Cultural Discovery of West Africa
Destination
Ghana, Togo, Benin
Duration
11 Days
Activity Level
Active
Comfort Level
Superior
We’re pleased to present this comprehensive tour of Ghana, Togo, and Benin. This tour is a return to the West African region for Journeys International and offers a new approach to exploring these three must-see destinations. We will also plan to delve into the voodoo culture by attending the Voodoo Festival in Ouidah. Back by popular demand, as well as the Journeys staff’s own affinity for the region, we look forward to sharing the incredible cultures of West Africa with you on this trip of a lifetime!
Begin your journey in the embrace of warm and welcoming Ghanaian hospitality. The name Ghana means “Warrior King,” a name which truly embodies the spirit of the country. Ghana is a democratic nation viewed as an economic and political powerhouse of West Africa. Here you will explore the colorful, bustling markets of Accra. Learn about the dark history of the slave trade, as well as the overwhelming European influences. Venture into the virgin forests of Kakum National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk the 100-foot high canopy walkway and observe rich flora and fauna. Witness the artistry of woodcarving in a local village known for crafting fertility dolls and walking sticks.
After exploring Ghana, cross the eastern border into the neighboring country of Togo. Boasting a primarily agricultural economy and a bountiful rarely traversed landscape, you’ll surely fall in love with the rural charms and well-preserved traditions. Travel to Bassar, and learn about its extensive history of iron mining and processing. Admire the infamous mud-tower houses of UNESCO World Heritage Site Koutammakou. Explore the capital city of Lomé, boasting both modern and traditional sights.
Finally, make your way to Benin via the eastern border of Togo. Regarded as the birthplace of the Voodoo religion, Benin offers a glimpse into this deeply held belief system and we will plan to visit the Voodoo Festival in Ouidah. Upon crossing over into Benin, marvel at the Atakora Mountains. The vastness of the range, rugged terrain, dusty red dirt roads, and huge baobab trees make for a strikingly photogenic landscape. Embark on a spiritual journey at the Dankoli Shrine, where devoted Voodoo practitioners ask for blessings from the gods. Learn about the French colonization of former African Kingdom, Dahomey, known for its female soldiers dubbed the “Amazons.” Board a motorboat in Abomey Calaivi, and cruise the Nokoue Lake to visit Ganvie, Africa’s stilt village.
If deep cultural exploration and authentic connection with locals is what you seek for your next trip abroad, look no further than this West Africa gem.
Great For
- Off the Beaten Path
- Village Culture
- Cultural History
Journeys International is excited to bring back cultural trips in West Africa. Join me for thrilling new discoveries!
Itinerary
Day 1 Ghana: Accra
On arrival at Kotoka International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Accra. Full of modern and traditional contrasts, Accra is a great introduction to Ghana. It’s a relatively low-key capital city, which originated as a scattering of villages. In the afternoon, a guided visit of the colorful central market, Makola, is sure to indulge the senses. From locally crafted jewelry to pets like the land snails, admire the wide range of items sold by (primarily female) traders.
Lodging
Labadi Beach Hotel or similar
Day 2 Cape Coast/Elmina
Depart for a half-day city tour of Accra, including a visit to the National Museum of History and Ethnography, which showcases exhibits that reflect the heritage of Ghana throughout history. Later, visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Park, a final resting place for Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana. Continue to the unique casket making shops, where caskets are designed to reflect the earthly profession of the deceased so that they may continue practicing in the afterworld. For example, a bus driver will be buried in a bus or a teacher in a book. Later, drive past the Independence Arch and Black Star Square, Accra’s ceremonial grounds, to visit the Arts and Crafts market. View from a distance Christianborg Castle, former office and residence of the President of Ghana. Continue with a 3-4 hour ride to the Cape Coast. Visit the Cape Coast Castle which was originally built by the Swedes in 1652. It served as the headquarters and seat of the British colonial government until 1877. Take a comprehensive tour of the castle, the slave dungeons, and the West African Heritage Museum. Observe the slave quarters and Negotiation Hall where slaves were bargained and sold. Proceed to Elmina for the evening.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Coconut Grove Beach Resort (or similar)
Day 3 Elmina/Kakum/Kumasi
