Exploring Ghana with Busboys and Poets!

This 9-day, 8-night journey invites you to experience Ghana as a living masterpiece—where history, art, music, poetry, and flavor intertwine to tell the soul-stirring story of a nation. Designed with the African Diaspora in mind, this experience offers space for reconnection, reflection, and celebration of shared heritage. From the heartbeat of the drum to the brushstroke of a master artist, from the bittersweet notes of handcrafted chocolate to the dance of daily life, you’ll explore Ghana through its vibrant creative and culinary spirit.

Your adventure begins in Accra, Ghana’s dynamic capital, where modern energy flows alongside deep historical roots. Visit landmarks such as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Independence Square, each a testament to Ghana’s role in Pan-Africanism and the global Black liberation movement. At Makola Market, the colorful pulse of the city hums all around—woven fabrics, handcrafted art, and street musicians turning ordinary moments into poetry.

From Accra, you’ll journey to Cape Coast, where the walls of the haunting Cape Coast Castle bear witness to the painful yet unbreakable legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This is a place where many members of the African Diaspora trace their ancestors’ final moments on African soil—offering a deeply personal space for remembrance and reconnection.

Your journey continues inland to Kumasi, the royal heart of the Ashanti Kingdom. Step into the Manhyia Palace Museum, where centuries of heritage and artistry come alive through royal regalia, historic artifacts, and the enduring traditions of Ghana’s most storied dynasty. Explore artisan workshops where kente weavers, woodcarvers, and batik artists transform cultural identity into wearable and collectible works of art—crafts that have influenced fashion and design throughout the African Diaspora.

Over these 9 days, you’ll engage in creative exchanges with local artists, musicians, poets, and culinary artisans, sharing stories that bridge oceans and generations. Take part in workshops that allow you to not only witness but also create—whether it’s learning a traditional drum rhythm, trying your hand at batik-making, crafting a piece of jewelry, or penning your own verse inspired by the journey. Additional leisure days allow time to reflect, shop for handcrafted treasures, or explore Ghana’s coastal towns and cultural neighborhoods at your own pace.

Optional 3-Day, 2-Night Add-On: Tamale, Mole National Park & Larabanga Mosque

Extend your journey northward for a 3-day adventure to Tamale, gateway to Ghana’s Northern Region, where rich traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. Explore Mole National Park on thrilling game drives, where elephants, antelope, baboons, and an array of birdlife roam freely across the savannah. Visit the historic Larabanga Mosque, one of West Africa’s oldest and most iconic mud-and-stick mosques and learn about its centuries-old spiritual and architectural significance. This add-on offers a deeper connection to Ghana’s cultural diversity, natural beauty, and living history—making your Roots, Rhythms & Reverie experience even more unforgettable.

This trip includes some walking, long drives on winding roads, and navigating through busy areas, so travelers should be prepared for a bit of adventure — planned and unplanned. 

Those with significant mobility challenges may find it difficult to manage this itinerary, but we will do everything in our power to make activities as accessible as possible.

Please disclose ALL medical conditions that may be impacted by the timing of meals, heat, activities, etc.  We are committed to meeting traveler needs, but we are only able to do so when we know that there is need!

REC Advisory Group, LLC reserves the right to adjust the final itinerary as circumstances require. Any changes will be made with care to ensure the best possible experience for all participants

Arrival in Accra, Ghana (Flight Details – TBC)

Welcome to Ghana! Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport (ACC), you'll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel to check in, settle, and refresh after your journey.

Today's schedule will remain flexible to accommodate various arrival times. The only real requirement? That you arrive safely—and ready for the experience of a lifetime.

As we gather together, given varying arrival times, this will be your opportunity to get your hair braided, cut, or any other services you may be interested in. Massage and spa services can be arranged, at your hotel or spa location.

As the golden light of late afternoon settles over Accra, take a moment to rest—to breathe in the warmth of your arrival and prepare for the evening’s Welcome Dinner.

Tonight, your Ghanaian journey begins in the most fitting way—within the circle of story. Led by Dr. Sarah Dorgbadzi, Senior Lecturer in Theatre Arts at the University of Ghana and Founder of the Lododo Art Foundation, you’ll step into an ancient rhythm where words dance, drums speak, and imagination knows no bounds.

This isn’t merely a performance—it’s a homecoming to the heart of African storytelling. Through call-and-response, laughter, and song, you’ll join a chorus that has echoed across generations. In the glow of shared voices and firelit tales, the past will whisper, the present will move, and the future will listen.

