~Ghana: An Immersive Journey

INCLUDED

4 Nights Labadi Beach (or similar)
2 Nights Golden Hill Parker (or similar)
3 Nights Lancaster Hotel (or Similar)

NOT INCLUDED
Travel Insurance
Travel Vaccines
All Beverages
Incidentals
Laundry
Passport Fees
Additional Gratuities (bellman. porters, waiters )

** Itinerary subject to change
All tours and entrance fees are included / All taxes are included
Maximum 2 travelers per room

5% REBATE - PAY IN FULL AT THE TIME OF BOOKING
The offer is applicable to the Land Package (after any discounts are applied)
The 5% rebate is not applicable to the Booking Fee, Flights, Add-On Purchases, or Donations.
The rebate will be refunded to the original form of payment used for the Travel Experience purchase.
Please allow 14 business days for processing.

The Labadi Beach Hotel, Ghana’s Premier 5* Hotel is set amidst tropical landscaped gardens and in  proximity of 10 minutes’ drive to the Kotoka International Airport and 15 minutes’ drive to the Central Business District. The hotel is located adjacent to Ghana’s most popular La Pleasure Beach and boasts of a well-maintained private beach with 24 hours security surveillance offering colorful cocktails and bites as you watch the sun set. Labadi Beach Hotel is set to meet the demands of both Leisure and Business traveler’s alike; offering a modern Spa with four treatment rooms in the serene ambiance of the beach gardens, a well-equipped gymnasium,  an outdoor lap pool as well as a leisure pool, two flood lit tennis courts and an outdoor running space within its expanse gardens filled with coconut trees. With 164 well-appointed rooms and seven room types including 2 Presidential suites, room size ranging from 30m² to 126m² to choose from, be certain to be pampered, well rested and totally taken care of as you enjoy a combination of Opulence and Elegance in a classy en-suite bathroom with separate shower, toilet and bathtub, a bidet, bathrobe and slippers, shaver point, hair dryer, direct dialing telephone services, fully stocked -bar, free high speed internet access: both WIFI and CAT5 Cabled, 40” flat screen LED TV with DSTV bouquet and of course a complimentary tea and coffee making facility.  Foodies have the luxury of our 24 hours a la carte Lounge Bar, the al Fresco Terrace bar overlooking the swimming pool, the Lagoon Bar on the preserved cultural and spiritual Lagoon of the Traditional People, as well as the Akwaaba Buffet Restaurant.  Labadi Beach Hotel continues to be the host for Kings, Queens as well as Presidents, Business and Leisure community.

Moving from the ordinary, you get to live like Royalty. Ridge Royal Hotel takes you to the ridge of comfort and luxury in the best style possible. Situated in the historic City of Cape Coast, Ghana. The Hotel boasts of a picturesque landscape in a serene environment.  Richly inviting , comfortably yours.

Newly renovated and completed this February 2024, this hotel provides an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers an array of amenities designed for travelers like you.  Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV and air conditioning, and guests can go online with free WiFi offered by the hotel.  This hotel features room service and a concierge, to help make your stay more enjoyable.

This Travel Experience is Non-Refundable
Cancellations must be received by email. 

Cancellations 60 days before departure will receive travel credit. Cancellation fees include deposit, booking fees, donations, late fees, reinstatement, and other specified fees. Additional non-refundable fees may apply from service providers such as hotels, airlines, and transportation, potentially totaling 100% of the booking cost. Cancellations within 60 days of departure are non-refundable and do not qualify for travel credit.

If TBOG Travel cancels the trip, a travel credit equivalent to the full amount paid will be provided without any cancellation fees deducted.   
Reservations 91 days in arrears will be automatically canceled. Any amounts already paid will not be refunded. If TBOG Travel incurs any additional cancellation fees or charges due, you agree to indemnify us for those fees or charges.

Travel Credits can be used to purchase specific TBOG Tour the World travel experiences.  Travel credits issued from travel booked in:  

• Credits from 2024 bookings: valid until December 31, 2025. 
• Credits from 2025 bookings: valid until December 31, 2026.
• Credits from 2026 bookings: valid until December 31, 2027.

If the cost of your TBOG “Tour the World” travel experience exceeds your travel credit, you must pay the difference. The remaining balance will be issued as a future travel credit if it is less than the credit.

TBOG Travel reserves the right to restrict reservation changes, subject to availability. Changes in party size, date, or location may affect rates. We recommend purchasing travel insurance through our partner, Travel Guard, underwritten by AIG.

These policies are subject to change at any time.