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Elmina Castle, the first and oldest substantial European structure on African soil. It was built by the Portuguese in 1482 and was used in the gold and ivory trade. Later, it was taken over by the Dutch who continued to use it for trade, but also as a slave market. We will view the dungeons and cells where slaves who attempted to escape were incarcerated. Then, for a stark change of scenery, depart for Kakum National Park, which lies approximately one hour north of Elmina. The park is home to many endangered mammals such as forest elephants, bongo antelopes, and various monkeys. Take a morning walk on the forested Kuntan Trail, amidst trees known for their many medicinal properties. Learn how locals use these medicinal plants to cure common ailments. For the young at heart, experience the “Canopy Walkway” suspended 100 feet from the forest ground for a panoramic view of the flora and fauna of the remaining vestiges of the rainforest. Make the 4-hour drive to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, arriving in the late afternoon.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Golden Tulip Kumasi Hotel
Day 4 Kumasi and Ashanti Craft Village/Tamale
Visit the National Cultural Center, where you can learn about brassworking, woodcarving, pottery making, batik cloth dyeing, and kente cloth weaving. Then, continue on to visit a few Ashanti craft villages to witness the skill and imagination of local craftsmen utilizing simple tools and traditional techniques to produce breathtaking artifacts. Approximately forty minutes from the center of Kumasi, proceed to Ahwiaa, the woodcarvers’ village specializing in woodcarvings such as the Ashanti stools, fertility dolls, and walking sticks. Then drive another forty minutes to Ntonso, Adinkra cloth processing village, where you will have an opportunity to try your own hand at designing patterns. Then, embark on a 6-hour journey to Tamale.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
African Dream Hotel
Day 5 Tamale/Yendi/Tatale/Kara
Continue overland on the 3-hour journey toward Tatale, with a stop along the way in the Gnani village near Yendi. Gnani is a community made up of people who were exiled from their homes due to accusations of witchcraft and wizardry. Meet those who were exiled and hear their harrowing stories. An hour past the border into Togo you’ll come upon Bassar, famous for its ancestral mastery of iron mining and processing. Here you will learn extensively about this history and its relevance today. Later, meet a village chief and his elders. Witness the captivating T’bol fire dance, performed by tribal members. Proceed with a one hour drive to Kara, where you’ll spend the night.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Hotel Kara (or similar)
Day 6 Benin: Kara/Koutammakou/Somba/Natitingou
From Kara, make the 3-hour drive to Koutammakou. En route, stop at Losso villages to admire the round houses, the “soukala.” Upon arrival at UNESCO World Heritage Site Koutammakou, interact with the local population and visit their famous mud-tower houses, still the preferred way of living today. Many of these impressive homes boast two floors and/or flat roofs. Later, cross into Benin via Boukoumbe. Drive through Somba tribal land in the Atakora mountains to Natitingou, approximately a 4-hour ride.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Hotel Tata Somba
Day 7 Natitingou/Abomey
Drive to the Yom village of Taneka Koko, well-known for preserving its ancient practices and traditions. Meet the spiritual head of this community and visit sacred places in the village before continuing to Doyissa. Here, you will witness the famous Dankoli voodoo shrine and learn about its significance for voodoo practitioners. Devoted followers bring sacrifices to the shrine in exchange for blessings from the gods. Later, continue to Abomey. Abomey used to be the capital of an African kingdom called Kingdom of Dahomey, which existed from around 1600 to 1900 upon the arrival of the French colonists. This kingdom was among the most influential in West Africa, famous for its lady warriors, the Amazons. Visit the historic museum, palaces of King Gezo, the 11th monarch, and King Glele, the 12th monarch, featuring the stool room, the weapon room, the administrative blocks of both kings, as well as the common sepulchre of King Glele’s wives, shrines and palace artisans. The driving distance on this day is 260 miles.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Hotel le Tennessee
Day 8 Abomey/Ouidah
Drive approximately 2 hours through the valley of the Mono River to Ouidah, branded the voodoo capital city of Benin. Today is all about the Voodoo Festival. Enjoy elaborate costumes and the followers of this religion. Besides the main attraction, there will be sideshows throughout the festival of the various voodoo gods. Depending on arrival into Ouidah, we may also visit Kpasse sacred forest. The visit to this shaded wood is an enlightening introduction to the Voodoo religion, including the opportunity to admire sculptures of voodoo gods scattered throughout the forest. Even the tree into which King Kpasse, the second monarch of Ouidah, got deified is still visible here. The tour continues with the visit of the museum of history, as well as a visit to a former Portuguese slave fort portraying implication of the trans-Atlantic slave trade in the Americas and back here in Benin. Experience the Slave Route from Chacha Square, the former slave market, and the Door of No Return, located on the beach that saw millions of Africans embark on a journey to the unknown. What we don’t get to see today, we will plan an early start and a visit the following day. Check-in at Hotel Casa del Papa.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Hotel Casa del Papa
