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The journey
Travel overland through four vibrant West African nations on this 16-day private journey from Abidjan to Cotonou. With a professional chauffeur and carefully paced border crossings, you'll experience a rich blend of coastal heritage, living traditions, and everyday local life, from the UNESCO-listed colonial quarter of Grand-Bassam to the historic forts of Ghana's coastline. The journey also balances powerful history with immersive nature, including Nzulezu and Ganvié, Kakum National Park's canopy walkway, a Volta River cruise, Wli Waterfalls, and meaningful heritage sites in Ouidah.
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan.
Meet your representative and professional chauffeur at the airport.
Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest after your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed introduction to Abidjan or an optional welcome dinner.
Overnight in Abidjan.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Begin with selected highlights of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire's economic and cultural capital.
Discover important landmarks and experience the atmosphere of the city.
Continue to historic Grand-Bassam.
Explore the UNESCO-listed colonial quarter and learn about Grand-Bassam's importance in Côte d'Ivoire's history.
Visit selected heritage sites and experience the coastal atmosphere.
Return to Abidjan after the day's activities.
Overnight in Abidjan.
Breakfast and early departure from Abidjan toward the Côte d'Ivoire-Ghana border.
Travel to the Noé/Elubo border and complete immigration and customs formalities.
Cross into Ghana and continue through the Western Region toward Axim.
Enjoy the changing coastal and rural scenery along the journey.
Arrive in Axim and check in at your hotel.
Relax after the cross-border journey.
Overnight in Axim.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for the Nzulezu area.
Take a guided canoe journey through the wetland environment to Nzulezu, the famous stilt settlement.
Learn about the history, traditions, and daily life of the community.
Experience the natural surroundings of Ghana's Western Region.
Continue with selected coastal sightseeing where time permits.
Return to your hotel after the day's activities.
Overnight in Axim.
Breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Depart Axim and travel east along Ghana's coast toward the Central Region.
Arrive in Elmina and visit the historic Elmina Castle.
Take a guided tour and learn about the castle's significant role in West African and transatlantic history.
Experience the colourful Elmina fishing harbour and surrounding community.
Continue to Cape Coast and check in at your hotel.
Overnight in Cape Coast.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Cape Coast Castle for a guided historical experience.
Explore the castle and learn about its important role in the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
Continue to Kakum National Park.
Walk through the tropical rainforest and experience the famous canopy walkway, subject to operating and weather conditions.
Enjoy the natural environment before returning to Cape Coast.
Overnight in Cape Coast.
Breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Depart Cape Coast and travel toward Accra.
Enjoy the changing coastal and urban scenery along the journey.
Arrive in Ghana's capital and begin a relaxed introduction to the city, depending on arrival time.
Visit selected landmarks or enjoy some free time after check-in.
Overnight in Accra.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Begin a full-day exploration of Ghana's capital.
Visit Independence Square and learn about Ghana's independence and national history.
Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Explore Jamestown and discover one of Accra's oldest historic communities.
Experience a local market and selected cultural areas of the city.
Enjoy time for local shopping or additional sightseeing where the schedule permits.
Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Accra.
Breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Depart Accra toward Ghana's Eastern Region.
Visit Shai Hills Resource Reserve for a guided nature and cultural experience.
Explore the reserve and look out for wildlife while learning about the area's natural and cultural significance.
Continue toward Akosombo.
Arrive and check in at your hotel.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Volta River area.
Overnight in Akosombo.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a Volta River cruise, subject to availability, operating schedules, and weather conditions.
Experience the scenery surrounding the Volta River and Akosombo area.
After the river experience, depart Akosombo for Hohoe.
Travel through the scenic Volta Region, passing rural communities and mountain landscapes.
Arrive in Hohoe and check in at your hotel.
Overnight in Hohoe.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Wli Waterfalls for a guided nature experience.
Walk through the lush landscape to experience one of Ghana's most impressive waterfalls.
Enjoy time around the waterfall and surrounding natural environment.
Continue to Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary.
Walk through the community forest with a local guide.
Learn about the relationship between the local community and the resident Mona monkeys.
Return to Hohoe after the day's activities.
Overnight in Hohoe.
Breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Depart Hohoe and travel toward the Ghana-Togo border.
Complete immigration and cross-border formalities before continuing into Togo.
Travel to Kpalimé, a scenic area surrounded by mountains, forests, and agricultural communities.
Explore selected cultural or natural attractions in and around Kpalimé, depending on arrival time.
Check in at your hotel and relax.
Overnight in Kpalimé.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Continue exploring Kpalimé and its surrounding natural and cultural environment.
Discover local communities, traditional crafts, and the lush landscape for which the area is known.
After the Kpalimé experience, depart for Lomé.
Arrive in Togo's coastal capital and check in at your hotel.
Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Lomé.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Begin with selected highlights of Lomé and experience the atmosphere of Togo's capital.
Depart Lomé and travel east toward the Togo-Benin border.
Complete immigration and border formalities and continue into Benin.
Travel to historic Ouidah, one of West Africa's important cultural and heritage destinations.
Explore key historical sites, including the Route of the Slaves and the Door of No Return.
Check in at your hotel after the day's activities.
Overnight in Ouidah.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart Ouidah and continue the journey toward the Ganvié area.
Take a motorised canoe excursion with a qualified local guide to explore Ganvié, the famous lake settlement.
Learn about daily life, traditions, transportation, and commerce within the community.
Return by canoe and continue to Cotonou.
Explore selected highlights of Cotonou depending on available time.
Check in at your hotel and enjoy your final evening of the journey.
Overnight in Cotonou.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Cotonou, depending on your confirmed flight departure time.
Optional last-minute sightseeing, shopping, or leisure time may be arranged where the flight schedule permits.
Check out from your hotel.
Private transfer to Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport.
Assistance with departure arrangements where applicable.
End of your 16-day private Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin journey.
The route
The fine print
Professional chauffeur
Private English-speaking tour guide or qualified local guides where required
Airport pickup in Abidjan and airport drop-off in Cotonou
15 nights' accommodation
Daily breakfast
Meals specifically stated as included in the confirmed itinerary
Entrance fees to attractions included in the itinerary
Guided Nzulezu canoe experience
Ganvié motorised canoe excursion with local guide
Cross-border transport coordination between Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin
Applicable cross-border vehicle documentation and formalities
Driver accommodation and daily allowance
Road tolls and parking charges related to the itinerary
Bottled water during touring
Operational support throughout the journey
Vehicle replacement support in the event of an operational issue, subject to circumstances and availability
International and regional flights
Passport and visa fees
Yellow fever vaccination and other health or medical requirements
Travel and medical insurance
Lunches and dinners unless specifically stated as included
Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks
Personal expenses, souvenirs, and shopping
Laundry and hotel incidentals
Gratuities for guides, chauffeurs, and hotel staff
Optional activities not included in the confirmed itinerary
Personal immigration, visa, and border-entry fees
Additional accommodation, transportation, or other expenses resulting from flight delays, border closures, immigration delays, weather disruptions, or changes to the traveler's confirmed schedule
Any services or activities not specifically listed under inclusions
Valid passport and required visas
Yellow fever vaccination certificate and other required travel health documents
Travel insurance details
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Light rain jacket or poncho
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Personal medications and basic personal necessities
Small day bag for excursions
Phone, camera, and chargers
Power bank and suitable travel adapter
Reusable water bottle
A small amount of local currency or an internationally accepted payment card for personal expenses
This is a private 16-day overland journey through Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
Travelers are responsible for ensuring they have valid passports, visas, and all required entry documents for each country before departure.
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for travel and border crossings.
Border processing times can vary and may occasionally affect the daily schedule.
The itinerary may be adjusted when necessary due to weather, road conditions, border procedures, attraction operating hours, or other circumstances beyond our control.
Some activities involve walking, uneven terrain, forest trails, canoe or boat transportation, and outdoor conditions.
Travelers should inform us in advance of any mobility limitations, dietary requirements, or other special requirements relevant to the tour.
Travel and medical insurance are strongly recommended.
Final pickup details and operational information will be provided before the tour begins.
The Volta River cruise is subject to availability and weather conditions.
Logistics
Your 16 days run from Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport to Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport.
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