The Ghana Experience
Accra + Cape Coast
There aren’t very many places in the world where beaches meet the city, the nightlife DJ plays from his iPhone, and you can pay homage to your ancestors at Castles on the coast where it all began.Â
Join us on our 8-day exploration in Ghana exploring Accra, Cape Coast, and Volta. We will experience the country’s culture on a deeper level than the limited narrative you’ve been told. You can’t call yourself woke until you have experienced our ancestral home for yourself.
- 2024 Trip Dates: September 27 - October 4, 2024 | October 6 - 13, 2024​ | October 18-25, 2024
- 2025 Trip Dates: September 26 - October 3, 2025 | October 5-12, 2025
- 2026 Trip Dates: September 25 - October 2, 2026 | October 4 - 11, 2026
- Trip Length: 8 Days, 7 Nights
- Activity Level: High
- Luxury Level: 5 Stars
- Arrive Into: ACC
- Depart From: ACC
Do you hear that? That’s the sound of your tastebuds singing after you savor the local food, sip bubbly while looking over the city skyline, and swoon over the bustling markets with tailors that can make anything you desire to fit you perfectly. Â
And you didn’t come snatched for anything! The pics you will snap of your melanin poppin’ in the streets at the colorful markets, rooftop pool, and open-air nightlife will be enough to shut down the gram, no cap. Â
Whether you are soaking it in feeling the vibes of Accra, trying something new to eat on the street, or reflecting on your roots – the calmness of the city will make you feel blessed to experience the beauty of the Motherland.Â
Priceless moments with new friends, historical exploration, and pampered relaxation await you on your Up in the Air Life journey through Ghana.
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Here's your trip at a glance.
WHERE YOU'LL GO
From soaking up the vibes of Accra on arrival at one of the best rooftops with our personal Chef, this trip offers a wide range of cultural immersion opportunities as you visit the Cape Coast castles to learn about our ancestors who were traded centuries ago. You will be able to check must-see sites like the W.E.B DuBois estate, the colorful markets where you can pick tailor-made fabrics, Cape Coast castles, and Ghana’s riviera while cruising down the Volta.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
This trip is your chance to get back to your roots as you dive deep into a cultural connection unlike any other. From an intimate naming ceremony in the castles on Cape Coast that ends with a drumming ceremony at the beach, and enjoying the nightlife and foodie scene, you will experience the most delicious delicacies and culture in West Africa.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Our accommodations are modest at one of the nicest hotels in Accra. Start your day with an over-the-top breakfast buffet, and after a long day connecting to your roots, finding the best deals in the market, or soaking in the sites, end the day on the amazing rooftop area with the best culinary experience in Ghana. Only the best for Lifers!
Explore the day-by-day itinerary.
THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU, IF:
- You want to connect to your roots
- You enjoy history and cultural experiences
- You're a sucker for great food and wine
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU, IF:
- You are over learning about the Slave Trade
- You'd rather stay put than explore
- High thread counts aren't your thing.
Day 1
Arrive in the country’s capital, Accra (ACC). Ghana, a nation on West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea, is known for its diverse wildlife, old forts, and secluded beaches, such as Busua.Â
Coastal towns Elmina and Cape Coast contain posubans (native shrines), colonial buildings, and castles-turned-museums that serve as a testimony of the slave trade. North of Cape Coast, the vast Kakum National Park has a treetop canopy walkway over the rainforest.Â
After getting settled, opt in for an optional Tailor Experience to get your outfits for the rest of the week. Let’s break the ‘Gram with those Insta-worthy moments!|
At night, we’ll head to one of Accra’s most prestigious addresses for a Chef curated dinner in one of the highest buildings in the city.
Day 2
Enjoy a fabulous breakfast before joining an emotional naming ceremony. In the naming ceremony, you will be given your Ghanaian name in a traditional recognition ceremony.Â
At noon we’ll have a traditional lunch before visiting the historical museum & guest house at the former estate of writer & civil rights leader, W.E.B. DuBois.Â
The Centre is located on immaculate grounds of serene beauty, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis Accra, which surrounds it near the city’s Center. The Center is a complex of four significant buildings, including the home where Dr. DuBois spent his last years, an Administrative building, the Marcus Garvey Guest House, and the tomb of Dr. DuBois and his dear wife, Shirley Graham DuBois.
Enjoy your free evening in the gorgeous city at your own pace.
Day 3
As the golden rays of the sun grace the coast, you find yourself at a luxurious beach club in the heart of Accra, Ghana. It’s a retreat where the day’s rhythm is dictated by the gentle ebb and flow of the tide.
Your morning begins with a serene swim in the expansive infinity pool that kisses the Atlantic’s edge, blurring the line between man-made and natural splendor. Comfort finds form in the plush daybeds scattered along the water, perfect for basking in the sun or enjoying a novel as you sip on cocktails that blend local spices with premium spirits.
As the day transitions into evening, the air fills with the tantalizing scent of grilled catch-of-the-day and rich, spicy stews, a testament to the region’s bountiful produce and rich culinary heritage. Here, every experience is an invitation to savor the slow, joyful passing of time under the warm embrace of the Ghanaian sunshine.
Day 4
Today, we journey to Cape Coast to visit Elmina and the Cape Coast castles.
These fortresses were the last memory many enslaved people had of their homeland before being shipped across the Atlantic.Â
Over a thousand years ago dozens of castles and forts were built along the coastline of Ghana. Here we will visit the “Door of No Return”, referring to the door the enslaved people exited from their homeland, never to be seen again.Â
Our evening continues with a lively beachside BBQ over a bonfire with music.