Come ready for a day that awakens wonder and connection—beginning with the treasures of Ghana and ending in the timeless embrace of story.

 This journey is more than just a tour of cities and landmarks—it’s a deep dive into the heartbeat of Ghanaian culture. From the bold, comforting flavors of dishes like jollof rice, kebabs, and groundnut soup, to the sounds of street music and the stories in every corner of the market, prepare for a full-sensory adventure.

We’ll visit the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre for Pan African Culture before taking a trip to local fabric shops, where you can peruse vibrant, locally-woven textiles and, later, get measured for custom-made pieces by skilled Ghanaian tailors. Whether you're dreaming of a bold kente jacket or a flowy Ankara dress, this is your chance to take home a truly personal piece of Ghana.

Having reclaimed your place as a part of historical African lineage, it is time pay our respects at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, dedicated to Ghana’s founding father and first president. This beautifully landscaped space offers a powerful glimpse into the country’s path to independence and honors a legacy that shaped not only Ghana but Africa as a whole.

We’ll finish with a stop at the Accra Art Centre, where you can test your bargaining skills in a lively marketplace full of handcrafted goods and local artistry. Don’t worry if the negotiating gets intense—our team will be nearby, ready to jump in and help you find that perfect deal (and maybe even cheer on your haggling finesse).

Prepare yourselves to leave the hotel VERY EARLY in the morning.

After breakfast, we will set off as our journey through Ghana continues with a deeply moving visit to Assin Manso and Cape Coast, where we will confront the powerful and emotional history of the transatlantic slave trade while also embracing the resilience and royalty of our ancestors. In Assin Manso, we will visit the River of the Last Bath, where captured Africans took their last bath before being sold and shipped across the Atlantic. Standing at this sacred site, we honor the memory of those who endured unimaginable hardships and reclaim their legacy as descendants of kings and queens.

The river served as a poignant beginning to our visit to Cape Coast, tracing the very path once taken by the ancestors of African Diasporans.

After lunch, we’ll step into a space where history's sorrowful shadows at Cape Coast Castle to meet the enduring light of remembrance. As we move through the castle’s dungeons and stand before the infamous “Door of No Return,” we confront a painful chapter of the past. Yet, within these walls, we also honor the resilience, courage, and unyielding spirit that continue to define generations descended from those who passed through this place.

Your day begins with a journey through Ghana’s breathtaking National Mosque, where faith and architecture meet in quiet grandeur. Beneath its golden domes and intricate arches, you’ll feel the harmony between devotion and design—a reflection of Ghana’s deep spiritual soul.

The stillness invites reflection as light dances across marble floors and patterns tell stories of unity, peace, and the artistry of belief. More than a visit, it’s a moment of awakening—where faith becomes form and beauty becomes prayer.

In the afternoon, we’ll close the day in the Accra Art District, often described as the creative heartbeat of the capital. This vibrant cultural hub showcases Ghana’s artistic soul through immersive workshops, local artistry, and community engagement.

There, you’ll roll up your sleeves for a Batik-making workshop, where tradition meets creativity. Learn the intricate wax-resist dyeing technique from local artisans and design your own colorful fabric—a unique keepsake of your time in Ghana.

Then turn up the energy with an interactive session of African drumming and dance—where rhythm takes the lead and you become part of the heartbeat of Ghana. No experience needed—just a willingness to move, laugh, and feel the joy of music in motion.

Prepare yourselves for full day! 

We will head out early in the morning to catch a flight to Ashanti Kingdom!  After breakfast, we will head to Kotoka International Airport to board a flight to Kumasi. Upon arrival, we will visit The Manhyia Palace Museum. The museum is a historic museum located in Kumasi and situated within Manhyia Palace first established in 1925 as a private residence for the Asantehene Agyemang Prempeh I. 

Additionally, you may try your hand (and foot) at kente weaving, as we engage in a tour and demonstration at the Bonwire Kente Village; known as the original home of the colorful fabric.  

If weaving isn't your artistic calling, perhaps creating colored dye and stamping fabric will be more your speed.  Let's find out together through a tour and demonstration at Ntonso Craft Village—Adinkra Stampers.

If time permits, we may tour the Okomfo Anokye sword sight where the golden stool of the Asanteman descended into the laps of King Osei Tutu I. The sight was predicted by Okomfo Anokye to be a healing place for millions of people.  As well as paying a visit to the Nana Prempeh II museum and Kumasi cultural Centre. 