Day 9 Ouidah/Ganvie/Cotonou
Proceed to Abomey Calaivi, about an hour east of Ouidah. Here you will board a motorboat and cruise the Nokoue Lake for UNESCO World Heritage Site Ganvie, Africa’s stilt village. Due to its prime position directly over a lake, it’s no surprise that Ganvie’s main industries are fishing and fish farming. Navigate the narrow alleyways between the stilt huts passing Lovers’ Lane and the floating market. Stop at a local shop, offering an idyllic vantage point for admiring the beauty of the village. Return to Abomey-Calavi and continue with a half-hour drive to Cotonou. Visit a local craft market, then later check-in at your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Hotel de la Plage (or similar)
Day 10 Togo: Cotonou/Lome
Make the 3-hour drive to Togo’s capital, Lomé, a colorful mix of both modern and traditional. Enjoy a tour of the city, the Place de l’Indépendance and the National Museum. Observe sacred voodoo shrines side by side with the city’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. Travel along Togo’s sparse coastline, home to several small fishing villages, some of which display fine examples of colonial architecture to admire. Later, in the Lomé central market, you can find pearls, baskets, pottery, and sacred pieces. After lunch in China Town, stop at the Akodesséwa fetishes market, where you can find magic remedies and local voodoo charms used by local sorcerers.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Radisson Blu Hotel 2 Fevrier (or similar)
Day 11 Lomé/Accra / Onward
Depart early for the Segbe border with Ghana. Upon clearing customs and immigration, continue to Aburi botanical gardens, less than an hour north of Accra. Occupying 64.8 hectares, this century-old garden offers a rich collection of tropical flora which attracts various species of birds and butterflies. Learn about the history of the gardens and its role in encouraging cocoa and rubber production.
Transfer to the airport for your departing flight, likely late this evening.
Meals
Breakfast
Dates & Price
Dates
This trip will be customized for you on your dates of choice.
For dates and customization options for this adventure, please contact us.
Best Time of Year to Visit
We’re pleased to present this comprehensive tour of Ghana, Togo, and Benin. This tour is a return to the West African region for Journeys International and offers a new approach to exploring these three must-see destinations. We will also plan to delve into the voodoo culture by attending the Voodoo Festival in Ouidah. Back by popular demand, as well as the Journeys staff’s own affinity for the region, we look forward to sharing the incredible cultures of West Africa with you on this trip of a lifetime!
Begin your journey in the embrace of warm and welcoming Ghanaian hospitality. The name Ghana means “Warrior King,” a name which truly embodies the spirit of the country. Ghana is a democratic nation viewed as an economic and political powerhouse of West Africa. Here you will explore the colorful, bustling markets of Accra. Learn about the dark history of the slave trade, as well as the overwhelming European influences. Venture into the virgin forests of Kakum National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk the 100-foot high canopy walkway and observe rich flora and fauna. Witness the artistry of woodcarving in a local village known for crafting fertility dolls and walking sticks.
After exploring Ghana, cross the eastern border into the neighboring country of Togo. Boasting a primarily agricultural economy and a bountiful rarely traversed landscape, you’ll surely fall in love with the rural charms and well-preserved traditions. Travel to Bassar, and learn about its extensive history of iron mining and processing. Admire the infamous mud-tower houses of UNESCO World Heritage Site Koutammakou. Explore the capital city of Lomé, boasting both modern and traditional sights.
Finally, make your way to Benin via the eastern border of Togo. Regarded as the birthplace of the Voodoo religion, Benin offers a glimpse into this deeply held belief system and we will plan to visit the Voodoo Festival in Ouidah. Upon crossing over into Benin, marvel at the Atakora Mountains. The vastness of the range, rugged terrain, dusty red dirt roads, and huge baobab trees make for a strikingly photogenic landscape. Embark on a spiritual journey at the Dankoli Shrine, where devoted Voodoo practitioners ask for blessings from the gods. Learn about the French colonization of former African Kingdom, Dahomey, known for its female soldiers dubbed the “Amazons.” Board a motorboat in Abomey Calaivi, and cruise the Nokoue Lake to visit Ganvie, Africa’s stilt village.
If deep cultural exploration and authentic connection with locals is what you seek for your next trip abroad, look no further than this West Africa gem.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person - 2022
Land cost (Group Size 4-5)
8350
Land Cost (Group Size 6-7)
$7595
Single Supplement
+ $1195
Rates Per Person - 2022
Need to Know
*Prices may fluctuate up to 30 days prior to departure due to currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and other circumstances beyond our control.
