ITINERARY – HGL TOUR AFRICA LIMITED

TOUR PACKAGES

* Family Tour Packages *Honey Moon Packages *Conference and Seminars * School Tour Packages * Individual Tour Packages *Religious Bodies Tour *Destination Weddings * Managerial Retreats / Team Bonding. *Transportation *Car Hiring *Accommodation *Feedings (Breakfast and dinner) * City tour *Security escort *Nurse * Spa Sessions * Games and water sports * Pool parties and barbecue for group tours *Buffet dinning for group tours.

GHANA ITINERARY

You would be welcomed by our staff and transfer to our Home Lodge.

Depending on the arrival time there would be orientation after dinner.

Breakfast at the hotel, Depart for Accra city tour, Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois Center of Pan-Africa Studies, Osu Castle(only on Fridays), James Town (OldAccra) and Art Center; Lunch break. In the Afternoon, Relax for some time and Dinner at the Home Lodge.

Depart to the Accra Mall and La Pleasure Beach, Lunch break. In the Afternoon,
Relax at the Beach, and Dinner Home Lodge.

Breakfast, Depart to Aburi Botanical Gardens, Akosombo Dam-Only Saturdays (Volta Lake), Shai Hills Game Reserved, Lunch break (Parked Lunch), Relax for some time and have Dinner at the Home Lodge.

Depart to Cape Coast to visit the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castles. Packed Breakfast, Lunch in Cape Coast and Dinner at the Lodge.

Free day and In House day for Guest to do their own activity individually. Entertainment and Socialization night.

Breakfast
Departure to home country

Cost of the tour package includes: Transportation, Accommodation; Breakfast, Lunch and
Dinner, tour guiding services and entry fees on the Antennary. Cost per person per day Contact
us on phone.

NIGERIA ITINERARY

The gateway to the reserves of the Cross River (the state of which Calabar is the capital), and the further-flung rainforests of the Afi Mountains (home to gorillas, chimps, rare rockfowl and craggy peaks of stone), the town of Calabar is a well-honed tourist stop-off on the way through to Cameroon or the southern Nigerian coast.

Before making a beeline for the amazing primate sanctuaries outside of the town though, be sure to linger a little and case out the darker past of the city at the Calabar Museum – Calabar was once one of the principle slave trading ports in West Africa.

Also worth a look is the Duke Town chapel, which is considered one of the oldest Christian worshipping houses in Nigeria.

Frenetic and packed, Lagos is not only the largest city in Nigeria, but also the single largest on the entire African continent.

Yep, nearly 18 million people call this one home, and boy does it show! Throbbing streets of beer bars and clubs pepper the districts of Ikeja and Victoria Island, where ex-pats and sailors and locals alike chat over frothy brews.

There are also salt-washed promenades on the coast, and the beautiful reaches of Lagos Bar Beach – a sloping stretch of golden sand that meets the waves of the Atlantic Ocean in style.

Meanwhile, jet skis purr across Tarkwa Bay, and the sobering histories of the slave trade continue to move at the Point of No Return.

Nestled inland, directly north of sprawling Lagos, the regional capital of the Ogun State can be found surrounded by great swathes of yam fields and maize farms, swaying wooded savanna and palm oil plantations.

An historic location on the important trade routes between the coast and the heart of West Africa led to previous inhabitants raising adobe fortifications around the old town, many of which can still be seen today.

However, it’s the bulbous rises of the Olumo Rock that soars atop the town that really draws the eye.

This ancient natural fort plays host to a great cultural museum, a craft shop selling local artworks, and caves that showcase the human history of the Ogun region as a whole.

Whether you make the arduous journey east from Abuja and south from Gombe to the Yankari in search of the roaming herds of African elephants (rumored to be the most numerous on the continent) or to seek out the fascinating relics of earlier peoples in the caves, you can rest assured that this well-serviced national park won’t disappoint.

More than 20,000 people come here to partake in ecotourism every year, which means there are plenty of lodges and tour operators on the ground.

Don’t leave without scaling the lookouts on Kalban Hill, or wondering at the chiseled rocks of the awesome Tonlong Gorge.

Okay, so Abuja ain’t no Lagos. Purpose-built, enfolded by the soft topography of the inland hills, and formed from clearly delineated districts that house business-suited men and politicians, there’s no grit or grime here (or at least not relatively). That means the capital is a nice place to relax and unwind following the energy and action of the megalopolis on the coast.

