West Africa Discovery

Nov. 4–19, 2026

Tour Operator: Odysseys Unlimited

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Easy: Minimal walking is required. Typically, involves cruising by ship. Suitable for travelers with limited mobility. Optional excursions may require a higher activity level.

Moderate: Moderate amount of walking required. Typically, two to three miles a day, often uphill, on uneven terrain and/or with multiple stairs. Requires the ability to board a ship and motor coach without assistance.

Active: Extensive walking required. Typically, three or more miles a day, often uphill, on uneven terrain, and/or with multiple stairs. May include optional activities such as biking, kayaking, or hiking and included destinations with high altitudes. Excellent health is required to take full advantage of the tour's inclusions.

Highly Active: Extensive walking and intense daily physical activity required. Appropriate for people who lead very active lives. Trip activities will be at a higher intensity and a more vigorous pace and may include activities such as biking, hiking at high altitudes and for long distances, white water rafting, and kayaking. A pre-trip physical training program is highly recommended and strongly encouraged.

To fully enjoy your tour experience, it is important to be in good health regardless of the tour's activity level. Please use your best discretion when deciding which group tour is right for you as your ability will have an impact on other participants. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the UW Alumni Tours office.

Activity Level: Moderate

To learn more and be added to an Advance Interest list, please call Odysseys Unlimited at 1-888-370-6765. Pricing will be included in the brochure once it’s available.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through a region brimming with history, culture, and tradition in the West African nations of Ghana, Togo and Benin. Learn about rich artistic traditions and voodoo religion. Get a taste of modern life in rural villages and coastal cities. Contemplate the historical atrocities of the slave trade at museums and historic monuments.

Highlights

• Take a cultural journey through three West African nations.
• Tour Accra, Togo, including a visit to a “fantasy coffin” workshop.
• Stroll through Lomé’s colorful central market, the Grand Marché.
• Attend a voodoo (Vodun) ceremony in a Togolese village and visit with traditional healers.
• Experience a Zangbeto mask dance performance.
• Visit somber Slave Road monuments, including the Door of No Return.
• Cross Lake Nokwe by boat to visit the floating village of Ganvié.
• Visit a Krobo tribe artisan community, renowned for their handmade glass beads.
• Travel to Kumasi, Ghana, historic capital of the Ashanti Empire.
• Tour the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle slavery museums.

Cost Details

Please see tour brochure for details.

Please consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip. Learn more.