Kensington

17 Day West Africa Grand Journey

Experience the vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and deep-rooted history of West Africa on this expansive privately guided Grand Journey. Discover the Isle of Goree in Senegal, then journey to Ghana’s historic coastal forts, each a testament to centuries past. Wander through Togo’s unique voodoo markets and take in the rhythms of daily life in the floating village of Ganvie.

Kensington Tours offers local support in each region you visit, another reason we deliver unbeatable value. Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.

03/03/2026 through 12/12/2027
01/01/2014 through 12/31/2027

Day 1

Dakar, the lively capital of Senegal, stands at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the Cape Verde Peninsula. As the westernmost city on the African mainland, it has long been a crossroads of cultures, trade, and ideas. Today, it blends deep traditions with a modern spirit, making it one of West Africa’s most dynamic urban centers. Its streets are filled with bustling markets, colorful murals, and a music scene that pulses with rhythm late into the night.

The city is rich in history and heritage. Just a short ferry ride away lies Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the House of Slaves serves as a moving reminder of the transatlantic slave trade. In the city itself, the African Renaissance Monument towers over Dakar, symbolizing resilience and progress, while the IFAN Museum of African Arts preserves important cultural treasures from across the continent.

Dakar also thrives on its coastal setting. The Corniche, a scenic road that winds along the shoreline, offers panoramic ocean views and access to beaches like Yoff and Ngor. Nearby Ngor Island is a favorite spot for both relaxation and water activities. The city’s fishing tradition remains strong, and colorful pirogues can be seen lining the shore, bringing in the day’s catch that often ends up in the city’s flavorful cuisine.

Food is central to Dakar’s identity. Local markets showcase an abundance of spices, fabrics, and produce, while restaurants serve traditional dishes like thiéboudienne, Senegal’s national dish of rice and fish. Together with its music, arts, and welcoming energy, Dakar offers a travel experience that is as engaging as it is unforgettable.


Day 2

Dakar, the lively capital of Senegal, stands at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the Cape Verde Peninsula. As the westernmost city on the African mainland, it has long been a crossroads of cultures, trade, and ideas. Today, it blends deep traditions with a modern spirit, making it one of West Africa’s most dynamic urban centers. Its streets are filled with bustling markets, colorful murals, and a music scene that pulses with rhythm late into the night.

The city is rich in history and heritage. Just a short ferry ride away lies Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the House of Slaves serves as a moving reminder of the transatlantic slave trade. In the city itself, the African Renaissance Monument towers over Dakar, symbolizing resilience and progress, while the IFAN Museum of African Arts preserves important cultural treasures from across the continent.

Dakar also thrives on its coastal setting. The Corniche, a scenic road that winds along the shoreline, offers panoramic ocean views and access to beaches like Yoff and Ngor. Nearby Ngor Island is a favorite spot for both relaxation and water activities. The city’s fishing tradition remains strong, and colorful pirogues can be seen lining the shore, bringing in the day’s catch that often ends up in the city’s flavorful cuisine.

Food is central to Dakar’s identity. Local markets showcase an abundance of spices, fabrics, and produce, while restaurants serve traditional dishes like thiéboudienne, Senegal’s national dish of rice and fish. Together with its music, arts, and welcoming energy, Dakar offers a travel experience that is as engaging as it is unforgettable.


Day 3

Dakar, the lively capital of Senegal, stands at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the Cape Verde Peninsula. As the westernmost city on the African mainland, it has long been a crossroads of cultures, trade, and ideas. Today, it blends deep traditions with a modern spirit, making it one of West Africa’s most dynamic urban centers. Its streets are filled with bustling markets, colorful murals, and a music scene that pulses with rhythm late into the night.

The city is rich in history and heritage. Just a short ferry ride away lies Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the House of Slaves serves as a moving reminder of the transatlantic slave trade. In the city itself, the African Renaissance Monument towers over Dakar, symbolizing resilience and progress, while the IFAN Museum of African Arts preserves important cultural treasures from across the continent.

Dakar also thrives on its coastal setting. The Corniche, a scenic road that winds along the shoreline, offers panoramic ocean views and access to beaches like Yoff and Ngor. Nearby Ngor Island is a favorite spot for both relaxation and water activities. The city’s fishing tradition remains strong, and colorful pirogues can be seen lining the shore, bringing in the day’s catch that often ends up in the city’s flavorful cuisine.

Food is central to Dakar’s identity. Local markets showcase an abundance of spices, fabrics, and produce, while restaurants serve traditional dishes like thiéboudienne, Senegal’s national dish of rice and fish. Together with its music, arts, and welcoming energy, Dakar offers a travel experience that is as engaging as it is unforgettable.


