Ghana - Togo - Benin

Parokess is what we call a spammer, scammer or tout. Ignore and his post will go away once the powers that be take notice.

Your trip will be fine. Wherever you are, there are ways to get to wherever you want to go. People are friendly. The food is nutritious. Everyone wants your money, in exchange for which they'll tend to your needs. If you don't speak the language (as it sounds), you'll get very accomplished at making your needs known in other ways. But do take a phrasebook at the very least.

enjoy,

Mark

Don't hire spamming "guides" from Thorn Tree forums.

English is limited in Benin and Togo, but still because of proximity of Ghana and NIgeria, you will find people who speak at least some basic English.

Timewise the trip is feasible and sounds like a nice plan.
I would avoid bribing officials, it is illegal and while it may help you on some occasions, on others you might get in trouble because of it (there are anti corruption campains in these countries and maybe some vigilante might decide to report on you, which they have the right to do of course and then the trouble might be worse that what you were trying to avoid by giving the bribe in the first place)

Enjoy your trip

Thank you Mark And Liza... Your suggestions were very useful.
We haven't decided yet about the tour. We'll probably avoid benin and tour through Ghana and Togo; we prefer to relax on the way and not rush to be wherever and see nothing.

Have a good time

Remember that even though local transportation is available, if you use tro tros or bush taxis, it's commonplace that they won't move until every seat has been purchased. So you can end up sometimes waiting hours to take off. Delays are common even with the Ghana state run bus system, which is a big step up from the bush taxis.

Also, even though the distances don't seem very far, often the roads are in deplorable condition with large potholes. They won't always be paved. So travel times will be more than you may think.

I think it's good you decided to skip Benin. Three weeks is not a lot of time to see both Togo and Ghana, especially if going by public transport. (The Kpalimè area is lovely!)

Have a wonderful time!

To cross Ghana-Togo-Benin border is easy. You do not have to bribe anybody. You will get many so called contractors who can help you to pass formalities, but no need. VISA is available on the border, but it is better to organize them in Accra. Mostly a question of 24 hours for not more than 30USD for each. VISAs on the border have limited validity, esp. Benin which is 24 hours.
If you use your privat car, you will need international insurance and certificate of road worthiness. Than you will just add lesse passe (vignette touristique) on the border for 10 000CFA/month.
Public transport is widely available, but tiring.
Language is French or local Ewe, but you will find some people speaking basic english (definitelly more than in Cote d'Ivoire, isn't it Kira :-).

I was through this way in February of this year.

As mentioned, you will have no problems at the border. Transport along these coastal routes is quick and regular.

I highly recommend that you skip Togoville...it is a complete ripoff. If you do decide to go keep in mind that they will not allow you to take the local pirogue to get there but will have to hire one at a hugely inflated rate. You will also not be allowed to look around the village on your own but will have to have a guide at a rate of 10 000CFA (I'm not sure if this is per person as I was alone). If you try to haggle the price down you will be treated rudely. I balked at this fee and turned to leave and the rate dropped quickly, finally settling on 3000 CFA....still too much for what there was to see.

Aneho is a much more pleasant place to stay and to look around...a much better experience than Togoville.

If you stop in Ouidah beware the Oasis Hotel...the fellow there is a rip off artist. Unfortunately there is little choice about where to stay....just don't order any meals there without settling on a final price and definitely don't let him 'help' you set up a tour of town or organize onward transportation.

The stilt village of Ganvie was actually quite a pleasant experience despite the inflated tourist prices...I would definitely recommend it. Don't pay extra for a boat with a motor...not worth it...and if you have time, wait at the landing to see if some other tourist arrive to share the cost of your boat.

In Abomey I stayed at the friendly Auberge Mon Repos...clean, comfortable and great value.

I'm not sure if there is any point in you going up to Kumasi though it is a much nicer city than Accra. Trains don't run anymore.
You would be better to spend your time exploring all the forts and villages along the coast.
Elmina is a fantastic place...better than Cape Coast....and is an easy daytrip if you are staying in Cape Coast.

Thank you everybody, your information are super!!! ;o))