And there are other interesting sights too, like the Abuja Millennium Park and the quad of spear-like minarets that heralds the beautiful Abuja National Mosque.

Meanwhile, Wuse Market is great for shoppers, and the National Assembly Complex offers a glimpse into the country’s modern political system.

One of the natural jewels of north-western Nigeria is actually not all that natural at all.

Yep, the eponymous Kainji Lake of the Kainji Lake National Park is actually a reservoir, created in 1968 and now surrounded by protected game reserves.

On the western banks of the water is the Borgu area, which hosts sporadic pockets of Guinean woods and plains, the stomping ground of some truly fascinating beasts: hippopotami; roan antelopes and swinging baboons.

This eventually gives way to the reservoir itself, where primeval jungles dip down into the croc-spotted waters.

Vast and breathtaking at every turn, the Gashaka Gumti National Park covers more than 6,000 square kilometers of land in the extreme south-east of the country.

Made in 1991 after the fusion of two great Nigerian game reserves, it’s famed for its winding rivers (some of which also occasionally turn into awesome shows of roaring waterfalls) and riparian habitats, which host rare avian species like the red-faced lovebird.

On the ground, you can expect to be in the company of African golden cats and elephants.

Chimps swing in the trees of the forests too, while buffalos pepper the watering holes.

The tiny town of Erin-Ijesha is really only known for one thing and one thing only: it’s eponymous waterfall that crashes through the southern Nigerian jungles, spans two individual states, and counts as many as seven tiers in total! The beautiful water feature draws oodles of people to this tiny speck on the map a little way from the historic city of Ilesa.

The journey’s worth it though.

You’ll get to climb through the verdant woods and bathe in the cataracts as they crash over the cliffs.

You’ll learn about the forest spirits, and even discover the nearby hot springs at Ikogosi – a little to the east, and a great place for soothing those tired hiking muscles.

DUBAI ITINERARY

Global Village Dubai is claimed to be the world's most significant tourism, leisure and entertainment project of UAE. It is the region's first cultural, entertainment, family and shopping destination. Every year, the place receives over 5 million visitors over an area of 17,200,000 sq ft. The compound has various pavilions that each

Managed by Dubailand on the outskirts of the city, the event is organized during the winter season between late November and late February and is part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. These pavilions represent a different country or a region usually by creating an imitation of a famous landmark of the country. It is a perfect place to get souvenirs from around the world along with global authentic cuisine, exciting rides and street performers.

Located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo houses over 33,000 marine life occupying the 10 million litres of water within the tank. A unique underwater zoo occupies the level above the tank showcasing a plethora of underwater life that can be found inhabiting the oceans, rivers and other water bodies across the planet. The VR Zoo makes up the third section offering thrilling wildlife adventures via realistically created virtual tours.

Nestled in the region popularly known as 'New Dubai', Dubai Marina is a conceptualized man-made canal city. It offers luxurious lifestyles through its exquisite waterfront development along the Persian Gulf shoreline. There are classy hotels and upscale shopping and other leisure options here. It also contains the Dubai Marina Mall Complex, a shopping and entertainment destination.

Considered to be one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas in Dubai, the Dubai Marina is an ideal place for many people to either go for a jog, an evening of shopping or just taking a stroll by the waterfront. For a quicker commute within the Marina, there is the Dubai Tram which can get you to both ends of the complex for AED 3 - AED 5 varying on the distance.

Want to explore the Dubai Marina a bit differently? Take the Water Bus which takes you around the Canal. One can either opt to reach another destination in the Marina by paying AED 3 - AED 11 per ticket on this or just take a sightseeing tour on the water bus with a day pass for just AED 25.

Established in the year 1999, Burj Al Arab is one of the premium hotels of Dubai located on an artificial island off Jumeirah Road. Designed in the shape of a sail of a dhow, this iconic landmark houses an array of shiny chauffeur-driven limousines and a private helipad. Talking of luxury, the hotel features an attractive fountain, an admirable lobby and richness induced 203 suites. Standing tall at a height of 180 meters, the royalty factor of the hotel is brought out by its may interior elements adorned in real gold! A prior reservation (on its website) is required to get past the lobby security to visit its restaurant if you are not staying there.

