DIPO INITIATION

Ghana

Departure: Accra 19/4/2008 • Arrival: Accra 29/4/2008

Category: Special Trip

• 11 days in Ghana
• overnights in hotels

A wonderful occasion to participate to one of the most beautiful initiation ceremony in Africa, celebrated in the Krobo region, famous for its beads, some of which are often seen in the best African Art Galleries. Here beads are used for religious and esthetic purposes and have the magic power "to turn a child into a woman”!

Accra, the Ghana capital, is an interesting African town which, even though it has undergone some rapid development in recent years, has managed to hold on to its identity – the unique identity of Accra is reflected in both the old and the newer areas where the customs and traditions of the people continue to thrive as before.

Elmina is at the same time a castle, a museum, a harbour, a village and it has changed and evolved in many different ways over five centuries of exposure to the influences of a range of European nations, associated with the history of slavery in Africa.

The Kakum ropewalk is the longest and highest suspended rope bridge in the world. Walking between one hundred and twenty to one hundred and fifty feet in the air, we are able to experience an incredible view of the rain forest. At this height, instead of revealing only their trunks, the trees offer us a breathtaking view of the forest canopy. From this high up the trees really do look as though they are reaching up to grasp the sun and sky above.

Kumasi is the historical and spiritual capital of the Ashanti people. Even today, the Ashanti are the most important Kingdom in West Africa. Their social organization is centred on the figure of Asantehene, the king of all Ashanti. The Ashanti are the gold-lords, the gold coming from the surrounding forest region. Ashanti jewelers produce beautiful gold ornaments that the chiefs use during the ceremonies.

The Krobo region is famous around the world for its beads, some of which are often to be seen in the best African Art Galleries. It is here in Krobo where they are produced – and here where they are used for religious and esthetic purposes. The Dipo Festival is said to be “One of the most spectacular initiation ceremonies in Africa. Where the bead has the magic power to turn a child into a woman!”

Group of minimum 4 participant, 1.730 euro each person in double room

Group of 2-3 participant, 2.500 euro eac person.

Supplement single room, 360 euro

Full board from the breakfast of the second day till the lunch of the last day.

The prices don't include the international flight from and to the country of origin

For more informations: transafrica@transafrica.biz