3 independent reviews for Cultural holiday in Ghana, Togo and Benin
Reviews for Cultural holiday in Ghana, Togo and Benin
Diane Few review 22 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The absolute incompetence of the local operator. We missed one whole day and many visits plus very late arrival at hotels, it was 9.00pm one day with dinner at 10.00pm. The bus kept breaking down and we had to stand in 38 for nearly 2 hours waiting for a new clutch cable. The day before it was 5 hours as clutch had broken. This was the second time as it had apparently been fixed the day before, when we also had to wait 3 hours. We had requested a new bus on day one at it was obviously old and unfit for the journey especially when compared to the other groups vehicle. But the local operator were very dismissive. The guide was very anxious to please and friendly and courteous and with good knowledge of the area’s but inadequately prepared. He he did not have a suitable phone with satnav and had to rely on one passenger to tell him he route, using her data. However the highlights that we did see were the voodoo dance on the afternoon of 23rd, the visit to the water village,the funeral, sad visit to slave route and of course the wonderful people. It was a long trip and maybe it could be done at a slower pace leaving out Ghana?2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for extremely long bus journeys on uneven roads, vegetarian options very limited. I lived on omelette and chips. The bus driver was from Nigeria and had no idea whatsoever of route. Both had just been thrown in at the deep end. Take old clothes as very humid and dusty. Easy to wash clothes in room always dry in the morning.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
There were benefits to, restaurants,local villages and schools. Mainly in Benin and Togo.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fascinating to see the village and countryside. It was spoilt by the transport issue. But I’m glad I went. It was an unforgettable experience.Read the operator's response here:
We are sorry that we failed to meet your expectations and that on this occasion the tour did not operate to the usual high standard that our many repeat travellers are accustomed to. Measures have already been put in place to avoid a repeat of the issues raised.
We have sent you a detailed written response to your feedback and a refund has been applied of £250.00. In addition, we will be pleased to offer a discount on another trip should you choose to travel with us in the future.
Laura Palmucci review 6 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The traditional ceremonies with all their colours and music2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
1) Don’t rely on the British operator for your visa; if I had waited for their letter I would never have got my Ghana visa. 2) Prepare for the funeral carrying with you something to wear in black and/or red. Nobody told me and I had nothing suitable. 3) choose this holiday only if you want a cultural experience and you like to have your day full with no time for idling around or going shopping. 4) If you can add a couple of days in Ghana to enjoy the natural surroundings; I went to the Wli waterfalls and the landscape in the Volta region is astounding.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The operator organizing the tour is local (the British one is just a go-between) and so are all the staff. Most hotel are locally owned. Something more should be done for the drinking water, as we used mountains of plastic bottles.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very interesting and out of the ordinary. The guide Armstrong was really excellent. He flawlessly organized all the visits to the ceremonies and tried to add extra experiences and things that were not in the program. No time was wasted.Frank Keen review 20 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We experienced many memorable events but the Voodoo Festival in Ouidah, Benin was the most exciting. It was very colorful and spontaneous. Numerous people went into trances and engaged in wild dances.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hesitate to go. It will surpass your expectations. Don't worry about security. It felt very safe. But be ready for heat and humidity.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people obviously benefited a little from the money we spent and it's possible that tourist interest in a clean environment could motivate the local people to be more environmentally aware.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It surpassed my expectations. The cultural component was very strong and interesting. I would have enjoyed some time at their nature reserves, but that wasn't part of the trip.Holiday Reviews
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