Add dates

Elmina Castle

Elmina Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Accra: Cape Coast Slave Dungeons Day Trip with Lunch

1. From Accra: Cape Coast Slave Dungeons Day Trip with Lunch

Visit Cape Coast, the capital of the Central Region in Southern Ghana and known for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Begin with a visit to the Kakum National Park, home to endangered mammals. The park is rich in butterflies and birds, and also has a suspended canopy walkway 30 meters above the ground. Take a transfer in an air-conditioned 4x4 cross country. Stay refreshed en route with water and snacks and chat to your experienced, friendly, and helpful guide. Visit Elmina Castle, which was erected by the Portuguese in 1482. It was the first trading post built on the Gulf of Guinea and is the oldest European building in existence south of the Sahara. Then, depart for Cape Castle. Cape Coast Castle is one of about forty "slaves castles," or large commercial forts, built on the Gold Coast of West Africa by European traders. It was originally a Portuguese feitoria or trading post, established in 1555. At the end of your tour, return to Accra.

Accra: Cape Coast and Elmina Private Cultural Tour

2. 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.

2 activities found
Sort by:

Top sights near Elmina Castle

Other Sightseeing Options in Elmina Castle

Want to discover all there is to do in Elmina Castle? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Elmina Castle

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 11 reviews

This review is long overdue, but needed to be done. My family and I visited Accra, Ghana this May (2022). We booked the Cape Coast and Elmina Cultural Private Tour that lasted a duration of 9 hrs. We were picked up by our tour guide Ishmael right on time early at 7 am and started our tour. Ishmael is a great storyteller and has a rich knowledge of Ghana. Ishmael was nothing less than an all around spectacular tour guide who is punctual, knowledgeable, and friendly, and for my family and I definitely went the extra mile to make our day one of, if not the best while in Accra, Ghana. (full review in Google)

Ishmael was so amazing as our tour guide! From the time that we got in his vehicle he made our comfort and enjoyment his top priority. From the start he made sure that we were hydrated and had plenty of snacks throughout the day. The experience was that much more authentic because the snacks were all from local Ghanaian street vendors. Ismael also made the experience that much more memorable by taking plenty of pictures of us throughout the day and sending them to us once we retuned to our hotel. I would definitely recommend him for your special adventure!

A long day but packs a lot in - 2 castles and a rainforest, with a good lunch in a beautiful restaurant looking over a bird sanctuary. Our guide was very very good, gave us lots of information without overloading us, and dealt calmly with emergencies (a tyre blow-out!) along the way. We felt very safe with him. Very much enjoyed our day out.

Emmanuel was very professional and personable. Gave me distance but was always within a range where if I needed anything he would be there promptly. He drove around all day for me and was just a really cool guy. Protect him at all costs and pay that man good because he’s a great worker.

Ishmael was a safe driver and very courteous. On the outward part of the trip he was a wealth of knowledge about modern history of Ghana ( 1930-present day) as well as the history of Cape Castle. Well done