Day 5
Today we’ll enjoy a late lunch with an array of vibrant dishes that echo the city’s spirit. As the heat of the day wanes, step into the bustling energy of Makola Market. This is where Accra’s heart beats, amidst the calls of vendors, the vivid hues of textiles, and the earthy scent of spices and cocoa. Navigate through stalls brimming with local produce and handmade crafts, a real-time canvas of Ghanaian commerce and culture.
The journey continues at the Arts Centre, a haven for art aficionados and curious travelers alike. Here, the craftsmanship of Ghana is on full display: intricately woven kente cloth, hand-carved masks, and a plethora of artifacts that tell stories of a rich cultural heritage. Engage with local artists, each stall and piece offering a chance to take a piece of Ghanaian soul back home.
Shopping in Accra is not merely a transaction; it’s an exchange of smiles, stories, and a shared appreciation for the artistry that is the lifeblood of the city.
Day 6
Indulge in an optional tour that leads you away from the hustle of Accra to the tranquil embrace of nature at Boti Waterfalls and the city’s botanical garden.
As you step into the cool haven of the forest, let the symphony of Boti’s cascading waters enchant your senses, inviting you to unwind in its misty splendor.
Afterward, wander through the botanical garden, a lush repository of Ghana’s botanical wonders, where shaded paths unfurl into a tapestry of greenery, vibrant blooms, and the quiet company of fluttering butterflies.
This side excursion offers a peaceful interlude to your Ghanaian adventure, presenting the perfect opportunity to connect with the country’s rich natural tapestry at your own pace.
Day 7
Spend the morning delving into the decadent world of chocolate with a hands-on chocolate-making class. You’ll explore the journey from bean to bar, using Ghana’s renowned cocoa to create your own sweet confections. As the rich aromas of chocolate fill the air, you’ll learn about the importance of cocoa to Ghana’s economy and culture.
Following this indulgent experience, you’ll transition from sweet to savory with a cooking class curated by a culinary expert, who once crafted dishes for the nation’s president. In this intimate setting, you’ll sip on fine wine, the clink of glasses harmonizing with laughter and the sizzle of spices.
Under the chef’s guidance, you’ll learn the secrets of making the perfect jollof rice, a staple that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. With each stir of the pot, you’ll become more attuned to the rhythms of Ghanaian cooking, concluding your day with a meal that’s a tapestry of the flavors that make Accra’s cuisine unforgettable.
Day 8
Rise and shine for your last morning in Accra, enjoying a quiet morning by the pool to reflect on a fantastic week.Â
If you got some spare time and you are not done with your retail therapy, we’llÂ
Your Up in the Air Life private driver will then whisk you away to the airport (ACC) for your flight back home, where you are certain to return a different person.
No matter where you travel, our standards are the same.
YOU CAN ALWAYS EXPECT TO:
Connect with amazing people.
We provide the opportunity to make friendships with people who share your worldview and won't ask why you wear a bonnet to sleep.
Experience attentive
and authentic hospitality.
Not only is the staff of Up in the Air Life dedicated to making sure your trip is flawlessly executed, but we are also intentional about choosing locales and vendors who celebrate Black travelers.
Be pampered with only the best.
There is no need to take a break from your baller lifestyle when you travel with us. Our lodging, excursions, and dining are pure luxury.
Feel safe and secure.
Our experienced American guides and well-maintained local relationships mean that you will have peace of mind when you travel with us.
Say "goodbye" to FOMO.
Our trips are anything but basic. While we make sure you see well-known main attractions, we also develop itineraries that will give you unique stories to share with your friends back home.
HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
The Ghana Experience
What is included:
Our trips get you close to that Beyoncé-on-a-boat lifestyle. Let us handle your travel style glow-up.
- Up In The Air Life On-site Tour Leader
- A Bon Voyage Group Video Call to review your trip live with the Up in the Air Life Team
- Concierge Support before your trip to assist you in Upgrading Your Room and Booking Optional Tours
- Concierge Support before your trip to book your spa appointments
- Concierge Support before your trip to book your restaurant reservations
- Up in the Air Life Private Concierge Chat during your trip for dining/spa reservations and more
- Local Tour guides in Ghana
- 6 Nights at a 5-star hotel in Accra
- Daily breakfast buffet at the hotel
- Welcome Multi-Course Dinner paired with wine
- Ghanian Naming Ceremony
- City Tour of Kwame Nkrumah and W.E.B. Dubois Estate
- Multi-Course Lunch paired with wine at an Upscale Local Restaurant
- Makola Market Fabric Shopping and Lunch Tour
- Accra Nightlife Experience with bottle service
- Cape Coast Castles and Slave River Tour
- Local Lunch in Cape Coast paired with wine
- Art Gallery and Chocolate Making Class
- Jollof Rice Making Cooking Class
- VIP Meet + Greet Private Airport Transfer
- Personalized Swag Bag
What is not included:
We take care of all the details on your itinerary once you land. If you want to further personalize your experience, go off!
- Round-trip airfare to and from the destination
- Travel Medical Insurance Insurance (Please note this is required to attend the trip.)
- Room Upgrades are available for purchase after booking
- Optional tours are available for purchase after booking
- Tips for Tour Leader, Guides and Drivers
- Passport or Visa Processing Fees
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the time of travel with at least 2 free visa pages.
- Expenses for vaccines that may be required
Can you envision yourself on this trip?
Download "The Ghana Experience" trip brochure and keep it handy as you continue to explore, or take the plunge and book now.
