Accra: Cape Coast and Elmina Private Cultural Tour

Take a day trip to Ghana's Central Region, about 147km from Accra, an area known for its role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Accompanied by a local guide, learn about the slave castles built on the Gold Coast of West Africa by European traders.  The day begins early, with pickup from your accommodation in Accra. Travel in an air-conditioned 4x4 to the Cape Coast, enjoying some snacks on the way. The first stop of the day is the Cape Coast Castle, one of about 40 slave castles or large commercial forts built on the Gold Coast of West Africa by European traders.  Originally built as a Portuguese feitoria (trading post) in 1555, it was later used as part of the trans-Atlantic slave trade as a place slaves were held before being loaded onto ships bound for the Americas.  Next, visit Elmina Castle, erected by the Portuguese in 1482. The first trading post built on the Gulf of Guinea, Elmina Castle is the oldest European building in existence south of the Sahara. The last stop on the tour is Fort St Jago, also known as Fort Coenraadsburg or Fort São Tiago da Mina, a small Portuguese chapel built in honor of Saint Jago. Situated opposite the Elmina Castle, it was used to protect the castle and is one of the oldest military constructions on the Gold Coast.  After exploring the Fort, return to Accra for hotel drop-off.