Route · 10–12 days
The coast and the court
Accra → Cape Coast & Elmina → Kakum & the Central forests → Kumasi & Ashanti
The shape of the journey
The classic first journey: Accra, the castles of Cape Coast and Elmina with an afternoon left free, Kakum at first light, and Kumasi timed to Akwasidae if the calendar allows.
Kumasi to Accra is a long drive; a short domestic flight is often easier. (to verify) (to verify) (to verify)
House by house
Nights are suggestions. We adjust them to your pace, the season and the festival calendar.
- Stop 01
Accra
Arrive and settle. A Jamestown walk with a local guide, galleries in the afternoon, highlife in the evening.
- Stop 02
Cape Coast & Elmina
Cape Coast Castle with a historian one day, Elmina the next, each followed by a free afternoon. Assin Manso can be added on the way inland.
- Stop 03
Kakum & the Central forests
The canopy walkway at opening time with a birding guide, then north to Kumasi.
- Stop 04
Kumasi & Ashanti
Akwasidae at Manhyia if the date falls right, the palace museum, and a day among the makers of Bonwire, Ntonso and Ahwiaa.
- Stop 05
Accra
Back to Accra by road or a short flight. A last long lunch, a gallery you missed, and the night flight home.
Good to know
Length
10–12 days, including arrival and departure days.
Roads and flights
Kumasi to Accra is a long drive; a short domestic flight is often easier. (to verify)
Best season
November to March is the most reliable window for most of this route. See when to go for each region.
Rooms
Comfortable rather than lavish outside Accra, and we say which. See stays.
Let us help you plan your trip
Make the coast and the court your own
- A specialist who writes back by hand
- Days ordered one house at a time
- Time left free after the heavy days
Other routes
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16–18 days
The whole board
-
12–14 days
The heritage path
-
6–7 days
Accra and the Volta
Start a conversation
Leave your name and email and a specialist will write back by hand, usually within two working days. Or use the trip planner to send us more.