Are you in quest for knowledge, pursuit of unique cultural experiences, a desire for adventure and relaxation on your next vacation? Does an unforgettable vacation include enjoying the amenities offered by modern cities as well as partaking in the rhythm of life of traditional societies? For the unforgettable vacation, come explore one of the African continent’s 54 countries with Maame Koranchee’s, a historical and cultural tour company. Situated in West Africa and bordering the North Atlantic, Ghana beckons you to share in its treasures by experiencing Ghana like Ghanaians do. Whatever you are looking for Ghana's GOT IT!
Seeking knowledge, an expansion of your horizon? Ghana's GOT IT! Demystify phrases like the "middle passage;" learn the impact of the "scramble for Africa" and discover a new perspective on the word "diaspora." Explore the historical links between the United States and Ghana and find out why major European powers built forts along Ghana's coast.
Seeking culture? Ghana's GOT IT! Enjoy scrumptious cuisine and dine with local families. Purchase interior decorative objets d'arts, artistic and well-crafted curios, furniture from centuries-old village artisans endowed with the crafts and techniques inherited through the generations.
Seeking adventure? Ghana's GOT IT! You will be able to walk or drive through wildlife reserves and encounter, tête à tête, elephants, antelopes, monkeys, crocodiles and even the Lion King. Watch an abundant and diverse array of chattering tropical birds weave their nests next to you at Ghana's pristine Kakum Rainforest; shimmer down to a valley using tree roots and branch limbs while drenched with the exuberant energy of waterfall; hike at an ecological village of over 200 acres of tropical temptations, encompassing mango, coconut, papaya, orange, pineapple, guava and avocado. Indulge in the lush riotous cornucopia of colors, aromas and tastes to delight the senses and entice the imagination.
Seeking relaxation, a different ambiance? Ghana's GOT IT! Ghana, on West Africa's coast, will mesmerize you with its sandy, spacious beaches, leafy residential neighborhoods, cosmopolitan cities, trendy cafes and abundant varied nightlife. Feel the excitement of New York City-type hectic juxtaposed with Ghanaian style laid-back where you can browse and buy mouthwatering foods from streets full of vendors and market stalls during the day and nights alive with "spot" bars, live highlife and drumming music.
Seeking a warm embrace? Ghana's GOT IT! You'll be greeted by soft, melodious tones and large, white, generous smiles. Oboroni, the affectionate Ghanaian term for foreigners, is a word that you will continuously hear from young children as you travel throughout Ghana. Ghanaians will captivate your heart with their warmth, radiant smiles and cheerful disposition.
With Ghana you GET IT ALL...history, culture, excitement, and relaxation. This personalized 12 day exciting adventure encompasses the "3C" triangle, focusing on how history and culture are interwoven in Ghanaian life.
Our tours are focused on you and are purposely limited to 10 people to ensure that you receive maximum attention. During this guided trip, you will understand and know Ghana by:
- Experiencing the fusion of indigenous and colonial influences that have shaped and formed the country;
- Visiting the colonial castles in Cape Coast, steeped with the history of the middle passage;
- Enjoying stunning views from a rainforest canopy at Kakum National Park;
- Dining with welcoming and warm Ghanaians at their homes;
- Losing yourself in exuberant dancing and drumming at celebration of life ceremonies;
- Watching artisans weave intricate, colorful Kente cloth and carve Ashanti stools and;
- Learning how the varied contrasting architectural designs are reflective of indigenous cultural practices.
Day 1 -- New York City
Depart from New York City’s JFK Airport in the evening.
Day 2 -- Accra
Evening arrival in Ghana the next day. Your ground crew will meet and whisk you through cosmopolitan Accra to our luxurious hotel.
At the hotel we'll use our Opening Ceremony to get down to the serious business of the Bienvenue or "Meet and Greet" Party.
The Bienvenue party enables the group to get acquainted and meet the ground crew.
Day 3 -- Cape Coast
After a full satisfying Ghanaian breakfast, we will leave by an air-conditioned minivan for Cape Coast, about a 3-hour
bus ride from Accra. At Cape Coast we will visit a string of historical forts including Cape Coast and Elmina castles
and explore the historical links between the US and Ghana through the infamous transatlantic trade. Using architecture,
you'll learn of the rationale for the construction and history of these forts and castles along Ghana's coast instead of
other countries along Africa's West coast.
We will visit the Gramophone Records Museum and Research Centre of Ghana and learn about the history of highlife music, a fusion of indigenous Ghanaian polyrhythms and jazz. The centre houses a collection of recordings made solely in Ghana and principally by Ghanaian musicians.
Day 4 -- Cape Coast & Kumasi
After breakfast, we head for Kakum National Park, about thirty minutes away from Cape Coast. The forest protects about 40 large mammal species including the forest elephant, roughly 275 types of birds and diverse flora. The canopy walk offers a chance to look into a rainforest, a truly breathtaking experience. From Cape Coast, we will complete the third leg of the "3C" triangle by traveling to Kumasi, Ghana’s second largest city with over a million plus residents and the capital of the Ashanti Region. Known also as the Kingdom of Gold, Kumasi and its surroundings are filled with fascinating craft villages.
Day 5 -- Around Kumasi
En route to the towns of Bonweri and Ahwiaa, we briefly
stop by "Magazine," an ingenious re-cycling neighborhood, filled with auto mechanic shops and mini factories.
