6 Days • 5 Nights
Ashanti Kingdom: Kumasi, Manhyia Palace & the Kente Weavers
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The Manhyia Palace, seat of the Ashanti king, and the legend of the Golden Stool are a fascinating highlight. The Manhyia Palace in Kumasi is the seat of the Asantehene, the king of the Ashanti, whose kingdom was one of the most powerful and sophisticated in West Africa. You visit the palace and its excellent museum, set in the former royal residence, where life-sized figures, regalia, photographs and stories bring to life the great kings, the royal court and the traditions that endure to this day. You learn the legend of the sacred Golden Stool.
- The vast Kejetia market, one of the largest in West Africa, is an astonishing, colourful highlight. Kumasi's Kejetia (Central) Market is one of the largest markets in West Africa, a vast, teeming labyrinth of thousands upon thousands of stalls spilling across the city centre. You plunge into its colourful chaos, a dizzying sensory feast of cloth and kente, beads and sandals, yams and plantain, spices, soap, pottery, fish and everything imaginable, with traders calling, porters weaving through the crowds and the energy of Ghanaian commerce at full pitch. With your guide you navigate the maze, meet traders.
- The kente weavers of Bonwire, creating dazzling royal cloth, are a beautiful and colourful highlight. At Bonwire, the historic home of kente, you watch master weavers working narrow wooden looms with astonishing skill and speed, weaving the dazzling, intricately patterned strips that are sewn together into kente, the magnificent cloth once reserved for Ashanti royalty. Every colour and geometric motif carries meaning, telling of proverbs, history and status, and the weavers, working traditions handed down over generations, are true artists. You can watch the whole process, try the loom yourself, learn the stories behind the patterns and buy genuine, handwoven kente directly from the makers.
- The craft villages of Ntonso and Ahwiaa, and the symbols of adinkra, are a fascinating highlight. Beyond Bonwire, the Ashanti craft villages continue to practise arts handed down over centuries. At Ntonso you see adinkra cloth being stamped by hand with carved calabash stamps and rich natural dye, each of the many symbols carrying a proverb, value or meaning, from wisdom and endurance to unity and love, and you can stamp your own cloth to take home. At Ahwiaa, the woodcarvers' village, skilled artisans carve the famous Ashanti stools, masks, drums and figures from single blocks of wood, each with symbolic significance.
- Lake Bosomtwe, the serene crater lake sacred to the Ashanti, is a beautiful and peaceful highlight. About thirty kilometres from Kumasi lies Lake Bosomtwe, a serene, circular lake filling an ancient meteorite crater, ringed by forested hills and villages, and the only natural lake in Ghana. Sacred to the Ashanti, who traditionally believe the souls of the dead come here to bid farewell to their god, it is a place of great beauty and calm. You can relax by the shore, take a boat or traditional plank-canoe trip on the still water, swim, visit lakeside villages and enjoy the peace after the energy of the city and market.
- Above all, this journey offers a rich immersion in the proud, living culture of the Ashanti kingdom. Kumasi is the proud cultural heart of Ghana, and this journey immerses you in its royal traditions, vibrant crafts and warm energy. Over six days you explore the Manhyia Palace and the legend of the Golden Stool, plunge into the vast Kejetia market, watch the kente weavers of Bonwire and the craftspeople of Ntonso and Ahwiaa, and find peace at sacred Lake Bosomtwe, guided by expert local guides and warmed by genuine hospitality. The combination of living monarchy, dazzling crafts, teeming markets.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your journey into the heart of the Ashanti kingdom begins as your flight arrives at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the lively capital. Ghana is one of the friendliest and most welcoming countries in West Africa, and the genuine warmth of the Ghanaian welcome is felt from the moment you arrive. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll near your hotel or watching the sun set over the Gulf of Guinea. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the delicious flavours of Ghanaian cuisine and to the journey ahead into Kumasi, the royal Ashanti capital, its palace, market and famous kente weavers. Your guide shares an overview of the rich Ashanti culture to come. As you settle in, the energy and warmth of Ghana work their magic. Rest well, ready to travel to Kumasi tomorrow.
Today you journey to Kumasi, the proud heart of the Ashanti kingdom. You leave Accra and travel north into the forested Ashanti heartland, through rolling green country, cocoa farms and busy market towns, a scenic drive into the cultural core of Ghana (a short domestic flight can be arranged to shorten the journey). Along the way your guide shares the history and traditions of the powerful Ashanti kingdom that once dominated this region and beyond. You arrive in Kumasi, the Garden City, a proud, energetic place steeped in royal tradition and surrounded by forested hills, where the Asantehene still reigns. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel in Kumasi, ready to explore the Ashanti heartland over the coming days. This evening, savour the atmosphere of the city and Ghanaian cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you visit the royal palace and vast market of Kumasi.