The Dubai Mall, also known as the home of the Dubai shopping festival, is one of the world's largest shopping malls with an area of over 500,000 square meters! With more than 1200 stores, a large walk-through aquarium, a world-class ic rink, 14,000 parking spaces and more exciting experiences for shoppers, the mall was voted the best shopping experience in the world by Grazia Magazine in 2010.

Dubai Mall is one of the city's premier malls, offering entry to the world of amusement and entertainment. It is home to the famous Underwater Zoo, which is a walk-through aquarium with a collection of over 300 species of marine animals. Another favourite activity here apart from shopping is the Dubai Ice Rink. It is a family-oriented attraction open to the general public. The rink also serves as a multi-purpose venue that can be transformed into a concert arena, or host private functions. Serving as the entryway to Burj Khalifa, there are unlimited options of shopping and eating. Other than that, the mall also offers a gaming zone and cinema complex and thus packing all the leisurely activities under one roof.

Towering at a height of 2,700 feet, the Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest tower in the world. With two observation decks, a Las Vegas-inspired fountain, nine of the city's best luxury hotels and multiple restaurants, this 21st-century architectural marvel must be your number one place to visit when in Dubai or even the UAE. Also, make sure to book your tickets in advance well to avoid last moment hassles.

Home to the majestic Black Sea bottlenose dolphins, Northern and Southern American fur seals, and exotic birds, the Dubai Dolphinarium is famous worldwide for its awe-inspiring and interactive shows. Located in Creek Park, a family entertainment and activity park in Dubai, the Dubai Dolphinarium is a major tourist attraction where people from all over the world flock in large numbers all around the year to enjoy exciting marine mammal and bird shows.

This indoor Dolphinarium is renowned for its world-class facilities where guests of different age groups can indulge in a variety of fun activities like swimming with dolphins, feeding exotic birds, enjoying thrilling 5D and 7D cinema experience, bouncing on a trampoline, and walking through a maze of mirrors. At the Dubai Dolphinarium, one can also buy souvenirs and have a fun dining experience at the onsite restaurant. Whether travelling solo or with family, the Dubai Dolphinarium is must-visit.

Miracle Garden is one of the most beautiful and biggest natural flower gardens in the world. Located in Dubailand, it is spread across a vast area of over 72,000 square meters, the garden is the world's largest natural flower garden featuring over 45 million flowers and plants. The place is a heaven for those seeking nature's beauty in the city. The garden is open only from mid-November to mid-May.

BENIN ITINERARY

Pendjari National Park shelters some of the last populations of certain species, such as elephants, hippos, buffalos, and West African lions. Covering an area of 2,755 sq km (1,603 sq mi), the isolated reserve contains some of country's most scenic areas hidden amid its hills and cliffs. The lush vegetation thrives here thanks to the equatorial climate's annual rainfall. Go on a safari tour with a licensed guide to witness the majestic mammals, reptiles, birds, and fierce carnivore hunters as they roam freely in their natural habitat. During warm sunny days, remember to wear sunscreen or a hat.

Drape a sleepy sacred python around your neck and pay extra for a photo opportunity at Temple des Pythons, a shrine for the worship of royal pythons. Housing dozens of these sacred snakes, the temple is maintained by priests of Dangbé, the serpent deity. A guide explains the voodoo ceremonies associated with the shrine, where today you can see Dangbé's ancestors fed regularly, as well as yard for the ceremonial sacrifice of chickens and goats. Look for the ancient tree within the grounds, believed to be 700 years old, and inspect the colorful statues.

See the gate of no return of Africa's transatlantic slavery at La Porte Du Non Retour, an arched monument on a beach where slaves were marched onto boats taking them overseas to the Western world. Inaugurated in 1995, the monument serves as a solemn reminder of Benin's 200-year involvement in the slave trade, and marks the place of a slave auction shared by the Portuguese, French, and British. See the statue of a kneeling enslaved man, his hands tied to his back, and the tree of forgetfulness memorial.

Between the sea and the lagoon, the Casa el Papa is the ideal address to come to rest or to take advantage of the many activities offered for all ages and all tastes. Their bungalows scattered among the coconut palms which will offer you peace and rest.

Discover the Abomey Kingdom's grandeur at Palais des rois d'Abomey, a World Heritage Site. Beginning in 1625, 12 kings ruled ruled the country over the course of three centuries. See the palace, built in the traditional architectural style, with dozens of pillars complemented by small statues of wild animals inside of them. Join a tour and hear more about the rule of the dynasty, the success and prosperity of the people, ways of life, and traditional rituals that often took place here.

