Real Ghana Experience

Travel to Ghana, a culturally rich country that boast of diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches, and – let’s not forget – friendly locals. Join our six-week program and experience just how vibrant this West African nation is. At the same time, make a hugely positive impact through volunteering.

OGVO’s Real Ghana Experience is a 6-week group travel program that will give you a broad, engaging, and fun insight into one of the most fascinating countries on earth. Although most travelers sign up independently, you’ll get to experience Ghana with a group of like-minded individuals destined to become your lifelong friends.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Practicing your new Ghanaian phrases with the friendly locals
   2. Talk a dip in the cool pools of the highest waterfall in Ghana
   3. Visit the six separate Likpe Caves used as hide outs during the war
   4. Climbing the 855 metre high Afadjato Mountain, what a feat!
   5. Visit the two most notorious slave castles in West Africa on Cape Coast
   6. Pet a crocodile….(yes you read that right!)
   7. Visit a completely unique village built on stilts in the centre of a large lake at Nzulezu
   8. Join the cool surfer dudes on Busua Beach and give the waves a go
   9. Get up close and personal with the wildlife of Mole National Park
   10. Volunteer by teaching English, helping at the orphanage or on the medical program

EXPLORING GHANA

With its welcoming beaches, gorgeous hinterland, rich culture, vibrant cities, diverse wildlife, easy transport and affable inhabitants, it’s no wonder Ghana is sometimes labeled ‘Africa for beginners.’

During this month long trip you’ll visit lots of places of cultural significance including Ghana’s coastal forts, poignant reminders of a page of history that defined our modern world. Cape Coast Castle is one of around 40 ‘slaves castles’ in Ghana. Stand in the same place that men and women took their last steps in their home before entering the “door of no return”. 

You’ll also experience an African safari at one of Ghana’s top national parks where you travel by jeep, and excitingly, on foot so you can get up really close and personal. You’ll also be staying in the park where you may find an elephant strolling by the front door or a baboon stealing your biscuits!

Include trips to Ghana’s capital of Accra, villages built on stilts, rain-forest walks and learning to surf and you’ve got an adventure of a lifetime!

VOLUNTEERING

The group will spend four weeks volunteering in Kumasi. OGVO place many volunteers in Ghana each year and have a continued commitment to the development of the communities with which we work. Volunteering enables you to give something back to the local people as well as seeing a side to Ghana that a tourist will never see. We have the following projects available:

Orphanage Care – The orphanage project is something that will melt your heart! The children range from the age of 1 month to 18 years. The project is a location you can spend an entire day in and even spend a night assisting with the babies whom need feeding throughout the early hours of the morning. A day could begin with you assisting the mothers in the washing of children’s clothing then continuing to serve and feed the orphans following with an afternoon playing football in the small field in the center of the compound. No matter the day or time you spend at our orphanage project you will truly fall in love!

English Teaching – Teaching takes place at the New Oxford International School, located in a city setting, or Agassi Memorial School, in a rural village setting. These schools have been working with OGVO for many years. The experience is challenging, but extremely fulfilling. The children are ages 5-15 with the option of teaching subjects such as English, Maths, Physical Education, Creative Arts and Science. The classes are a group of 20-25 students whom you are in complete control of for your selected subject, with the assistance of a local teacher as required. We will assist you in planning lessons so that you can successfully educate the children in your class in a creative and exciting way! We encourage volunteers to prepare as much as possible for their teaching program overseas.

Medical Volunteers (Additional Fee of $100) – The healthcare system in Ghana faces a number of challenges, particularly in rural areas. The large majority of patients arrive due to illnesses related to poor sanitation. Malaria is also a huge issue and remains the cause of many deaths and illnesses. In addition, HIV/AIDS continues to harm the lives of so many Ghanaians. Many of the major causes of death and serious illness are avoidable. The work of the healthcare system in Ghana is not only to treat immediate cases but also educate the local communities in preventative measures.