We will take a late afternoon flight, heading back to Acrra, in the evening.

Today, we partner with Chefs With Purpose, a humanitarian nonprofit that harnesses culinary talent to serve vulnerable communities across the globe. Known for their impactful “Feeding the Inmates Campaign,” the organization goes beyond providing nourishment—fostering education, cultural exchange, and hope within correctional institutions across Africa.

Our journey will bring us to a Juvenile Detention Center, where we will stand alongside chefs and culinary professionals to prepare and share meals with incarcerated youth. More than just serving food, this experience is about connection, mentorship, and empowerment—reminding these young individuals that they are seen, valued, and capable of transformation.

This day of service invites us to use our time, energy, and compassion to plant seeds of hope and help inspire futures beyond confinement.

Enjoy a free day to relax and spend as you wish — unwind by the pool, explore the city at your own pace, or simply take in the beauty of your surroundings. For travelers seeking a bit more adventure or leisure, we will offer two optional excursions, available at an additional cost.

Option 1: Bojo Beach Day Trip – Serenity Meets the Sea

$50 (based on a minimum of 10 Participants)

Escape to Bojo Beach, one of Accra’s hidden gems. Nestled on a narrow strip of land between a calm lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, Bojo offers a perfect blend of tranquility and fun. Take a short boat ride across the lagoon to reach the sandy shores, where you can unwind beneath a shaded cabana, sip fresh coconuts, or enjoy a refreshing swim. Optional activities include jet skiing, beach volleyball, or savoring freshly grilled seafood at the beachfront restaurant. It’s the perfect way to soak in Ghana’s coastal charm and serenity.

Option 2: Mole National Park Overnight Safari – Adventure on the Savannah

$1100single/$1150sharing (based on a minimum of 10 Participants)

For those craving a wilder experience, embark on an overnight safari adventure to Mole National Park in northern Ghana. After a short flight to Tamale, continue on to Ghana’s premier wildlife reserve and settle into an eco-lodge overlooking a watering hole frequented by elephants, antelopes, and baboons. Enjoy guided safari drives at sunrise or sunset, visit the historic Larabanga Mosque, and meet local women artisans who produce traditional shea butter. Evenings invite you to relax by the pool or share stories beneath the stars. This unforgettable overnight experience offers a deeper connection to Ghana’s nature, culture, and community.

Take another free day to relax and enjoy at your own pace — lounge by the pool, explore the city, or simply soak in the atmosphere around you. For those who did not travel to Tamale but are still looking to participate in a structured activity, we will offer an optional excursion for an additional cost.

Option 1, Full Day: From Soil to Sweetness- A Botanical & Chocolate Journey

$125 (based on a minimum of 20 Participants)

Breathe in the cool hilltop air of Aburi Botanical Gardens, where towering palms, medicinal plants, and colonial-era trees frame a serene stroll through Ghana’s green sanctuary.

Continue into the countryside for a hands-on visit to a cocoa farm—walk among pods, learn the life of the cacao tree from seedling to harvest, crack fresh pods, and taste the sweet, pulpy beans.

Your day culminates with a bean-to-bar chocolate session: fermenting & drying explained, roasting demonstrations, and a guided tasting of single-origin Ghanaian chocolates. Roll up your sleeves for simple chocolate making—tempering, molding, and decorating your own treats to take home.

Option 2, Half Day: The Art of Chocolate- From Bean to Bliss

$75 (based on a minimum of 20 Participants)

Indulge in Ghana’s sweetest tradition—a journey into the world of chocolate.

Discover the artistry behind one of the nation’s most beloved exports through an immersive bean-to-bar experience. Learn how raw cacao is transformed into rich, velvety chocolate as experts guide you through each stage—from fermenting and roasting to tempering and molding.

Engage your senses in a guided tasting of single-origin Ghanaian chocolates, savoring the unique notes and textures that reflect the land itself. Then, roll up your sleeves to craft your own creations—decorated, wrapped, and ready to take home as a delicious memory of Ghana’s craftsmanship and flavor.

If you have had custom clothes made, we will have them available for a final fitting.

Depart from Kotoko International Airport in Accra, Ghana (Flight Details - TBC).  

After breakfast, spend the day doing last minute packing. Later you will check out of the hotel and be transferred to the airport for check-in and final departure back home.

If your travel plans are on an earlier or later day, we are happy to arrange additional accommodations and activities, as requested.

For those opting to stay a while longer, the 3 day-2 night Northern Ghana extension details are provided separately.