Ghana

Great Ghana Adventure

Q: Is Great Ghana Adventure Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program? Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required. What will students do each day? Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice. What is the refund policy? View terms & conditions

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included: All lodging All meals In-country transport All activities and excursions 24/7 staff support Not included: International airfare Travel insurance Personal spending money

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What Does a 16-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

Africa Here We Come!

Your adventure begins as you depart the US for your journey to Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana. Whether you fly on our chaperoned flight with other members of your group, or come on your own, you'll be greeted on arrival by the smiling faces of your program leaders for the next weeks of road trip adventure! After settling in at your hotel, you'll have your first introduction to Ghanaian food and a cultural orientation session. You'll have earned a good night's sleep after your long travels.

Accra

Today, you'll tour Accra, the bustling capital of Ghana. You'll visit the historic James Town Fort and fishing village, and also learn about Ghana's independence struggle. Ghana only became independent from British colonial rule in 1957.

Let's go!

Today we depart Accra, for a short flight north to Tamale. This Muslim-majority city is the heart of Northern Ghana. Get to know the city by visiting the mosque and the art market to see how Islam has enriched arts and culture in the north.

Feel the rhythm!

Today you'll take lessons from an expert instructor and learn some of the most well-known Ghanaian drumming rhythms like djembe and the talking drum. You'll have more time to explore the city and get to connect with your fellow travelers.

Elephants, crocodiles, and more

You'll spend these two days at Mole National Park, the largest wildlife reserve in Ghana. It's home to elephants, patas monkeys, baboons, crocodiles, hartebeest, and hundreds of species of birds. You'll go out on several driving safaris, a walking safari, and visit a local village to see first-hand the way of life of families in Northern Ghana.

On the road

You depart Mole National Park to make the long drive to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region. It's not all car time though - we'll visit Kintampo Falls for a swim and picnic lunch.

Ashanti

We'll visit the museum at Manhyia Palace, the home of the chief of the Ashantis and learn about the history of the Ashanti people and how they fought and traded with Europeans over gold and slaves. In the afternoon, we'll head out of Kumasi to visit a few local Ashanti villages where we can learn about the famous local traditional cloth, kente. You'll even get to try your hand at weaving.

To Cape Coast

Today we leave Kumasi to go south to Cape Coast. We'll visit the famous Fort Williams lighthouse, watch the sunset over the Cape Coast, and settle in for a good night of sleep before our service work starts tomorrow.

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Volunteer Service

On these days, we'll have the chance to work at the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind. We'll provide the school with welcome help in accomplishing various projects that they need. These could include road improvement, cleaning, painting, or various other activities to make the campus safer and more enriching for students.

Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park is home to seven rope bridges in the forest canopy that provide impressive viewing of the forest canopy, as well as antelope, monkeys, and countless species of birds. After this, we visit Cape Coast Castle. You'll learn about the history of the West African slave trade, and see the last place where captive slaves stood in Africa before boarding ships to the Americas. We'll end the evening with a performance of traditional Ghanaian dance that will take you deep into the culture and music of the local people.

Homeward bound

We'll make our way back to Accra for a quick stop at the Accra Arts Center. Here, you'll find crafts such as masks, paintings, and weavings from all across Ghana. Maybe you'll even find the perfect souvenir for someone back home. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home. This evening, we head to the airport to board our overnight flight home. Return home to the sights, sounds, and smells you grew up with, and the loved ones who will greet you at the airport as you say goodbye to your newfound friends. Know that you're back where you started this journey, but you've been changed, and your next journey awaits.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Ghana

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Is Great Ghana Adventure Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.

What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Ghana?

Ghana offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included:

All lodging
All meals
In-country transport
All activities and excursions
24/7 staff support

Not included:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Ghana Africa 2026

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