Traditional/ Eco-tour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRADITIONAL TOUR AND ECO-TOURISM DESTINATIONS

This program is designed for interested volunteers and tourists or visitors. We focused on local cultures, wilderness adventures, personal growth and learning different ways of living in the vulnerable. we offer trips to different destinations where fauna, floral and cultural heritage are being the primary attractions. To discover Ghana is to discover a new adventure. Whether you intend to visit our castles or the national parks, or to trek through the traditional villages. Each day will become a new and exciting adventure. Journey to the hills and river valleys where fishing and traditional folklore abounds. Hiking, river rafting and canoeing, villages and beaches, culture and photo tours, traditional histories ,historic sites, traditional drumming and dances ,exotic natural habitants, nature tourism, trekking, animal sanctuaries an  for a scenes of a spectacular natural beauty etc.

EXPLORE COMMUNITY BASED ECOTOURISM AND FOSTER HOMES ACROSS GHANA. (AN EXCITING FOREST AND HANDICRAFT EXPERIENCES)

Ecotourism destinations in Ghana boast of unique natural attractions against the backdrop of interested cultures of basically rural communities. The attraction ranges from picturesque, lush green vegetation and waterfalls, to hikes through tropical forest, mountain climbing, endangered species of monkeys, crocodiles, hippos and elephants, show some love for children in foster homes and interactions with friendly village folk.

Income generated from these exciting experiences will be used to develop a community by providing them with basic amenities such as electricity, toilet facilities, borehole water systems, donation of items to orphanages, donation of educational materials to street children schools, organizing HIV/AIDS awareness programs in government schools and for providing farming tools for local farmers.

Visitors are encouraged to join these unique and interesting ecotourism and handicraft destinations, have fulfilling cultural exchanges and contribute vitally to help alleviate poverty through your experience in Ghana.

Each destination comes with different fee due to different costs of transportation, lodging, meals and site charges. Singles, families or groups are welcome all year round. It is acceptable for visitors also to select from any of the destinations they want to visit.

Apart from the destinations below there are other destinations such as Wechiau Hippo sanctuary, Paga crocodile pond and Nania Slave Camp,Widnaba,Tongo Hill and Tengzug Shrines, Sirigu Pottery and Art to be arrange on arrival. It takes about a day or two to get to these destinations. Costs are slightly  higher than the destinations below.

 

 
Below will explained to you some of the destinations, activities and some pictures.

 

 

WALKING TOUR TO ACCRA ARTS CENTRE

Presents traditional handicraft in various forms from all over Ghana. It includes workshops and art gallery. There is an art and craft bazaar and a traditional textile market with souvenir that has been crafted in dry wood, leather and metal, an indoor market with stalls selling fabrics; beads; bangles; headgear; footwear; tee shirts etc.

Activities

• A visit to LOFA ARTS at the centre will teach you to make an African drums and materials being used.
• History will be told about the uses of KPALOGO and DJEMBE drums and SHAKERS.
• Make your own African instrument while being guided and take home as a gift.
• A visit to TOLOBA PAINTINGS, information about rare African paintings signifies and their meanings. Here you can try some abstract paintings and take home as a gift.
• Walking tour through the centre, interact with the local craft men and visitors. 

       
*A quick walk through MAKOLA MARKET where thousands of people coming from all walks of life, Statue of MANTSE TAKIE TAWIAH ( king and war leader of the Ga states.

 

TREKKING TO ABURI MOUNTAIN AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
Aburi gardens is situated just after you have descended from the Aburi mountains. The mountain is in a form of a chain mountain with road around the shoulders of it.Good for panoramic views of the Volta lake, villages, farmlands, newly buildings atop of the mountain etc.

Activities

Walking tour through the garden and take a breath.

•  Walking tour through Aburi township, interact with the local people
• Visit the nearby villages and farmland tours
• Visit TUTU chief palace to offer some schnapps to the chief to inform him of your visit.
• Engage yourself with village activities in the night.

TREKKING TO KAKUM NATIONAL PARK
A 357 km square National Park comprising undisturbed virgin rainforest, Excellent walking tour ( and canopy walkway) through the forest provides the opportunity to see much of Ghana’s indigenous plant-life’s, as well as rare butterflies, birds and game ( that could include the extraordinary bongo and forest elephant. 
Activities

• Forest walk
• Enjoy the treetop canopy walkway with a panoramic views.
• Bird watch
• Hiking through the medicinal plants
• Walking tour through the slave forts and castles
• Interact with local fishermen bringing in their net etc.
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AMEDZOFE
(where the sky is the limit)
You are welcome to this picturesque hilltop settlement of extraordinary beauty, which rests at 2,500 feet above the sea level. It is an ideal location for visitors looking for a refreshing, near temperate climate and panoramic views.

Activities
Climb to the top of Mount Gemi and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding townships and the entire scenery.

• Take a high adventure descent along a sleep-sided mountain to a cool and beautiful water-fall.
• Learn about the history and traditions of the town, including the German occupation and influence in the town.
• Spend some time with an orphanage by helping to bath the orphans, cooking and help them with their home work.
• Hike through farmlands and forest and observe exotic flowers, birds and butterflies along the way.

 

TAGBO FALLS
Late Wote , home of the serene Tagbo and Afajato, the highest mountain in Ghana (2905 feet above sea level) is a peaceful village nestled at the foot of the range of mountains that make up the Ghana/Togo border.