By booking with The Black Onyx Group, you acknowledge and accept the following terms and conditions: 

Agent  
- The Black Onyx Group, LLC (or any affiliated entities) acts solely as a travel agent. We sell travel-related products from various transport and accommodation service providers, including airlines, coaches, rail and cruise line operators, and hotels. 
- The Black Onyx Group's obligations to you include booking travel on your behalf and arranging relevant contracts between you and the travel service providers. 
- We are not responsible for these services and do not have the authority to make any warranties or representations regarding their quality. A request cannot be guaranteed. 
- All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability these service providers impose. 
- You understand that your legal recourse lies against the specific provider, not The Black Onyx Group LLC.

Liability
- We constantly strive to ensure your arrangements are satisfactory. However, we cannot accept any liability of any kind, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, for the actions, omissions, or defaults, whether negligent or not, of these service providers over whom we have no direct or indirect control.
- In situations where liability cannot be excluded, such liability is limited to the value of the purchased travel arrangements. We are not liable for any consequential losses or damage.
- We do not accept any liability in contract, tort, or otherwise for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense, or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by force majeure or any other event beyond our control or not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part.
- We cannot control and will not be responsible for bodily injury, property damage, or other loss caused by factors beyond our control, including but not limited to flight delays, airline turbulence, transportation accidents, war, terrorism, weather, quarantine, illness, government restrictions, regulations or actions, mechanical failures, acts of God, fires, earthquakes, floods, climate anomalies, civil unrest, strikes, riots, theft, disease, pandemics, epidemics, accidents, or failures related to public internet, telecommunications lines or facilities, or third-party technology systems, other unforeseen circumstances, or any other causes beyond our control, including your physical, medical, or mental disabilities, failure to obtain valid travel documents, or failure to follow travel instructions. Under no circumstances shall The Black Onyx Group, LLC, be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damage arising from the above.

Deposits
- A deposit will be required at the time of booking.  All deposits are non-refundable for changes of mind or cancellations.

Passport
- All individuals leaving the United States must possess a valid passport. You are responsible for ensuring that you have valid travel documents, including, but not limited to, passports and visas that comply with the requirements of immigration and other government authorities at every destination. 
- Any fines, penalties, payments, or costs incurred due to documents that do not meet those authorities' requirements will be your sole responsibility.

Non-Transferable
- Documents issued are non-transferable. These documents may include, but are not limited to, airline tickets, hotel vouchers, tour vouchers, or any other document that confirms an arrangement with a service provider.
- These documents may also be subject to conditions such as, but not limited to, being nonrefundable, non-date-changeable, and subject to cancellation or amendment fees.

Payment & Credit Card Transactions
- If, for any reason, a travel service provider cannot deliver the services you contracted for, your remedy lies with the provider and not with The Black Onyx Group, LLC.
- If you paid The Black Onyx Group, LLC by credit card, you agree not to seek a chargeback for your payment to The Black Onyx Group, LLC.
- If your credit card or check is declined, you are responsible for promptly settling any amounts owed to The Black Onyx Group, LLC, via money order or another credit card.

Price Variations
- We reserve the right to change published fares in response to fluctuations in exchange rates or price increases by service providers.  All prices are subject to availability and may be withdrawn or altered at any time.

Taxes and Baggage Fees
- Baggage allowance and restrictions apply to all airlines. These can vary, so you should contact the airline you are traveling with for specific restrictions. Some airlines may charge fees for checked baggage.

Cancellation
- Please be aware that travel bookings are non-refundable and non-reroutable.
- Cancelled bookings will incur charges. These charges can be up to 100% of the booking cost, regardless of whether the travel has commenced.
- Where we incur any liability for a cancellation fee or charge for any booking you cancel, you agree to indemnify us for that fee or charge.

Travel Insurance
- We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance through our insurance partner, Travel Guard, to protect your travel investment.  

Health and Special Requirements
- Please advise your consultant of any special requirements you may have, such as special meals, medical requirements, and so on.

Refusal of Service
- Service providers reserve the right to refuse service to travelers for the following reasons: The traveler:
- Lacks proper documentation for the country of destination
- Has a contagious disease
- Is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics
- Manifests disruptive and/or unruly behavior

Be prepared with travel insurance coverage through Travel Guard. Plans can include coverage for medical expenses, trip interruption and more and include emergency travel services so you can be sure that Travel Guard has an insurance plan that meets your traveling needs. Travel Guard is available to assist 24 hours a day.  

Travel Guard's Trip Insurance Plans provide valuable coverage at an affordable price and includes an early purchase benefit of a waiver of Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion and Cancel for Any Reason option,  if purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment.

