Wild Ghana: Journey into the Ashanti Kingdom

Akwaaba – welcome to Ghana! Your adventure begins in Accra, situated on the beautiful Gold Coast. Buzzing with a vibrant energy and packed with incredible wild spots, diverse wildlife, intriguing Ashanti culture, gorgeous beaches and friendly communities, Ghana is without a doubt the most accessible introduction to West Africa. Hop on a short transfer from the airport to your charming boutique hotel in the city centre, where later you'll meet your guide and fellow adventurers for a welcome briefing. If you arrive early enough, you can enjoy a relaxing group evening meal whilst acclimatising yourself to West Africa. Otherwise, you can kick off your epic overland journey tomorrow morning.

Leave the busy capital city behind this morning and head for the open grassland savannah of the Shai Hills Reserve, where you'll enjoy a full morning of hiking with the beautiful backdrop of ancient rock formations and the Shai people’s ancestral caves. Climb some rocks for amazing views and learn about the history of one of the eight Dangme tribes existing in southeastern Ghana. Keep your eyes peeled for the many species of birds that inhabit this region, including colourful rollers and bee-eaters in addition to antelopes and olive baboons. This afternoon you'll transfer to Akosombo, on the banks of the mighty White Volta River, which will be your base for the next two nights. Enjoy a wonderful evening as you set off river kayaking, immersed in peaceful natural surroundings as the sun sets.

Set off early after breakfast on a two-hours drive north, to Mount Afadjato – Ghana’s highest mountain at an elevation of 885m. Led by your expert guide, you'll have the chance to spot rare butterflies and birds, learning about Ghana’s flora and fauna as you climb some steep and rugged trails. Once at the top, your efforts will be rewarded with dramatic views, which on a clear day stretch out as far as neighbouring Togo. After descending the mountain, stop for lunch in the nearby Wli village before hiking through a thick semi-deciduous forest towards the Wli Falls. Believed to be the highest waterfalls in West Africa, the falls are nestled in the idyllic Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary. As you approach, you can hear the sounds of the enormous colony of straw-coloured fruit bats on the adjacent cliffs and with the powerful rush of the river. Cool down with a swim in the natural pool or if you're feeling up for it, there is also the option to hike to the upper falls to enjoy more epic views. Rest your legs in the late afternoon as you drive back to your riverfront accommodation in Akosombo, then prepare for the long journey north tomorrow.

Another early start this morning – after breakfast, set off towards Lake Bosumtwi. Drive first into the beautiful Akuapem Hills, admiring the outstanding views across Accra and Tema in the distance. After a tasty early lunch break, you'll continue your journey north, reaching Bosumtwi – Ghana’s only natural lake, believed to have been created by a meteorite. Check in to your lakeside accommodation, then join your guide on a scenic afternoon bike ride for stunning views across the lake as the sun sets over the distant hills – the perfect way to end the day.

This morning you are off to Kumasi, the ancient capital of the Ashanti kingdom which has been hosting one of Africa’s most fascinating cultural events for centuries. Today you'll have the incredible opportunity to join the Akwasidae celebrations, which happen every 42 days (every sixth Sunday). Get a real insight into the rich and vibrant culture of the Asanteman Kingdom as you watch paramount, divisional and sub chiefs of the Asanteman pay homage to the king, all adorned in rich, colourful and traditional kente and adinkra cloths. It’s a spectacular visual feast, chock-full of African-style pomp where traditional drumming and dance accompany the proceedings and gifts are offered to the Asantehene. After spending time with the King, enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant serving a wide selection of West African dishes, before heading to check into your hotel nearby.

Set off after breakfast, driving south towards the remote village of Bonkro. Before you reach the village, you'll switch from the van to bikes, cycling the remainder of the way there. Your local host has a strong connection with this community, working closely with the people that live here to support the protection of the surrounding rainforest and local wildlife. During your time in the village, you'll have the chance to visit the local representative of the Kuapa Kokoo Co-operative, a fair-trade organisation that ensures its members get a good price for the sale of their cocoa and actively promotes women in business. Learn about the entire cocoa production process, from planting to harvesting, then after lunch, head into the forest to see the special white-necked rockfowl (picathartes) nesting site. Hiking to the boulders and seeing these endangered birds hopping into their mud nests to roost is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, twice filmed by Sir David Attenborough. With some luck, you may even come across the elusive pangolin, as sightings are very common in this area. After a wonderful day of adventure, relax back at your guesthouse and enjoy a special African movie night at an outdoor cinema built by your host, joined by other local villagers who just love to mingle with visitors.

