18 days West Africa Exploration: Ghana and Nigeria

About the destination: Accra is the capital of Ghana and is situated at the very south of the country, at the Atlantic Coast. The city was originally built around the port. Its architecture ranges from large and elegant 19th Century colonial buildings to skyscrapers and apartment blocks made of concrete, glass and steel. The center of Accra contains the main banks, embassies, the large department stores, museums, the government administration, restaurants and hotels. The residential areas are to the north and west of Accra. The highlights of Accra are the National Museum, the Centre for National Culture, Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the fishing port at James Town and Makola Market, the university of Ghana at Legon is just 14km north of Accra, and its distinctive buildings are set amongst elegant tree-lined gardens that are popular with students and visitors.. Accra is vibrant and accessible and everything Ghana has to offer.

About the destination: Cape Verde is an island country spanning an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean. Located 570 kilometres (350 mi) off the coast of West Africa, the islands cover a combined area of slightly over 4,000 square kilometres (1,500 sq mi). The Cape Verde archipelago was uninhabited until the 15th century, when Portuguese explorers discovered and colonized the islands, establishing the first European settlement in the tropics. Ideally located for the Atlantic slave trade, the islands grew prosperous throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, attracting merchants, privateers, and pirates. The end of slavery in the 19th century led to economic decline and emigration. Cape Verde gradually recovered as an important commercial center and stopover for shipping routes. Incorporated as an overseas department of Portugal in 1951, the islands continued to agitate for independence, which was peacefully achieved in 1975. Since the early 1990s, Cape Verde has been a stable representative democracy, and remains one of the most developed and democratic countries in Africa. Lacking natural resources, its developing economy is mostly service-oriented, with a growing focus on tourism and foreign investment. Its population of around 512,000 is mostly of mixed European and sub-Saharan African heritage, and predominantly Roman Catholic, reflecting the legacy of Portuguese rule. A sizeable diaspora community exists across the world, slightly outnumbering inhabitants on the islands. Historically, the name "Cape Verde" has been used in English for the archipelago and, since independence in 1975, for the country. In 2013, the Cape Verdean government determined that the Portuguese designation Cabo Verde would henceforth be used for official purposes, such as at the United Nations, even in English contexts. Cape Verde is a member of the African Union.

About the destination: Kumasi, Ghana is a vibrant city full of culture and life. Located in the heart of West Africa, Kumasi is known for its beautiful architecture, lush green parks, and lively markets. From traditional crafts to delicious cuisine, there's something for everyone in Kumasi. Whether you're looking for an exciting nightlife or a relaxing getaway, Kumasi has it all. Explore the bustling streets of Adum Market or take a tour of the Manhyia Palace Museum to learn about the history and culture of this incredible city. Enjoy a day at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park or go on an adventure in one of the many nearby national parks. No matter what your interests are, you'll find something special in Kumasi!

About the destination: Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria. It is located in the centre of Nigeria, within the Federal Capital Territory. Abuja is a planned city, and was built mainly in the 1980s. The unofficial metropolitan area of Abuja has a population of well over three million and comprises the fourth largest urban area in Nigeria, surpassed only by Lagos, Kanoand Ibadan. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • 5 Abuja Parks • The Abuja Millennium Park • The National Mosque • The Ecumenical Center • National Assembly Complex • Aso Rock • Currency Museum of the Central Bank of Nigeria • The Abuja Millennium Park

About the destination: Kano es la mayor ciudad del norte de Nigeria, siendo además la tercera mayor del país, por detrás de las de Lagos e Ibadán. Capital del estado homónimo, cuenta con una población de 3 927 003 habitantes. La ciudad está amurallada y la mayor parte de sus construcciones son de arcilla. La actividad industrial se basa en la producción de maní, tafiletería, artículos de metal y algodón. Además, canaliza la mayor parte del comercio de los productos agrícolas y ganaderos de la región. El Instituto de Enseñanza Superior de Kano es la principal institución de carácter educativo.

About the destination: Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, is the largest city in Africa. The city is divided between the mainland, Greater Lagos and the Islands. Three major bridges join the island to the mainland. Lagos Mainland districts include Ebute-Meta, Surulere, site of two stadiums and National theater, Yaba, location of the University of Lagos, and Ikeja, site of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and capital of Lagos State. Lagos Island contains a Central Business District. This district is characterized by high-rise buildings and businesses. The island also contains many of the city's largest wholesale marketplaces such as the popular Idumota and Balogun markets. It also has the National Museum of Nigeria, a Central mosque, Glover Memorial Hall, Christ's Cathedral (CMS), and the Oba Palace. And lastly, there is the Tinubu Square, a site of historical importance that represent the unification of Nigeria. Ikoyi is situated on the eastern half of Lagos Island has a great number of hotels, night clubs, a recreational park and one of Africa's largest golf courses. There are over a dozen beaches in Lagos, perfect for picnics and barbecues. Beaches such as Alpha in Lekki and Wispering Palms in Badagry, are ideal places for fun seekers. For music and art lovers, Lagos is the place to be. Popular recording artists play frequently at the Africa Shrine and all over the city. Lagos offers visitors a glimpse of Nigeria's rich culture, a lively entertainment scene and African vitality.