Accra, Ghana

We had an early leave from Elmina and headed back inland to find Kakum National Park.  The reason for going there is the canopy walkway which most of the group did.  I had done a canopy walk before and this one you can't do with out a guide so I was less interested.  Instead i did a spot of shopping and relaxed in the cafe watching lizards.

We then had a couple of hours for lunch and exploration in Cape Coast giving people the chance to either go around another castle or wander through town.  From Cape Coast we headed to Kokrobite, a beach area about an hours drive from Accra and the final destination for me on the big yellow truck.  I treated myself to a bed for the night and we all had dinner and a few drinks before I set myself the mammoth task of cramming all the stuff I'd bought into my backpack.

The following day I caught a lift with the truck into the city as the rest of the group where going to apply for Benin visas.  As it was the last night of my trip before heading home I had booked a night in the Novotel for a bit of luxury.  It was lovely being able to lounge around after a bit of Accra sight seeing.

There wasn't much to see in Accra in the central area where I was staying.  I walked to the memorial park which was shut and also Independence Square.  This square was where independence was declared in 1957 so I was expecting a big statue or fountain.  Instead I found what looked like an abandoned stadium.  It was a huge space so I can only presume that the area is used for concerts etc.  I also went around the National Museum.  I love museums but this is the first of the trip as all the others have been in French. Although very dated It was a great way to fill a couple of hours before my flight.

I had a great, comfy flight home on Turkish airways and was even greeted by sunshine in Manchester, even if it was a chilly 2 degrees!

This whole trip has been fantastic.  West Africa doesn't have a massive amount to do in terms of attractions but It was nice to see local life and especially how it changed through the countries visited. My favourite country was Mauritania, despite only visiting the 2 cities it was like nowhere I'd ever been and people where so friendly.

Who knows where the next trip will take me but one thing I will definitely be doing before hand is making sure I make more effort in learning the local language!