Ghana school trip · 9 days
Fairtrade Beads, Cocoa & Conservation
Discover Ghana through Fairtrade beads, community project work, rainforest conservation, cocoa farming, traditional crafts and visits to its historic coastal castles.
About this trip
We journey through Ghana, starting in the vibrant capital of Accra before immersing ourselves in the country's natural beauty, rich culture, and warm communities. From wildlife encounters and mountain hikes to hands-on service projects in remote villages, we experience daily life alongside locals learning traditional crafts, exploring fair-trade cocoa farms, and contributing to conservation efforts. Along the way, we reflect on Ghana’s powerful history at Cape Coast Castle, celebrate with drumming and dance on the beach, and return home with unforgettable memories of connection, learning, and impact.
Trip highlights
- Fairtrade Krobo bead-making
- Mount Afajato hike and Wli Falls
- Community project work in Bonkro
- Kakum National Park canopy walkway
- Cape Coast Castle and local batik-making
Your recommended itinerary, with the meals included on each day.
- 1
Day 1
UK to Accra
Meals included: lunch and dinner
We arrive in Accra in the early evening and receive a warm Ghanaian welcome (Akwaaba!). Then it’s straight to our accommodation to freshen up, followed by a relaxed welcome, orientation and safety briefing. Early night so we’re ready to hit the ground running tomorrow.
- 2
Day 2
Shai Hills Reserve and Fairtrade Krobo Beads
All meals included
After breakfast, we wave goodbye to Accra and head into the Volta Region, with our first stop at Shai Hills for a guided walk to the Obonu Tem caves and a bit of wildlife spotting. Later, we swing by Krobo to see how the famous beads are made—and we’ll even make our own wrist beads to take home. We then settle in for a relaxed evening and overnight in Akosombo.
- 3
Day 3
Mt Afajato and West Africa’s Highest Waterfall
All meals included
After breakfast we’re off nice and early to hike Mount Afajato—Ghana’s highest peak—alongside expert local guides. After lunch, we head to the Wli (Agumatsa) Falls, the tallest waterfall in West Africa, for a well-earned dip and some time by the pool beneath the falls. We return in the evening for another night in Akosombo.
- 4
Day 4
Markets, Biking and Local Cooking Class
All meals included
It’s an early start (around 06:00) as we travel to New Edubiase, with a lunch stop along the way. Once we arrive, we’ll head to the local market to pick up ingredients, then hop on bikes and cycle out to the village to meet the guesthouse team. In the afternoon we roll up our sleeves for a hands-on cooking session and get to know what the project is all about.
- 5
Day 5
Bonkro Project - Fairtrade Cocoa, Black Soap, Gari
All meals included
We kick things off by making a local breakfast in small groups, with community cooks on hand to help (and to introduce a few new favourites). The rest of the day is all about getting stuck into project work—what we do depends on what’s most needed and will be confirmed later, whether that’s at the school, in the community, or out in the rainforest. We finish up back at the lodge to eat, share highlights and unwind.
- 6
Day 6
Bonkro Project
All meals included
After an early breakfast and a busy morning on the project, we head into the rainforest for a hike to the nesting site of the endangered Yellow-headed Picathartes. With our local guides, we’ll also keep an eye out for signs of pangolins and hear how the community is protecting wildlife here. Back at the lodge, it’s dinner, journals and a relaxed group catch-up.
- 7
Day 7
School Project, Canopy Walkway, Drumming and Dance
All meals included
We start the day by planting native trees to help offset our carbon footprint, then we say our goodbyes and travel down to the coast near Elmina. On the way, we stop at Kakum National Park for the famous canopy walkway—expect big views and a few wobbly bridges! We finish the day at Brenu Akyinim with kayaking, drumming and dance lessons, then dinner and a beach bonfire.
- 8
Day 8
Beach Clean, Cape Coast Castle, Baobab Foundation and Batik
All meals included
We start with a quick pre-breakfast beach clean—small effort, big impact—then head to Cape Coast Castle for a powerful guided visit. Next up is lunch at the Baobab Children’s Foundation, where we’ll learn more about the amazing work they do. In the afternoon we get creative making batik with local artisans before heading back to the beach resort to relax.
- 9
Day 9
Elmina Markets, Boat Builders, Castle and Fantasy Coffins
All meals included
We keep the morning relaxed, then head out to explore Elmina’s lively markets, fishing harbour and traditional boat builders. We also visit Elmina Castle (St. George) for an essential look at local history, before travelling back to Accra with lunch on the way. In the evening we stop at the famous Fantasy Coffins workshop, share a farewell meal, and then it’s off to the airport for departure.
Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.
Questions teachers ask about this trip
How long is this itinerary? The suggested itinerary is 9 days.What will the project work involve? We kick things off by making a local breakfast in small groups, with community cooks on hand to help (and to introduce a few new favourites). The rest of the day is all about getting stuck into project work—what we do depends on what’s most needed and will be confirmed later, whether that’s at the school, in the community, or out in the rainforest.