9 independent reviews for Ghana, Togo and Benin vacation, gold and magic
Reviews for Ghana, Togo and Benin vacation, gold and magic
Maria Stratford review 29 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There are just so many memorable moments in this trip! Meeting two Asante kings, dancing with local women at a Ghanaian funeral, the tragedy of the slave castles in Benin and Ghana, the wonderful, friendly people we met in villages along the way. The Egungun masked dances and the poo-covered high spirit! The itinerary of this trip has been planned so meticulously, I couldn't have asked for more. AND of course our most wonderful, knowledgable local guide, Armstrong, who knew everything about everything and did everything with a big smile.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
As advised in the trip dossier, don't pack too much. Be prepared to have a limited, but still decent diet (rice, chicken and vegetables in every town and city!). Take a good pair of walking shoes and have an open and curious mind. You will be constantly amazed!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local people everywhere were warm and hospitable. We took things like pencils for the kids, not sweets. We were advised against giving money, especially to children because they tend to beg instead of going to school. Most places there wasn't a culture of begging which was great to see.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I've travelled extensively as an independent traveler in many countries around the world. I have been to Africa before as well, but this was my first trip to West Africa. With limited time, I decided to take a tour and I'm so glad I did and that I went with this company! This trip was definitely one of the highlights in my traveling career!Margarette Duré review 24 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting museums and interacting with the locals.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be open minded, get ready to take lots of pictures and videos when ever possible.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
My feelings are conflicted , I understand Travelers bring financial gains to every one involved, visitors bring gifts or monetary goods to locals but at time I personally feel intrusive taking pictures of what I would define as “privacy” , for the avid photographer many things including humans in their habitats look new, colorful, interesting to the eye, however a person like me would probably never get the chance to visit Savalou, Natitingou, Defale, Pya people, Tchare grandma, school kids in Kabou, beautiful Fulani people, it’s a delicate balance travel organizers and travelers as well need to remain attentive to.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Best vacation I ever had. Will do it again if I could.Read the operator's response here:
Photography is always a subject that we try to manage sensitively; we recognise that many of our travelers like to take photographs but it’s important to bear in mind that the people that we visit are not simply objects to be photographed. We visit villages that are happy to receive us as visitors, and always ensure that our presence is not resented, and that we leave something for the village to thank them for having allowed us to visit them. As you say, this can be a delicate balance and not all travelers give this as much thought as you, so where necessary we try to step in and speak to travelers if behaviour becomes inappropriate, as well as giving guidelines as to how to behave sensitively.
Eldad Rosenthal review 17 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Akwasidae Festival of the Ashanti people2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Too much driving Lunch is a waist of two hours that should be devoted to a wider and deeper visit of the various tribes /3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people but had no positive impact on environment or conservation/4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExitingMarguerite Clayton review 13 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting the king of the Taneka people in Benin was a memorable experience for me. He seemed to exhude an air of gentle tranquility. My husband and I were thrilled that he wanted us to encourage more visitors from Jamaica. I was excited to be inTogo and Benin where animism and vodoun are widely practised. Despite my Catholic upbringing, l felt a thin thread of connection, a curiosity about the religion of my ancestors. My husband was fascinated by the drumming at the Millet Festival. As a musician, he was very interested in the interplay of rhythms.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Please, go with an open mind. Please, please, do not take photos of African children as if they were animals you observe on safari. Recognise that the culture of the people you visit has as much validity as yours. Be flexible, prepare for the unexpected, adjust your style of dress to suit the events you attend. This cross-country, international tour delivers much more than you would expect.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt we were careful not to be intrusive or disruptive. In fact, Sena our guide, made sure to give us suggestions about how to conduct ourselves so as not to leave a negative impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
My husband and I felt that this was one of the best tours that that we have been on. The experience was intense because we were so close to the local people and their day-to-day activities. Much of our satisfaction with the tour was due to the very professional leadership of our guide, Sena. He handled the group expertly with a firm quietness. We had full confidence in him. One question....the minibus was rather cramped and uncomfortable for long trips. Was that intended to provide us with a truly local experience?Edward Milford review 25 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The warmth and welcome of Ghanaians. What a sunny contrast to the UK in January. Most exciting moment was encountering an armed poacher when out with a guide in a National Park. A chase ensued, luckily no one was hurt.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Remember it's Africa! Take your sense of humour, keep your expectations modest and you should be pleasantly surprised.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To a limited extent; there is not much visitor infrastructure but our presence will have supported the local economy a bit. Ghana's environment is unfortunately very stressed - there is plastic waste all over the place, and almost no wildlife outside of national parks.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A very enjoyable trip to an interesting country.Chris Godbold review 21 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing tribal villages and voodoo practices.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be very sure you're up for long bumpy journeys in the minibus. There is often a long distance between attractions and these countries are not small.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Naturally as tourists we brought money into the economy, which will have benefited local people. I'm not sure that our pumping diesel emissions around from the bus will have aided the environment very much, but then they do a good job damaging that for themselves!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very very good. Fascinating insight into cultures within the three countries, with brilliant photo opportunities. A real eye-opener.Ole Morten Bordal review 14 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Experience people and traditions in the countryside. Attend festivals and various cultural events.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This is a trip that does not have special physical challenges but be prepared for long days. Start early in the morning and with program and traveling until well into the evening. Although none of the countries are particularly large, the transport distances were quite long some days. Poor road conditions was also a reason for this. October / November can be hot but some rain showers freshened up the air.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people and supported conservation; absolutely. Reduced environmental impacts; to a certain extent.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was my first trip to "the real Africa" and I am very pleased that I did it this way. Professionally conducted by skilled guides / driver / chef and great tour friends made this an experience.Hilary Drummond review 8 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many parts that were great. I especially loved the spontaneous stops that Sena made like the first funeral and the cocoa trees.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for a lot of travel and no free time.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it benefited local people and certainly educated all of us.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was great and Sena was an amazing guide.Annie Krefting review 30 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The festival for the local king in Kumasi on day 11 was a highlight. Another highlight was a visit to a village of semi nomadic people on day 9. They had a sort of water festival that day. Around 100 women in color full dresses carried a jar of water on their head, singing, and emptied the water in front of their chief. Visit to the slave forts and to several markets were very interesting.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do not have high expectations about hotels or restaurants, but be prepared for a lot of experience and adventure.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hard to say. As we stayed in local hotels and had a local guide and driver, we contributed to give jobs to several people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A very good trip, which I can recommend.Holiday Reviews
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