The main departments we can arrange placements in are: Adolescent Counselling, Community Health Education, Dentistry, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), General surgery, Laboratory, Nursing, Maternity & Midwifery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Paediatrics, Pharmacology, Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy, Prenatal, Psychology, Radiology, Ultrasound.

ITINERARY

Please make sure you arrive into Kotoka International Airport in Accra (ACC) on the selected Sunday start date.

Day 1 (Sunday) Welcome to Ghana

You will be collected from Kotoka International Airport in Accra by OGVO’s coordinator who will be waiting for you at arrivals holding an OGVO sign. We’ll transfer you to our partner hostel in Accra where you can relax and meet fellow volunteers. Our coordinator will provide you with an orientation outlining everything you need to know for the upcoming weeks including safety issues, useful phrases in Ghanaian and what you can expect from the Real Ghana Experience.

Day 2 (Monday) Volta Region

After some much needed rest, it’s time for your first adventure! First stop is Wli Falls, the highest waterfall in Ghana and West Africa! Take a walk through the rainforest before finding this beautiful spot for a dip in the water and some fantastic photos. Next up its Likpe Caves, six separate caves used as hideouts during the war where the ancestors drew life lessons on the walls. Finally it’s time for Tafi Monkey Sanctuary; get up close and personal with monkeys in their natural habitat…what a first day we have in store for you all!

Day 3 (Tuesday) Volta Region

If you’re not too tired from yesterday, it’s time for another day of adventure! You’ll be climbing the 855 meter high Afadjato Mountain, this is most certainly a view not to be missed. In the afternoon you’ll visit Tsatsadu Falls for a refreshing swim after your hard climb.

Day 4 (Wednesday) Accra

Early in the morning we’ll head for Accra, the capital of Ghana. Here you’ll visit the National Museum to get an insight into the history of Ghana and its people. After this there’s another cultural insight in store with visiting the W.E.B Du Bois Center. This was the last residence of Dr. Du Bois, an American leader and visionary. He was the first African-American to gain a PhD, to put this into perspective; this was in 1895 when lynching was still common. His views on the reunification of Africa, Pan Africanism, is something that was far ahead of his time, with the vision of the colour line and future struggles of his people across the world. By the end of today you will have a deep appreciation and understanding of Ghana, this will enrich the rest of your time in the country.

Day 5 (Thursday) Accra

Today you will visit Kwame Nkrumah Museum; there is plenty to see here. Kwame Nkrumah lead Ghana to independence from Britain in 1957, this was a hugely significant event in Ghanaian history so this is an important stop on your cultural journey! Next you’ll visit Jamestown Fishing Village; this is the perfect opportunity to see the ‘old Accra’. It’s now time for some shopping at Accra Mall with 65 shops, a five screen cinema and a food court; this is a perfect relaxing afternoon. At the end of the day you’ll attend a cultural dinner, by now you’ll be getting on well with your fellow volunteers and you’ll be up to speed with all things Ghana.

Day 6 (Friday) Cape Coast

Today is another action packed day! You’ll leave early morning for the Cape Coast to visit Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle; these were two of the most notorious slave castles in West Africa. Cape Coast Castle will bring you into the same journey many African men took shackled to his fellow brother and even have you closed in the dark room of the resistance where hundreds of people lost their lives. This is a really important part of Ghanaian history to learn about as you can then understand the reasoning behind the poverty of the coastal villages and foreign influence throughout the country. In the afternoon we’ll take the half an hour drives to Kakum National Park.

But first we have a little surprise for you at Hans Cottage Botel where you can get a hand on experience with the crocodiles, yes that means you can touch them for a photo op! Once we reach the park we will encounter a lush rainforest and if you’re feeling brave you can journey into the tree tops of the park participating in the canopy walk 40 meters above the forest floor. It’s now time to head off to Oasis Beach Club for the night to relax with some delicious food and a few drinks while you re-live the day with your fellow volunteers and end it all dancing the Azonto.