Your travel insurance will need to cover medical expenses that could arise while traveling abroad. In the case of a Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll need to make sure that it covers you for medical evacuation too.

Unexpected injuries and doctor visits need to be covered, and emergency evacuation expenses should you need to be airlifted to a medical facility. Those situations are rare, but they do occur, and you need the proper insurance.

When purchasing travel insurance, it is important you understand exactly what it does and doesn’t cover. Most basic plans will offer basic protection for trip cancellation, lost bags, and delayed flights.

However, if you need coverage beyond that (medical expenses, evacuation, etc.) then you’ll likely have to purchase a higher-tier policy.

It’s important that whatever policy you choose also covers high altitude activities. That isn’t the case with every insurance plan, so be sure to ask for it specifically.

We highly recommend you add the Adventure Sports Bundle to your insurance package if you are running a marathon, climbing a mountain, scuba diving, etc.  Add the adventure sports bundle to ensure you are covered. 

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enroll HERE → https://step.state.gov/

Benefits of Enrolling in STEP

Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.  
Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency  
Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Ghana. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ghana: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

See the tables below for more information:

Sources: CDC, WHO and ISTM

Documentation of yellow fever vaccination is required in Ghana. Make sure you are vaccinated before you go or you may be denied entry to the country.

Meningitis spreads in the region during the summer months. A meningitis vaccination is the best form of protection against this potentially deadly disease.

Malaria, dengue and Chikungunya are all present in Ghana. Be sure to bring anti-malarials, mosquito repellents and netting to stay protected while in-country.

Outside of Accra, access to medical facilities is limited. Make sure to bring any prescriptions you will need.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling 1-888-499-7277 or book online now.

You can exchange currency upon arrival at the airport in Accra.  The currency of Ghana is the cedi (pronounced "seedy"). The word cedi derives from the Akan word for the cowrie shell, widely used for currency long ago. The cedi is prefixed GHS or by the ₵ symbol.  Cedis can only be obtained in Ghana. They cannot be converted anywhere except in Ghana and neighboring countries.

Ghana is a cash society.   ATMs are sprouting everywhere in the cities and work with international networks.  Larger denomination bills (50 and over) fetch a better cash exchange rate.  Credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express can be used at hotels, upscale locations, and a couple of larger coastal cities, but they are primarily useless outside these locations. They are more likely to work in an ATM. 

It is essential to break large bills into smaller denominations to shop in the markets and visit villages. You can better bargain with market vendors with small bills; they're also handy for public transportation.  Be sure to notify your debit or credit card issuer of your travel dates and that you may be using the card outside the country of issue. Otherwise, attempts to use your card may be denied.

XE-perience currencies on the go.   The XE Currency app - Everything you need for international currencies. Download Xe Currency Converter: for Android HERE  and for iOS HERE

A visit to the small local village of Simiw to spend some time with the villagers and bless them with donations is a great way to end the travel experience.

School supplies
General school supplies are always needed – they include pencils and pencil sharpeners, rulers, erasers, solar calculators, and chalk. Other popular supplies include English–Swahili dictionaries, world maps, and even age-appropriate storybooks in English.

First aid and health
Bandages/plasters, antibiotic ointment, toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste, dental floss, soap, hand sanitizer, and feminine care products (like sanitary napkins) will be used and appreciated.

Clothing
New or gently used children’s and adult clothing is always well received.  Undergarments are always needed, and especially bras.

Check back for updates for a more detailed list.

Ghana's climate is tropical primarily due to its location on the equator. Humidity levels are constantly high, and temperatures range between 70°F and 90°F. The rainy seasons extend from April to July (heavy rains) and from September to November (light rains).

The southern part of the country is humid most of the year, but the north can be arid.

It is the coolest from May until October. In December, the harmattan, a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara, covers the country and lasts through February. The desert wind reduces humidity, and early mornings and nights are relatively calm. Visibility during the harmattan can be poor, as the air is filled with fine dust.

GHANA - The official language of Ghana is English. There are movements to make several local languages official as well. The Twi dialect of Akan is the language most commonly used daily to communicate between ethnic groups. Most Ghanaians are at least bilingual.  English (official), African languages (including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga)

Traditional values still prevail for many locals in Ghana, and showing excess flesh is not appreciated unless at your hotel or resort by the pool.

• Opt for casual lightweight clothing on the whole – leave your designer labels and jewellery at home.
• Shorts are acceptable for both men and women, but we suggest that you keep them longer so as not to show your upper thighs.
• Wear plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat, and remember your insect repellent.  If you want to avoid the toxic chemicals in insect repellents, we highly recommend using Lemongrass Whipped Shea Butter by Mine Botanicals. 
•  If you choose to bring a jacket, a lightweight option would be most suitable.

