There are three types of sea turtle nesting on the beaches in Ghana: the Olive Ridley, the Leatherback and the Green turtle; all of which are endangered species. The project we will be participating in has adopted a long-term approach to protect nesting areas by working with the local community to preserve its natural heritage and see it as an asset. By working closely with the community, we'll also gain a unique insight into daily life in Ghana.

10 day turtle conservation project
Leaving Accra, we pause at Kakum National Park where there's the chance to take a spectacular walk on a rope bridge suspended over the jungle canopy! Continuing past long sandy beaches and 'slave forts', we arrive at Akwidaa which will be our base for the next 10 days. Following our training, we'll be participating in the daily turtle patrol; monitoring and recording turtle nests, recording any hatching baby turtles and helping any stragglers reach the sea! The opportunity to witness a large Leatherback turtle nesting on the beach at night is a once in a lifetime experience. A vital part of the project work is its educational projects with the local community and we will be engaged in a variety of activities during the day; from interactive work in the local schools, erecting effective signage, to workshops with local fishermen.

Capital of the Ashanti
Heading inland, we drive to Kumasi - once the seat of an empire that stretched from the Ivory Coast to Togo. Here we explore West Africa's largest market, jostling with women dressed in the zany colours of the locally-woven kente cloth. We'll also take a trip out to see tranquil Lake Bosumtwi. Created by a meteor impact, the area is considered sacred in local lore.

What are the benefits?
Considerable manpower is needed to effect beach patrols during the nesting season and deliver consistent turtle education in the community. The development of this project is bringing tourism and thus alternative sources of income to the area, reducing the reliance on poaching.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join tour Accra. 2 Tour Accra. 3 Drive Akwidaa; visit Kakum NP (optional canopy walk); meet project staff and briefing. 4 to 12 Turtle conservation project. 13 Drive Kumasi; visit Lake Bosumtwi. 14 In Kumasi; sightseeing. 15 Drive Accra; tour ends Accra.

Accommodation: 4nts hotel, 10nts lodge; 14 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 10 dinners included.
Transport: Bus
Comment: Our accommodation whilst on project is a simple and charming eco-lodge which is constructed and operated with particular attention to the environment and local community. Expect several early mornings and late nights whilst on patrol.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, drivers and project staff
Trip Reference: VGN