Explore Nature, History, and Culture in Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi and Akosombo

Home , Ashanti (Crown Colony), Ashanti Empire, Cape Coast, Kakum National Park, Kumasi, Manhyia Palace

Ghana Explore nature, history, and culture in Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi and Akosombo

Lawrence University Alumni Travel February 29 – March 12, 2020

HISTORY, NATURE, and CULTURE

Ghana has the distinction of being the first African country to become an independent, sovereign state in the 20th century. Formerly known as the “Gold Coast”, Ghana led the world in cocoa production as part of the British Empire; now it has one of the fastest growing economies in all of Africa. Ghana is also a political leader and is perhaps the most stable, democratic country in Africa.

Located in West Africa, Ghana is known for its rich cultural traditions and artistic endeavors. In this Alumni tour, our group will sample the best that Ghana has to offer: examining the political history of the country since independence, partaking in the vibrant arts, theatre, and dance scene in Accra, the capital city, exploring the legacy of slavery at the Cape Coast castle, and learning about traditional Ghanaian culture in Kumasi, the center of the Ashanti empire.

Visitors to Ghana also quickly encounter its natural beauty -- sea coasts, sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, and mountain waterfalls. On this tour, you can take a treetop hike at the top of the rainforest, climb to the country’s highest peak, or stroll through a botanical paradise at your own speed.

Our group will be limited to no more than 20, giving us an intimate look at the culture from the inside, aided by the numerous LU alums who live in the country.

I look forward to you joining me in Ghana.

Claudena Skran Edwin & Ruth West Professor of Economics and Social Science and Professor of Government

Depart Chicago, USA on Saturday evening, February 29 Arrive Accra, Ghana on Sunday, March 1

Sunday, March 1

Day 1: Accra . Arrive Accra, pass through customs . Welcome Dinner with group Meal(s): Dinner Hotel: Holiday Inn Airport or equivalent

Monday, March 2

Day 2: Accra We begin our tour of Ghana with an exploration of the history and growth of the capital city, Accra. After a visit to the Black Star monument, which celebrates Ghana’s independence, we will tour the Kwame Nkrumah Park and Mausoleum, a tribute to Ghana’s first president located in the former British polo grounds. For lunch, we will stop at the Ghana Arts Center, where guests can test their bargaining skills in negotiations for printed fabric, leather sandals and purses, and crafts of all kinds. For dinner, guests will be free to explore the Osu district, known for its rich diversity of restaurants and shops.

. Breakfast: Hotel . Morning: Orientation . Independence Square, Black Star Arch, Government Buildings, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum . Lunch: Arts and Crafts Center . Dinner: Explore Osu neighborhood

Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch Hotel: La Villa Boutique (Osu neighborhood)

Tuesday, March 3

Day 3: Accra After breakfast at our hotel, we will head to the National Museum and Sculpture Garden, both of which highlight the artistic traditions of Ghana. From there, we will travel to the University of Ghana for a lunch with Lawrence alumni and experts who will share with us their perspective on Ghana since independence.

Following a tour of the university, we will have a group supper, and then we will sample the artistic talents of Ghana with a performance at one of Accra’s major theatres.

. Breakfast: Hotel . Morning: University visit and meeting with Ghanaian experts . Lunch: University of Ghana, Legon . Afternoon: Optional – additional visit to cultural center OR return to hotel . Dinner: Meeting with alums and/or theatre performance

Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch, dinner Hotel: La Villa Boutique

Wednesday, March 4

Day 4: Accra to Cape Coast We will head east from Accra to visit Cape Coast. We will tour Cape Coast Castle, one of about 40 "slave castles", or large commercial forts, built on the Gold Coast of West Africa (now Ghana) by European traders. For those interested, we may also visit Elimina Castle and the famous Door of No Return. Once the center of British trade and governance in the region, Cape Coast bore witness to the forced departure of thousands of enslaved people who were sent to the Americans.

. Breakfast: Hotel . Morning: Depart for Cape Coast, stopping for lunch on the way (4 hours) . Afternoon: Tour of Cape Coast Castle and Elimina Castle . Late afternoon: Check in at Beach Resort . Dinner: Beach Resort Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch, dinner Hotel: Beach Resort

Thursday, March 5

Day 5: Cape Coast to Kakum At Kakum National Park we will visit over 375 square kilometers of protected rainforest. Established by a local community group in 1931, Kakum is home to many rare species, including the Diana monkey and the giant bongo antelope, as well as over 250 kinds of birds and many butterflies. At the park, guests can choose between hiking the treetop canopy walk, a rope pathway that connects to treetops, OR strolling on a lovely nature walk at ground level led by a park botanist.

