Accra: Everything You Need To Know About The Cape Coast and Elmina Private Cultural Tour in Accra

Accra, the capital of Ghana and the largest city in West Africa, is a vibrant and bustling place that’s full of life. The city attracts tourists from all over the world and offers a variety of activities, attractions, and experiences. One of the most popular activities for visitors to Accra is the Cape Coast and Elmina Private Cultural Tour. This tour offers a unique insight into the culture, history, and people of Accra.

This tour usually takes about 6-7 hours, and it’s a great way to explore some of the best attractions that Accra has to offer. The tour includes visits to the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along with visiting these two castles, you will also get to visit authentic fishing villages, learn more about the Ghanian fishing industry, take a boat ride, and visit a local beach.

The tour is suitable for people of all ages, although children under the age of seven are not recommended. The cost of the tour generally ranges from around $120 – $140USD per person depending on the number of people in your group and other factors. You should note that this tour does require a moderate amount of walking, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.

What’s Included in the Tour?

The Cape Coast and Elmina private cultural tour generally includes a pick-up from your Accra hotel, transport to the various locations, entry into the castles and attractions, local guides, and a wonderful lunch at a local fishing village. In between locations you will be driven around on air-conditioned minivans.

The tour normally starts at 8AM with pick-up from your hotel. From there you’ll travel by van to the Cape Coast Castle, which was built by the British in 1653 as a center for trading slaves. This castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is an important part of Accra’s history. After exploring the castle you will journey to Elmina Castle, which was built by the Portuguese in 1482 as a trading center and fortification. This castle was also declared a UNESCO World Heritages site in 1979.

After having explored both castles you will take a leisurely cruise down the coast for about 45 minutes to see dolphins and other wildlife. You’ll then arrive in a small fishing village, where you will have delicious freshly-caught seafood for lunch. After lunch you will have time to explore the beach or take part in some of the cultural activities available in the local area.

Finally, you’ll return to Accra where you’ll usually be dropped off at your hotel around 4PM.

Things to Know Before You Go

Before you embark on this tour there are few things that you need to know:

• The tour is conducted in English.
• You should wear comfortable clothing, sunhat, and sunblock.
• It’s recommended that you bring insect repellent as this can be quite useful in some locations.
• It’s important to bring your passport with you as there might be border entry points where they will want to see ID.
• Be aware that this tour involves high levels of physical activity and can include some walking outdoors.
• Be aware that there is no ATM at some of the locations visited so you should plan ahead and bring sufficient cash with you.

The Pros and Cons

The Cape Coast and Elmina Private Culture Tour is an excellent way to explore Accra and experience the truly vibrant Ghanian culture. The tours are usually conducted by knowledgeable guides who can provide an insightful commentary on each location, making the experience all the more memorable. The tour also includes stops at two beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites which you can explore without any large crowds of people. The tour also provides an authentic glimpse into Ghanian fishing villages which can be quite eye-opening, especially if you’re not familiar with local customs and lifestyle.

That being said, be aware that this tour involves walking outdoors and can get quite tiring if you’re not used to this type of activity. Furthermore, due to borders at some of the locations visited on this tour, it can take quite a bit of time to get between locations which can also make it quite time consuming. Additionally, some travelers have reported long waiting times at Elmina Castle as there’s usually several buses arriving at the same time.

Overall, we highly recommend signing up for the Cape Coast and Elmina Private Culture Tour if you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience that goes beyond typical tourist activities. It’s a great way to explore Accra and discover its hidden gems. You can easily book this tour online through GetYourGuide. Book now and get ready for an amazing cultural adventure!