Shoes to pack for

• Comfortable walking shoes are a must – we love XERO shoes, as they are incredibly light and comfortable.
• Ladies, leave your high heels at home and bring a pair of dressy flat sandals.

Clothing tips for women

• Ghanaian women wear both traditional and Western clothes, and there are no restrictions on what can be worn.
• Just make sure your t-shirts or tops are long enough to cover your stomach.
• A skirt or loose-fitting trousers are good in the heat and will protect you from the sun.
• We recommend packing one or two smart casual outfit for nightlife activities – try a wrap or scarf which can add ‘polish' to anything.
• Remember some well-chosen costume jewellery can dress up any outfit too.

Clothing tips for men

• Lightweight shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear is recommended.  
• Linen pants are a great go to for that smart casual outfit
• Refrain from bringing your white sneakers as it is very dry dirty/dusty

The following is a typical list of what might be required while you are in Ghana. If you are not traveling in a private car, then be certain to pack light.

Bags

• Soft hold-all bag for excursions
• Smaller travel/overnight bag or day pack for traveling
• Lightweight backpack if traveling via public transit

Clothing

White clothing is not recommended because it is impossible to keep clean. Ghana is a very dusty place.

• Smart-casual outfit - 1 set
• Outdoor summer clothing in natural fibres - 3 sets
• Light-weight cotton long pants - 2 pair: For cool evenings or to use as sun screen.
• Comfortable walking shoes / sandals - 1 pair each
• Undershirt / singlet - Not to keep you warm, but to keep the sweat from showing so much.
• Underwear - 4 to 6 sets
• Swimwear: Only wear this at beach or poolside.
• Sarong or multi-purpose cotton wrap-around: Useful also as sun screen or dust cover for cameras.
• Towel / face cloth / bandana / handkerchief
• Hat in neutral tones
• Sunglasses

Hardware

• Camera with hard camera case
• Extra battery, battery pack/power bank or solar charger for phone

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant (not antiperspirant), shaver, brush & comb, moisturizing cream, decongestant, anti-fungal.
• Sunscreen lotion/sun block, lip-aid and floss: These are particularly difficult to obtain in Ghana.
• Prescription drugs/small private medical kit (pain killers, plasters, anti-septic spray) / contraceptives / tampons
• Contact lenses / lens fluid / spare glasses
• Malaria tablets
• Insect repellent

Papers

• Passport / visas / travel documents
• Pen / notebook / travel diary
• Cash in West African Frank for Benin and in Cedis in Ghana for personal expenses, tips & gratuities. Travelers’ cheques and credit cards are not widely accepted

Optional

• Neck pillow for long drives
• Duct tape - highly versatile!
• Plastic raincoat or poncho
• Items for bartering at markets or tips for good service
  • Bandanas, hats, anything with a logo
  • T/shirts, clothing or stationery
  • Smartphones, micro-SD or flash drives
  • One Extra Bag of supplies to donate to the local village in Elmina

Almost everywhere in West Africa you have to be very careful with taking pictures of the local people. It is not appreciated at all when you take a spontaneous picture of somebody. Taking pictures of children is normally not a problem at all. They normally love to be in front of the camera, especially when you can show them the picture with a digital camera.

If you want to photograph an adult though, you should at least ask it before you do so, and even then you should be prepared on receiving "No" as an answer or being asked for money for a picture. Permission should always be sought before photographing military installations, government buildings or airports.

The Black Onyx Group Travel stands firmly committed to social responsibility and sustainability. The places we visit are more than just tourist attractions. They are homes to vibrant communities with rich traditions and cultures. We take it as our duty to respect and support these communities, ensuring that our travel choices positively impact them.

Our unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and social responsibility reflects our deep care for the world we share. We passionately engage with residents and communities in the places we visit, valuing their input in shaping the course of tourism in their region. Deliberately selected local suppliers in our destinations have received comprehensive training in sustainable tourism practices. By fostering strong partnerships with local businesses, we enable them to thrive through tourism while safeguarding against exploitation. This approach effectively preserves their culture, traditions, and way of life, thereby honoring and uplifting their community.

At The Black Onyx Group Travel, we understand the crucial role of education, especially in rural areas where resources can be limited. As part of our mission, we work with our clients, business associates, partners, and donors to provide financial and essential resources such as books and clothes for children in remote areas, investing in their education and the future of their communities. Your support is vital in this effort.