Day 7 (Saturday) Nzulezu

It’s time to hit the road again. It’s around a three hour drive to Nzulezu. Here you will be able to visit a village completely on stilts sitting in the centre of a large lake just on the boarder of Ghana. This isn’t something you’re able to see in everyday life as it is the only village of its kind in the country; you’ll get the chance to tour some of the homes, meet the people and visit the museums.

Day 8 (Sunday) Busua

After driving an hour or so you will sink your toes into the warm sand of Busua Beach. Here you can expect to see locals selling beautiful paintings, handmade jewellery and some fresh fruit juice. The experience in the beach village is like nothing you will experience anywhere else in Ghana. Children running about in the water, men singing as they haul the nets in from miles out in the sea, women giggling as they whisper the day’s gossip overlooking the beach. The beach is known for its surf, so it’s time to get up on the board and give it a go!

Day 9 (Monday) Beach Day

It’s been a busy week so far, so today is a well-earned, relaxing beach day! Take a stroll down along the shore and collect full puka shells and sand dollars along with an array of sea glass and sea shells. The purpose of today is just to chill, soak up some sun and have a rest before the adventure begins again. Maybe even try a fresh coconut or three!

Day 10 (Tuesday) Kumasi

Refreshed from your day on the beach it’s time for some more fascinating Ghanaian culture. Today you’ll visit the Manhyia and Prempeh Jubilee Museums to learn more about Ashanti history. You will also visit Kente Weaving Village; this is a unique chance to get hands on learning experience and a chance to buy some authentic and beautiful cloth. In the afternoon you’ll visit the culture centre where there is a fantastic crafts market! In the evening we will arrange a meet up with other volunteers from OGVO for a meal and some activities.

Day 11 (Wednesday) Mole National Park

Today it’s time to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Mole National Park, on your jeep top safari you can expect to see antelope, pythons, monkeys, warthogs but the highlight has to be the elephants! In afternoon get that swimming costume on because the pool is very refreshing with the sun shining. The pool overlooks the large grazing land where you can possibly see families of antelope and elephants grazing. In the evening you’ll head over to the local village of Larabanga to have some fun learning the dances of the northern tribes. That night you’ll stay in Mole Hotel which is right in the heart of the National Park.

Day 12 (Thursday) Mole Continued

Another chance to safari at Mole but this time will be on foot! It’s a unique and exciting way to explore the park as the guides will show you the natural route the elephants take for grazing and then take you to a lookout spot where you can encounter them bathing, but that’s not all. On foot you are able to creep up close to the monkeys and antelope while they stroll in the pasture taking in the warmth of the sun. After your second safari at Mole it’s time to head back to Larabanga to visit one of the oldest mosques in Western Africa and discuss with the village its importance to their daily lives.

The next stop on the journey will be a visit to Kintampo Falls, a beautiful spot for a cool off with its naturally smooth moss covered rocks sometimes used as a slide! In the afternoon you’ll visit Boebeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary where the cheeky things will run up and, if you aren’t careful, steal the banana straight from your hand! Yes, that means you will be feeding them and they will come within an arms-length of you right there in the park.

Day 13-15 (Friday-Sunday) Orientation and Weekend

We’ll start the Friday back in Kumasi with a full introduction into OGVO Ghana’s volunteer projects, a tour of the local area and discussion about the plan for the next couple of weeks. You will then have the afternoon to relax before your placement begins on the coming Monday and maybe even get the chance to chat with existing OGVO volunteers about the work they are doing.

Saturday and Sunday are free. You can use these days to explore in the markets; head back to the culture centre with the other volunteers or maybe relax by a hotel pool in Kumasi.

You’ll find that your fellow volunteers will also want to travel with you, so you’ll definitely have someone to go with. Our team can help you plan any weekend activities you may wish to get involved in.

Day 16-41 Volunteering

Now an expert in Ghanaian culture it’s time to begin your chosen program in Kumasi and give something back to this wonderful country! You have the choice of getting involved in the teaching, orphanage or medical program during the final four weeks of the Real Ghana Experience.

