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10 Days 9 Nights
Specific Tour
Unlimited
English
25 July – 3 August 2027 · Cape Coast, Elmina & Accra
Theme: “Ensuring the African Kinship: Our Essence, Our Well-being, Our Prosperity”
PANAFEST — the Pan African Historical Theatre Festival — returns to Ghana in 2027. Held every two years since 1992, it is the largest gathering of the African diaspora on the continent: ten days of theatre, film, music, scholarship and ritual built around one idea, that the people taken from this coast were never truly separated from it. Our ten-day Ghana tour places you inside it, not beside it.
The 2027 edition closes on Emancipation Day, 1 August, when the festival moves to Cape Coast and Elmina for the Reverential Night vigil and the return-to-the-castles procession. It is the emotional centre of the whole programme, and it falls squarely inside your itinerary. Numbers swell every cycle, and accommodation in Cape Coast is limited — the diaspora groups who travel well are the ones who book early.
The opening ceremony brings chiefs and dignitaries from across the continent together in full regalia, carried in palanquins beneath the umbrellas of state, accompanied by drumming and dance that has not changed in generations. It is one of the great sights in African cultural life, and you will be close enough to feel the drums rather than watch them.
PANAFEST spreads across theatre, film screenings, live music, craft markets, academic colloquia and open street events. Artists, scholars and activists come from the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe and across Africa. You can spend a morning in a conference on restitution and an evening in a courtyard concert — and most travellers tell us the conversations between the two are what they remember.
Around the PANAFEST programme, this tour takes in Accra’s heritage sites and Jamestown, the Ashanti court at Kumasi, the Kumasi craft villages, the Kakum canopy walkway, and the Cape Coast and Elmina castles. For many travellers the castles are the reason for the trip; we build the pacing around that, with time and quiet where it is needed rather than a schedule that rushes you through.
Diaspora travellers making a first return, families travelling across three generations, and groups who want the festival handled end to end — airport transfers, vetted hotels, a guide who knows the castle staff by name, and a seat at the events that sell out. Also suited to arts and culture travellers who want the continent at its most alive.
Book PANAFEST 2027 with Royalland Tours and stand in the Durbar of the Chiefs the way it was meant to be experienced.
Embark on a cultural journey in Accra with visits to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, honoring Ghana's first President, and the W.E.B. Du Bois Center, immersing yourself in the legacy of the renowned civil rights activist. This tour starts on the 24 of July.
Explore the rich history and artistic heritage of Ghana at the National Museum, where archaeological treasures and ethnographic artefacts unveil the country's diverse past.
Discover the vibrant district of Jamestown, wandering through its historic lighthouse, colonial-era architecture, and dynamic street art. Attend cultural events for a deeper connection with Jamestown's history.
Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of the Ashanti Region, where the Manhyia Palace Museum unveils the captivating history of the Ashanti Kingdom. Engage with the rich heritage as you delve into artifacts and stories that narrate the kingdom's legacy. Immerse yourself further in the vibrant local culture by participating in traditional performances and ceremonies that echo the traditions and customs of the Ashanti people. Additionally, explore the bustling and vibrant Kejetia Market, a sensory feast offering a myriad of goods, spices, and local crafts, providing an authentic glimpse into daily life in Kumasi, the region's bustling capital.
Embark on a cultural odyssey as you explore Ashanti craft villages today. In Ahwiaa, witness skilled craftsmen carving royal stools, walking sticks, and fertility dolls from wood, providing an opportunity to acquire these intricately crafted items. Move on to Ntonso, where artisans hand-stamp patterns on cotton cloth to create Adinkra textiles, showcasing a meticulous art form. Journey to Bonwire, where the renowned Kente cloth is handmade on traditional looms, preserving a time-honored tradition. Observe the vibrant weaving process and acquire these culturally significant textiles.
Experience the solemn commemoration of Emancipation Day at Assin Manso Slave River, a poignant site where enslaved Africans took their final bath before facing the brutal journey into slavery. Reflect on the resilience and sacrifice of those who sought freedom. Then, head to Cape Coast Castle, a haunting relic of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Within its echoing walls, feel the weight of history as you traverse dungeons and the Door of No Return. Embrace the profound significance of Emancipation Day at these historical landmarks, honoring the strength of the human spirit and acknowledging the enduring pursuit of freedom.
Engage in the lively commencement of PANAFEST as you participate in its vibrant opening ceremony. This spirited festival serves as a jubilant celebration of African culture, arts, and heritage, resonating with a sense of unity and appreciation. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of traditions, artistic expressions, and historical narratives. The opening ceremony acts as a dynamic prologue, setting the stage for a multi-faceted journey that not only celebrates the richness of African heritage but also fosters a collective appreciation for the diverse cultural tapestry that defines the continent. It is an invitation to join in the joyous exploration of Africa's multifaceted identity.
Journey to Elmina to explore another significant fortress, Elmina Castle, understanding its profound impact on Ghana's historical narrative.Elmina Castle, located in the coastal town of Elmina, Ghana, stands as a somber witness to centuries of complex history. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1482, it is one of the oldest European-built structures in sub-Saharan Africa. Originally intended for trade, it later became a pivotal hub in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Today, Elmina Castle serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a poignant reminder of the inhumanity of the slave trade. Visitors can explore its chambers, courtyard, and the infamous Door of No Return—a symbolic threshold through which enslaved individuals embarked on a harrowing journey to the Americas.
Kakum Canopy Walkway is a breathtaking attraction nestled within Kakum National Park in Ghana. Suspended high above the forest floor, this remarkable walkway offers visitors a unique and exhilarating experience. The canopy walk consists of a series of suspension bridges and platforms that traverse the upper levels of the rainforest, providing stunning panoramic views of the lush surroundings.
Return to Cape Coast for the closing ceremony of PANAFEST, a culmination of cultural displays and performances, celebrating the richness of African heritage then return to Accra.
upon arrival we willvisit the art center a vibrant hub where creativity and culture converge. Located in the heart of the city, this bustling market is a haven for artists, craftsmen, and enthusiasts alike. The center showcases a diverse array of traditional and contemporary Ghanaian art, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage.
On your final day in Ghana, you can relax and reflect on your experiences at the festival. You can visit some of the local markets, go shopping for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the scenery before departing for home.
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