FRANKO TRAVEL AND TOUR - ABOUT GHANA-AKWAABA

HISTORICAL GHANA

Formerly the Gold Coast, Ghana is a young republic which became independent from Britain on March 6. 1957, the first black African colony to achieve its independence. Ghana occupies the pinnacle spot in Pan-African history having hit the torch for African Emancipation and became home in famous Pan-Africanist such as W.E. B Du Bois and George Pad more. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah whose mausoleum adds to Accra"s landscape was Ghana"s first President.
European power struggle between the 15th and 19th centuries started with the Portuguese who built Elmina Castle in 1482. They were followed by the Dutch, Swedes, Danes, Prussians and the British looking for fortunes in gold and ivory.
This intense commercial rivalry ended with the growth of the tragic trade in silvery - all 42 European castles and fortifications were used as dungeons for the millions most of whom lost their lives or whose descendants compose the African diaspora today.
42 forts and castles including Elmina and Cape Coast Castles are recognised by UNESCO as World I Heritage Monuments.
Sites of wars between the British and at he indigenous population especially the Ashanti peoples.
Ancient artistry in fabrics with the colourful and popular Ashanti Bonwire Kente Cloth now adopted as a focus of identity by many people of African descent the world over.
An antique collector"s haven for ancient terra cotta work. Traditional gold jewellery, Krobo beads, northern leather and straw product, woodcarving of Ahwiaa-Ashanti.
The practice of ancient herbal and alternative medicine side by side with orthodox medical practice throughout the country; herbariums preserve the ancient medical heritage.
Colourful traditional festivals full of pomp and pageantry with Chiefs and Queen Mothers riding on lushly gilded palanquins.
Colourful traditional open markets and lorry parks provide the sounds and sights of the African bazaar.

WHAT TO DO TO ENJOY YOUR AFRICAN TRIP
Africa is still developing so a three star or a four star hotel in the US or Europe will be different from that of Africa. Your trip will be pleasant if you do not compare things with the US or Europe. In other words you should appreciate West Africa the way it is. There are possibilities that your itinerary might change but this however happens on rare occasions, and if it happens the changes are normally very minor. So you will still have a great trip. Service may be a bit slow, so it is always advisable to place your orders for meals early, relax and have the patience to wait. Africa is unique in its culture and you will definitely notice a lot of cultural differences. For further information that is accurate, update and unbiased, we suggest you read the Rough Guide for West Africa.

Ghana Cultural Tour Akwaaba - Welcome to Ghana, ’The gateway and Heart of West Africa’. We invite you to join us on an unforgettable journey into a land rich in history, tradition and culture - a land whose people are noted for their warmth, friendliness and hospitality. From the legendary Ashanti Kingdom of gold to the vibrant streets of Accra, Ghana’s capital, you will see unspoilt virgin beaches, historical sites steeped in sad, inhumane histories, bustling markets overflowing with exquisite arts and crafts. You will experience cultural drumming and dancing that will touch your very soul in its intensity. Ghana’s history stretches almost 2000 years, to the riches of the ancient Ghana Empire. Abundant trade in gold, ivory, salt and kola nuts existed between Ghana and other African states and this eventually led Europeans to the shores of Africa and to the country known as the Gold Coast. Come, relax and enjoy Ghana’s culture, beauty and warmth.





Eco Volta Adventure Whether it is conquering the heights of Mount Afadjato, the highest mountain in West Africa; viewing the verdant terrain below or swimming in the sparkling stream and viewing the breathtaking Wli Waterfall cascading from above, Ghana has got the eco bite! Your Eco Volta tour will take you to Kakum National Park, the most noted rainforest in West Africa. Experience the spectacular views of the rainforest as you cross the 100 feet high canopy walkway. This walkway is one of only five of its kind in the world. The park is a prime location to view birds such as the African hornbill. In 1993 a butterfly hitherto unknown to the world of science was discovered at the park. As you travel north you will be delighted by a festival of butterflies at Bobiri Butterfly sanctuary, so have your cameras ready to capture this exciting scene. You will also visit Aburi Botanical Gardens in the Akwapim mountains and at Shai Hills, view West Africa’s savannah animals; antelopes, bushbucks, kobs, baboons and monkeys.



