Final Field Program - University of Virginia

TAK22 NZULEZO, A WATER VILLAGE – GROUP B (0800-1600 Friday, 24 September) Minimum 30/
Maximum 60
(PRICE: $83) PRE-SALE ONLY
The unique water village of Nzulezo is built entirely on
stilts on
an open lake fedd by two rivers. According to oral history and
tradition, villagers migrated several centuries ago from Walata, a
city in the ancient Ghana Empire, which fell in the year 1250.
Ancestors of thee village believe that villagers were led to this
secure place by a snail. Nzulezo is an Nzema word
meaning
“built on water”.
After an hour’s drive through rubber plantation, enjoy a five-
are
kilometer ride onn the lake in a local dugout
canoe (life jackets
provided). The ride takes you
through areas of marsh and open
pools fringed with palm thickets and opens out into the fast
expanse of thee lake. A variety of birds are often seen
emerging from the reeds or sitting on the low hangingg branches
of the surrounding jungle. Upon arrival
in the village, interact with the localss and exploree the surrounding area.
Notice the solid wood construction of the houses and the raffia walkways. Later visit Fort Appolonia located in
Beyin. This fort was built in 1768 by English merchants and transferred to the Dutch in 1868 who renamed it after
their King Willem III. The Dutch held it
until 1872 when it was turned over to the British by
a treaty.
TAK23 KAKUM NATIONAL PARK AND ELMINA WALKING TOUR (0800–1700 Friday, 24 September)
Minimum 30/Maximum 80 (PRICE: $89) PRE-SALE ONLY
Drive throughh the historic Denkyira Kingdom to Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical
rainforests, located two hours from Takoradi. Extending over 360-square kilometers, 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. Other activities include touring thee medicinal walking trails and the Sunbird Trail.
After lunch, embark on a guided walking tour of Elmina, which was the firstt point of European contact in Sub-
Saharan Africa. It was once the most cosmopolitan city in Tropical Africa. Climb the Jago
Hill to Fort St. Jargo,
which was used by the Dutch as a post
to snatch the
Elmina Castle from the Portuguese. You will be thrilled by
the colorful Asafo (Fante Traditional Soldiers) Posts with theirr philosophical symbols as well as the various
Colonial Dutch Cemeteries.
----------------- ----------------- ------------------ SATURDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER --------------------------------------------------
TAK24 VILLAGE EXPERIENCE
– GROUP
B (0800-1400 Saturday, 25 September) Minimum
15/Maximumm 40 (PRICE: $87) PRE-SALE ONLY
[FDP: ALLARD]
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 givenn traditional African names. Later, interact with
the villagers and school children. Pleasee note: Lunch
included.
Ghana Field Program – page 8