Jolinaiko Eco Tours

✨🇬🇭 Joining a funeral while exploring Ghana might not be the first thing that crosses your mind when touring the country. However, it's becoming a more sought-after experience for travellers these days.

✨🇬🇭 In Ghana, funerals hold deep cultural significance, honouring those who've passed and those still among us. Each ritual, gesture, and attire at these ceremonies carries profound symbolism. It’s an opportunity to explore the deep-rooted traditions, spirituality, and sense of community within Ghanaian culture, honouring the history and embracing the symbols that connect.

✨🇬🇭 After mourning a person's loss, there is a celebration of their life, achievements, and the positive impact they had on others. And this is what they call a "celebration of life"

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Note: Pix taken on the funeral of the late Mama Biana Dadzie I - 2022 - 📍Strogboe
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💦 Sharing a few more images from Atsiekpoe-Bator. 📷

Following our recent post, we received heartwarming responses that inspired us to initiate a small emergency fundraiser among our network in Accra to alleviate the immediate challenges faced in our village; lack of food and drinking water.

For the latest updates on our shared efforts, please follow us at . Together, we can always make a difference. 💙💦

💦 Sad scenes have emerged from the riverbank communities along the lower . Our beloved Cashew Village Lodge in Atsiekpoe-Bator, which hosted countless travellers from around the globe, is among the affected places. It's where cherished memories were made, and tourism revenue was channeled into the community for development purposes💦

💦The flooding caused by the spillage from the Akosombo Dam has submerged the area, resulting in the destruction of numerous properties along the riverbanks leaving many people deprived and homeless. Our serene spot, which had been recently renovated, is now only in our memories since the river terrace, five rooms and the kitchen collapsed💦

🐊 We let the water settle and take some wisdom from the symbol Denkyem and adapt to new circumstances 🌍

🌍🇬🇭 Global Explorations, our Travel Season Highlight✨

🌟 We are happy to share the highlight of our season - hosting our first Global+ group from Global Exploration in The Netherlands. 🎉

Thirteen bright students from The Netherlands embarked on a transformative journey with us, spending three enriching weeks in Ghana. Their adventure included immersing themselves in secondary school life in Keta and Adukrom, and one inspiring week in our cherished partner community, . 🏫🌄

👍 We were amazed by the exceptional preparation of The Global Exploration group, and also the very warm welcome and shift organisation by our Ghanaian partners and students. All together, an engaging, inspiring experience for everybody involved and filled with genuine moments of learning and connection.

💬 We wholeheartedly recommend Global Explorations to any young traveler. They truly understand the essence of meaningful travel and cultural exchange. 🌎

Tagbo Falls Lodge Mt. Afadjato And Tagbo falls Eco Tourism, Art And Culture Center

🌴✨Our urban getaway to Lome can be surprisingly exotic!

At - neat, friendly, lots of female power and always something new 🌴✨

And yeah - close to the harbor, there are some ships on the horizon🚢

🙏🏾Grateful for our community of loyal travel enthusiasts!

Always ready to go when there is an opportunity to dive deeper into Ghana's rich culture with us!

🐟🚐✨Flashback to our Bakatue Festival Trip organized earlier this week!

The procession made its way to the Brenya lagoon, where the ceremony took place and where we witnessed the priests offering their prayers and sacrifices to the gods, followed by the fishermen casting their nets three times. The quantity of the catch will determine the abundance of fishing for the entire year!


📸Tally Ben Yishay

🐟🚐✨Flashback to our Bakatue Festival Trip organized earlier this week!

A day with vibrant sights and sounds of the Bakatue festival in Elmina, as the community celebrates the end of a temporary fishing ban and starts a successful new fishing season. The festival started with a colorful procession, featuring sub-chiefs, members of the royal family, and the paramount chief, who could be spotted beneath a grand umbrella, carried on a palanquin.


📸Tally Ben Yishay

✨🐟 The people of Elmina are preparing for the 2023 Bakatue Festival!

This week, we will witness to the symbolic opening of the Benya Lagoon through rituals and ceremonies that are believed to bring prosperity and abundance to the fishing community. This event is just one of the many vibrant and colourful festivities that make up this annual celebration, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ghana.
Stay tuned for more updates this week!