Activities

• Conquer the highest mountain in Ghana, Afajato for rewarding breathtaking views.
• Take a hike through a forest of coffee and cocoa plantations to the serene and beautiful Tagbo waterfall. Swim in the refreshing pool.
• Engage yourself in the village life with farm tours, village tours, palm wine tapping beekeeping tours etc.

TAFI ATOME (Monkey sanctuary)
A beautiful and peaceful village surrounded by indigenous tropical forest with high floral concentration situated in the heart of the Volta Region. Tafi Atome is home to sacred and rare population of Mona monkeys. Experience village life and enjoy the culture of Tafi.

Activities

• View the endangered Mona monkeys in their natural habitat. Early morning and late evening are recommended.
• Have a fist hand experience of village life, or visit the nearby kente weaving village of Abuife.
• Participate in the local entertainment package of story telling and traditional drumming and dances.
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XAVI (Bird watching sanctuary)
The Lotor river at Xavi is nestled by coastal savannah fringing the wetlands of the Avu Lagoon. Here, a great diversity of birds can be viewed whilst padding a canoe across the river.

Activities

• Bird watching on the Lotor river especially in the early hours of morning and late evenings.
• A cruise on the Lator river that provides a chance to observe the local fishing practices, view beautiful and diverse flora that frames the river and sightings of other wildlife such us the fames green mamba.
• Village life experiences including shrines and the performance of traditional rites and a tour of the spectacular Baobab grove.

WASSA DORMAMA (Rock shrine)
A giant rock formation wrapped in a forest of high trees, gnarled ancient twines and soft undergrowth.

Activities

• Hike through forest and farmlands to an awe-inspiring giant rack formation used as a shrine by the local people. Try to climb it.
•  Enjoy canoe ride on river Pra. The river cruise is not available on Wednesdays.
• Participate in all aspect of village life from farm tours, through domestic chores.

BOBIRI FOREST AND BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY.
Bobiri forest is a protected area of 54.5 sq km virgin semi-deciduous tropical rain forest, with many tall and ancient trees. It has an arboretum with beautiful landscaped grounds and flower gardens designed to attract the over 500 species of butterflies in the forest..

Activities

• Butterfly viewing in the butterfly sanctuary especially in the months of April and July.
• Learning about the different trees along the nature trails.
• Ideal site for picnic and retreats.
• Enjoy village life in Kubease.

 

TANO SACRED GROVE
The Tano Sacred Grove encloses a cluster of striking sandstone rock formation nestled within a semi-deciduous forest. This natural attraction is closely linked with the history and the tradition of the Bono people.

Activities

• Explore the beauty of a natural phenomenon while standing atop towering rock formation.
• Hiking along nature trails and observe a variety of plant, tree, bird and butterfly species. Lucky to sight baboons and antelopes.
• Hear the history of Tano Boase; Tano Sacred Grove is the site of one of the earliest Bono settlements.
• Have a first hand experience of the daily village life.

 

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BOABENG FIEMA (Monkey sanctuary)
Boabeng Fiema is a twin village where monkeys live happily with human beings. The monkeys made up of about 200 Colobus monkeys and 500 Mona monkeys have enjoyed the hospitality of the village folk that have held the monkeys sacred for over 150 years.

Activities

• Have a rare encounter with the endangered monkeys in their natural habitat.
• Have a guided tour of the forest and learn about the history and tradition of the people and the monkeys.
• Go on walking tour of the villages where you can see monkeys interacting with the people and learn more about life in the village.

 

TRADITIONAL TOUR:PLACES PROPOSED TO VISIT DURING YOUR TIME IN GHANA:
*Traditional drumming and dancing centers (here tourist can learn how to beat the drum and traditional ways of dancing which requires about 2-3 days of lesson).
*King,chiefs/queens palaces (a gift of a bottle of local schnapps is required).
*Art and handicraft centers (here you can start your traditional Ghanaian bargaining, try your hands on some paintings and making of traditional drums).
*Traditional name-giving ceremonies.(here you will learn how a Ghanaian baby is named in the day of birth, pouring of libation is inclusive).
*Traditional religious beliefs villages.
*Traditional festivities
*Traditional villages (hiking through small villages)
*Traditional shrine centers
*Traditional kente clothing woven centers.
*Traditional healers (uses of herbal medicines to cure a wide variety of ailments).
*Traditional durbar of chiefs and festival regata. (mostly occurs when the festival has ended)
*Traditional kente dressing(here you will be dress as a chief and Ghanaian name is given to you representing a stool name with a tribe)
*Traditional beads factory
*Traditional marriage ceremony
*Traditional Ghanaian naming to tourists(you will be given a Ghanaian name on the day by which you were born. E.g Monday male born is Kodjwo, Adjua for female born on Monday.
LIST OF MAJOR FESTIVALS:

FESTIVAL                                            MONTHS
Adae and Akwesidae                         Every six(6) weeks throughout the year
Ngmeyen                                             New year
Gogolo                                                 March
Dipo                                                     May
Aboakyere                                          May
Bakatue                                              July
Asafotufiam                                       July/August
Odambes                                            August
Damba                                                August
Kumdum                                             August/November
Homowo                                             August September
Fetu Afahye                                       September
Kobine                                                September
Odwira                                               September
Hogbetsotso                                     November


Cost per person for two days is 150 USD .Mostly touring is done every weekend.( Saturday and Sundays). However special discount cost can be arranged for a group of three or more persons participating for about a week or more. Cost includes food, accommodation (home-stay and guest house) Transportation to and from sites, airport pick-up and drop-off, donation for community development projects and administrative expenses.