Excursion Unesco world heritage: elmina & cape coast castles tour at Takoradi

Drive from Takoradi Port to Cape Coast Castle for approximately 2 hours.

Cape Coast Castle

On arrival at Cape Coast Castle, enjoy a guided walking tour with local Castle guides into the Dungeons and to the rooms the Slaves were held before they were shipped out by boat. Tour time is approx. 45 minutes and you will have 15 minutes of free time to explore on own and take time to photograph the Castle and Fishing village/beach area or make purchases in the local shop. This Castle was built by the Swedes in 1652 and was later taken over by the British. This Castle served as the seat of the former colonial administration of the then Gold Coast (Ghana's former name) till 1877 when it was relocated to Accra. The Castle also houses the West African Historical Museum (closed to public currently). Your guide will take you through the slave quarters and Palaver Hall where slaves were bargained for and sold. Then drive from Cape Coast Castle approx. 30 minutes through the Elmina Fishing Village to the Elmina Castle.

Elmina Castle

Guided tour of Elmina Castle with local guides for approx. 30 mins and 15 mins free time. Tour the interior rooms where Slaves were held inside Elmina Castle. Elmina Castle built by the Portuguese in 1482 and later used as an auction market. See the slave dungeons and condemned cells where slaves who attempted to escape were incarcerated. View its interior and exterior architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the fishing harbor.  A region rich in gold and ivory resources, the area was home to 30 or so “slave forts” concentrated along the coast, and was the first European slave-trading post in sub-Saharan Africa. These fortified castles were built between 1482 and 1786 by numerous traders including the Portuguese, Swedish, English, Danish, and Dutch. Between 1482 and 1486, the Portuguese constructed what became known as Elmina Castle, also called St George's Castle. One of the main purposes of Elmina Castle was to give support to ship captains by providing their vessels with a secure harbor.

Lunch at Coconut Grove Hotel and Cultural Performance

Drive approx. 15 minutes along the beach to Coconut Grove Hotel and enjoy a Buffet Lunch. The Coconut Grove Hotel is located on the Beach. There will be a Cultural Performance during lunch. Return drive is 90 minutes to the Takoradi Port.   

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Takoradi, Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Lunch

Note

Please note: Ghana is a very-low-income country with very basic infrastructure, and vastly different to the western culture mentality. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. This excursion involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1-2 km or 0.6-1.2 miles with 6 flights of stairs inside the castles and over cobblestone, uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach as well as at the castles. This excursion includes 3.5 hours driving, with 90 minutes in each direction plus travel time between sites. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection and insect repellant is recommended. Anticipate high temperatures and humidity and we recommend staying hydrated by bringing your water bottle. Local souvenir shop accepts cash in US dollars, Pounds, Euros and local currency. No Credit Cards. Guests should be aware that the Ghanaian public and security personnel are friendly, but you must ask permission before taking photos of local residents. Please take your swimsuit with you if you choose to swim at the hotel and bring a towel from the ship. The tour sequence may vary.