Curious about West Africa and all its wonders, history, and cultural delights? Explore the highlights of Ghana, Togo and Benin with an experienced guide on this one of a kind 14-day in-depth tour.
Start in Accra and soak up the history before traveling to Cape Coast where you'll visit the famed Cape Coast Slave Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the "door of no return". Visit Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom of Gold, as well as Ho, Wli Falls, and the Volta Region. In Togo, visit the Lome Central Market, Lake Togo, and Ouidah — the birthplace of Voodoo. Then, explore beautiful Ganvie, known as “the Venice of Africa” in Benin.
This trip includes all accommodation and several meals. Please see the itinerary and what's included sections for more details. Don't miss out on this fabulous opportunity to learn more about this fascinating part of the world.
Another excellent trip with Explore. Fascinating itinerary which helped us discover many parts of both Togo and Benin. The tour leaders, Oscar and Edmund were both excellent and gave us a great insight into these fascinating countries. Some hotels were better than others, but that is to be expected in more remote regions.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Guest House, Bungalow
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lomé, Ganvie, Cotonou, Grand Pop
Lomé, Ganvie, Cotonou, Grand Popo, Kpalime, Sokode, Bassar, Kara, Natittingou, Dassa
This epic expedition through Africa encompasses all the incredible landscapes, culture & wildlife you could imagine. From the harshness of the Sahara desert, the dense jungles of central Africa and the amazing wildlife of East Africa, the varied landscapes and cultures that make up this continent will leave an indelible mark on you forever. There will be times when it will be extremely tough - harsh terrains, bad roads and extremes of weather, but it will all be worth it! You will discover a continent most travellers only dream of - whilst having the experience of a lifetime!
Please note that the accommodation on this trip is predominantly camping, though there may be opportunities to upgrade this locally where rooms are available. Please see the trip inclusions for an approximate percentage of camping and room nights.
Note: From October 2024 we have extended the northbound Cape Town to Cairo section of the itinerary on this trip to include Eswatini, the Caprivi strip in Namibia, more time in Mozambique, and time in Zambia, Burundi, Somaliland and Djibouti. As we are currently not able to drive through northern Ethiopia or Sudan, we will be leaving the truck in Addis Ababa and flying to Egypt from there (flight not included) before completing the Egyptian section of the trip after that using local transport (buses, trains) and staying in local hotels. We have had to run our last two trips like this and it has worked well.
Overland Journeys
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hostel, Lodge, Resort, Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nairobi, Cape Town, Giza, Cairo
Nairobi, Cape Town, Giza, Cairo, Fez, Fes, Lubango, Free State, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Harare, Lake Malawi, Dar Es Salaam, Essaouira, Kampala, Jinja, Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Lake Tana, Wadi Halfa, Luxor, Dakar, Aswan, Tiwai Island, Accra, Lomé, Togoville, Congo, Dolisie
This epic expedition through Africa encompasses all the incredible landscapes, culture & wildlife you could imagine. From the harshness of the Sahara desert, the dense jungles of central Africa and the amazing wildlife of East Africa, the varied landscapes and cultures that make up this continent will leave an indelible mark on you forever. There will be times when it will be extremely tough - harsh terrains, bad roads and extremes of weather, but it will all be worth it! You will discover a continent most travellers only dream of - whilst having the experience of a lifetime!
Note: This is one of our Overland Adventures which are run on a participatory basis – you’ll be involved in the day to day running of the trip and have fun helping to cook for the group. Expect to sometimes get dusty and dishevelled and not to be able to have hot showers every night. Groups of up to 24 people are led by our crew of two.
Please note that the accommodation on this trip is predominantly camping, though there may be opportunities to upgrade this locally where rooms are available. Please see the trip inclusions for an approximate percentage of camping and room nights.
Our Overland Adventures provide once in a life time experiences and whilst some safari activities may be included in the itinerary, or be available to book locally, this should not be considered a traditional safari holiday, though we consider that part of the fun!!