Today you explore royal Kumasi. You visit the Manhyia Palace, seat of the Asantehene, the Ashanti king, with its fascinating museum set in the former royal residence, where figures, regalia and stories bring to life the great kings, the royal court and the legend of the sacred Golden Stool, said to house the soul of the Ashanti nation. You take in the National Cultural Centre, with its craft workshops, museum and displays of drumming, dancing and weaving. Then you plunge into the astonishing Kejetia market, one of the largest in West Africa, a vast, teeming labyrinth of thousands of stalls selling cloth, food, crafts, beads and everything imaginable, a dizzying, colourful sensory feast that your guide helps you navigate. The royal history and vibrant energy are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, immersed in Ashanti culture. This evening, savour the Garden City. Rest well.
Today you discover the famous crafts of the Ashanti villages around Kumasi. At Bonwire, the home of kente, you watch master weavers working narrow looms with astonishing skill, creating the dazzling, richly patterned kente cloth, once reserved for royalty, whose every colour and geometric motif carries meaning, and you can try the loom yourself and buy genuine, handwoven cloth directly from the makers. At Ntonso you see adinkra cloth being stamped by hand with symbolic designs and natural dyes, each symbol carrying a proverb or value, and you can stamp your own. At Ahwiaa, the woodcarvers' village, skilled artisans shape the famous Ashanti stools, masks and figures. The colour, skill and living heritage are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Kumasi with handmade treasures and new understanding. This evening, savour Ghanaian cuisine and perhaps some drumming. Rest well, for tomorrow you visit sacred Lake Bosomtwe.
Today you enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Bosomtwe, sacred to the Ashanti. You travel about thirty kilometres from Kumasi to Lake Bosomtwe, a serene, circular lake filling an ancient meteorite crater, ringed by forested hills and villages, and the only natural lake in Ghana. Sacred to the Ashanti, it is a place of great beauty and calm. You relax by the shore, take a boat or traditional plank-canoe trip on the still water, perhaps swim, and visit lakeside villages, enjoying the peace after the energy of the city and market and learning the beliefs and legends that surround the lake. You take in the beautiful Ashanti countryside along the way. The beauty and serenity are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Kumasi, refreshed. This evening, savour a farewell dinner, reflecting on the rich Ashanti culture you have experienced. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final morning in Kumasi, perhaps some last souvenir shopping for kente, adinkra cloth, carved stools and beads, or a relaxed breakfast, you are transferred to Kumasi airport for your domestic flight to Accra and onward international departure (or the drive to Accra where preferred). You leave having immersed yourself in the proud, living culture of the Ashanti kingdom, the royal Manhyia Palace and the legend of the Golden Stool, the astonishing Kejetia market, the dazzling kente weavers of Bonwire and the craftspeople of Ntonso and Ahwiaa, and the serene sacred lake of Bosomtwe, all warmed by genuine Ghanaian hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the royal regalia, the whir of the kente looms, the colourful chaos of the market, and the still waters of the crater lake. Ashanti Ghana offers proud culture, dazzling craft and heartfelt warmth in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to castles, parks and sites as per itinerary
- private touring with an expert local guide and vehicle, a Kumasi city and Manhyia Palace tour, a Kejetia market walk, visits to the Bonwire, Ntonso and Ahwiaa craft villages, a Lake Bosomtwe excursion, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Domestic flights unless specified
- Optional experiences and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities need a visa for Ghana, arranged in advance through a Ghanaian embassy or the eVisa system, with visa-on-arrival available to some travellers by prior approval; a passport valid for at least six months is required. Requirements change from time to time, so we confirm the exact, current process for your nationality and help you prepare the paperwork before you travel
- Currency: The currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS); cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants and shops in Accra and Kumasi, but carry cash for markets, crafts, small towns, tips, park fees and rural areas, where cash is essential. ATMs are found in cities and larger towns, and it is wise to keep small notes handy
- Best time to visit: The dry season, roughly November to March, is the most comfortable time to travel, with warm, sunny days and the dusty Harmattan wind blowing from the Sahara; the wet season (April to October) brings lush green landscapes, fuller waterfalls and warm rains, mostly in short heavy bursts. We help you time your trip around the season and any festivals you wish to see
- Language & etiquette: English is the official language and is widely spoken, alongside Akan (Twi), Ewe, Ga and many others; Ghanaians are famously warm, friendly and hospitable. Greetings matter, so take a moment to say hello; dress modestly at sacred sites, palaces and in the north; and always ask before photographing people, chiefs or ceremonies. A little Twi, such as a friendly greeting, is warmly received
