Elmina & Cape Coast Castle Tour Review: Accra, Lunch Included
So, you’re thinking of checking out the Elmina and Cape Coast Castles from Accra and maybe that tour includes a buffet lunch? Maybe this is for you! I did, so here’s what I think about it, to get you started. Hopefully, this provides you with what you want so you can have expectations!
A Look at the Drive from Accra
First, understand that the drive from Accra to the Cape Coast can be long-ish, that too it’s about three to four hours each way, depending a little on traffic. So, just be prepared for a good chunk of your day spent on the road. Most tour operators pick you up early, like between 6 AM and 7 AM, to kind of maximize the time at the castles. The buses or vans are typically air-conditioned, very handy to keep you pretty comfy in the Ghanaian humidity, is that nice? Just make sure you’re bringing a small backpack with all you need to stay occupied! The route to getting there will show you things you don’t see, too.
Stepping Back into History at Cape Coast Castle
Alright, so your first stop could very well be Cape Coast Castle, which frankly, stands right on the coast of Ghana. Just picture this place: It’s this grand, white-washed structure against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, its almost surreal. As you walk through, you get to understand, very deeply how this was a central hub of the transatlantic slave trade. Tour guides there tend to share the stories of those who were captives, telling about the conditions and treatment they faced. Those dark, cramped dungeons where hundreds were held captive, very close together, before being forced onto ships. In one way, being there you almost hear the echoes of the past; it’s really sobering. In the other, being here puts things into perspective and how far we’ve come. To tour this will take several hours, so pace yourself.
Elmina Castle: A Story of Colonialism and Resistance
After Cape Coast, very likely, your tour will head over to Elmina Castle. This castle, first established by the Portuguese in the 15th century, has also played a massive part in the slave trade, so just picture it. What’s interesting too, is that Elmina shows you layers of colonial influence, showing how it transitioned from Portuguese to Dutch control. The architecture does reflect those shifts in power and yet, you are quickly hit with the same grim history you got at Cape Coast Castle. Walking into the dungeons here gives you a sense of suffering from way back then, that almost lingers in the air. It’s heavy. Yet, the guides also tend to speak about the acts of resistance and resilience shown by the people, while going against the system. Be prepared to feel something deep inside of you.
What to Expect from the Buffet Lunch
Most of the tours include lunch, and often its that buffet style. Is that something to expect, anyway? Well, just understand the quality can, in a way, be different. Some tours might take you to pretty nice restaurants with a mix of Ghanaian and international food, which is fun, others maybe head to hotels, which is cool, too. What you will typically find: rice and maybe jollof rice, some grilled chicken or fish, stews, plus salads and seasonal fruits, maybe even some local dishes like banku or fufu. The lunch is typically a welcome break to refresh and relax before the drive back to Accra, maybe to discuss the eye-opening experiences you’ve had.
Things I Recommend Bringing Along with You
Alright, so to sort of make the most of your tour, here are just some things you may want to have. Bring comfortable shoes to go walking around those castles; it can involve a good amount of walking. Have some water with you so you don’t dehydrate, especially on those hot days. And that too it’s essential to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. To show some respect at these historical sites, wear clothes modestly. Lastly, its good to have a camera or a smartphone so you can capture everything, but just remember to always be respectful. Lastly, it can be hard to tip someone at times, so having small bills with you might actually help you so you don’t overpay and/or have them not give you change, etc.
Is the Tour ‘Worth It’?
So, the big question: Is this tour worth it? I’d probably argue that it is, for you. It provides a powerful experience that helps people better learn about the history of the slave trade, right from where it occurred, very raw and honestly told. The drive could be pretty long, but if you use that as an opportunity to reflect on what you have learned, so too it is more than ‘worth it.’ Just pick a tour operator that respects the sites’ importance, which is more than helpful to know when booking. Keep in mind this tour will be a deeply educational and moving experience, to prepare yourself mentally.
Key Takeaways:
- The Elmina and Cape Coast Castle tour from Accra makes you learn the history of the slave trade first-hand.
- That road trip from Accra to the Cape Coast region takes several hours each way.
- Make sure you prepare for both the emotional weight and weather elements of the tour.
- The included buffet lunch, which could have traditional Ghanaian dishes and maybe international options, is more like an opportunity to refresh before that ride back.
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