Unwind in the lush greenery surrounding calm waters at Bab's Dock, a private lake owned by a Belgian couple. Swim, canoe, sail, play volleyball, or just lie in a hammock in this retreat on the the water's edge. A thatched terrace shelters a European-style restaurant with tables and decks made of local wood. Afterwards, take a stroll on the long boardwalk stretching out over the lake's still surface. You need to call in advance so they can send a designated boat for you, taking you from the parking lot to the restaurant through a thick mangrove forest.

Examine a rich collection of cultural significance at Ouidah Museum of History, which gives an intimate understanding of the region's history. Restored and reopened in 1967, the 1 hectare (2.47 acre) museum was once a Portuguese fort and slave trade center. The compound contains a chapel, military garrison and barracks, and a residence within its walls--though not all structures house exhibits. Head to the residence to inspect a variety of memorabilia and archaeological relics, some of which date back to prehistoric times. Should you need assistance, hire a trained curator to guide you through the museum.

Extending 11 km (6.8 mi) long and 20 km (12.4 mi) wide, the lake serves as a chief source of food to the town above it, as well as the main nesting site for many different species of birds. Take a guided canoe trip, or board one of the fishing boats to learn about the unique ways of fishing here. Alternatively, sit back on shore and admire the scenic view of the lake and nature around it.

Explore one of largest and busiest open-air markets in West Africa at Marche Dantokpa, which plays a vital role in the nation's economy. Often described as a city within a city, the commercial center is packed with wooden stalls, huts, and umbrellas across an area of 20 hectares (50 acres). Explore the narrow, crowded streets and browse a dizzying array of goods, ranging from electronics, homemade crafts, and voodoo talismans, to exotic fruits, live animals, and spices. The heat can get exhausting, so always carry water with you.

TOGO ITINERARY

Palm trees burst from the mud-caked tin shacks and low-lying bungalows of Togo’s outdoorsy hub.

A town set beneath the jungle-dressed ridges of the Plateaux Region, and peppered with German colonial relics and the occasional European-style church spire, it’s famed for its backcountry and bazaars.

The former yields up gushing waterfalls at spots like Tomegbe and Kpoeta, and offers the hiking trails of Mount Agou (the highest in the country). The latter means craft sellers whittling away at Voodoo wood carvings, interesting ceramic creations, mysterious religious trinkets, and – of course – coffee beans, cacao, and tropical fruits.

Hailed as the ‘Land of the Batammariba’ by the UNESCO organisation that gave it that coveted World Heritage Site status back in 2004, the Koutammakou of northern Togo is a region of rustic villages built from adobe walls and thatched roofs.

The whole area not only offers a glimpse at the traditions of the tribal folk who fled here to avoid capture during the years of the Slave Coast, but also breathtaking vistas of mountain-topped horizons, mud-cracked bushlands, and undulating hills of greenery.

You might also see the area listed as the Tamberma Valley – don’t worry: they are one and the same.

Lome is a throbbing market town that sways to the beat of African drums and the rhythm of endless markets.

Founded in the 1800s by German and other European traders, it still has its mercantile character – just look to the ports, where endless depots of cocoa and palm products and even oil are loaded onto tankers.

However, today, the concrete jungle is balanced out by the earthy tribal pull of Voodoo.

This mesmerises buyers in the sprawling fetish stalls and talisman emporiums of the city’s folk market, and bursts from the explorative exhibitions of the Togo National Museum.

Also, don’t miss the Grand Marche: a massive local bazaar set over three floors.

Rarely does a city bless a country with its name, and even rarer is it for just a small clutch of Voodoo shrines and mud brick huts to inspire the moniker for the entire nation.

But that’s precisely what happened here, in the small town of Togo (as it was known then). Back in 1884, the expeditionary Nachtigal signed an agreement with the chieftain of the land for German hegemony to extend to this part of West Africa.

Today, visitors can still see copies of the interesting document, providing they ask the tribal leader nicely! Other draws include a pretty colonial cathedral and a series of little beaches along the lakeshore for strolling.

The second town on the banks of Lake Togo that’s worth a visit, Agbodrafo is known for its popular resort hotel: The Hotel le Lac.

This luxurious medley of shimmering al fresco pools and sunning terraces buts up right to the water’s edge, offering guests a luxurious stay on the side of the country’s famous lagoon.

