Ghana: Exploring the History, Culture &
Legacy of West Africa
Accra • Cape Coast • Kumasi • Akosombo
April 10-18, 2026
Akwaaba (welcome)! Join fellow alumni on a trip to Ghana. Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana’s deep history of pan-Africanism, powerful kingdoms, its position on the trans-Saharan trade route, as well as its role in the dark era of the West African slave trade, makes it an important and educational destination. As one of the first African countries to gain independence from the British in 1957, Ghana was visited by civil rights icons including W.E.B. Dubois and Martin Luther King. Today, Ghana’s political stability attracts Western investments as well as those looking to reconnect with their roots or immerse themselves in its flourishing art, fashion, and music scene. Join us for what promises to be a profound opportunity to connect with other members of the Tufts alumni community as we collectively dive into the history, creativity, and cultural pride that makes Ghana unique and special.
[B- Breakfast L- Lunch D- Dinner]
APRIL 10, 2026 – DEPART U.S.
Embark on your journey to Ghana with an overnight flight to Accra. (Early arrival option available. Contact Immersion Journeys for details.)
*This is a recommended departure date. Should you wish to arrive early, please contact Immersion Journeys. The cost for the early arrival hotel is $386 per room per night (double or single) inclusive of breakfast and taxes.
APRIL 11, 2026 – ARRIVE IN ACCRA (WELCOME – AKWAABA)
Upon arrival in Accra, you’ll be greeted with a warm “Akwaaba,” meaning “Welcome!” and transferred to your luxurious hotel for check-in. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an orientation session to start your journey, followed by a welcoming dinner showcasing local flavors and traditions.
Overnight a Movenpick Hotel (Welcome Dinner with two glasses of house wine, local beer, or soft drinks).
APRIL 12, 2026 – ACCRA CITY TOUR – VISIT A TRADITIONAL AFRICAN MARKET
Start your day with a guided tour of Accra’s vibrant districts, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Visit iconic landmarks such as the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Pan African Culture and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where you’ll learn about Ghana’s journey to independence and the legacy of its first president. Continue exploring with a visit to Independence Square, the symbolic heart of Ghana’s freedom. If time allows, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Arts Center, where you can shop for hand-crafted goods representing the rich culture of West Africa.
Overnight at Movenpick Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
APRIL 13, 2026 – TORGOME VILLAGE/ NAMING CEREMONY/ VOLTA RIVER BOAT RIDE
After breakfast, depart to a beautiful village located on the lower course of the splendid Volta River. You will pay a courtesy call on the chief and elders amidst traditional drumming and dancing by the villagers. The group will participate in a naming ceremony of recognition, where a Ghanaian name is given to participants, and a gift presented as part of celebrating a new identity as a Ghanaian and a member of the local community.
After lunch, embark on an hour boat ride on the Volta River which will provide an opportunity to see the Adomi Bridge. Return to Accra after the day’s activities.
Overnight at Movenpick Hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
APRIL 14, 2026 – CAPE COAST 115 miles/ ~3.5 hrs drive
Depart to Cape Coast. Visit the infamous forts, castles, and slave dungeons of Ghana. Here, history will unfold with stories of the dark history of the slave trade which the 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; go deep into 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.
Overnight at AnoMansa Beach Resort. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
APRIL 15, 2026 – ACCRA – SLAVE RIVER – KUMASI CITY TOUR 130 miles/ ~5 hrs with comfort stops
Depart to Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Empire. Explore the legends of the famous Ashanti people- a powerful tribe whose legacy are still evident today. On the way to Kumasi you will stop at the site of “Donkor Nsuo”, the former slave river and market. This was probably the last stop before arriving in Cape Coast and eventually put on ships bound for the Caribbean and the Americas. This is also the final resting place of two ancestors whose remains were returned from the U.S. and Jamaica and re-interred there.
Stop at the Manhyia Palace Museum which has an exceptional collection of Ashanti artifacts and relics going back to the 1700. Kumasi is quite a modern small city and a quick tour will include stops at the National Cultural Centre that houses the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum named after the late Ashanti king.
Overnight at Lancaster Kumasi City Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
APRIL 16, 2026 – ASHANTI CRAFT VILLAGES
Delve deeper into the history and craftsmanship of the Ashanti Kingdom with a visit to the Manhyia Palace Museum, where you’ll see royal artifacts and hear stories about the Ashanti royal family, whose legacy continues to influence the region. Then, visit the National Cultural Center to explore traditional Ashanti crafts such as brass making, pottery, and batik, giving you a hands-on experience of the region’s artistic traditions.
Overnight at Lancaster Kumasi City. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
APRIL 17, 2026 – KUMASI – ACCRA by plane.
Return to Accra by flight. Evening farewell dinner.
Overnight at Movenpick Hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
APRIL 18, 2026: TRANSFER TO ACCRA AIRPORT
Check out and transfer to the Accra airport for your flight back to home or continue on your optional extension to Mole National Park in Ghana’s northern region.
$5,745 per person (double occupancy)
$1,415 single room supplement (extremely limited and on first come basis)
Includes:
- All accommodations as specified in this itinerary.
- 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- Lunches and dinners include 1 soft drink per person.
- Gratuities/ tips to guide, driver, porters.
- All ground transportation and transfers as per itinerary or similar.
- Entrance fees for all tours and excursions specified in the itinerary.
- Full time professional driver, tour guide/ tour director.
Not Included in Main trip land Cost:
- International flights.
- Passport and Ghana visa fees.
- Vaccinations, medication. *Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination at the time of your visa application.
- Meals not specified in this itinerary.
- Additional beverages
- Trip insurance.
- Personal items such as laundry, fax, telephone, souvenirs and gift shop purchases.
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Due to the nature of the areas we will be visiting, this program involves some walking on uneven terrain or up and down stairs possibly without handrails. Participants who are not able to walk unassisted for extended periods are kindly advised not to join this tour unless accompanied by n able-bodied companion who will be able to assist you at all times. Travel between places of interest will be by a combination of coach often over bumpy and dusty terrain. Every effort will be made to ensure your comfort however it will be the responsibility of the guest to advise the tour operator and Tufts University regarding any concerns you may have. Please consult with your doctor regarding this trip, its length and location and share this brochure with them.
Optional Extension to Mole National Park (April 18-21, 2026)
Cost: $2,295 per person (double occupancy)/ $450 single room occupancy)
Includes: 3 nights at Zaina Lodge with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, one safari game drive per day with a professional English-speaking guide, Mognori village visit, round trip flights (Accra-Tamale-Accra) and roundtrip airport transfers.
Excludes: drinks, tips/ gratuities to guide, drivers, lodge staff, gift shop purchases, laundry
Please note that the tour operator can customize any pre or post trip tour. Please contact Immersion Journeys.
TOUR RESERVATION FORM- Ghana: Exploring the History, Culture and Legacy of West Africa
To reserve a space, please complete and return this form. We will not process your deposit until you are assigned a place on the tour. Please contact 917-686-2620 (info@immersionjourneys.com) if you have any questions about the registration process.