Settle in for a long drive today. You'll be heading to the Ankasa Reserve in the westernmost region of Ghana, close to the border with Ivory Coast. You'll be on the road for most of the day, with a few stops planned to stretch your legs. One of these stops will be Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an important, thought-provoking monument where you can learn about a harrowing period in the region’s history – it was here that more enslaved African captives were held than any other place in West Africa. The castle still preserves its macabre dungeons and the infamous 'door of no return' while the museum inside gives an informative and emotional insight into the dark history of slavery and colonisation – it should not be missed. You'll then continue to Ankasa arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon. Ankasa is by far Ghana’s finest remaining rainforest habitat, with an area of over 500 square kilometres of pristine, evergreen, Upper Guinea rainforest, protecting many endangered mammals and animals such as the bongo, forest elephant, three species of pangolin and several species of primate. There are also over 200 species of wonderful birds, more than 600 species of butterflies and 800 species of plants, some of which are rare and endemic to the area. Freshen up and enjoy a meal at your lodge, before joining the local rangers on a night walk in the forest – eyes peeled for secretive nocturnal creatures.

Please note that depending on timings, the night bush walk may be done on the second evening in Ankasa.

Enjoy a beautiful morning, waking up close to nature by this wonderful forest habitat. After breakfast you'll hop on a bike and cycle the relatively easy forest trails to reach the unique Bamboo Cathedral, located approximately 9km inside the forest. The morning is then dedicated to learning about the local flora and fauna with your rangers. Lunch will be back at the accommodation, where you can spend some time relaxing before heading out again in the afternoon to visit a remote village on the outskirts of the forest. This is the Ghana most visitors do not see – a community of mainly farmers living in homes made from the earth, who trade their produce at the local markets. If you prefer to be more active, you can also enjoy a hike in the forest. Enjoy a chilled evening listening to the sounds of nature back at your lodge, then get a good night's sleep as you'll leave Ankasa early tomorrow.

Bid farewell to Ankasa to head eastwards along the coast. En route you'll stop in Beyin to get into a traditional dugout canoe, setting off through the beautiful Amasuri wetlands to reach Nzulezu Stilt Village, an isolated community which has been nominated for UNESCO status. Here, traditional village life is adapted to the surrounding watery conditions – all activities or chores pertaining to normal life (such as the pounding of fufu for meals, schooling, worship and burial) are done on the surface of the lake. Reaching the settlement by canoe is a real highlight as the wetlands are truly scenic an important habitat for birds. Your journey continues this afternoon as you drive to Brenu Akyinim, stopping en route to kayak the final few kilometres across a beautiful coastal lagoon, ending on the golden sands overlooking the iconic Gold Coast of West Africa. In Brenu Akyinim, you'll meet the local fishermen and witness the simple life in this small community before walking along the shore to reach your beachfront accommodation, taking the rest of the evening for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today's very early start (5am) will be worthwhile, as you'll reach the stunning Kakoum National Park in time for sunrise and before the crowds. The park’s best-known feature is undoubtedly its network of seven suspension bridges. These form a 333m-long canopy walkway, suspended up to 27m above the forest floor between trees that are over 300 years old. As your host has arranged an early opening, you should have the entire walkway nearly all to yourself, making it a very peaceful and spiritual experience. This afternoon, head back to your beachfront hotel and enjoy the beautiful tropical beach. Tonight, you'll enjoy a special farewell dinner around a fire, joined by a traditional Ghanaian music troupe. Try your hand at drumming whilst overlooking the beautiful gold coast of West Africa – the perfect way to end a memorable West African adventure!

Enjoy a well-earned lie-in on your final day in Ghana, or take a walk along the beach before breakfast. Freshen up and check out to head back to Accra in time for your evening departure. On the way back to the city you'll make a stop in Elmina, a famous fishing town with a bustling fishing market and a lively community. You'll reach Accra late afternoon, in time for your evening flight back home. That's your adventure completed!