Jolinaiko Eco Tours

Jolinaiko Eco Tours is a small, licensed tour operator based at Dodowa in Greater Accra, on the edge of the Akuapem hills north-east of the capital. It is licensed by the Ghana Tourism Authority and is a member of the Tour Operator Union of Ghana, and it has operated for many years with a focus on responsible, community-based travel. Its tours combine nature and culture, and it has a particular interest in supporting eco-tourism projects in rural areas.

The company arranges individual and group tours throughout Ghana and across the borders into Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso. Trips are usually tailor-made, so you can mix the coastal castles, rainforest parks, hill country and villages with cultural experiences and time with local communities. Jolinaiko also runs its own accommodation, including The Sunbird Lodge, a bed and breakfast near Accra, and village lodges such as the Tagbo Falls Lodge in the Volta Region, a good base for waterfall hikes and the hills around Mount Afadjato.

Jolinaiko suits independent travellers, couples and small groups who want a personal, flexible itinerary and are interested in nature, village life and sustainable tourism rather than a standard sightseeing circuit. It also offers car rental, which is helpful if you want a vehicle with a driver for part of your trip and to travel independently for the rest.

Contact the company by phone, WhatsApp or email to plan a trip; it also lists a Dutch phone number for European callers. Give as much detail as you can about your interests, dates and budget, and agree what is included, such as transport, accommodation, guides, entry fees and meals, before you pay. Allow time for planning, especially if you want to combine several countries, as visas and border crossings need to be arranged in advance.

Community-based trips like these work best when travellers come with an open mind and a flexible schedule, as village visits and walks depend on local arrangements and the weather.

Dodowa is outside the city, so ask about pick-up arrangements from Accra or the airport when planning your trip. Staying at The Sunbird Lodge is a quiet alternative to a city hotel before or after a tour.