Day 4

Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, blends coastal charm with an energetic urban atmosphere. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the city is a hub for arts, culture, and history, offering travelers a lively introduction to the country. Its streets are lined with markets, street food vendors, and boutiques selling colorful textiles, while modern cafés and art galleries provide a contemporary counterpoint to its traditional roots.

The city’s history comes alive at landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, dedicated to Ghana’s first president, and the historic Jamestown district, known for its colonial-era architecture and annual street festivals. Independence Arch and Black Star Square stand as powerful symbols of the nation’s journey to freedom.

Accra also boasts a thriving arts and culinary scene. The W.E.B. Du Bois Center offers insight into Pan-African history, while the city’s music scene pulses with highlife and Afrobeats rhythms. Beachfront spots like Labadi and Kokrobite invite visitors to unwind with ocean views, fresh seafood, and lively drum performances.


Day 5

Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, blends coastal charm with an energetic urban atmosphere. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the city is a hub for arts, culture, and history, offering travelers a lively introduction to the country. Its streets are lined with markets, street food vendors, and boutiques selling colorful textiles, while modern cafés and art galleries provide a contemporary counterpoint to its traditional roots.

The city’s history comes alive at landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, dedicated to Ghana’s first president, and the historic Jamestown district, known for its colonial-era architecture and annual street festivals. Independence Arch and Black Star Square stand as powerful symbols of the nation’s journey to freedom.

Accra also boasts a thriving arts and culinary scene. The W.E.B. Du Bois Center offers insight into Pan-African history, while the city’s music scene pulses with highlife and Afrobeats rhythms. Beachfront spots like Labadi and Kokrobite invite visitors to unwind with ocean views, fresh seafood, and lively drum performances.


Day 6

Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, blends coastal charm with an energetic urban atmosphere. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the city is a hub for arts, culture, and history, offering travelers a lively introduction to the country. Its streets are lined with markets, street food vendors, and boutiques selling colorful textiles, while modern cafés and art galleries provide a contemporary counterpoint to its traditional roots.

The city’s history comes alive at landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, dedicated to Ghana’s first president, and the historic Jamestown district, known for its colonial-era architecture and annual street festivals. Independence Arch and Black Star Square stand as powerful symbols of the nation’s journey to freedom.

Accra also boasts a thriving arts and culinary scene. The W.E.B. Du Bois Center offers insight into Pan-African history, while the city’s music scene pulses with highlife and Afrobeats rhythms. Beachfront spots like Labadi and Kokrobite invite visitors to unwind with ocean views, fresh seafood, and lively drum performances.


Day 7
Day 8
Day 9 Kumasi, the historic city located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, offers an immersive experience into the heart of Ghanaian culture and heritage. Known as the capital of the Ashanti Empire, Kumasi is home to the Manhyia Palace Museum, the former seat of the Ashanti kings. This museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the traditional monarchy of the Ashanti people, showcasing regal artifacts, historical documents, and traditional regalia that narrate the storied past of the Ashanti kingdom.

A visit to Kumasi would be incomplete without exploring the Kumasi Central Market, one of the largest and most vibrant markets in West Africa. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the lively hustle and bustle, finding everything from colorful kente cloths to local spices and fresh produce. The market is a sensory feast, offering an authentic taste of Ghanaian life and commerce.

For those interested in traditional craftsmanship, Kumasi is renowned for its kente weaving, a cultural art form that dates back centuries. Visit local weaving workshops to see the intricate process of creating these vibrant cloths and gain insight into their cultural significance. Additionally, the Kumasi Fort and Military Museum offers historical exhibits on colonial history and the impact of the British on the Ashanti Empire.

For a visit to Kumasi, consider traveling between November and March, when the weather is dry and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city’s rich cultural and historical sites.
Day 10 Kumasi, the historic city located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, offers an immersive experience into the heart of Ghanaian culture and heritage. Known as the capital of the Ashanti Empire, Kumasi is home to the Manhyia Palace Museum, the former seat of the Ashanti kings. This museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the traditional monarchy of the Ashanti people, showcasing regal artifacts, historical documents, and traditional regalia that narrate the storied past of the Ashanti kingdom.

A visit to Kumasi would be incomplete without exploring the Kumasi Central Market, one of the largest and most vibrant markets in West Africa. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the lively hustle and bustle, finding everything from colorful kente cloths to local spices and fresh produce. The market is a sensory feast, offering an authentic taste of Ghanaian life and commerce.

