Ghana, the first African country to gain independence in 1957, is seen as a relatively stable and successful nation in the continent. I had a leisure time in Ghana travelling from the southeast to Accra, along the coast to see the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle (both World Heritage properties),then through central Ghana to reach northern Ghana before entering Mali. I had a pleasant stay in Akosombo, Elmina, Kumasi (former capital of Ashanti Empire) and the Mole National Park. Read more »

Elmina Castle

Ghana, the first African country to gain independence in 1957, is seen as a relatively stable and successful nation in the continent. I had a leisure time in Ghana travelling from the southeast to Accra, along the coast to see the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle (both World Heritage properties),then through central Ghana to reach northern Ghana before entering Mali. I had a pleasant stay in Akosombo, Elmina, Kumasi (former capital of Ashanti Empire) and the Mole National Park. Read more »

My tailor and his assistants making my tops, pant and skirt!

Togo is a cultural melting pot with some 40 ethnic groups in a population of five million people and an area of 57000 square kilometres. I had four most relaxing nights by the Togo Lake and Mt Klouto. Batik and wax printing is popular and I brought several pieces of cloth in Togoville and had two suits made in Kpalime. Read more »

Ganvie, a world apart

Benin is probably the Gulf of Guinea’s least-known nation. Though small with an area of 113,000 square kilometres and a population of 9 million, Benin is charming and enchanting. Our truck reached most corners of Benin bringing me to the northern upland, the south and the coast. My visit to the Royal Palace of Abomey (a World Heritage Site), the Pendjari National Park, Ganvie, the Somba villages, Ouidah and Grand Popo all exceed my expectations. Read more »

Pendjari National Park

Benin is probably the Gulf of Guinea’s least-known nation. Though small with an area of 113,000 square kilometres and a population of 9 million, Benin is charming and enchanting. Our truck reached most corners of Benin bringing me to the northern upland, the south and the coast. My visit to the Royal Palace of Abomey (a World Heritage Site), the Pendjari National Park, Ganvie, the Somba villages, Ouidah and Grand Popo all exceed my expectations. Read more »

Frustrating motorists at petrol station

According to the original itinerary, I would spend 11 days visiting the Afi Mountains, the Yankari National Park, Jos, Abuja (the capital) and Abeokuta before crossing into the Republic of Benin. A week-long national strike ground Nigeria to a halt. Amidst uncertainty, travel warnings and fear of fuel shortage, we raced through Nigeria covering some 1000km in 5 days. Read more »