Explore Nature, History, and Culture in Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi and Akosombo
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Ghana Explore nature, history, and culture in Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi and Akosombo Lawrence University Alumni Travel February 29 – March 12, 2020 1 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 2 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) 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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.