Tour the Capital of Ghana, Accra. Experience the city’s highlights during this Accra orientation. The capital of Ghana since 1877, Accra is also the capital of the Greater Accra  Region.  In addition, it’s the country’s most populous city. Travel through  the administrative and economic districts of Accra. Also, see the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Pan African Culture and the Independence/Black Star Square. Learn about important events in Ghana’s history and the  country’s first president who helped lead Ghana to independence.  

Depart for a morning flight to  Tamale (Flight time 1 hr). Upon arrival in Tamale, you will  be picked up from the airport and transferred to your  hotel. 

Depart for a scenic drive to Salaga, one of the towns used as a major slave market during the slave trade. Meet with the traditional leader and tour the site where the slave trade  started in the former Gold Coast. In Salaga, you will find  families whose ancestors were slave raiders, slave chains  and shackles are still kept in some of the family homes.  The atonement will be sealed by villagers washing the feet of  participants as an act of humility and a plea for forgiveness. This ceremony,  designed by the  villagers themselves, is a  symbolic apology for the acts of their ancestors.  Continue to the market site where the slaves were sold,  known as the “Salaga Slave Market.” Lay a wreath at the grave site commemorating those who did not survive the slave trade. Then amidst traditional drumming and  dancing by the villagers, participate in a naming ceremony where you will be given a traditional African name. The day will end with joyous celebration,  including traditional drumming, dancing and a healing feast that includes the sharing of food between the descendants of the slave raiders and of the slaves who were taken to the new world. 

Depart for a drive to  Kumasi with a stop at the former slave markets of Kintampo and Assin Bono. Enjoy this scenic but haunting drive through the land where the slave trade took place. Notice the change in climate and terrain, which has a direct bearing on the population of Africans that the slave traders targeted. Visit the Kintampo Waterfalls to experience the cool, invigorating atmosphere created by nature and savor the breathtaking view of the cascading waterfall 

Visit the Manhyia Palace Museum to obtain first-hand information on the legacies of the Ashanti kingdom, the famous Kejetia market, the National Cultural Centre which features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and various studios of the brass makers, potters and batik makers. Visit the three famous Ashanti craft villages; Ahwiaa, the wood carvers’  village, Ntonso, the home of Adinkra cloth, and Adanwomase, the Kente  weaving village. You will have an opportunity to see how African crafts  are made and to buy directly from the artisans who make them. 

Embark on a tour of the infamous Forts, Castles, and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. History will unfold the story of the slave trade which the impact  is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today. Visit the Cape Coast Castle built by the Swedes in 1653 and was later taken over by the British. Here, you would learn about the relationship between the western slave traders and the African tribes that made the trans-Atlantic slave trade possible. It is an opportunity to be up and  close with history – to stand in the dark and stuffy dungeons, imagining the experience and conditions  that millions of Africans endured. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum. 

Visit the Elmina Castle. Another infamous castle and slave dungeon,   Elmina was built by the Portuguese in 1482 as St. George's Castle.  This castle was the first European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa. Explore the  grounds and rooms full of haunting history. Stroll down to the beach for a memorial ceremony where each pilgrim will throw bread into the waters in remembrance of ancestors. A wreath with a candle will be  solemnly pushed out to sea as a respectful moment of  silence is observed in remembrance of those who died  in the middle passage. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to participate in “Reverential Night.” There will be candle light processions and a vigil to commemorate the Africans who died in the slave trade. There will also be a moving ceremony and re-enactment of the slave passage through the “Door  of No Return,” followed by a midnight declaration of Emancipation Day. This is the highlight of the celebration. 

Drive through the former slave route to Assin Manso, the final transit point for  enslaved Africans before being shipped off to the new world. You will have the opportunity to visit the slave dungeons as well as the final resting place for two  ancestors whose mortal remains were returned from the USA and Jamaica and re-interred in Ghana. The Emancipation Day Celebration is opened with a Grand Durbar of Traditional Chiefs and people of the Central Region.  Witness this grand, colorful and spectacular event that  showcases the pomp and pageantry of Ghana's  traditional rulers, dressed in rich Kente and adorned in glittering gold jewelry. Discover the African rhythm in you as you dance to the beat of the 'Fontomfrom'  drums 

Spend the day shopping and doing last minute packing. Later, check out of the hotel and transfer to airport for check-in and final departure back home.