The town itself is also known for its proliferation of watersports, and it’s possible to organise everything from pedal boating to jet skiing out on the surface.

On the other side of the town, to the south, is the Atlantic Ocean, complete with its rolling waves and stretches of sand.

Togo’s largest national park sits smack bang in the heart of the nation.

It encompasses nearly 2,000 square kilometers, and is famed for its thick forests and riparian woodlands.

The piece de resistance, and much of the reason the park was first established back in the 1970s, is the presence of the uber-rare forest elephant.

Unfortunately, populations of the great beast have been significantly reduced due to illegal poaching in the area, but conservation efforts are underway, and there are also bay duiker and antelopes, kobs and bushbuck, to keep safari goers searching between the trees.

Going all the way back to 1971, the riparian habitats that clutch the gushing courses of the Kamongou River in the northern part of Togo are now protected by the Keran National Park.

Over the decades, the whole reserve has been continuously expanded and added to, giving it a diversity of environments that range from swamplands to rocky escarpments.

The main draw are the elephants, which can be seen lining the watersides throughout the day.

However, there are also loads of bushbuck and antelopes to boot.

Oddly, the Keran National Park is more accessible from neighboring Ghana than from Togo’s capital at Lome, which sits on the coast more than 500 kilometers to the south!

A long 400-kilometer drive from the capital of Lome, the far-flung town of Kara can be found clutching the edge of the winding Haugeau River.

Home to nearly 100,000 people, it’s actually one of the largest towns in the country, and has a bustling marketplace (with Voodoo trinkets and farmers’ goods aplenty) to match.

Kara is primarily a good stopover on the way to the great national parks (Fosse aux Lions and Keran) and UNESCO regions of northern Togo, but also figures a crossroads between Benin in the east and Ghana in the west.

IVORY-COAST ITINERARY

Named as the ‘The Paris of West Africa’ , the city of Abidjan itself has a lot to explore. It is among the best cities of Africa, and full of life and color. Art, beaches, shopping, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs having one of the liveliest night life makes Abidjan even more vibrant. Explore The National art museum which displays African culture and craftsmanship, shopping at Treichville, boating by the lagoons ,strolling by the beaches and a visit to the famous St Paul’s Cathedral are the activities you shouldn’t be missing.

Located in the Yamoussoukro city and listed as the World’s Largest Basilica in Guinness World Records, the church was designed by architect Pierre Fakhoury. The basilica is built of marble imported from Italy and furnished with contemporary stained glass. It can accommodate around 18000 devotees.

One of the loveliest waterfalls, the path craves through the bamboo forest and coffee plantations, littered with butterflies and dragon flies. The cool and refreshing air will make you experience peace in true sense. In midst of craggy mountains on both the sides, this waterfall is a jewel in the sea. Being a exploring mountain range for mountaineers these days, La cascade is also a great place to swim except for the dry season which is from July to October.

After Spending your days exploring the country, Don’t forget to head along to the beautiful beaches of San Pedro. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, this town has access to numerous beaches with varying coastline. Just relax along the beaches with a drink ,walk along the seashore and spending your evening watching the setting sun along the vast coastline. You may also indulge yourself in some water sport activities offered.

The Parc National de Tai (Tai National Park) is undoubtedly the most staggering natural attraction the Ivory Coast has to offer. One of the last remaining areas of virgin rainforest in the whole of Africa, the Park was inscribed in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites as far back as 1982. The spectacular primary forest is filled with trees that reach up to 150 feet (46m), blocking out the sunlight, and allowing for a dark, dank, and dense undergrowth to flourish. The park is also home to no less than five species of mammal included in the 'red list' on endangered animals: pygmy hippopotamuses, Olive Colobus monkeys, leopards, chimpanzees and Jentink's Duikers.

Man is a small town situated to the west of the central region of Ivory Coast. The town is known as the best area to buy the famous Yacouba masks, as well as beautiful traditional fabrics. Man is part of Dix-Huit Montagnes Region and is an important market town lying between mountains, including Mount Toura and Mount Tonkoui (the two highest in the country), and La Dent de Man, popular with hikers. Mount Tonkoui towers over the town at 4,000 feet (1,220m) and is quite a challenge for avid climbers. There are also a number of rivers and waterfalls, such as La Cascade, which is set in a bamboo forest close to the outskirts of the town.