Ghana: History, Heritage & Culture
August 9–17, 2025
Akwaaba (welcome)! Join fellow alumni on a trip to Ghana. Formerly known as the Gold Coast, experience ancient traditions amid 21st century modernity. It’s deep history of pan-Africanism, powerful kingdoms, the trans-Saharan trade route that spanned all the way to the Mediterranean coast, and the dark era of the west African slave trade makes it a must-see destination.
As one of the first African countries to gain independence from the British in 1957, Ghana was visited by civil rights iconsW.E.B. Dubois and Martin Luther King. Today, Ghana’s political stability attracts western investments as well as those looking to re-connect with their roots or immerse themselves in its flourishing art, fashion, and music scene.
Travelers returning from Ghana often sum up their immersion experience by comparing it to the hand woven kente cloth worn locally by men and women: unique, understated, sophisticated and polyphonic. Each color and shape symbolize a unique story that can only be felt by visiting there.
Activity Level: Varies from easy to moderate. Travel between sites will be by bus. Every effort will be made to ensure your comfort however it will be the responsibility of the guest to discuss any concerns you may have with the tour operator and Dartmouth Alumni Travel. Please consult with your doctor regarding this trip, its length and location and share this brochure with them.
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Aug 9, 2025: Depart U.S.
Depart the U.S. for your overnight flight to Accra.
*This is a recommended departure date. Should you wish to arrive early, please contact Immersion Journeys. The cost for the early arrival hotel is $335 per room per night (double or single) inclusive of breakfast and taxes.
Aug 10, 2025: Arrive in Accra
Arrive in Accra, the commercial and legislative capital of Ghana. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Evening orientation followed by a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Movenpick Hotel. Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Aug 11, 2025: Accra City Tour — Visit a Traditional African Market
Travel through the administrative and economic districts of Accra. Highlights include the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Pan African Culture, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Independence/Black Star Square. Learn about important events in Ghana’s history and how it became Africa’s first independent country from British rule.
Time permitting, stop at the Arts Center to shop for goods from Ghana and West Africa in an open-air market setting.
Overnight: Movenpick Hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aug 12, 2025: Cape Coast and Kakum Rain Forest
Depart to Cape Coast and Kakum National Park— one of West Africa’s last surviving tropical rain forests. Take a guided 2 kilometer nature walk through the rain forest to discover the wide variety of exotic flora and fauna species and learn about the medicinal values they offer. For those who want a different perspective climb the forty-meter-high canopy walkway. Visit the infamous forts, castles, and slave dungeons of Ghana. History will unfold with stories of the dark history of the slave trade whose impact is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today. Visit the Cape Coast Castle built by the Swedes in 1653. Learn about the relationship between the western slave traders and the African tribes that made the trans- Atlantic slave trade possible. Experience the dungeon where slaves were housed and forced to walk through the ‘Door of No Return’ knowing that their fate was sealed forever. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum. Return to Accra in the evening.
Overnight: Movenpick Hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aug 13, 2025: Accra — Kumasi
Explore the legends of the famous Ashanti people- a powerful tribe whose legacy is still evident today. En route you will have an opportunity to visit some of Ghana’s famous craft.
Overnight: Lancaster Kumasi City. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aug 14, 2025: Ashanti Craft Villages
Visit the Manhyia Palace Museum to learn about the legacy of the Ashanti kingdom. This regal history dates back to 1700 with ancient relics and artifacts on display.
End the day at the National Cultural Center which features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and various studios of brass makers, potters and batik makers.
Overnight: Lancaster Kumasi City. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aug 15, 2025: Kumasi — Akosombo
Depart for to Akosombo. Pay a visit to the chief and elders of Torgorme Village. Participate in a naming ceremony of recognition, where a Ghanaian name is given to participants followed by a celebration of an honorary residency bestowed on each guest.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Overnight: The Royal Senchi Hotel and Resort. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aug 16, 2025: Aksombo — Accra (via Lake Volta)
Enjoy a boat ride on the Volta Lake. The world’s largest artificial lake (3,200 sq. miles in surface area) created after the construction of Aksombo dam in 1965. The lake and dam supplies much of Ghana’s water and hydroelectricity.
Arrive in Accra in the late afternoon. Evening farewell dinner.
Overnight: Movenpick Hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aug 17, 2025: Transfer to Accra Airport
Check out and transfer to the Accra airport for your flight back home or continue on your optional extension to Mole National Park in Ghana’s northern region. (Click on Optional Post-Trip tab above).
