Let us take you back to Africa. Travel with Mike One Travel as we take you on the trip of a lifetime. Let us go to Africa. Let us go to Ghana! Before March 1957 Ghana was called the Gold Coast. The Portuguese came to Ghana in the 15th century and found so much gold between the rivers Ankobra and the Volta that they named the place Mina - meaning Mine. Later the Gold Coast would be colonized by the English. On March 6th, 1957, the Gold Coast gained independence and became the nation of Ghana.
Accra
Our journey takes you through Ghana’s capital Accura. Experience the busy streets of Accra with a population of over 2 million. Experience the culture, the people, and the history. Accra is known for giving its visitors the cultural experience of a lifetime.
Mission
This trip would give travelers the opportunity to participate in mission. You would experience what it feels like to help others in need. While this is voluntary, travelers would be encouraged to make small donations directly to the Hebron school located in Accra and the Nzulezu villagers.
Cape Coast and Elmina Castles
We would then travel from Accra to the Cape Cost Regions where we will visit the Cape Cost Castles and Elmina Castle. Cabo Corso,’ meaning ‘short cape’, is the name the Portuguese settled on for the local settlement within which its trade lodge was built in 1555. Its corruption to ‘Cape Coast’ is now the accepted name of the capital of the Central Region of Ghana. The Swedes, led by Krusenstjerna, however, were the initiators of the permanent structure presently known as Cape Coast Castle. They built a fort in 1653 and named it Carlousburg, after King Charles X of Sweden.
Its proximity to St. George’s Castle (Elmina Castle) and its sheltered beach were all forceful ‘pull factors’ for European nations to the Cape Coast. In addition, the immense viability of the area’s trade implied that the ensuing quest for control led to the Swedes having trouble holding on to their fort. It was captured in turn by the Danes and the local Fetu chief.
Dutch occupation commenced in 1660. Finally, the British fleet, led by Captain Holmes, conquered the fort in 1665 and by 1700, had upgraded it into a castle.
Colonial rivalry between England and France peaked in 1757 during the Seven Years’ War. A French naval squadron bombarded Cape Coast Castle, leaving it badly damaged, and after 1760, the English reconstructed the castle entirely - with more durable materials and an improved sea defence system.
The English retained control of the Castle into the late 19th century. The slave trade was principal until its ban in 1807 by the British, and it ‘is estimated that around 1700, the Royal African Company was exporting some 70,000 slaves per annum to the New World’ . After 1807, trade centred on precious metals, ivory, corn and pepper. In the eighteenth century, the castle’s role altered, as it became the centre of European education in Ghana.
The Cape Coast Castle has served as the West African headquarters of the president of the Committee of Merchants; the seat of the British governor; and a school.
Open to the public, it is currently a historical museum with a Ghanaian arts and crafts gift shop, and it is the regional headquarters of Ghana Museums and Monuments Board.
Source: Ghana Museums
Kakum National Park
We will then make our way to Kakum National Park. Kakum National Park is in the southern central part of Ghana not too far from the coast. The national park encompasses an area of 145 square miles (375 sq km). The park is named after the Kakum River which begins inside the protected. This is Ghana's most visited natural attraction. The prominent landscape of the park is tropical forest accounting for 90% of the park landscape. It is one of three places in Africa that features a canopy walk through the trees. The elevation of the park varies from 443 feet (135 m) to 820 feet (250 m) with moist evergreen making up most of the forested area. Wildlife includes buffalo, elephants, civet, monkeys, hog, crocodile, and the North Africa crested porcupine. Who knows which you will see as you take the guided treks along the jungle floor or the canopy walkway up in the trees. Visitors should try the elevated canopy trail that provides a bird's-eye view of the forest beneath. There are 266 species of birds within the park boundaries. It has the most populous collection of forest elephants within the country.
Please note: Entrance to Kakum National Park is not included in the package.
Nzulezu Village over Water
The adventure continues as we make our wat to Nzulezu, Village over Water. This is a must visit when traveling to Ghana. The spectacular scenery of the 400-year-old stilt propped water settlement of Nzulezu, built on Lake Tadane in the Western Region, stands out as a magnificent interplay between man and his environment. Nzulezu is a Nzema word meaning ‘surface of water’.
The serene ambiance of the surrounding landscape, coupled with the general activities of life on stilts points to a dynamic relationship between man and nature. Traditional village life is adapted to the unique environmental conditions, and all activities such as the pounding of fufu (a traditional meal), schooling, worship, baptisms, and burials are carried out on the lake. The people of Nzulezu still adhere to traditional norms and taboos. For instance, Thursday is a sacred day on the lake, and on this day, the villagers do not engage in any strenuous activity.
Aqua Safari Resort
Our last day (evening) will be spent at the Aqua Safari Resort. We would arrive at the resort in the evening where we will enjoy the amenities of the resort. This experience includes a day pass experience with dinner where we would be able to use the resort facilities. Please note, motorized vehicles, and aquatic sightseeing are offered at additional costs. Aqua Safari Resort, a top eco-friendly luxury getaway resort in the heart of Ada in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, West Africa offers to you our esteemed guest, wonderful experiences in our amazing facilities that have been carefully designed for your relaxation and pleasure.
Travel Requirements
It is the responsibility of every traveler to understand the travel requirements for traveling to Ghana. US Passport Holders need a Visa and must be vaccinated. For details, please click the link below:
Payment Schedule per person.
$400 Per Person Due Now
$400 more April 25, 2024
Remaining balance due June 8th, 2024
Prices are based on double occupancy ( $800 more for single occupancy)
100% refund if canceled before April 1st, 2024. No refunds after April 2nd, 2024
Price excludes airfare, travel insurance, visa, and tips
