Accra Ghana • May 13-24, 2026
Join Virginia State University for an unforgettable 10-day journey through Ghana, May 13-24, 2026. This comprehensive study abroad program combines academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and community service in partnership with the Akropong Akuapem Traditional Council and Presbyterian College of Education.
Your trip package includes everything you need for an unforgettable experience
Navigate rugged Ghanaian terrain on all-terrain vehicles, exploring off-road trails through villages, farmland, and scenic countryside. This high-energy adventure offers unique perspectives on rural Ghana while satisfying your need for speed and excitement.
Explore the detailed itinerary for this 10-day experience
Accra, Akropong
Airport Arrival & Transfer
Your journey begins the moment you land at the Kotoka International Airport. When you touch down in Accra our Ghana based team will greet you with VIP concierge services. Providing seamless transportation to the hotel to get freshened up and start your adventures
Aburi Botanical Gardens + Lunch
Combine your garden exploration with a traditional Ghanaian meal at a local restaurant featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Savor authentic flavors while taking in scenic mountain views in this perfect half-day retreat from Accra's energy.
Welcome Dinner
Enjoy your first evening with a traditional welcome celebration featuring authentic Ghanaian cuisine, refreshing drinks.
Akropong
Schools Tour
Schools (SOB, Mt. Sania, Anglican)
Lunch and activity at Safari Valley
Glide peacefully along Ghana's waterways taking in coastal scenery, fishing villages, and natural beauty from a unique vantage point. Whether sunset cruise or daytime exploration, experience Ghana's relationship with the ocean that shaped its history.
Cape CoastAkropong
Akropong
Naming Ceremony
Receive your Akan day and family name in a traditional ceremony connecting you to your ancestral identity. This powerful ritual formally welcomes you into the cultural family and acknowledges your place in the community.
Shai Hills
Shai Hills Nature Reserve
Explore dramatic savanna landscapes featuring ancient caves, striking rock formations, and diverse wildlife including baboons and antelopes. This protected reserve offers scenic hiking trails and glimpses into traditional Shai culture within easy reach of Accra.
Cape Coast
Cape Coast Heritage Tour
Travel to Cape Coast for an essential pilgrimage to Elmina Castle, where the weight of history meets the beauty of Ghana's coastline. Walk the same grounds our ancestors walked, participate in the secret Last Bath ceremony of remembrance and healing.
Accra City and Food Tour
Discover Accra where history and flavor intersect, on this full day cultural and culinary journey through Ghana's dynamic capital. Sample authentic Ghanaian cuisine at every turn, while exploring monuments, historic neighborhoods, and the Atlantic coastline that tells Ghana's powerful story of resilience and pride.
Shea Butter Museum + Workshop
Learn the traditional art of shea butter production from skilled local women artisans who have passed down this knowledge for generations. Get hands-on experience processing shea nuts into luxurious butter while understanding its cultural significance and the economic empowerment it provides to women across West Africa.
Accra
Departure
Receive VIP airport transportation for your journey home, carrying memories, connections, and a deeper sense of belonging. Safe travels until we meet again in Ghana.
Key details about your trip experience
8-15 travelers
Relaxed
Moderate
Hotels & Homestays
Your Trip Leaders
Trip Ambassador
Pamela Stokes is your primary contact and trip ambassador. She coordinates every detail of your journey, from pre-trip preparation to on-the-ground logistics, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for you and your group.
The trip price includes accommodation, most meals, airport transfers, local transportation, guided tours, cultural activities, and all ceremonies. Specific inclusions are listed in the "What's Included" section above.
Most travelers will need a visa to enter Ghana. We recommend checking with the Ghana Embassy or Consulate in your country. We can provide invitation letters to support your visa application.
Full refund if canceled 60+ days before departure, 50% refund for 30-59 days, and no refund for cancellations less than 30 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Ghana. Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations. Consult with a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
While not mandatory, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. We can recommend trusted insurance providers.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, any necessary medications, and a reusable water bottle. We'll send a detailed packing list upon booking confirmation.
May 13-24, 2026 • $2,500 per person • Only 0 spots remaining
Secure your spot with a deposit. Full payment not required until 60 days before departure.
Indulge in Ghana's world-renowned cocoa heritage through an artisanal chocolate tasting experience at a contemporary lifestyle venue. Sample single-origin Ghanaian chocolate while learning about the journey from bean to bar and supporting local chocolatiers.
Contribute to the festival preparations alongside community members in meaningful service work. This hands-on participation deepens your connection to the celebration beyond observation.