From a diaspora’s perspective, whomever have attended the year of Return in December 2019, had only captured a glimpse of the variety activities, the richness of the Ghanaian History and Culture had to offer then.
Ghanaian people and Tourist professionals can’t wait for the pandemic to be over with to receive you again in the most authentic and friendly manner.
Do you need any pointers on what to do when planning your trip back to the Motherland? Look no further, we’re happy to assist you.
During the Year of return in December 2019, there about over 1 million tourists from all sides of the African descent diaspora: USA, South Africa, British Ghanaian, French, Cameroons, Caribbean and Nigerian, local and foreign tour operators where quick busy organising a variety of excursions to cater for those newly arrived travellers.
Among those we can recall excursions to the slave castles, beaches, popular spots like the museums and galleries, botanical gardens, holiday resorts, lounges, and bars. Every place was full and getting an Uber became strenuous at time.
The Classic City History, Culture Tour & Shopping in Accra:
1) Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
The role and legacy of Ghana’s first president since independence can still be felt to this day! On your first few days upon arrival, you will need to pay a visit while on an Accra City tour, to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Park. You will be immersed in the history, learning the character and vision of the leader behind the man…
2) W.E.B. Dubois Memorial
For all History fans and those who want to find out how did one of the Father of the Civil right Movement ended up his last years of existence in Ghana and what its legacy, you will feel the urge to visit his last house, be amazed by the Portrait collection of guests he received and the collections of books titles in his library.
3) Makola Market and Art Centre Market
If you need to experience the hustle and bustle and test your negotiation skills, then look no further. Cool things to bring back if your luggage allowance allow: Authentic Shea butter, African Black soap, waistline beads a seduction must have for any woman, and some trendy wax printed fans and home décor baskets.
Adventure Travels outside the Capital:
4) Water sport in Akosombo by the Volta River
If you love cruising in style or jet skiing on mesmerizing water of the Volta River, you won’t be disappointed! You can stay a few days by the River to relax, jet ski, canoe or cruise a larger boat while toasting some cocktail or brunching!
Only 2 hours away from Accra, you will cross the modern Akosombo Bridge, and enjoy the peaceful enclave.
5) Surfing and Fishing in Basuaa
Basuaa Beach will surprise you and you will fall in love with the spotless sunset and sunrise! You can enjoy a variety of eco-friendly hotels and resorts and a few Surfing schools offering classes all day long, regardless of your level, to get you started on the right foot!
6) Ziplining in Bunso Arboretum (Eastern Region) and Quad biking in Aburi
For the fans of moderate to more sporty holidays whether visiting as a group of friends, family or a couple, you won’t want to give a go to some thrilling Ziplining in Bunso Arboretum Park or go for a Quad biking race after a spiritual visit to Aburi Sacred Gardens. Get your helmet ready and let go!
7) Hiking the Afodjato Mountains and swimming in Wli Waterfalls
For the sporty minds, let’s challenge you to climb those 885 meters under 30 mn! That how fast your local guide will go and depending on your fitness you’ll ask for pauses or stay within pace! The view is all worth the climb rest assured! Afodjato is the highest mountain in West Africa, so a great achievement to add to your belt!
If you love nature and Waterfalls, like a Caribbean, you will enjoy hiking towards Wli waterfalls which has 2 levels, it’s the highest in Ghana 80 meters. A great natural show is awaiting for you… Hush.. I won’t do any spoiler…
Spiritual Reconnection to the Ancestors:
8) Cape Coast & Elmina Enslaved Castle
Both Castles are not far of each other and are similarly connected to the enslavement history of African descent people. You will be immersed in history, culture and see, touch for yourself the “Door of No return” which your ancestors have probably passed.
You will be immersed in one of the Dungeon basement rooms and understand the experience your ancestors go through for 3 months prior being shipped to The Caribbean or the United States.
9) Assin Manso Ancestral Enslaved River
Little know this hidden gem, located 40 kilometres along the Cape Coast Kumasi highway (Yamransa junction). Enslaved African did take their last bath prior being shipped to the Caribbean or The United States for a new life deprived of freedom.
Depending on how you feel, you would be invited to touch the water and connect with your ancestors with a prayer or homage.
You will have to pay homage to your ancestors by passing the graveyard and could leave your name on the Memorial Wall of Return.