Day 42 (Sunday) Fly Home

It’s been an incredible journey everyone…see you on another OGVO Real Experience next year?

Please note: This itinerary is subject to change as a result of unforeseen circumstances.

Program Requirements

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if you are accompanied by your parents.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, nationalities and religions. You must be able to provide us with a clean criminal background check prior to your program start date. We are unable to accept anyone who has any previous criminal convictions.

Although you do not need to speak English as your first language, we do require all participants to have a good level of English in order to join the program.

You should be physically fit, as volunteering overseas can be quite strenuous. If you have any medical/mental health conditions that may affect your participation overseas then these must be declared to us during your online application.

Accommodation

Your first night in Ghana will be spent at a hostel near to Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Our partner hostel offers basic but comfortable accommodation. You will share a room with fellow volunteers. Rooms are air conditioned here. A member of the OGVO Ghana team will also stay at the hostel to ensure you have 24/7 support and will travel with you throughout your stay!

During your time with OGVO in Ghana you will live in our Volunteer House/Host Family located in a friendly neighbourhood. You will find restaurants, convenience stores and ATMs in the centre of town. There is a small shop opposite the Volunteer House/Host Family. The local communities are extremely friendly. As soon as you step out of the house you’ll be greeted by smiling children! Just one of the amazing experiences you’ll have with OGVO in Ghana.

The accommodation is basic but comfortable. Each room has bunk beds with up to 6 people per room in same-sex rooms. Volunteers are provided with fans in the room and their own mosquito net and bed linen. Bathrooms are shared, have a shower and western style toilet. The water is cold but this shouldn’t be a problem as Ghana is hot all year-round! Learn to wash your clothing’s with your hands in several buckets or you request a local maid to wash them for you, enjoy the sun drying your clothes and odor the African fragrance in your clothes.

Please note that power cuts and water shortages are very common in Ghana. Whilst we have backup measures to combat this, there may be times where the power cuts out or there is no water for a while so it’s important to be aware of this in advance.

MEALS

Volunteers will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner every day during their time with OGVO. Breakfast and dinner are served at the Volunteer House/Host Family, whereas for lunch we provide you with a packed lunch or the project may provide you with lunch.

Please note most meals will incorporate lots of carbs and not so much dairy or meat compared to the western countries so please be open-minded around this! It may take you a few days for your body to accustom to the local food as well.

Pork, lamb and beef are difficult to source in Ghana and usually quite expensive. The main meat is chicken, fish and goat. There is also a real lack of fresh dairy products, so you should be prepared to live without milk and cheese etc. Most milk is tinned.

There are a number of western restaurants around a 20 – 30 minute drive out from the accommodation should you fancy picking up some home comforts. There are also some Chinese and Indian restaurants in Kumasi. Our local team will tell you all about the options available to you during your in-country orientation.

Details on Arrival

Please note, your group can arrive any week of the month or any month of the year with advance noticed.

Program Fee

Please note: These fees apply to each individual application.

In order to confirm your place on an OGVO program you need to transfer a deposit of US $200. The remaining Program Fee is then due no less than 60 days prior to your program start date.

What is included in program fee?

– Airport pick-up service & transfer to project site

– All accommodation

– All meals (three meals a day)

– Comprehensive pre-departure information

– 24hr emergency support

– Orientation, staff support and backup

– Introduction to host family and program

– Daily transport to and from your project

– Placement, supervision in program and visa support letter

– Cultural activities, sightseeing tours and entrance fees

– Application review and processing

– All information before and during your time with us in Ghana

– Airport drop-off after project completion

What is NOT Included?

– Visa costs, Airfare

– Travel and Medical Insurance

– Vaccinations, Internet access

– Buying gifts/souvenirs for friends and family members back home

– Phone calls, Damage to or loss of properties

– Water/Drinks and Personal spending money