Benin and Togo are a dream for adventure seekers craving deep cultural immersion. In just nine days, explore the rich histories of both countries through visits to key historical sites and meaningful time spent in local communities. Connect with families eager to share their traditions, learn the intricate craft of kente cloth from artisans who have perfected it over generations, and step into the heart of Ouidah — West Africa’s Voodoo capital — to hear firsthand accounts of its history and modern-day practice. With an expert CEO leading the way, you’ll seamlessly journey through two of the most fascinating and vibrant countries on the planet.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
For the ultimate adventure seeker, this is the journey you’ve been waiting for. Over 24 unforgettable days, dive deep into the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Ghana, Benin, and Togo with an expert G Adventures CEO leading the way. Walk the streets of Accra and uncover Ghana’s path to liberation, search for wildlife in the lush landscapes of Shai Hills Reserve and Kakum National Park, and connect with rural communities working to preserve their unique heritage. Get hands-on learning Batik from female artisans, craft your own glass Krobo beads, and pick up fresh ingredients at a bustling market before cooking alongside locals. Witness the vibrant energy of the Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi, explore the roots of Voodoo culture in Ouidah, and fully immerse yourself in the rhythms of daily life in Togo’s welcoming villages. If you’re ready for a true West African adventure, this is it.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Ghana, Benin, and Togo may be small in size, but they deliver big on adventure. This 16-day journey takes you from sun-soaked coastlines to lush forest reserves, blending powerful history with hands-on cultural experiences. Walk the solemn grounds of Cape Coast Castle, once a departure point for enslaved Africans, and gain a deeper understanding of Ghana’s past. Then, dive into creativity with a Batik-making workshop led by local female artisans. Trek through Kakum National Park’s rainforest canopy, soak up breathtaking coastal views, and connect with the farmers of remote Ankasa Village for an authentic taste of everyday life. As you cross into Benin and Togo, the cultural immersion continues — wander vibrant local markets, meet welcoming communities, and step into the birthplace of Voodoo in Ouidah for an experience you’ll never forget.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an unforgettable journey through West Africa, starting in Accra, Ghana, where you’ll explore its vibrant culture and history, including the National Museum and Jamestown's historic landmarks. Travel to Lomé, Togo, to visit the DuBois Center, bustling markets, and the German Cathedral, then continue to Benin to discover the sacred sites of Togoville and Ouidah and learn about the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. In Ghana, unwind at a scenic hotel in Akosombo, enjoy a river cruise on the Volta River, and tour the Akosombo Dam. In Kumasi, dive into Ashanti culture with visits to UNESCO-listed sites, Kente weaving villages, and the Manhyia Palace. Reflect on the history of slavery at Cape Coast, including Assin Manso and Cape Coast Castle, and experience the breathtaking Kakum National Park canopy walkway. Finish with a traditional African Naming Ceremony and a farewell dinner in Accra, before departing with a deeper connection to West Africa’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Step off the tourist trail with this insightful 15-day adventure through Benin, Togo and Ghana. Learn about the history and cultures of these three diverse West African countries, from Cape Coast Castle, which played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, to the ancient Vodun culture of Ouidah. Visit Accra's fantasy coffin makers, cruise along in traditional boats and journey through the natural landscapes seldom explored by travellers. Hike up Mt Agou – Togo’s highest peak – and visit the Wli Waterfalls – the tallest in West Africa. Walk along Kakum National Park's canopy walkway in the middle of the rainforest and look out for the local elephants, monkeys, and over 200 bird species. This diverse trip, with a local leader by your side, showcases three fascinating countries and offers a glimpse into West African life.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Explore the beautiful nature and fascinating culture of Ghana, Togo and Benin. This trip explores the most interesting highlights of Ghana, Togo and Benin and offers a unique and insightful experience of these countries with day walks, hands-on activities, and sleeping in local accommodations. The fascinating voodoo culture and local traditions that date back centuries are showcased throughout this trip. From the vibrant cities with its interesting mix of old colonial neighbourhoods to natural landscapes, rural villages, tropical farmlands and fishing communities, we will witness the daily life and soak up the friendly atmosphere. In Benin we learn about its Afro-Brazilian heritage and the slave trade that plied West African nations until relatively recent times. Spirituality is based around cultural traditions and we visit Ouidah, considered the centre of this belief. In Togo we spend time in the charming and laid-back capital of Lome, and visit the largest fetish market in West Africa, before returning to Accra Ghana where our journey concludes.
Walking toursAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Accra, Ouidah, Lomé, Atimpoku, T
Accra, Ouidah, Lomé, Atimpoku, Tagbo Falls, Kpalime, Tomegbe, Abomey, Porto Novo