Northern Eco Adventure The exciting Northern Eco Adventure Tour is the perfect tour for the adventurous animal lover; it takes you the length of the country and passes through the town of Kintampo, located at the very center of Ghana. You will visit Kumasi, Ghana’s second largest city and seat of the Ashanti Empire. The regal history of the Ashanti’s dates back to 1700 and is told with relics and artifacts. Journey through the savannah zone to Mole National Park where you will go on a walking safari to view elephants, antelopes, waterbucks, baboons, monkeys and many more of West Africa’s game. Here you will see elephants up close and personal. Visit the nearby village of Larabanga which is home to the oldest mosque in Ghana. It is the only structure in the country with Sudanic architecture. At the outskirts of the village is the mystery Larabanga Stone. It is believed that whenever this stone is removed from its original and current location, it always returns back to the site.

Tribal Homelands Beautiful and fierce, seductive and spiritual, natural and rugged; West Africa is full of exciting contrasts. The Tribal Homelands tour packs so much in just two weeks, to give you the experience of a lifetime. Your journey begins in warm, friendly Ghana and continues to traditional Burkina Faso, unconquered Niger, enigmatic Togo and fascinating Benin. The Tribal Homelands Tour includes an array of interests and features the culture of several ethnic groups. This tour offers you the opportunity to view the diverse West African wildlife at Pendjari National Park. Visit attractions earmarked as UNESCO heritage sites and capital cities on their ladder of modern development as Africa begins its renaissance. You will visit Natitingou and Parakou, places very few people have heard of and the intensity of your sense of wonder will stay with you for a long time.

Forts and Castles The 46 Forts and Castles along West Africa are evidence of Europe's (Portuguese, Dutch, Britain, Germany, Danes and Swedes) strong interest in attaining gold, ivory and African slaves from the continent. Ghana has the largest number of these structures; 26 in all and more than half are still standing today. On this tour you will have an opportunity to visit the forts and castles in the Central and Western regions. Cape Coast and Elmina castles along with Fort St. Jago have been officially designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. After visiting the UNESCO sites you will continue to the Western Region to visit Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove and Fort Appolonia at Beyin, Fort Orange at Sekondi and Fort Sebastien at Shama. You will learn who built these forts and castles and why. You will also learn how they were used and their relationship with the local people in the area.

Tropical Adventure If you want to get away from it all, Ghana’s Tropical Adventure Tour is just what you need. Combining relaxation by pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean with activities that add pizzazz to your holiday, you will return home completely rejuvenated. In Accra you will explore the 128 year old capital city with its blend of colonial and modern architecture. You will enjoy a cruise on the Lake Volta, the largest man made lake in the world. The cruise presents you with a splendid opportunity to view the scenic and striking landscape of the undulating Akwapim-Togo mountain range as you dance to the sounds of Ghanaian highlife music. In Ada on the Volta estuary you will enjoy a variety of water sports. “Relaxation” is the keynote for this tour and your time at Busua Beach will provide you with the perfect location to unwind. This is your allotted time to absorb the beautiful, natural surroundings and to distress. Time to savor the moment.

Sun and Fun (Best Value) This is a tour for the economical travelers; here is a tour for those who desire a change of scenery, along with a taste of Ghanaian cuisine and hospitality. During this tour you will be get to visit one of the notorious Slave Castles in Ghana, you will also have fun trying your feet at the 100 km treetop canopy walkway in Kakum National Park. This tour gives you the desired opportunity of lounging at the pristine beaches of West Africa or by your hotel poolside. So come and enjoy this Sun and Fun filled tour.