We are happy to have you participate in a Journeys International program!
Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. They contain information that will be important to your planning and guide how we will handle any circumstances that may change in the midst of planning or while a program is underway. If after reading our materials and talking with our staff you decide to participate in a Journeys International program, please send us your deposit along with your completed Reservation Form and Explorer Information Forms. Important: Your booking is only complete once we receive your deposit, completed Reservation Form, and completed Explorer Information Form, and once we have confirmed that space is available.
Pricing and Payment
We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit, a Reservation Form signed by each person responsible for payment, and an Explorer Information Form signed by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. Custom programs during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to confirmation. The deposit contributes to non-recoverable costs of holding space and servicing your booking through the stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up and cannot be refunded if you choose to cancel.
We charge an additional planning fee of $250 per program for preparing customized proposals. This fee may be credited to your total cost upon booking, but it is non-refundable if you choose not to finalize your reservation.
Prices are stated in U.S. Dollars, based on double room occupancy, unless otherwise noted. We will send an invoice for your total estimated cost when we send your reservation confirmation. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to your program start date regardless of whether any arrangements are still pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and/or other circumstances attendant to the challenges of adventure.
Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your program participation and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure, then your reservation may be canceled subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available are not available toward bookings made through third-party travel agencies, advisors, or planners.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Paying by credit card offers you certain consumer protections, including the ability to initiate a chargeback if you believe we have committed consumer fraud. You may not use credit card chargeback as an alternative to compliance with your agreement with these terms and conditions.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some programs and flights fill several months in advance. We can confirm your space once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation and Explorer Information Forms. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a program’s start date, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your program materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days in advance of your program’s start, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Program Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your custom program, and we aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, we charge a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested less than one week before your program’s start, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a program has begun, the change fee is $200.
Journeys International reserves the right to change or reprice any program due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control. Journeys International cannot guarantee conformity with the provided program plan at any point in time. Among other things, if necessary Journeys International may change the scheduled dates of a program; omit or alter sections of the plan; substitute lodgings, leaders, or conveyances; or change meals, activities, or waypoints; all without notice and without allowance for refunds and with participants bearing the responsibility for increased costs, if any. Should this become necessary, Journeys International will not be liable for extra costs that participants may incur as a result of changes, including but not limited to flight change fees, additional meal costs, or additional accommodations. We strongly recommend that participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, adequate to cover such costs.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing info@journeysinternational.com or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some programs require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule, as noted in the program description. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.
Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation Penalty |
---|---|
61 or more | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable |
31-60 | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 50% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit |
0-30 | 100% of total land costs |
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, lodging, and ticketed tours and activities is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and is not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption and that may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra expenses should a circumstance force you to cancel or interrupt your participation.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the program start date as indicated on the program description, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel according to the local time observed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the participant. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, program days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
If Journeys International cancels or postpones a program before the program starts for reasons completely within its discretion, such as but not limited to insufficient group size, all money for services described in the program description will be refunded in the form of credit towards a future program with Journeys in the same location originally planned, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, or the client may submit a written request for a refund to the original form of payment. If a program’s cancellation is necessary due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, credits and refunds will be issued according to the standard cancellation schedule, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, without regard to whether client or company initiates cancellation or postponement. Once a program begins, there are no refunds for unused goods or services.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements for Journeys International programs. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International and/or the airfare consolidator may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group programs, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as program dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur additional fees to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we may help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times. If you arrange your own flights, we can book ground transfers to meet you on arrival in your destination if you wish, and you agree to pay additional costs, as applicable.
Transfers Between Programs
You may transfer between some programs upon written request. More than 60 days before your program start date, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or ground service providers. 60 days or fewer before the program start date, full cancellation penalties from the original program apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a program, you may transfer the full amount of your payments to another program without penalty, subject to availability.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated total costs include the costs of all guides, leaders, facilities, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, costs of described activities, food as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the activities described in the itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in program descriptions; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a program must be modified due to medical emergency, acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, then the participant may incur additional costs that are not included in the program price. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, to cover these risks.
Travel Insurance
Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of the traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you to have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.
For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.
All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of your trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many programs are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. In some cases, it may become necessary to increase prices depending on the size of the group. We do everything we can to make a program operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups vary from program to program. When pricing for a group program is based on the number of participants, staff and guests of Journeys International (such as topic experts, journalists, photographers, leaders-in-training, or others) are not included in the numbers counted to determine the price. Final decision to cancel a program due to insufficient signups is made at least 60 days prior to departure.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations, if desired. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases, we may have to book and confirm equivalent-standard accommodations. In rare cases it may become necessary to make same-day or out-of-class substitutions.