For those interested in traditional craftsmanship, Kumasi is renowned for its kente weaving, a cultural art form that dates back centuries. Visit local weaving workshops to see the intricate process of creating these vibrant cloths and gain insight into their cultural significance. Additionally, the Kumasi Fort and Military Museum offers historical exhibits on colonial history and the impact of the British on the Ashanti Empire.

For a visit to Kumasi, consider traveling between November and March, when the weather is dry and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city’s rich cultural and historical sites.
Day 11

Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, blends coastal charm with an energetic urban atmosphere. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the city is a hub for arts, culture, and history, offering travelers a lively introduction to the country. Its streets are lined with markets, street food vendors, and boutiques selling colorful textiles, while modern cafés and art galleries provide a contemporary counterpoint to its traditional roots.

The city’s history comes alive at landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, dedicated to Ghana’s first president, and the historic Jamestown district, known for its colonial-era architecture and annual street festivals. Independence Arch and Black Star Square stand as powerful symbols of the nation’s journey to freedom.

Accra also boasts a thriving arts and culinary scene. The W.E.B. Du Bois Center offers insight into Pan-African history, while the city’s music scene pulses with highlife and Afrobeats rhythms. Beachfront spots like Labadi and Kokrobite invite visitors to unwind with ocean views, fresh seafood, and lively drum performances.


Day 12

Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, blends coastal charm with an energetic urban atmosphere. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the city is a hub for arts, culture, and history, offering travelers a lively introduction to the country. Its streets are lined with markets, street food vendors, and boutiques selling colorful textiles, while modern cafés and art galleries provide a contemporary counterpoint to its traditional roots.

The city’s history comes alive at landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, dedicated to Ghana’s first president, and the historic Jamestown district, known for its colonial-era architecture and annual street festivals. Independence Arch and Black Star Square stand as powerful symbols of the nation’s journey to freedom.

Accra also boasts a thriving arts and culinary scene. The W.E.B. Du Bois Center offers insight into Pan-African history, while the city’s music scene pulses with highlife and Afrobeats rhythms. Beachfront spots like Labadi and Kokrobite invite visitors to unwind with ocean views, fresh seafood, and lively drum performances.


Day 13

Lomé, the capital city of Togo, sits along the Gulf of Guinea and serves as both the political and cultural heart of the country. Lomé’s coastline features beaches where locals gather and where visitors can enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The city is famous for its lively markets, especially the Lomé Grand Market. Here, travelers can browse stalls overflowing with colorful textiles, handcrafted jewelry, spices, and local art. Walking through the market offers an immersive glimpse into daily life and trade, while also providing opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs directly from artisans.

Lomé also has cultural and historical attractions, such as the National Museum, which highlights Togo’s diverse ethnic groups and traditions. Nearby craft villages allow visitors to see traditional woodworking, weaving, and pottery techniques in action. Music and dance are part of the city’s fabric, with local performances often held in public squares or cultural centers.

The city serves as a gateway to explore other parts of Togo, including coastal beaches to the west and the hillier, greener regions around Kpalimé. Lomé’s combination of coastal charm, lively markets, and cultural depth makes it a memorable stop for travelers seeking to experience the richness of Togo in a single city.


Day 14

Lomé, the capital city of Togo, sits along the Gulf of Guinea and serves as both the political and cultural heart of the country. Lomé’s coastline features beaches where locals gather and where visitors can enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The city is famous for its lively markets, especially the Lomé Grand Market. Here, travelers can browse stalls overflowing with colorful textiles, handcrafted jewelry, spices, and local art. Walking through the market offers an immersive glimpse into daily life and trade, while also providing opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs directly from artisans.

Lomé also has cultural and historical attractions, such as the National Museum, which highlights Togo’s diverse ethnic groups and traditions. Nearby craft villages allow visitors to see traditional woodworking, weaving, and pottery techniques in action. Music and dance are part of the city’s fabric, with local performances often held in public squares or cultural centers.

The city serves as a gateway to explore other parts of Togo, including coastal beaches to the west and the hillier, greener regions around Kpalimé. Lomé’s combination of coastal charm, lively markets, and cultural depth makes it a memorable stop for travelers seeking to experience the richness of Togo in a single city.


Day 15 Cotonou, the Center de Promotion de l'Artisant is a lively spot where you can bargain for everything thats produced in Cotonou.
Day 16 Cotonou, the Center de Promotion de l'Artisant is a lively spot where you can bargain for everything thats produced in Cotonou.
Day 17 Cotonou, the Center de Promotion de l'Artisant is a lively spot where you can bargain for everything thats produced in Cotonou.

01/01/14 - 12/31/27

Starting At $14,093

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Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

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