- Getting around: Touring is by private air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver-guide, the most comfortable and flexible way to see the country; some drives are long but scenic, linking Accra, the Cape Coast, Kumasi, the north and the Volta Region. Domestic flights between Accra, Kumasi and Tamale can shorten the longest journeys, and we build in comfortable stops along the way
- Health & safety: Ghana is one of the friendliest and most stable countries in West Africa, and travel here is rewarding and welcoming; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, and antimalarial precautions are strongly recommended, so consult a travel clinic well before departure. Drink bottled or filtered water, use insect repellent, and we monitor conditions and follow official guidance at all times
- Culture & festivals: Ghana's culture is vibrant and deeply rooted, from Ashanti kente weaving, drumming and dancing to colourful chiefs' durbars and lively festivals such as Homowo, Aboakyer and the Ashanti Akwasidae; markets buzz with energy and music is everywhere. We can time your journey to coincide with a festival where possible, and always advise on respectful ways to take part and enjoy the celebrations
- Power & practicalities: Power is 230V with British-style type G three-pin plugs (type D also appears), so bring a UK-style adapter; power cuts happen occasionally, and better hotels have generators. Tipping is appreciated for good service, mobile coverage is good in towns, and the pace of life is relaxed and friendly, so patience, a smile and an open mind make every day a pleasure
Frequently Asked Questions
Might I be able to see an Ashanti festival such as Akwasidae?
Possibly, with good timing. The Akwasidae is a colourful royal festival held roughly every six weeks at the Manhyia Palace, when the Asantehene receives homage amid drumming, dancing, gold regalia and processions of chiefs, a spectacular display of living Ashanti culture. We can advise on the festival calendar and, where dates align, build your visit around it, though attendance can depend on protocol. Other festivals and durbars occur through the year, and even outside festival days, the palace, crafts and markets offer a rich immersion in Ashanti culture.
Can I buy genuine kente and crafts directly from the artisans?
Yes, and it is one of the pleasures of the journey. At Bonwire you can buy genuine, handwoven kente directly from the weavers, at Ntonso hand-stamped adinkra cloth, and at Ahwiaa carved stools, masks and figures, supporting the artisans directly and taking home authentic treasures with real meaning. Your guide helps you understand quality, the significance of the patterns and fair pricing. Prices vary with size, complexity and the fineness of the weave, and we are happy to help you choose pieces you will treasure for a lifetime.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically dinners at remote lodges such as Mole, and some half-board or full-board stays). Ghanaian food is delicious and hearty, from jollof rice, waakye and grilled tilapia to groundnut and light soups with fufu or banku, and fresh tropical fruit. We usually leave other meals free so you can explore local restaurants and chop bars, and we recommend the best places at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local driver-guide and comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored entirely to you; small-group options can be arranged if you prefer. Ghana's knowledgeable, friendly guides bring the castles, palaces, markets, parks and rich living culture vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit, and a good guide is invaluable for the history of the coast and the north.
Do I need a visa for Ghana?
Most nationalities need a visa, arranged in advance through a Ghanaian embassy or the eVisa system, with visa-on-arrival available to some travellers by prior approval. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option and help you prepare the paperwork, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least six months and a yellow fever vaccination certificate are required for entry.
Is Ghana safe to visit?
Ghana is one of the friendliest, most stable and most welcoming countries in West Africa, with a long tradition of peace, democracy and genuine hospitality, and travel here is smooth and rewarding. We use trusted local guides and drivers, choose good accommodation, monitor conditions and follow official guidance at all times. Normal common-sense precautions apply, as anywhere, and the warmth of the Ghanaian welcome is one of the great joys of any visit.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season, roughly November to March, is the most comfortable time, with warm, sunny days, ideal for the coast, castles, Kumasi, the north and the Volta Region, though the Harmattan can bring dusty haze. The wet season (April to October) brings lush green landscapes and fuller waterfalls, with rain usually in short, heavy bursts. We advise on the best timing for your interests, the regions you wish to see and any festivals.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Accra, the Cape Coast castles, Kakum, Kumasi and the Ashanti heartland, the Mole safari and the north, the Volta Region and the beaches, add or remove nights, include a festival, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus entirely to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point, crafted around your interests, for your ideal journey through the warm and vibrant land of Ghana.
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