At The Black Onyx Group Travel, we recognize that achieving cultural and social sustainability requires cooperation with local communities, travel companies worldwide, and the visitors we welcome. We are committed to preserving local cultures and communities and ensuring visitors have meaningful and authentic experiences. This commitment is a vital part of our mission and something we are deeply passionate about, and we will continue to uphold it in all our endeavors.

At TBOG Travel, we are committed to offering unique travel experiences that foster connections and networks within the Diaspora. Our travel experiences effectively bridge the past and present, offering a responsible alternative to traditional tourism. We believe that responsible tourism is crucial in preserving cultural heritage and avoiding cross-cultural misunderstandings that might be perpetuated by traditional tourism.

Exploring your ancestral history through travel is not just a journey; it's a deeply personal one. It can help your family establish or re-establish a sense of belonging. Meeting and connecting with people in the communities personally not only enriches your understanding but also lays a strong foundation for beginning your travel journey, making you feel included and accepted. Walking in the footsteps of your ancestors and learning their stories can significantly enrich your understanding of your identity.

African diaspora populations include but are not limited to African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians – descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America during the Atlantic slave trade.

The impact of the  African Diaspora on global culture and society is undeniably profound and enduring. This impact extends to various industries such as music, food, art, sports, architecture, science, business, and agriculture. As the world becomes more interconnected through the internet, the African Diaspora is becoming more vital and influential, which will further expand their impact on commerce and culture. This is a legacy we can all be proud of and feel connected to.

US Embassy
24 Fourth Circular Rd, Accra, Ghana
+233 30 274 1000

Genuine comfort comes from letting your feet do what's natural: bending, flexing, moving, feeling. Xero Shoes let them do that.

If you are looking for an all-natural product to use to repel mosquitos, look no further.  Lemongrass Whipped Shea Butter infused with Peppermint  $9.99

We highly recommend this product from our own personal experience.  In 2022, our TBOG Travel Team started using Mine Botanical Whipped Shea Butter with Lemongrass and Peppermint when traveling over a four month period to Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Jamaica, Australia and New Zealand.  Shocked is an understatement.  We could count on one hand how many mosquito bites the owner of TBOG Travel had gotten.  So if it works for her, who the mosquitos love..we hope it will work for you!

MINE BOTANICALS LEMONGRASS INFUSED WITH PEPPERMINT SHEA BUTTER

Lemongrass Whipped Shea Butter With Mint Leaf Extract & Peppermint Oil Anti-Inflammatory, Soothing & Healing  Anti-Inflammatory Wonder Soothing Healing  Soothes and heals inflamed skin, providing relief.

Female Urination Device

Reusable Silicone Female Urinal Foolproof Women Pee Funnel Allows Women to Pee Standing Up, Women's Urinal with Drawstring Bags is The Perfect Companion for Travel and Outdoor.  For any outdoor activity, You can fold the female urinal device into the drawstring bag and carry it around. so easy and convenient, does not take up space.With it, you no longer have to worry about the dirtiness of public toilets.Highly recommended for all women who travel.  Keep in it a pouch along with Cottonelle Flushable wipes, Wet Ones or Wet Wipes, Travel Soap Sheets, and any other item you may need when using the restrooms.

Amazon Purchase
$12.99

Antibacterial Paper Soap Sheets for Hand Washing - (300 Sheets) Orange, Tea Tree, Lavender Portable Travel Soap Sheets, Dissolvable Camping Mini Soap, Portable Hand Soap Sheets

𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗦𝗜𝗭𝗘: Light, small, and portable soap sheets for hand washing offer discreet and convenient to use as hiking soap, camping soap, and family travel soap. Alternate to soap bars, these portable mini soap sheets are safe and useful for school trips and are ideal camping toiletries. A perfect paper camping for traveling.

𝗙𝗢𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 & 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧: These foaming hand soap refills form a light lather that dissolves quickly and prevents dry hands. Naturally moisturizing portable hand washing soap is gentle on the skin while potent on the toughest of dirt and contaminants.

𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 & 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚: This mini soap is small in size yet huge in functionality. This travel soap can be used on all bodies, at any time. Kids-friendly and suitable for all skin types, our natural hand soap with potent plant extracts is family-safe, wholesome, and leaves no residue.

𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗨𝗦𝗘: Take a foaming paper soap sheet in your hands. Add water and rub your hands to form a lather. Rinse, dry, and enjoy clean hands.

𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗧-𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚: Earth-friendly packaging of our foaming and convenient hand soap refills allow for worry-free disposal while outdoors; An excellent planet-saving alternative to plastic soap containers.

AMAZON PURCHASE
$11.99