A Memorable and Enjoyable Experience - Our day trip to Kakum National Park, Elmina and Cape Coast made for a very memorable and enjoyable experience. We were promptly picked up from our hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle that comfortably accommodated our group size for the 3 hr drive. I was pleasantly surprised to see a nice gift waiting for each of us on our seats when we boarded. I thought this was a very thoughtful and nice gesture. Before reaching our first destination, our tour guide, Michael, and the driver stopped at a convenience store/ gas station to allow us to use the restroom and the opportunity to stretch. Michael also supplied us with bottled water. During our ride, Michael pointed out different sights and gave us the background on each. He also was very open to answering any questions that we had. Our first stop was Kakum National Park where we all engaged in the Canopy Walk, a challenging yet fun outdoor activity. It involved some walking on trails and up hills but Michael and Samuel always encouraged us to go at our own pace and provided their assistance along the way to those who needed it. They even patiently waited with those who needed to take a short respite to catch their breath. Once we finally reached the top, we had the option to walk across 7 bridges (canopies) or take the shortcut. I challenged myself and opted to do the 7 canopies. Once again, we were provided assistance along the way if we needed it and also were cheered on and motivated to make it across all 7 bridges. I’m so appreciative of Michael for taking and getting some great photos of us to look back at the experience, considering our hands needed to be free to grasp the canopy ropes as we walked. Our next stop was Elmina, where we did a guided tour of one of the 3 remaining slave castles in Ghana. However before the tour, we were provided with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Since the meals are freshly prepared, Michael suggested we place our orders with him one day prior so that our meals would be ready to serve upon our arrival. The menu included several traditional Ghanian food options. It was an open air restaurant that provided a nice breeze on a hot day. I must also say the music, complete with African drum beats, and the view of the Atlantic Ocean, made for a great ambiance. After lunch, we proceeded to the slave castle. Here we were provided with an informative and narrated guided tour of the castle. For me it was a first hand look at what my ancestors endured and therefore, very emotional at times. During this stop, we also had the opportunity to purchase souvenirs at the on-site market. After Elmina, we then proceeded to Cape Coast slave castle. Once again, we were provided an informative, narrated guided tour of the history of this castle. In addition, we learned about and were able to walk through the Door of No Return, the same walk our ancestors took, but UNLIKE our ancestors, WE had the opportunity to also walk back through the Door of return. Just like in Elmina, we had the opportunity to purchase some great souvenirs at the on-site market here. This concluded our day trip. All in all, this trip proved to be both a fun-filled and eye-opening experience. The insightful tours along with Michael and Samuel’s pleasant attitudes, made this an experience I will cherish for a lifetime. When I return to Ghana, there is no doubt that I will be utilizing the services of this tour group! Thanks Michael and Samuel for a memorable and enjoyable experience!!

Highly Recommended Tour - We really enjoyed the tour. Michael was such a nice and fun tour host. Even prior to the tour, he kept us informed on the pick up time and provided the lunch menu beforehand to make the tour more efficient. The tour provided a lot of insight about the Elmina and Cape Coast castles and the brutalities of what enslaved Africans who were forced into the transatlantic trade suffered through. The first stop was at Kakun National Park. This stop does not have any ancestral meaning but was an activity to do along the way. I only mentioned that because I think some members in the group thought it would tie to the transatlantic slave trade or again have an ancestral meaning. We nonetheless enjoyed it but it’s a work out. The tour guide at the park does allow you to go at your pace. Michael stopped along the way to ensure we were able to stretch and use the washrooms along the way. Even after the tour Michael reached out to make sure we enjoyed our trip and answered other Ghana related questions we had that were not associated with the tour. Michael and his team treated us very well and the tour was great. I would recommend this tour!

Great tour! - Our tour guides were prompt, prepared and very accommodating. The views from suspension bridge at the park were spectacular. There is a short hike to reach it, but we were able to go at whatever pace suited us. During our drive our guides spoke about life in Ghana amd answered all our questions. The meal was great and the area did not have a touristy feel. The visit to the castles were educational and thought provoking. I highly recommend this tour. It was a day well spent in Ghana.

Back in Time - This trip to the coast gave me unexpected experience of feelings that my ancestors came via this coast to America. It's almost as if I was there during that time.