Reason #10 – 🇧🇯 Crafting your unique Benin experience is what we love doing!! ✨🌍

✨We can continue with reasons why you should tour Benin; some of these are similar to why you should visit Ghana and Togo. It’s the unique West Africa vibe!
✨So all you need is a team that is ready to assist you in crafting your own unique West Africa experience. If you prefer travelling as sustainably as possible, your # #️⃣🔟 is Jolinaiko Eco Tours.
✨We love organizing the trip of a lifetime for you! With our expertise and knowledge of the terrain, we'll provide you with personal advice and ensure that every aspect of your journey is taken care of.

👉🏾 Email us at [email protected] for a tailor-made itinerary.

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Reason #9 - Experience the Charm of Benin: Stay at Cozy Owner-Run Places ✨

🇧🇯 🛖Experience the vibrant atmosphere created by the warm-hearted people of Benin. In this country, it's all about the genuine hospitality and joy that comes from human connections. That's why we believe in choosing small-scale, owner-run establishments that add an extra layer of authenticity to your journey. These places have unique identities and charm, often sustainably run, making them integral to your overall experience in Benin.

✉️ Contact us at [email protected] to embark on a tour of Benin brimming with unforgettable connections.

Reason #8: 🛖 From Ancient Palaces to Stilted Towns: Benin's Architectural Gems ⛩

🇧🇯 From ancient palaces and temples in all shapes and forms to entire towns built on stilts and miniature mud fortresses in the north, Benin showcases a remarkable array of architectural masterpieces. And let's not forget about the vibrant murals that adorn the walls. The diversity, creativity, and uniqueness of architecture in this country is immense and full of stories 💚

✉️ Contact us at [email protected] to start your architectural adventure in Benin!
🌟 Stay tuned for more exciting reasons to visit this culturally rich destination!

Reason #7 – 🎨Benin’s Vibrant Arts Scene: A Feast for Your Senses 🖌️🇧🇯

🌟Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene of Benin, where traditional and contemporary art forms intertwine to create a nice blend of creativity.
From exquisite woodcarving, pottery, and weaving, deeply rooted in the country's rich cultural heritage, to boundary-pushing contemporary artworks across mediums like painting, sculpture, digital art, and performing arts, you'll be treated to a visual feast.

🌟For art enthusiasts, we include visits to art markets, galleries, and cultural centres, providing opportunities to explore and acquire artworks, witness exhibitions and meet in person with local artists. Contact us at [email protected]
Stay tuned for more captivating reasons to visit Benin!

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🌴Reason #6: Moments of Tropical Delights in Benin 🦞

🍸Take a break from all the impressions and indulge in life’s simple pleasures. Picture yourself at the beach, sinking your toes into the warm sand, as you relax under a swaying coconut tree. Treat your taste buds to a delicious meal with the daily catch of fresh seafood paired perfectly with a glass of fine wine. It's a simple yet exquisite moment that embodies the charm of Benin.🐟

💼 Contact us at [email protected], and we'll help you plan a trip filled with culinary delights, including seafood and don’t forget about street food too! 💌✈️

🚀 Stay tuned for more captivating reasons to visit Benin!🌟

🌟 Reason #5 - Step into the World of Festivals in Benin - A Glimpse into the Unknown

🪘 While travelling in Benin, aspects of voodoo subtly linger in the background. However, if you can witness a ceremony or festival, you'll experience the vibrant tapestry of ecstatic dance and drums adorned with colourful costumes and a crowd of people.

🪘In certain occasions, participants are transported into trance states, believed to become vessels for spirits or deities to communicate. The trance experience is considered sacred and respected within the context of voodoo rituals, fostering a profound connection between the human and spiritual world.

🪘 What you'll encounter when travelling to Benin is unpredictable, but we always tap into our network and plan meticulously to ensure you can witness as much as possible if you are interested.✨

🌟 Ready to witness a festival? Contact us at [email protected], and we'll curate a personalized trip for you!

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🌍✨ Reason #4 : Witness Vodun in Benin beyond the stereotypes ✨🌍

👀 When you travel to Benin, get ready to glimpse the fascinating world of Voodoo, also known as Vodun. This spiritual tradition is deeply rooted in the country, serving as its official national religion. But Voodoo is so much more than a religious belief to the Beninese—it permeates every aspect of their way of life. Surprisingly, it remains one of the most misunderstood global religions.

⭐️ In Benin, Voodoo is a vibrant tapestry of rituals, music, dance, and healing practices that celebrate life, pay homage to divinities and ancestors, and nurture a profound sense of community. Step beyond the misconceptions and negative stereotypes often associated with religions, and experience how people in Benin embrace the joy and positivity of Voodoo in their daily life.