The phrase "necessity is the mother of invention" will take on a whole new meaning as you learn of the resourcefulness Ghanaians
employ in taking discarded items and making them as good as new, be they household appliances or cars. At Bonweri we’ll watch artisans
weave Kente / Adinkira cloth and carve Ashanti stools respectively.
Breakfast and lunch would be provided. The evening is yours free. You might want to listen to live highlife or hip life (the local version of hip hop) music at Jofel's Restaurant or recorded music at any of the numerous spots along Bantama High Street. In Ghana, bars are called Spots.
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Day 6 -- Kumasi |
As usual we'll meet after a scrumptious breakfast before departing for Manhyia Palace to attend a traditional Ashanti
court in session. Here, justice is dispensed on a reconciliatory instead of punitive basis. We'll visit the small, but interesting history museum
there as well as the museum at the Cultural Centre, which contains a model Akan village, handicraft centres and a library.
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Day 7 -- Kumasi
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We go shopping after breakfast. Our tour takes us to the Kumasi Central Market, the largest open air market in West Africa, containing more than 10,000 stalls of: clothing, textiles, shoes, jewelry, metal works, pottery, curios, crafts, souvenirs and food. Although the market appears to be a complex labyrinthine it is very orderly and it is laid out in sections and rows according to items sold. Yep, it may be easy to get lost, but then, getting “lost” is part of the fun of exploring this market. |
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Your evening is busy and filled with excitement! It starts with a dinner, followed by a lecture from the Archbishop of Kumasi, the Rt. Rev Peter Sarpong. Rev Sarpong, a renowned Anthropologist, would provide a socio-political and religious retrospective view of Ghana yesterday, today and tomorrow. The evening’s entertainment continues with a private performance by the Musico-Liturgical Cultural Troupe. The group performs the 7 major dances from the 5 ethnic groups in Ghana.
Day 8 -- Kumasi & Accra
Return back to Accra after breakfast. We’ll dedicate today to acquainting ourselves with the city and visiting a couple of museums, including the Arts Center. You are on your own this evening to take in the sights, smells and sounds of Accra. Stroll down Oxford Street, aka Osu Main Street to dine, dance and/or listen to live music at:
- Restaurants serving international cuisines including: i.e., Maquis Tante Marie (Ivorian & Ghanaian), Sole Mio (Italian), Monsoon (sushi), La Chamere (French), Tandoor Restaurant (Indian), Cedars Restaurant (Lebanese); Lalibela (Ethiopian); El Gaucho (Argentinean steakhouse); Pearl of the East (Chinese); La Palm Hotel (Continental)
- Night clubs such as The Indigo, Macumba, Fusion and Waikiki for recorded music
- Live local music at the Byewell Bar, Ups, and Chester's Place
- Cafes including Frankie’s, Tiptoe, Vasili's Bakery
- Bars with terraces such as Strawberry’s, and at Alliance Française
Day 9 -- Accra
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Today is your day to shop until you drop dead. The Arts Center, The Loom, National Cultural Center, Makola Market and numerous boutiques scattered around the city would be fair game for shopping. Later on, we’ll embark on some architectural sightseeing around the city – James Town, Osu, Ussher town. We’ll dine with an upper middle class family in one of Accra’s toniest neighborhood. |
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Day 10 -- Accra
No activity schedule for the morning. Arrangement would be made for those interested in attending church / religious services.
We’ll picnic at one of the city’s numerous and sandy beaches. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suites. Breakfast and lunch would be provided.
Day 11 -- Around Accra
Day trip to Akuapem Hills: Visits to Basel-influenced architectural villages and the Tetteh Quarshie Farm, site of Ghana's first cocoa farm.
Ghana is the world's second largest producer of cocoa, the main ingredient of sweet indulgences from Godiva chocolate to Hershey's kisses.
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Day 12 -- Accra
Debrief after breakfast and end with the Closing Ceremony. Free day…you are on your own. Depart for New York City.
General Information:
This tour begins at $5,050 - $5,149/pp double occupancy prices. A deposit of $550 holds your spot and is due with your
registration form 90 days prior to departure (August 8th 2006, Feb 12th & May 1st, 2007). Deposits are fully refundable until dates noted. Tour price must be paid in full 45 days before the start of the tour. The all inclusive price1 includes:
- Expert leadership provided by Nita Brown and your ground operator, Kofi Acheampong
- Roundtrip trip airfare to Accra, Ghana from JFK Airport, New York City.
- 12 days, 11 nights at various luxurious hotels where you’ll indulge yourself in world renowned Ghanaian hospitality
- Ground transportation (air-conditioned minivan) including airport transfers as noted in schedule
- Meals, including bottled water as noted (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)
- Sightseeing, attractions/parks entrance fees and permits, cultural performances and shows
All Maame Koranchee tours begin with a Bienvenue Party, where we "meet and greet" each other. It will briefly take place at the airport, followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at a five-star hotel or four-diamond inn.
For the detailed itinerary, go to www.maame-koranchees.com/tours.html. You can also contact us at 585-305-8292 or info@maame-koranchees.com or go to the Registration Form. We do pair up roommates, so let us know if you are a single and in search of a roommate. Akwaaba and we’ll see you in the Ghana!
1 Subject to change
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