Festivals of Ghana Tour 2024: Homowo

Accra, Ghana

HT
HIM Tours Ghana
  • Email address verified
6 reviews
Aug 16 - 25, 2024
Group size: 1 - 20
Festivals of Ghana Tour 2024: Homowo
Accra, Ghana

HIM Tours Ghana
  • Email address verified
6 reviews

Aug 16 - 25, 2024
Group size: 1 - 20

About this trip

ROOTS


Travel with us to the center of the world.  Ghana sits on the prime meridian.  Experience Ghana during festival season and enjoy one of the most important celebrations in Accra and one of the most important and largest of its kind in Africa.  You will be led during the Homowo Festival in the La Community by a man who is a part of the Ga ethnic group and from the community.  He also happens to be the founder/owner of HIM Tours Ghana.  You will see and experience the festival in a way that only a native can show you.


CULTURE

Are you ready for the whirlwind? We will begin the tour with the Homowo festival.  It is greatly celebrated in all the towns in the Ga state with celebrations climaxing in Gamashie. The celebration begins with the planting of maize, which will be used in preparing the food for the festival named Kpokpoi or Kpekple.  During this period, noise making is prohibited or banned since it is believed that it disturbs the Gods.  We will partake in the special meal, which is eaten with Palm Nut soup.  We will eat in the traditional African way - communal style.  This special meal preparation is also sprinkled within the town. This is normally done by traditional leaders and family heads.  The festival celebration includes marching down roads and streets beating drums, chanting, face painting, singing and traditional dances.  We will take part in all of these activities.


The Homowo festival dates back to the 16th century, when the Ga people suffered many hardships, including a severe famine, during their travels across Africa. They celebrated their first harvest in Ghana with a feast, and a tradition was born. Homowo literally means “hooting at hunger."


You will also have the option of participating in one of the festival activities as well as taking a cleansing spiritual bath at the end of the festival.


Before leaving the capital city Accra, we will visit the pulsating markets  and shop with an experienced trader for African wares and authentic made-in Ghana fabrics to have custom African wear sewn if you choose.


ARTS


Our immersive experience in Ghanaian culture continues as we leave the capital city Accra and venture into the outer regions.   We will travel to Ada for boat rides on the Volta Lake, and explore the Eastern Region to learn about centuries old Kente weaving and Adinkra cloth stamping.  Finally, we will trace the footsteps of our ancestors to the dungeons of Cape Coast in the Central Region, our the historic town of Elmina, and walk the canopy suspended 300 feet in the air in Ghana's natural rainforest.


FAMILY FOR LIFE


Our tours are living and dynamic.  We allow room for our travelers to take advantage of spontaneous opportunities.  Most importantly, there will be real interaction with the local community.  We understand that for many traveling to the Motherland has taken a monumental effort.  We aim to ensure that you return home with unforgettable experiences.  More importantly, you are viewed and treated as more than just a traveler.  You become a part of the HIM Tours family.





MORE INFO

 

DETAILED ITINERARY & TRAVEL GUIDE

A detailed itinerary will be emailed after booking.


DATES DON'T WORK

In addition to group tours, we specialize in curating customized tours for solo travelers, small groups, families, educational institutions and businesses. We'd love to set up a consultation to create your tour. Email: himtoursghana22@gmail.com


NEED MORE INFO?

If you need more information, please feel free to email himtoursghana22@gmail.com and we will gladly set up a zoom call.

What’s included

  • Accommodations
    Enjoy your stay in Ghanian-owned, upscale and/or boutique hotels
  • Meals
    Daily breakfast and dinners as indicated on the itinerary
  • Ground transportation
    Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation to all events with a professional driver who will become like family
  • Accra City Tour
    Explore the diverse people, culture and history of the capital city of Ghana
  • Homowo Festival
    Witness the Ga people's unforgettable, joyous procession, taste traditional dishes, and partake in the "Hooting at Hunger" ritual, celebrating unity and overcoming adversity.
  • Chale Wote
    Experience the dynamic Chale Wote Street Art Festival: Accra comes alive with vibrant art, music, and performances. Immerse in Ghana's creative pulse on colorful streets.
  • Central Region
    Experience Ghana's heart as you trace the steps of our ancestors, visit the slave dungeons and Kakum National Park, Ghana's rainforest
  • Eastern Region
    Discover Eastern Ghana's allure: hike in the lush Akosombo Dam area, explore colorful bead markets, and delve into the Akan heritage. A captivating blend of nature and tradition awaits.
  • Custom African Wear
    We arrange for a private meeting with a seamstress/tailor to have custom clothing ready before your tour ends (fabric and sewing cost not included)
  • Visa Assistance
    The Visa application can be a complicated process. We make it easy for you.
  • Pre-trip planning
    We offer pre-trip planning services to answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to take care of the details so that you don’t have to
  • Real Estate
    Upon request we can arrange real estate showings
  • Repatriation
    Upon request we can arrange a meeting to discuss options

What’s not included

  • Travel Insurance
    We encourage you to secure your trip and peace of mind with travel insurance which covers medical, lost luggage and trip cancellation.
  • Required vaccines
    Yellow Fever is the only required vaccine.
  • Tips
    We leave this to you to give from the heart, but we do provide a tipping guide
  • Personal items
    Anything not listed.

