Ghana, Togo & Benin tour: Castles, Voodoo & Ganvie village

Eight days crossing three countries to meet voodoo traditions, colonial forts and a 500-year-old village floating on a lake.

An 8-day tour through Ghana, Togo and Benin that moves between coastal forts, sacred sites and markets, with a live guide in English or French. The itinerary includes Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle (both tied to the slave trade), the voodoo market in Ouidah, a boat ride to Ganvie village on Lake Nokoue, and stops in Accra, Lome and Porto Novo. Lunch is included daily. The tour requires moderate physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Accra Arrival and Walking Tour

• Meet Blastours representative
• Hotel transfer
• Walking tour in James Town

Day 2: Kakum Park and Cape Coast Castle

• Walk Kakum National Park canopy walkway
• Stop at oil palm plantation and factory
• Visit Cape Coast Castle

Day 3: Elmina Castle and City Tour

• Visit Elmina Castle
• Elmina city tour and cultural experience

Day 4: Accra Cultural Visits and Market

• Visit Fantasy Coffin makers
• Visit contemporary art gallery
• Visit Independence Square
• Shop at Ghana’s largest craft market

Day 5: Lome Market and Togoville Boat Ride

• Visit large open-air market in Lome
• Visit main voodoo market
• Boat ride to Togoville and visit shrines

Day 6: Porto Novo Cultural Tour

• Visit Porto Novo market
• Visit Ethnographic museum
• Visit Grand Mosque and Da Silva Museum
• Visit Palace of King Toffa

Day 7: Ganvie Village and Benin Sites

• Boat ride on Nakoue river to Ganvie village
• Visit Sacred Forest and Temple of Pythons
• Visit Portuguese Fort and History Museum

Day 8: Accra Free Day and Departure

• Free day shopping

The Experience

The route starts in Accra and moves west through Ghana's coastal region before crossing into Togo and Benin. Day two takes you through Kakum National Park, where you can walk the canopy walkway above the rainforest or take a forest trail on foot, then continues to Cape Coast Castle, a fortress built by the Swedes in 1653 and later held by the Danes and British. Day three visits Elmina Castle, one of the oldest European buildings in sub-Saharan Africa, with a guide explaining its role in the slave trade and the Fanti people who live in the city today.

Days four and five shift focus to contemporary and spiritual life. In Accra you'll see the Fantasy Coffin makers (who craft coffins shaped like animals, vehicles and objects to reflect a person's life), visit a contemporary art gallery, walk through the country's largest craft market, and stand in Independence Square, where Ghana declared independence from colonial rule in 1957. Then you cross into Togo and Benin, where the voodoo market in Ouidah sells charms and remedies used by local practitioners, and a boat ride takes you to Togoville to visit shrines and the ancient German Cathedral.

Day six moves through Porto Novo, where Afro-Brazilian settlers left their mark on the architecture and museums after returning from Brazil following emancipation. The Palace of King Toffa, 300 years old, traces the region's history. Day seven is the centerpiece: a boat ride on the Nakoue River to Ganvie, a village of 500 years built entirely on water. People originally took refuge on the lake to escape warrior attacks, since their attackers believed they could not fight on water. You'll also visit the Sacred Forest and Temple of Pythons, home to sacred snakes, and a Portuguese Fort that now houses a history museum focused on the slave trade and cultural ties to Brazil and the Caribbean. Day eight leaves time for shopping in Accra before departure.

What’s included

• Lunch daily.
• accommodation at 3-star hotels (The Roots Apartment in Accra, Lemon Beach Resort in Cape Coast, Hotel Casa del Papa in Ouidah, Hotel du Lac in Cotonou).
• a live guide in English or French.
• all entrance fees to Elmina Castle, Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park, Independence Square, the voodoo market, Ganvie village and the Portuguese Fort.
• boat rides to Togoville and Ganvie.
• hotel pickup on arrival day in Accra.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Blastours Ghana

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to move through three countries and see both colonial history and living spiritual traditions in a single trip. The 8-day length lets you spend real time in each place (walking the canopy walkway, exploring two major castles, visiting markets and sacred sites) rather than rushing through stops. Moderate fitness is needed for forest walks and boat rides, and the itinerary is not suitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

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Top questions

What is Ganvie village and why is it built on water?

Ganvie is a 500-year-old village on Lake Nokoue in Benin, built entirely on water. In ancient times, people took refuge on the lake to escape attacks by the Fons and Dahomey warriors, who believed they could not fight on water. You reach it by boat on day seven.

Does the tour visit the forts and castles along the coast?

Yes. Day two includes Cape Coast Castle, built by the Swedes in 1653 and later held by the Danes and British. Day three is dedicated to Elmina Castle, one of the oldest European structures in the region, where a guide explains its history and the slave trade. Day seven includes a Portuguese Fort in Benin, now a history museum.

What happens at the voodoo market in Ouidah?

The voodoo market is where local practitioners buy charms and remedies. You'll walk through and see the goods used in traditional spiritual practices. It's one of the stops on day five as you move through Togo and Benin.

Is there time to shop or explore on my own?

Yes. Day four includes a walk through Ghana's largest craft market where you can buy African arts, crafts and traditional clothes. Day eight is a free day for shopping before your departure.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is led by a live guide who speaks English or French, depending on the departure you book.

Does the tour include meals?

Lunch is included each day. You should advise the operator of any specific dietary requirements when you book.