If you are joining alone for a group program but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo participants. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. For some programs it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Assumption of Risk
Throughout any program of Journeys International, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, travel by train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat or other means of conveyance; the hazards of traveling in rough or mountainous terrain; high altitude; undeveloped areas; the forces of nature; civil unrest; terrorism; labor interruption; close proximity to fellow program participants; exposure to illness or virus; and accident or illness in remote areas without means of rapid evacuations or availability of medical supplies and facilities. The unique nature of adventure programs entails inherent risks that may be involved in unique program activities and travel away from home and, in fact, the specific nature of these activities is often a reason for participation. Even if a trip or program is rated “easy” these dangers and risks are present. Journeys International and its agents and operators will have no liability regarding emotional distress, equipment, access to, or adequacy of medical care, evacuation plans, or emergency supplies that may be provided. When you sign the Explorer Information Form, you agree to participate in these activities with full knowledge of the dangers and risks involved and agree to assume all risks, including trauma, sickness, injury, and death.
While Journeys International intends that your experience be safe and comfortable, Journeys does not have legal or operational control or ownership of facilities, staff, services, or transportation providers and acts only as agent for the owners of such facilities, staff, services, and transportation. Journeys International is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any third party not under its control.
In consideration of the right to participate in Journeys International programs and the service arranged for you by Journeys International and its agents and representatives, you unconditionally and fully assume all risks of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, and/or theft, however caused, including those mentioned above, as a result of participation, and release Journeys International, its agents, and its representatives from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, demands that you may have, including for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, and other claims.
Fitness to Join
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s programs. It is your responsibility to select/design a trip appropriate to your own abilities and interests. You are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake your trip, and for consulting with your physician for medical advice regarding travel. On some Journeys International programs, participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all programs, especially those involving hiking or trekking. Most programs require some walking. By signing the Explorer Information Form, participants certify that they are fit for rigorous activity and do not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking. We assume no responsibility for medical care, and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health for some programs.
Journeys International’s or the individual group leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a program. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation to anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a program or certain activities. Once a reservation has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their participation. Proof of such coverage may be required.
Personal Conduct
You are responsible for acting in a manner considerate and respectful of fellow group members and local culture in areas visited.
You are responsible for reading all health-related information provided in advance of the program, adhering to all guidance given by guides and site staff, and conforming to the established standards of personal hygiene to minimize risk of disease. This may include a requirement to wear a face mask when in proximity to other people, whether indoors or outdoors, or other measures intended to limit the spread of disease; failure to do so when requested may result in your dismissal from the program.
Certain activities included in your program may require specific safety precautions. You are responsible for listening to instructions, adhering to guidance, and following the protocols provided for safety throughout the program. If you are unsure about safety precautions, you are responsible for seeking advice. If guides or staff perceive your behavior as risky, uncooperative, or otherwise unsafe, they may remove you from an activity for the safety of yourself and others.
Smoking or vaping are not permitted in buses, cars, below decks on boats, in tented camps, in designated non-smoking areas, or during guided tours and activities. Participants agree not to consume cannabis for the duration of the program and understand that possession or use of cannabis may be illegal and subject to severe punishment in some destinations. Participants agree to follow all local laws in the jurisdiction(s) where the program takes place and acknowledge that Journeys International cannot be responsible for ensuring participants’ compliance nor for any costs or consequences of non-compliance.
Sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort by Journeys program participants is not tolerated. You may not make jokes or sexually suggestive comments or gestures regarding the bodies or bodily activities of fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program. You may not touch fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program unless invited. You may not solicit sexual services during the dates of your participation in a Journeys program.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. Tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ program participants. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Participants who choose to make this donation may also be eligible to claim a tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Recording
Journeys International may take photographic, audiographic, and videographic recordings during your program, and may use your image and voice for promotional and commercial use without compensation.
Planning & Preparation Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit, we will send you a planning packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. About 3 weeks before your program begins, we will send you a final notes packet including last-minute reminders and contact information for your program. You are responsible for reading all information provided, and for bringing all clothing and equipment noted on the packing list. If you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you in case any details change in the days immediately prior to your program’s start.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Duration 11 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost. The total number of days includes the time required to travel between the USA and the destination country.
Group Size 8 - 12
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Superior
Comfortable hotels
Activity Level
Active
Easy walking, travel over rough roads
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.