✨ As a traveler, you'll gain insights into this evolving and highly complex religion, fostering a balanced perspective. Since Voodoo is fused with Benin's history, modern arts, and spirituality, it adds a layer of richness to your journey to Benin with us.

🌟 Ready to immerse yourself in Benin's spiritual world? Contact us at [email protected], and we'll curate a personalized trip for you!

Reason #3: Discover Benin's Wildlife and Conservation Efforts 🦌🌿

🦌 When it comes to nature, Benin boasts some passionate wildlife and nature conservation advocates. One remarkable species they strive to protect is the sitatunga, an elusive aquatic antelope. Martial and the team at Credi-Ong are dedicated to preserving the habitat of this unique creature.
🦌 Immerse yourself in the inspiring journey of combining nature and adventure activities with immersive village life and a glimpse into the vibrant voodoo culture of Benin. Spending time with the conservation advocates at Credi-ONG is an extraordinary experience that allows you to witness their relentless efforts firsthand.
🦌 Join us on this captivating journey of conservation and cultural discovery in Benin, where you'll have the chance to connect with nature, support conservation efforts, and gain a deeper understanding of the country's rich biodiversity.

💼 Ready to immerse yourself in Benin's natural world? Contact us at [email protected], and we'll curate a personalized trip for you! 💌✈️

Reason #2: Explore Benin's Natural Beauty🌿

Before delving into the mystics and magic of Benin's culture, let's take a moment to appreciate the country's natural beauty. While Benin may not boast the World’s most mind-blowing natural wonders, it offers a very pleasant landscape with lots of waters, vast savannah landscapes adorned with tropical farms and tree plantations and intriguing rock formations in the hilly landscapes. What truly sets Benin apart is its strong connection with the natural world, fostering conservation values and a sense of harmony with the environment.

Imagine daydreaming in a dug-out canoe, peddling and birding along the mono-river, cycling the meandering dirt tracks or embarking on a hiking adventure to explore the 41 hills of Dassa.

💼 Ready to immerse yourself in Benin's natural world? Contact us at [email protected], and we'll curate a personalized trip for you! 💌✈️

🚀 Stay tuned for more captivating reasons to visit Benin! Let's uncover the magic of this culturally and naturally rich destination together. 🌟

🌿 #1: Explore Benin's Historical Significance 🏛️

Step into the captivating history of Benin and embark on a journey through time. This incredible country holds a wealth of historical significance. Let's discover the legacy of the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey, known for its mighty kings, fearless female warriors, and remarkable Royal Palaces in Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Uncover the profound impact of the slave trade as you visit sites like Ouidah, a major port that played a significant role in this tragic chapter of history. And what about the unique blend of African, European, and Afro-Brazilian influences in cities like Porto-Novo? Just to mention a few.

Benin is undergoing massive renovations of tourist sites, with new museums and awe-inspiring sculptures telling their history, like the impressive bronze Dahomey Amazon in Cotonou.

💼 Ready to embark on your own personalized Benin adventure? Contact us at [email protected], and we will craft a trip proposal tailored just for you! 💌✈️

🚀 Stay tuned for more exciting reasons to visit Benin!🌟

🌍✨ Explore the Authenticity of Benin with Jolinaiko Eco Tours!✨🌍

📢 A lot is happening in Benin regarding tourism, making it a must-add to your bucket list. Follow our "10 Reasons to Visit Benin" series as we take you on a virtual journey through this incredible country. From its rich cultural heritage and historical significance to its breathtaking natural beauty, Benin used to be a hidden gem but now stands out as a must-visit destination for an authentic West Africa experience. Get ready to be inspired and tempted to pack your bags for an unforgettable adventure with Jolinaiko Eco Tours. 🇧🇯✈️🌿

📞 Contact us for your personal trip proposal at [email protected]. 💌

🌍 Happy World Environment Day! 🌱 And this time, greetings from our beautiful village of in the Volta Region. ♻️🌊

🚮 We're all about as an eco-conscious travel company! But let's be real, it's not a walk in the park. Dealing with Ghana's significant lack of waste recovery infrastructure is a tough challenge. However, if the authorities and leaders won't step up, it's up to us and the brave souls around us to make the change happen.

💪🏾 The good thing is that these brave souls can be found everywhere. Together, we're taking on the challenge of building that much-needed infrastructure at the , and together, we have already started making progress in our small way!