. Breakfast: Beach Resort . Morning: Depart for Kakum National Park (1 hour) Option A: High rainforest walk Option B: Low rainforest walk and botanical tour . Lunch: Kakum National Park . Afternoon Free Time . Dinner on your own

Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch Hotel: Beach Resort

Friday- Saturday, March 6-7

Days 6-7: Cape Coast to Kumasi After breakfast at our beach resort, we will head north to Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti region of Ghana. During our two day stay, we will sample the rich history and culture of the area, beginning with a visit to the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, which includes ceremonial clothing, jewelry, and equipment related to his reign; the Manhyia Palace and Museum, which served as administrative headquarters for Ashanti rulers; and the Komasi Fort and Military Museum, which houses weapons and historical artifacts connected to both the British -Ashanti war and World War II. The day will also include a visit to see weaving of kente—the famous hand-made traditional fabric of Ghana.

In Kumasi, we will also visit the Kejetia Market, the largest open-air market in all of West Africa. The markets, which includes about 12,000 stalls is open for both tourists and locals, selling fabric, glass beads, hand-woven baskets, ceramics, food, leather goods, clothing and a million other items! We close out our stay with a performance by a Ghanaian cultural group sharing song, dance and drumming.

. Breakfast: Beach Resort . Morning: Travel to Kumasi (4 hours) . Afternoon: Check into Golden Tulip Hotel . Dinner: Group dinner at local restaurant . Evening: Cultural performance

Meal(s): Breakfast (2), lunch (2), dinner (2) Hotel: Golden Tulip Hotel or similar

Sunday-Monday, March 8-9

Days 8-9: Kumasi to Akosombo During our two-day stay in the Volta region of Ghana, you will have the chance to tour the Akosombo hydroelectric dam, which supplies power to Ghana and neighboring countries. For those who seek adventure, there will be an option to hike to the top of Mount Afadjato, the highest peak in Ghana which offers a breathtaking view overlooking Togo.

. Breakfast: Golden Tulip Hotel . Morning: Bus to Akosombo, Ghana . Afternoon: Tour of Volta Dam with water expert  . Dinner: Afrikiko Resort Hotel . Breakfast: Afrikiko Resort Hotel . Morning and Afternoon: Option A: Nature Walk / Rest (1/2 day) Option B: Hiking to Mt. Afadjato (full day) Meal(s): Breakfast (2), lunch (2), dinner (2) Hotel: Afrikiko Resort Hotel or similar

Tuesday, March 10

Day 10: Akosombo to Accra . Breakfast: Afrikiko Resort Hotel . Morning: Return to Accra . Lunch: On your own . Afternoon: Group meeting and leisure time . Dinner: Farewell dinner in trendy East Legon Meal(s): Breakfast, dinner Hotel: Holiday Inn Accra

Wednesday, March 11

Day 11: Accra to Chicago . Breakfast: Holiday Inn Accra . Noon: Depart for airport Meal(s): Breakfast

YOUR VACATION INCLUDES:  Unwind into a hassle-free journey  Meet locals with Insider Experiences and must-see sightseeing  Taste the flavors of the destination: 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 8 Dinners

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRIP  Meals other than specified  Expenses of personal nature and incidentals at the hotels  Transportation, sightseeing and admissions other than specified  This list is illustrative and not a complete list of every item not included

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Claudena Skran, Edwin & Ruth West Professor of Economics and Social Science and Professor of Government Lawrence University 711 E Boldt Way Appleton WI 54911

920-832-6674 [email protected]

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Please review the following Terms & Conditions governing this trip and check the box at the top of the reservation form to acknowledge your review and acceptance of these terms. Your reservation is on a pending status and cannot be processed and confirmed until we receive your acknowledgment of these terms and payment of deposit. We will acknowledge your reservation with an email, which will also serve as your confirmation.

Payment Information: Land Package Cost Per Person: Early bird – full payment by October 1, 2019 = $3,385 (single per person) or $2,833 (double per person) December 1, 2019 full payment = $3,885 (single per person) or $3,333 (double per person)

We will be accepting 17 travelers for this intimate cultural excursion. Should fewer than 17 participants sign up, Lawrence University reserves the right to re-price the program or cancel the tour and provide a full refund.

A Deposit of $1,200 per person is due at time of booking to secure a reservation. Your reservation will then be processed and confirmed once your deposit is received and you submit your agreement to these Terms and Conditions. A confirmation will then be emailed to you.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. One option is Lonely Planet Travel Insurance: https://pp.worldnomads.com/Quote.

