Everything You Need to Know About Sankofa Travels With Kofi
This FAQ covers the most common questions about our heritage trips, cultural experiences, and planning your visit to Ghana.
Sankofa Travels with Kofi is a nonprofit organization that provides culturally immersive travel experiences connecting members of the African diaspora—and anyone interested in learning—to their ancestral heritage. Proceeds from our trips support scholarships for youth travelers and help fund the preservation of historically significant sites tied to the transatlantic slave trade.
We believe heritage travel should be accessible and transformative. As a nonprofit, we can fundraise, partner with other organizations, and offer scholarships to young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to explore their heritage. Additionally, our nonprofit status ensures that a portion of every trip directly benefits historical preservation projects across Africa.
“Sankofa” is a word from the Akan language of Ghana that means “go back and fetch it.” It symbolizes the importance of going back to our roots to reclaim wisdom, knowledge, and history to build a better future. This principle guides our mission and travel experiences.
We curate several packages, including:
We also customize itineraries for schools, community organizations, and faith groups.
Our standard itineraries range from 7 to 10 days, though we also design shorter or extended custom trips to meet the needs of families, schools, and organizations.
Our trips are open to everyone—whether you are of African descent reconnecting with your heritage or someone seeking a deeply cultural and educational experience. We also provide special opportunities for students and youth through scholarships and group programs.
Yes. Our packages typically include accommodations, ground transportation, most meals, guided tours, entrance fees to attractions, and cultural programming. Airfare is not included but can be coordinated upon request.
A portion of all proceeds goes toward:
Absolutely. We specialize in group travel for families, schools, churches, and organizations. We can customize your itinerary based on your goals—whether it’s education, leisure, cultural exchange, or service work.
Ghanaian cuisine is flavorful, hearty, and diverse. Dishes often include rice, plantains, stews, grilled meats, fresh seafood, and locally grown produce. Popular favorites include jollof rice, banku, fufu, and waakye. We provide options for different dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, or halal) when requested.
We recommend drinking only bottled or filtered water during your stay. Sankofa Travels provides bottled water for all travelers throughout the trip.
Yes. The yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into Ghana. We also recommend consulting your doctor about malaria prophylaxis and other travel-related vaccinations (like hepatitis A/B and typhoid).
Ghana has a warm, tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures between 75–90°F. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. For cultural or religious sites, modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) is appreciated.
The most popular travel seasons are December–March (dry season, with cooler evenings) and July–August (less rain and great for festivals). We plan trips to align with cultural celebrations like Panafest and Afrochella for those interested in those experiences.
Ghana uses the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). U.S. dollars can be exchanged at banks and currency exchange bureaus. ATMs are available in major cities, and credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger establishments—but cash is preferred for local vendors and markets.
Yes, but we recommend staying in groups or with a guide, especially in unfamiliar areas. Our itineraries include plenty of free time for safe exploration, and our local guides are always available for advice.
Ghanaians are known for their hospitality. A few tips:
●Greetings are important—always greet before asking a question or making a request.
●Dress modestly when visiting religious or traditional sites.
●Asking permission before taking photos of people or sacred places is considered respectful.
The official language is English, making communication easy for most travelers. Ghana also has over 80 local languages, with Twi, Ga, and Ewe being widely spoken.
We accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice. Our team also partners with hotels and restaurants that maintain high hygiene standards. If you have a medical condition, we recommend bringing necessary medications and sharing relevant health information with our team before the trip.
Scholarship opportunities are available for youth travelers ages 16–25. Applications typically require an essay, recommendation letter, and proof of financial need. Details will be posted on our website when scholarship applications open.
We welcome partnerships with schools, nonprofits, cultural institutions, and businesses who share our vision. If you’d like to collaborate—whether by sponsoring scholarships, co-hosting a trip, or supporting our preservation efforts—please contact us.
You can view our trip packages on the [Travel Packages] page of our website. Simply select the package you’re interested in and submit an inquiry form. Our team will contact you to confirm details and guide you through the booking process.
You can contribute by donating to our scholarship fund, sponsoring a youth traveler, or helping fund our preservation projects. Every contribution makes a direct impact.