🌿 Among others, plastic waste left on the mountain is being collected by tour guides, and a portion of it is now being transformed into valuable crafts by the first courageous creatives in the community. Their Shop has softly opened, and the word is spreading. Follow us on

🫱🏾‍🫲🏿 The Hub belongs to the Liati Wote Community. And in partnership with our foundation, Stepping Stones for Africa Foundation and Tagbo Falls Lodge, we will do what we can on in Ghana and invite many more souls to join the much-needed crusade!

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🌍💙 Unity is the beating heart of Jolinaiko, just like the symbolic pot of Benin held by many hands. Together, we embrace this powerful notion, where unity and teamwork thrive. Like the hands holding the pot with holes, we come together, pooling our strengths and support, ensuring that the water stays inside.
Let's cherish this spirit of togetherness as we continue to thrive and make a positive impact! 🤝🏾💪🏽


📸 Zinder Kossivic

🎉 Celebrating 20 Years!🎉

This week marks a special milestone in the journey of Jolinaiko! It's been two decades since we, Apollo and Cindy first met in Ghana and joined forces to lay the foundation of Jolinaiko Eco Tours in West Africa.

It has been an incredible journey, one that we continue to travel with unwavering passion, joy, and commitment. We absolutely love what we do—creating unforgettable journeys and bringing travellers from around the globe beneath the surface of West Africa, where life truly unfolds. Simultaneously, we are dedicated to creating opportunities and inspiring impactful initiatives in the communities where we work.

By doing so, we have created and wonderful network of friends, staff and partners across the region. It's the perfect time to reflect and cherish all the experiences of the past two decades while eagerly looking forward to every moment our journey continues to bring.
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🇬🇭🧑🏾‍⚕️One of the exciting activities in Atsiekpoe is joining the community health nurses of the CHPS clinic on their home visits.
🚣🏿There are nine communities in the catchment area of the Atsiekpoe clinic, and these villages can be reached by foot, boat or bike.
👏🏿So besides learning about health and community nursing, you experience coastal-savannah nature, authentic village life and wonderful Ghanaian hospitality. And the experience fee contributes directly to the clinic.
MBO Utrecht Stepping Stones for Africa Foundation We Connect Cultures
Photocredits Zinder Kossivic

64 students and teachers of MBO Utrecht 'onderwijs' and 'welzijn' travelled with us through Ghana, and yesterday was the final goodbye! Thank you to We Connect Cultures for keeping us so so busy these past three weeks!

The Atsiekpoe CHPS clinic was inaugurated in November, and we started a wonderful collaboration with the Ghana Health Services in North Tongu and the Community Health Management Team. This has created opportunities for our educational groups and travelers interested in community health. Opportunities of mutual benefit that feed into their vision of transforming the Atsiekpoe CHPS into a model clinic.

Photocredit Zinder Kossivic

Celebrating milestones with Chiefs and Elders in . The Clean and Green Hub has so much potential for the community, the youth in particular and the tourists! We are happy to be on this (adventure) journey together!

For more frequent updates, follow Stepping Stones for Africa Foundation

🌍🇬🇭🕊The Ghana Forum for young community peace leaders from the continent, organised by Euphrates Institute, has ended today. And it was wonderful to be part of this. Jolinaiko facilitated their forum in Ghana, meaning it was 100% out-of-conference space. So instead, they travelled together and stayed at the beachside, and Euphartes' training program was infused with sightseeing, hands-on activities and, of course, dancing!
🌍🇬🇭🕊They left with smiles, admiration for the country and full of light and inspiration, and we hope they bring all this back to their communities.
Thank you, Euphrates for partnering with us, and to Paloma Hotel - Accra, KOSA BEACH resort and Global Mamas for making this a success.

This is how we start the year at Jolinaiko – ✨in high spirits ✨

🇧🇯🌍At Jolinaiko, January = Benin. This is when we welcome many groups of travellers from around the world to witness the celebrations and ceremonies in towns and villages in southern Benin. It’s a powerful and festive beginning of the year.

🇬🇭🇧🇯🇹🇬 This sets the tone for a beautiful year where we will bring many people and cultures from around the world together, create exciting experiences, discover new places and together, make an impact in the communities we work. Happy New Year!

Planning you travels for West Africa 2023 and in for a real adventure? Check with our friends of Further Adventures for their Nov 2022-Jan 2023 Overland Adventure! And we will meet you along the way same time next year!