Final Field Program - University of Virginia

TAK18 CAPE COAST HISTORICAL TOUR (0830 Thursday, 23 September – 1700 Friday, 24 September)
Minimum 20/Maximum 80 (PRICE: $236) PRE-SALE ONLY
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Depart early morning and drive through the historic Denkyira Kingdom to Kakum National Park, one of
West Africa’s surviving tropical rain forests. Extending over 360 square kilometres, the park is home to over 40
large mammals and 400 bird species, as well as numerous species of butterflies, flora and fauna. Kakum’s most
popular attraction is the canopy walkway, which consists of seven bridges extending 350 meters and hanging 40
meters above the forest floor. Choose between a two-kilometer walk through the forest to discover the wide
variety of exotic floral species and the medicinal value they offer, or take a walk in the treetops via the canopy
walkway. Enjoy a lunch of African cuisine at Hans Cottage “Botel” while watching the resident crocodiles and
busy weaver birds. (L, D; area hotel)
Day 2: Check out of your hotel and embark on a tour of the infamous forts, castles and slave dungeons of Ghana.
Tour the Elmina Castle, which was built by the Portuguese in 1482. Also known as St. George’s Castle, this castle
was the first European structure built in Sub-Saharan Africa. Afterwards, enjoy a lunch of African cuisine at a
local Ghanaian restaurant. Then visit the infamous Cape Coast Castle and slave dungeons. The castle was built by
the Swedes in 1653 and was later taken over by the British. Today it houses the West African Historical Museum.
Return to the ship. (B, L)
---------------------------------------------------- FRIDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER ----------------------------------------------------
TAK19 SERVICE PROJECT: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY – GROUP B (0700-1900 Friday, 24
September) Minimum 20/Maximum 50 (PRICE: $66) PRE-SALE ONLY
For a description of this trip, please refer to TAK09 Service Project: Habitat for Humanity – Group A.
TAK20 VILLAGE EXPERIENCE – GROUP A (0800-1400 Friday, 24 September) Minimum 15/Maximum
40 (PRICE: $87) PRE-SALE ONLY
Depart for a drive to one of several local villages that will host Semester at Sea participants. Pay a courtesy call
to the paramount chief and elders of the village amidst traditional drumming and dancing by the villagers, and
also participate in a naming ceremony in which you will be given traditional African names. Later, interact with
the villagers and school children. Please note: Lunch included.
TAK21 FORT METAL CROSS AND DIXCOVE HISTORIC WALKING TOUR (0800-1600 Friday, 24
September) Minimum 20/Maximum 60 (PRICE: $79) PRE-SALE ONLY
Depart for the one-hour drive to the historic town of Dixcove, home of the Fort Metal Cross. Explore Fort Metal
Cross which was constructed by the British in 1680. The original fort was square with a pointed bastion at each
corner except the southwest corner which had a round tower. The fort was captured by the Dutch in 1868 and
renamed Fort Metalin Kruiz. They then expanded the fort by adding garrison apartments, storage rooms and
workshops. The fort was returned to British in 1872 along with all other Dutch forts. After the abolition of the
slave trade, the fort’s commerce decline and trade was only in gold, ivory, and palm oil which was offered in
exchange for European goods.
Later embark on a guided historic walking tour of Dixcove to discover its alleys and colonial era buildings. For
two centuries Dixcove was the home of the British along the Dutch controlled coast of the Gold Coast. Explore
this small town that has both British and Dutch style and touch. Visit the local fishing harbor to learn about the
various colorful boats on the busy beach.
Ghana Field Program – page 7