Documents Required: Each traveler is responsible for obtaining proper travel documents for each destination visited.  For travel anywhere outside of the United States, U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your travel. Citizens of other countries should consult their consulate. It is solely your responsibility to ensure all documents needed are complete and current. International tickets cannot be issued until we receive a copy of the name page of each passenger's passport.  A Visa is also required.  Travelers should consult a travel doctor for health information. The CDC website is: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ghana.

Conditions of Contract: Neither Lawrence University, the Lawrence University Alumni Association nor any of their employees, officers, directors or affiliates, own or operate any entity which provides goods and services for this program, and act only as agents for the independent suppliers of travel conveyance, transport, accommodation or other services. All such persons or entities are independent contractors.

Changes & Modifications: A service charge of $50 per booking may apply for each change made after the initial booking request has been confirmed by Lawrence University. For cancellations, airlines and other vendors may assess cancellation fees which will be passed on to you. In some cases, suppliers of services may provide no refund. Once travel has commenced, any changes or cancellation is at your expense. Information will be given on request at the time of booking.

Tour Cancellation & Alterations: Lawrence University reserves the right to cancel this trip if a minimum number of participants is not reached. In that eventuality, any payments made for this tour will be refunded without penalty, and without further obligation on the part of Lawrence University.

Lawrence University reserves the right to cancel the program if, due to circumstances beyond its control, the tour cannot be conducted substantially as outlined. Lawrence University reserves the right to make minor alterations that do not significantly affect the content of the tour.

Cancellation penalties are as follows: Cancellation charges are per person, based on the cancellation date, as follows: Time of deposit – December 1, 2019: $100 non-refundable administrative fee per person. December 1, 2019 – January 31, 2020: $300 non-refundable fee per person. No refunds after January 31, 2020.

Cancellation charges also apply to additional charges for upgrades, transfers and other pre-purchased services. Additional cancellation fees apply for air tickets. After travel begins, there is no refund for unused services, or unused portions of cruise or cruise/tour.

Our Responsibility: Lawrence University acts as your representative in securing the arrangement you have requested. Lawrence University, its agents and employees, act only as agents for the passenger in regard to travel by road, air, sea or by mode of transportation or local conveyance, and assumes no liability for personal injury, property damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity incurred by any person arising out of the negligence of any direct or supplemental air carrier, hotel or person engaged in conveying the passenger, providing rental cars, or rendering any of the services or accommodations being offered in these tours; nor shall Lawrence University be responsible for any injuries, death, damages, loss or delay in any means of transportation or by reason of any event beyond Lawrence University’s actual control. Any such losses or expenses must be borne by the passenger. The right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar category or change schedules without prior notice should circumstances so require. In the event of a change in the itinerary necessitated by factors or conditions beyond the actual control of Lawrence University, such as strikes, political and social unrest, labor problems, climatic aberrations, or any act of God, no refund can be made nor will credit be given, provided that in the event of such change Lawrence University shall provide accommodations and services of comparable quality and standards as set forth in the itinerary.

Tour Staff: Claudena Skran, Edwin & Ruth West Professor of Economics and Social Science and Professor of Government Lawrence University

Sarah Ehlinger Affotey, Lawrence University Class of 2011 and graduate of the University of Ghana

Stacy J. Mara, Associate Vice President of Development Lawrence University

Ghana: February 29 – March 12, 2020

Please reserve ______place(s) for this trip

Passenger # 1: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr. ______(Name as it appears on your passport) (First) (Middle) (Last)

Passenger # 2: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr. ______(Name as it appears on your passport) (First) (Middle) (Last)

Street Address: ______(City) (State) (Zip or Postal Code) (Country)

Home Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______

Email Address: ______

 I/We have read the Tour Details and Terms and Conditions and agree to its terms.

 Enclosed is my deposit check of $______($1,200.00 per person), payable to Lawrence University

 Charge my deposit in the amount of $______to □AX □VI □MC □DS

Credit Card Number: ______Sec: ____ Expiration Date: _____/_____

Name on the Card: ______

Signature: ______

__I/we will make my/our own flight arrangements and arrive in Accra by 8:05 pm Sunday, March 1, 2020.

__I/we want to fly with the group from Chicago to Accra. My/our flight/s will be billed separately. (Estimated cost for round trip airfare, Chicago to Accra, is $1,400.00)

Mail this Reservation Form and Deposit to: Questions: Sherri Immel 920-832-6854 Lawrence University Alumni Office [email protected] 711 E Boldt Way Appleton WI 54911