qatar during the World Cup with Varya and Mike’s team at World of Discoveries. The experience over three weeks was first class. Varya and her team nailed the detail for every aspect of the trip from planning and booking through to the actual travel, tours, sightseeing, transport, accommodation and ticketing to games. They were always accessible to deal with any issues that arose and went the extra mile to ensure the travelling group was happy, organised and safe. And they throw a mean party. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend World of Discoveries for trips of a lifetime.
Sandy Zheng
Australia
Excellent service with friendly staff. Great organised and information detailed. We appreciate your service and help for this World Cup trip to Dubai and Qatar. We had a very awesome experience and a good time. We will continue to travel with you to the next World Cup. keep in touch. All the best to all of you.
Terry O'Connell
France
Great trip all round I booked not knowing what I was going to getting, a little sceptical and apprehensive due to never using these guys before. I could not have been more wrong, the service has been great and the tour has also been great. Mike the tour guide and the girls in the office are 5 star. Even had a disaster and left my passports in the hotel safe of one city and Mike and the team could not do enough to help me get these back. Really appreciate your professionalism and kindness. Will see you at the World Cup ?
Brian King
USA
Highly Recommend Just back from Germany where World of Discoveries organized a fantastic custom trip for us to the Euro 2024 football (soccer) tournament, covering Frankfurt and Cologne. From start to finish, their communication was excellent, ensuring we were well-informed and prepared for our adventure. Our in-country host, Mike, was exceptional. He went above and beyond to keep everyone updated on game day, making sure everything ran smoothly. His knowledge and enthusiasm added a special touch to our experience. Seats obtained by them were great too! The hotel selections were spot on. In Cologne, our hotel was perfectly situated, allowing us to easily walk to the fan zone and along the river, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the tournament alongside fellow fans. The convenience and quality of the accommodations truly enhanced our trip. Overall, World of Discoveries exceeded our expectations with their attention to detail, customer service, and seamless organization. They made our Euro 2024 experience unforgettable, and we wouldn't hesitate to book with them again for future adventures. Thank you, World of Discoveries, for an incredible journey!
Aubrey DeSouza
Australia
World Cup - Qatar Prior to our trip to the World Cup to Qatar, we were given helpful advice to plan the trip with staff of World of Discoveries (Wofdi). The Trip was very organized with good ground support and did not have any problems. The Wofdi was always just a "what app" away which was comforting and helpful Aubrey and Marilyn DeSouza
(02) 8310-7667
