If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Africa, you should consider visiting the slave castles of Ghana. These historic fortresses, located along the beautiful coast of Ghana, tell the story of the trans-Atlantic slave trade that lasted for centuries and affected millions of lives.
Many people who visit Africa, and specifically Ghana, share the profound impact of experiencing the same space that enslaved people passed through as part of the transatlantic slave trade that ultimately brought their ancestors to the United States. Here are some of the best slave castle tours you can take in Ghana, as well as tips and insights on what to expect and how to prepare for this journey.
What are the Slave Castles of Ghana?
The slave castles of Ghana are a series of fortifications built by various European powers between the 15th and 19th centuries.
They served as trading posts for gold, ivory, and other commodities, but also as holding cells for enslaved Africans who were captured and sold to the Americas and the Caribbean.
The Elmina castle was the first trading post built on the Gulf of Guinea and is the oldest building in existence south of the Sahara.
These buildings were not known as slave dungeons, but as castles, where souls passed through the door of no return on their way to slave ships, destined for a long and excruciating journey across the Atlantic Ocean. They never say their homeland or their families again. Many people died within the walls of these castles and much of that human ‘cargo’ never made it to its final destination. For those that did make it, they were seen as strong people and slave traders were able to supply a workforce for the fields and plantations.
The slave castles of Ghana are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and they serve as monuments of remembrance and education for the history and legacy of slavery. They also serve as a reminder of the horrific conditions humans subjected other humans to and how important knowing history can be for descendants of the people enslaved within their walls.
Which Slave Castles Can You Visit in Ghana?
At the height of the slave trade, there were about 60 slave castles and forts along the coast of Ghana.
Currently, about 40 remain in some way or another. The most famous and visited ones today are:
Cape Coast Castle
This is the largest and most impressive of the slave castles in Ghana but is currently under repair. It was built by the Portuguese in 1555. Later taken over by the British, who made it their headquarters in the Gold Coast (now Ghana). The Cape Coast Slave Castle has a museum that displays artifacts and exhibits related to the slave trade, and, when open, has a guided tour that takes you through the dungeons, the courtyard, and the chapel.
Elmina Castle
This is the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa, this UNESCO World Heritage site was the first slave castle to be built in Ghana. It was constructed by the Portuguese in 1482. The Dutch captured it later on, expanded it, and added more fortifications.
Elmina Castle has a museum and a guided tour that shows you the slave quarters, the governor’s residence, the church, and the cannons.
Standing before the “Door of No Return” and seeing the water spotted with local fishing boats is soul-changing. As you take a tour of the castle, be sure to engage with the local tour guide. They are a wealth of information about this world-recognized historical site.
Osu Castle
This is the former seat of the British colonial administration in Ghana. It was originally built by the Danish in 1661, and later occupied by the Swedish, the Akwamu, the Portuguese, and the British. Osu Castle doesn’t have an official tour that is open to the public, but you can admire its architecture and location from the outside knowing that many members of the United Nations, Presidents Nixon, Clinton, and Obama have all toured this historical site.
Ussher Fort
This is one of the oldest forts in Ghana, and one of the few that was built by the Dutch. It was erected in 1649 and served as a trading post and a prison. Ussher Fort has a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Ga people, the original inhabitants of the area.
How Can You Book a Slave Castle Tour in Ghana?
There are several options for booking a slave castle tour in Ghana, depending on your budget, time, and preferences. You can choose from:
Day Tours
These are the most popular and convenient ways to visit the slave castles, especially if you are based in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
You can join a group tour or hire a private guide, who will pick you up from your hotel or even Accra Mall, drive you to the coast, and show you around the castles.
A typical day tour lasts about 8 to 10 hours, and costs around $100 to $150 per person, including transportation, entrance fees, and lunch. Here is one that will let you experience the slave castle, the door of no return, and also a trip to the ceremonial last bath at Assin Manso Slaves Village. Here, in a river that shimmers with gold flecks, captives were washed before walking to the castles. It sets this tour apart from others.
Multi-day Tours
These are more immersive and comprehensive tours that allow you to explore more of this West African coast and the country, as well as the slave castles.
You can book a package tour that includes accommodation, meals, and activities.
Try to tour the local area, including the fish market and possibly a trip to the Kakum National Park. A typical multi-day tour with these stops lasts about 2 to 3 days, and costs around $400 to $800 per person, depending on the level of service and comfort when it comes the accommodations and transportation.
Self-guided tours
These are the most flexible and adventurous ways to visit the slave castles, but also the most challenging and risky. You will need to arrange your own transportation, accommodation, and tickets, and be prepared to deal with the local conditions and customs. You can rent a car, take a bus, or hire a taxi, and stay in a hotel, a guesthouse, or a homestay. A self-guided tour can cost as little as $50 to $400 per day, depending on the level of comfort you choose, but you will need to do a lot of research and planning beforehand. It can be less safe to travel in certain areas to and from the Central Region of Ghana from Accra at night and along certain routes.
What Should You Know Before Visiting the Slave Castles of Ghana?
Visiting the slave castles of Ghana is not a typical tourist attraction, but a profound and emotional experience that will touch your heart and soul.
Here are some things you should know before you go:
Be Respectful
The slave castles are sacred places that honor the memory and the suffering of the enslaved Africans. You should dress modestly, speak softly, and behave respectfully when you visit them. You should also ask for permission before taking photos or videos, especially of the people and the ceremonies.
Be Prepared
The slave castles are not comfortable or pleasant places to visit. You will see and hear things that will shock and disturb you, such as the dark and cramped dungeons, the chains and shackles, the skulls and bones, and the stories and testimonies of the survivors and descendants. Since you’ll be working in an open courtyard, up and down stone implements, and walking extensively, make appropriate preparations. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat, and wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You should also bring tissues, a journal, and a friend, and be ready to process your emotions and thoughts.
Be Open
The slave castles are not only places of horror and sadness, but they’re also places of hope and resilience. You will meet and interact with people who have overcome the legacy of slavery and who are proud of their heritage and culture. You’ll learn and appreciate the history and diversity of Ghana and Africa, and the contributions and achievements of the African diaspora. Best of all, you will also have the opportunity to reflect and connect with your own identity and ancestry and see history from the other side.
RECAP: Ghana Slave Castle Tours
Visiting the slave castles of Ghana is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will change your perspective and enrich your life. It is not an easy or fun trip, but a meaningful and rewarding one. In truth, we believe everyone in the diaspora should have this experience. It changes your perspective, sense of self, and historical understanding.
If you are interested in booking a slave castle tour in Ghana, you can contact Expat Life Ghana for more information and assistance. We hope to see you soon in Ghana!