Available Packages

Double Occupancy
$3,000
Deposit:$250
Single Occupancy
$3,500
Deposit:$250


Your Organizer


HT
HIM Tours Ghana
6 reviews
HIM Tours Ghana is a full service travel company. We specialize in curating authentic experiences that allow travelers to truly get a feel of the pulse of Ghana, the people, the history, the culture and the traditions. We curate tours for everyone from solo travelers to large groups. We also create virtual travel experiences for educational institutions. Get a feel for what we do by visiting our YouTube Channel: HIM Tours Ghana

Reviews

PB
This was the most amazing trip of my life. I celebrated my 78th birthday in Ghana. Daniel Okoe Okpoti was an incredible guide, protector and negotiator for our sales transactions. Monica, his wife, sent us a questionnaire to ascertain what our interests were, and where we wanted to go. Some of us were there for seven days, some for 11 days and some for three weeks. H.I.M. tours managed to accommodate all of our desires.. we even took an unscheduled day trip to Kumasi, where they make kente cloth and Adinkra symbols. It was a wonderful wonderful day. Daniel got great prices for the exchange rate, which was 11.88 cidis to $1., on our first day. The second day we went to the seamstress to be measured and then to buy fabric. Daniel, made sure that our clothes would be ready by the time we left. We stayed at great hotels. The food at all of the restaurants was delicious. Daniel gave us a true picture of Ghanaian culture and history. He is passionate about sharing Ghanian history with us, which I greatly appreciated. We went to the compounds and visited with real people., not just the usual tourist attractions. My cousins celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a Ghanaian renewal ceremony. It was a wonderful experience. Daniel even planned for drummers and dancers as we entered and exited the compound for the wedding ceremony. This was an unexpected surprise to the bride and groom. The people were gracious and hospitable, and even provided lunch for us. We were welcomed warmly, and instructed that we were now family. I’d love to go back for my 80th birthday. H.I.M. Tours went above, and beyond anything we could have imagined. If you’re considering visiting Ghana, I highly recommend H.I.M. Tours. You will not regret it. Daniel’s and Monica, job well done. ❤️ ***Note:: ladies wear, skirts or dresses. Trust me! Phyllis Bell Atlanta, Georgia USA
By Phyllis B for Tricia Elam Group Tour - 7 days, 10 days, 20 days on Oct 30, 2023
As the leader of this trip, I am VERY pleased with the caliber of service provided by HIM Tours. While this was my 4th trip to Ghana (2000, 2006, 2019), I worked with HIM Tours diligently for months to ensure that it was a life-transforming experience for the 23 family members, friends and friends of friends who joined me in celebration of my BIG 7-0. Based on comments shared with me throughout the tour and in our What’s App chat even since it ended, the vast majority of the travelers LOVED the trip. Although there were a few missteps when moving 24 people around a large portion of Ghana, I still recommend HIM Tours with enthusiasm! The luxurious Kempinksi Hotel in Accra with its fabulous buffets and the elegant Oak Plaza Suites in Kumasi were outstanding accommodations. The rustic Coconut Grove Beach Resort was beautifully-situated on the shores of the majestic Atlantic Ocean, but we were disappointed with the poor quality of the rooms and HIM Tours will be in touch with the management to share our concerns. HIM Tours was extremely accommodating of our large group and worked overtime to ensure that our expressed needs were met. I am grateful that travelers had life-transforming experiences and made new friends for a lifetime!
By Debra W for ABEN in Ghana on Aug 02, 2023
MJ
My wife and I just returned from Ghana this past weekend. ABEN in Ghana afforded us a great opportunity to see Ghana the ten days we vistied with a group of 22. Our host and guides Monica Utsey and Daniel Okoe Okpoti were really hands on with the group and prepared to give us the best expirence a first timer could expect. The hotel accomodations were great and the food was fresh and tasty. The Botanical gardens in the Eastern region was such beautiful eye opening, informational, and an enlightening expierence. Our guide was so knowledgeable. He shared so much valuable information about every aspect of the natural resources that plants, trees, and flowers which produce so many healing properties. Our guide informed us that he was a graduate of the University of Ghana and that his studies was Bontany. It really showed. We also we visited the home and museum of Dr. W.E. B. Du Bois. We visited Kume Nkrumah museum, we went to Kumasi, we visited the place of our ancestors grave; we walked the path and marched to the river where our ancestors took their last bath before the trecherous and inhumane walk to be sold and transported. We stepped into the same river to bath as free people of the Diaspora. We were able to write our names on the wall of rememberance. We visited in Cape Coast to visit the salve dungeons. We visited Ntonso to deliver school supplies to the children and make our on stoles with Andrinka symbols. We visited the Kente Cloth factory and purchase various items. We visited NaKum National Park. We hiked and walked across seven bridges over the rain forest. Of course we were provided the opportunity to see the largest market in the world. We shopped and also had garments personally prepared by professional seamstress and talior. ABEN in Ghana is the way to see the country in a warm and personable way. Okoe and Monica made us to feel comfortable and confident throughout the tour and visit. Last but not least, we were part of a naming ceremony. My wife Mattie and I also renewed our wedding vows at the ceremony. My new name is Michael Anthony Johnson NII OKPOTI. Thank you ABEN in Ghana.
By Michael J for ABEN in Ghana on Aug 02, 2023