10) Aburi Sacred Gardens
If you need to reconnect spiritually, attended some unexpected outdoor wedding ceremony, learned about the healing power of plants and trees, touch the oldest tree in Ghana (600 years old) and be reminisced of the role of nature in your wellbeing, look no further! You must pay a visit to Aburi Sacred Gardens. It’s also great for Instagram photoshoot…
Fancy help with planning your next Ghanian cultural getaway?
We hope we have you a good idea on what to do in Ghana next time you’d like to visit. If you fancy a mixture of black heritage and leisure experiences, we got you! Why not planning your next solo, duo or staff retreat to Ghana together? To find out more email us @ melanintravelsmagic@gmail.com
Or schedule a Zoom Discovery call to find out we could help you plan your next holidays.
Client testimonials we have helped exploring & planning their trip to Ghana
REBOUND staff & Teenagers, Group of 10 Travelers from MINNEAPOLIS, USA, Corporate retreat, July 2023
Review 1: Christy Botts, Minneapolis, USA, August 2023
Our non-profit organisation took a group of young people to Ghana in July 2023. The experience was an amazing one that was spiritually moving as well as fun! We had an excellent tour guide who brought the country to life for us. Our youth were able to connect to one another and to the country in ways we could only have dreamed possible.
The Cooking Class was my favourite activity- being invited to our guide’s relative's home to cook "with the aunties" and hang out, listen to music, dance, laugh, get to know people, and eat was SO FUN. We felt like family!
It was a good occasion to bond with other group members and Ghanaian Culture.
Review 2: Danielle Draughn, Minneapolis, USA, August 2023
"I am an educator so I really enjoyed visiting with the children at the school. However, words can't even begin to explain the experience and tell all the wonderful things we were exposed to.
Best tour guide ever. The cameraman and driver were also good. Kwame was the absolute best tour guide who turned i to a friend I have ever experienced. He is very knowledgeable, caring and professional. He made sure we all had whatever we needed and made sure we were comfortable.
He was highly motivated to make sure we had the best knowledge and experience regarding our culture. This is a trip every black person should take. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to experience Africa in such an amazing and spiritual way..."
Review 3: Samm Joyner, Minneapolis, USA, August 2023
"Excellent experience, beyond my expectations. Our guide was a Godsend. My favourite activity was visiting the school for the charity day."
Adrien, France, UK, Solo trip to Ghana, Travel plannerk on service and 10 day package
"Christina was able to show me the right direction when I was looking for a trip to West Africa. She had the right connections, and helped me build up a relevant agenda according to my ideal trip. She made sure I was safe and everything went according to plan in Ghana.I highly recommend Melanin Travels Magic for any trip related enquiries!"
Aqeny staff (Group of 8 corporate Travelers from NYC, USA), Corporate retreat , 10 day black heritage and leisure in Ghana, December 2022
Melanin Travels Magic was amazing from start to finish. The planning of our trip was designed to reflect what we asked for and then some. We had to change our trip date and Christine was very accommodating. We connected on Zoom before we left which was very helpful since we were in different parts of the world. Nana and his team were professional, a ton of fun and very knowledgeable. I really felt safe and cared for. Every guide that we encountered at all of the sites were amazing they explained the history with clarity, humour and honesty (they didn't sugar coat anything).
At the last minute we asked Melanin to add a naming ceremony to celebrate our Executive Director and they did. It was really special.
"If you are coming from the US all accommodations may not be what you are used to experiencing. It was a very humbling experience for me. I had to check my privilege day one. You may not have hot water all the time, you should bring a washcloth, beds might not be as soft as you are used to, bring sneakers or comfortable shoes, make sure you have repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, 1000 cede= approx. $75, there are ATMs, food can be spicy, the smells of the cities might take getting used too (honestly no worse than the smell from Times Square train station in NY), the roads can be really bumpy in some parts, if you go on a jeep safari in Mole it can be rough if you have a bad back or are pregnant.
I mention the things above because they are things that I would like to know. Not one of the things I mentioned would have stopped me from wanting to go to Ghana. This trip was so powerful and transformational. As a Black, Muslim woman I connected so deeply. I can't say enough about how great Melanin Travel Magic team was. Medaase!!"
When we decided to go on a 10 day trip to Ghana for 8 people, we knew we needed a travel agent to handle all the details, Melanin Travels Magic was the perfect solution. There was clear communication during the preparation process, we had a great team lead us once we arrived and new memories that we will cherish forever. We felt welcomed, cared for and prepared for an awesome experience that far exceeded our expectations.
