Multi-Country Journey
Ghana · Togo · Benin
10 days through West Africa's most captivating cultures — ancient kingdoms, sacred forests, Atlantic coastlines and vibrant markets.
About This Journey
Three nations, one incredible West African story
This carefully crafted 10-day itinerary takes you on an immersive journey through three of West Africa's most historically rich and culturally vibrant nations. Beginning in Accra, Ghana's dynamic capital, you'll trace the routes of ancient kingdoms, colonial history, sacred forests and Atlantic coastlines before arriving in Cotonou, Benin's beating commercial heart.
Along the way you'll visit Cape Coast Castle — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and powerful monument to the transatlantic slave trade — before crossing into Togo to explore Lomé's legendary Grand Marché and the sacred Voodoo temples of the south. The journey culminates in Benin, home of the ancient Dahomey Kingdom and the Royal Palaces of Abomey, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trip at a Glance
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Welcome to Ghana! Your Cool Trips representative meets you at Kotoka International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. After checking in, enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing on your West African adventure.
- Airport meet & greet
- Hotel check-in & orientation
- Welcome dinner
Explore Ghana's vibrant capital — Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the National Museum, Makola Market, and the colourful Jamestown fishing harbour. Afternoon visit to the Arts Centre.
- Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
- Makola Market
- Jamestown & lighthouse
- Arts Centre shopping
Drive west to visit Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle — two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that stand as profound monuments to the transatlantic slave trade.
- Cape Coast Castle (UNESCO)
- Elmina Castle (UNESCO)
- Kakum National Park canopy walk
Travel east through Ghana's scenic Volta Region. Cross Lake Volta — the world's largest artificial lake by surface area — by ferry, passing fishing communities and tropical landscapes.
- Lake Volta ferry crossing
- Scenic Volta escarpment views
- Local fishing villages
Cross into Togo at Aflao and drive to Lomé. Explore the legendary Grand Marché, one of West Africa's most famous markets, run entirely by women traders known as "Nana Benz".
- Aflao–Lomé border crossing
- Grand Marché Lomé
- Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Boulevard du Mono
Visit the Akodessawa Fetish Market — the world's largest voodoo market — and the historic village of Togoville on Lake Togo, where the German colonial treaty was signed in 1884.
- Akodessawa Fetish Market
- Lake Togo pirogue boat ride
- Togoville village
Head north to Kpalimé, Togo's craft capital. Hike to the Akloa Waterfall and visit a butterfly sanctuary home to hundreds of tropical species.
- Akloa Waterfall hike
- Butterfly sanctuary
- Kpalimé craft market
- Coffee & cocoa plantation
Cross into Benin and drive to Ouidah, birthplace of Voodoo. Walk the Route des Esclaves to the Door of No Return monument — a powerful and essential experience.
- Benin border crossing
- Temple des Pythons
- Route des Esclaves
- Door of No Return monument
Day trip to Abomey, capital of the ancient Dahomey Kingdom. The Royal Palaces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site telling the story of 12 successive kings who ruled this powerful empire.
- Abomey Royal Palaces (UNESCO)
- Historical Museum of Abomey
- Appliqué tapestry workshops
- Ganvié stilt village
Morning at leisure in Cotonou — explore Dantokpa Market or the city's art galleries. Transfer to Cadjehoun Airport for your onward journey, or connect back to Accra.
- Dantokpa Market
- Cotonou art galleries
- Airport transfer
What's Included
- 9 nights accommodation (twin/double share)
- Daily breakfast; additional meals as per itinerary
- Private air-conditioned transport throughout
- English-speaking tour guide for the full journey
- All entry fees to sites listed in the itinerary
- Airport meet & greet in Accra
- Border crossing assistance (Ghana/Togo and Togo/Benin)
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Bottled water on all travel days
Not Included
- International flights to Accra or from Cotonou
- Travel insurance (mandatory — personal responsibility)
- Visa fees for Togo and Benin
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Optional activities not included in the programme
- Single room supplement (available on request)
Ready to cross borders?
Get in touch and we'll build your West Africa adventure.