I recently had the privilege of embarking on a 10-day multi-city tour with HIM Tours Ghana, and I can confidently say that it was a truly life-changing experience. From the moment we set foot in this beautiful country, we were immersed in Ghana's rich culture, and the love and warmth of its people made this journey truly unforgettable. One of the highlights of the tour was the impeccable accommodation in 5-star hotels. It was a luxury to come back to such comfortable and inviting spaces after a day of exploration. The tour itself was carefully curated to provide a holistic view of Ghana, encompassing its past, present, and future. What set this tour apart from others was the flexibility offered to us as tourists to engage and interact with the locals. The tour guides were not just knowledgeable, but they also encouraged us to talk to the people we met along the way. This allowed us to gain insights into the local way of life and forge meaningful connections with the community. A heartwarming and delightful aspect of the trip was the opportunity to dance with the children and decorate Kente scarves at the afterschool program. This experience was both fun and heartwarming, and it gave us a chance to feel connected to the younger generation and their vibrant spirit. However, the most poignant and spiritual moment of the tour was the walk on the trail to the Last Bath. The significance of this historical site left a deep impact on all of us, and it was a moment of reflection and reverence that will remain with me forever. Beyond being an enjoyable trip, this tour was incredibly educational and transformational. I learned so much about Ghana's history, culture, and traditions, and it broadened my perspective in ways I never anticipated. The tour managed to strike a perfect balance between enriching experiences and having a great time. Moreover, the camaraderie among the tour participants was a special aspect of this journey. Getting to know my fellow travelers, especially my sisters, on a deeper level was a unique and cherished experience. I also made new friends during the trip, and I can honestly say that these are friendships that will last a lifetime. In fact, I have already recommended HIM Tours to friends and family, as I believe that this experience should be shared with as many people as possible. The level of care, attention to detail, and genuine passion that the team at HIM Tours invests in their work is evident in every aspect of the journey. In conclusion, HIM Tours Ghana provided an educational, transformational, and incredibly fun journey into the heart of Ghana's culture and its loving people. It was an experience that touched my heart and soul, leaving me with beautiful memories and a newfound appreciation for the world we live in. I cannot thank HIM Tours enough for this life-changing adventure.
By Cynthia S for ABEN in Ghana on Aug 01, 2023
CS
I’m not sure where to start writing this review. Before we arrived in Ghana, the touring company set up a ‎WhatsApp for all of us, so that we could stay connected. Monica & Okeo prepared us even before our arrival. From the moment we touched down in Ghana we were warmly welcomed with open arms &each of us were giving an African kente cloth & hugs. We did not have to struggle with our overpacked suitcases, and there were many 😊They loaded them all on the bus. From the very first, Monica and Okeo made you feel very comfortable. We couldn’t check into the hotel until 3 PM and our flight was early so we begin touring. They made sure we had all of our bags and were comfortably seated on the bus. They were very professional and very thorough as we drove to our first touring destinations. I was very impressed with their knowledge about Ghana & surrounding regions that we visited. They were very educated in telling the history of events during the tour ;and you could tell instantly that they had an everlasting love for this beautiful country. They were patient with answering questions and making sure we all understood. All of the tours that were pre-arranged were excellent, and all the presenters were very passionate and telling their story . This was a 10 day tour. Every morning we received a complete itinerary for the events of the day. Sometimes because the group wanted to do something a little different. They were very flexible and accommodating to our request. They were concerned about our well-being and frequently reminded us of the things we needed to do to stay safe as well as to stay healthy. One person in our group took ill during the night Okko got out of his bed at the crack of dawn, and searched the area for a pharmacy that was open to bring back medication for her. When we went to the markets their whole team walked with us side-by-side bargained with the vendors. They were very knowledgeable about the merchandise we were buying and negotiated good prices for us. They even carried our shopping, bags and there were many. They were always very accommodating. They took orders for various items that people wanted. bought them with their own money and brought them back to the hotel. They even arranged for vendors hair braiders seamstress to come to the hotel, so we did not always have to go out to the very crowded and overwhelming market places. They arranged for people to come to the hotel to exchange our US dollars for a better exchange rate, They even upon request took some of us to places that were not part of the tour. I will be eternally grateful for the experience that I had in Ghana. The hotel accommodations were excellent. All 5 star resorts and some were literally steps from the ocean. All of the tours were well organized. I now feel that I have a family in Ghana, 🥰and I pray that your business prosper in every way. I will certainly tell anyone going to Ghana to connect with you. Can’t wait to visit again.🙏😊😊
By Catherine S for ABEN in Ghana on Aug 01, 2023
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