Description

This remarkable trip through Ghana, Togo and Benin boasts all of the best bits of these three diverse and fascinating West African countries. From the butterfly sanctuary of Mount Klouto to the ancient voodoo culture of Ouidah and the unbelievable two-storey mud huts of the Tammari people, there’s no shortage of authentic West African sights on this jaunt. Journeying from Ghana by truck and bush camping along the way presents bucketloads of opportunities to really appreciate the stunning landscapes and diverse scenery of this part of the continent. Wildlife lovers will be thrilled at the chance to witness elephants, hippos, buffalos and some of the last populations of West African lions in Pendjari National Park, while chill-seekers will get their kicks lazing on the lovely beaches of Grand Popo. This comprehensive 21-day adventure showcases these three wonderful countries and offers an unrivalled way to experience a healthy slice of West African life.

Highlights

• Travel across Lake Togo on a pirogue dugout canoe trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 Accra

Enjoy a free afternoon in Ghana’s sprawling capital. Whether kicking back on one of the many beaches, enjoying the street musicians and acrobats, or taking in some history at the National Museum, there’s something for every type of traveller in Accra.

Day 2 Akosombo/Lake Volta

The largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Volta covers almost 4% of Ghana’s landmass. Explore the workings of the hydroelectric Akosombo Dam while visiting this remarkable site.

Days 3-4 Mount Klouto

Arrive at the spectacular Mount Klouto, where an evening of drumming and voodoo offers an authentic African experience. Perhaps embark on a hike and discover the area’s dense forest and gently cascading streams and waterfalls.

Days 5-6 Bush Camp

Experience a wild African bush camp after journeying through Togo and soaking up some of the dramatic scenery along the way.

Days 7-8 Tata Somba Region

Stay in an eco-lodge in Tata Somba, and discover the incredible mud houses of the Tammari people. A World Heritage site, these two-storey fort-like structures are a truly impressive spectacle.

Days 9-10 Pendjari National Park

The stunning surrounds of Pendjari National Park offer a fantastic environment for embarking on game drives in the truck. Abundant with wildlife including elephants, hippos, buffalo, antelopes and some of the last populations of West African lions - there’s no shortage of astonishing natural sights here.

Day 11 Bush Camp

Journey through Benin and gaze out across captivating West African landscapes en route to another wild bush camping experience.

Day 12 Abomey

Camp overnight in the ancient capital of what was once one of the most powerful empires in Africa - the Dahomey Kingdom. Discover some of the kingdom’s history by visiting original Dahomeyan palaces and temples, or stopping by the Musee Historique D’Abomey.

Day 13 Ganvie

Jump aboard pirogues (dugout canoes) and explore Ganvie, a town built entirely on stilts in the middle of a lagoon. Spend a night in the stilt village – remarkable in that it’s home to more than 10,000 people – and learn more about the history of what is possibly the largest lake village in the whole of Africa.

Day 14 Ouidah

Paddle the pirogues back to shore and continue on to Ouidah – the centre of Benin’s Voodoo culture – and discover the intriguing Musee d’histoire d’Ouidah, which offers an interesting insight into the area’s Voodoo history.

Days 15-16 Grand Popo

Get in some rest and relaxation West African style on the beach at Grand Popo. Once a port that serviced the slave trade, the town is now a lovely spot to spend a lazy couple of days.

Days 17-18 Agbodrafo

Head to the shoes of Lake Togo, where an auberge (inn) in the quiet town of Agbodrafo will be home for the next couple of nights. A perfectly idyllic spot to wind down and partake in some watersports, the trip will also venture across the lake on pirogues to Togoville, another hotspot of the Voodoo culture.

Day 19 Keta

The largest wetlands site in Ghana, the Keta Lagoon Complex is abundant with bird, fish and butterfly species, and is a great place to do some wildlife spotting. After getting acquainted with some colourful creatures, perhaps discover the remains of Fort Prinzenstein, a slave den built by the Danes 300 years ago.

Days 20-21 Accra

Arrive back in Accra and perhaps pick up some local souvenirs from the craft market or reminisce about the adventure with the rest of the group over one last dinner together. There’s also a lively nightlife in Accra, so there’s ample opportunity for the trip to end with a bang.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Bush camp (no facilities), Camping (with facilities), Guesthouse, Hotel, Lodge

Transport

Canoe, Overland vehicle

Important notes

Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.