Description

The diversity characterizing Ghana is considerable. This explains its ability to offer visitors beautiful sites, verdant mountainous landscapes, green valleys and dry plains as well as beaches and the sun throughout the year. Ghana offer a surprising diversity of landscapes and localities, ranging from the fevered atmosphere of the streets of Accra, abundant coastal vegetation and serene savannah of the North.

Accra is known for its shade trees and its energetic ambiance. Among the top attractions are Osu Castle, the National Museum, and the highly regarded Makola market, center for much day-to-day commerce.

On the Akwapan plateau, many cities and towns are veritable garden cities by virtue of theirs numerous mango trees and "flower beds" of edible landscaping. The first cocoa trees in Ghana were planted in this region. On this theme, Aburi is the home of a large botanical garden. Its narrow streets, hillside building, a quaint church and cooler climate make it a refreshing stop-over. Also of interest in the are are the traditional healers.

The Ashanti people, one of the larger and best known ethnic groups in Ghana, are found in the Ashanti region. During the height of the Mali Empire the Ashanti became wealthy through the trading of gold mined from their territory. They held power in the regions when the European colonist arrived and defeated the British in several battles resisting subjugation. Their cultural achievements include some of Africa's most highly regarded textiles (Kenti cloth and Adinkra cloth) and metal work. The Asante Traditional Buildings are inscribed as World Heritage Sites.

Shores lined with coconut trees and typical fisherman's dwellings, runs along the coast from one side of the country to the other. The maritime region of West Africa is the cradle land of much to the traditional religion and music that many Westerners associated with Africa. It is not coincidence, because this is also the region that supplied much of the human cargo of the trans-Atlantic stave trade, which allowed these religious and cultural traditions to seep into the culture of the America such as Santeria, jazz and gospel music. Many of the slave forts of Ghana have been preserved, are open for sobering tours and have World Heritage Site status.

Ghana's appeals to visitors is its people and their traditions and folklore. People fall in love with the process of bargaining in a market and the sort of interaction it involves. The product is a keepsake, not necessarily to 'show off' your travels, but to enrich your environs -- tokens of other cultures as a daily reminder that there are many ways people live in this world.

Highlights

Small group, self-contained bicycle program visiting numerous cultural sites. Highlights include the rural life-styles & culture of the multi-cultural Ghana (Ewe, Fanti, Ashanti, Wa), visiting the sprawling Kumasi market, the National Culture Center, historic museum, and historic slave forts along the coast, tour the campus of the University of Ghana and the University of Science & Technology and learning about the fine traditional textiles of the Twi peoples. English is the national language and widely spoken, and Ghanaian are renowned for there outgoing personalities so "communications" can be almost non-stop.

Travel Types

• Cycling (Mountain)
• Cycling (Road/Touring)
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Heritage Tourism
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• RainForest Tours
• Tours

Cost in US$:

1,290

Program Fees Include:

Lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4-8

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

two weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Ibike Tours's Mission Statement

To promote international understanding and cultural sensitivity. Introduce people to the diversity and complexity of the world. Promote sustainable transport, environmental practices and economic development (in unexploited markets.) Have fun.

Year Founded

1983