As part of our 15th anniversary celebrations, dfree® Global will host 2 tours to Ghana this year: July 3 to 11 and Oct 5th to 15th.
Both tours will have the opportunity for cultural emersion, charity and outreach work, and visits to some historical slave castles.
In July, we will stay at the breathtaking Maaha Beach Resort and experience the “water world” of the people of Nzulezo who live on the river. And in October, for the very first time, we will visit Northern Ghana to experience a safari of elephants and other wildlife at the stunning Zaina Lodge.
Registration is open from now until March 21. Share with family and friends and book your spot before tickets run out.
Feb 21 – Registration and deposit open
March 1 – First monthly conference call with trip details and Q&A
March 15 – Monthly installment payment due March 21 – Registration closes
April 15 – Monthly installment payment due
April 19 – 2nd monthly conference call with trip updates and Q&A April 30 – Last day for cancellations, refunds and package transfers
May 15 – Monthly installment payment due
May 17 – 3rd monthly conference call with trip updates and Q&A May 24 – July Trip Visa Applications submitted June 5 – Final payment due for July trip
June 15 – Monthly installment payment due
June 21 – 4th monthly conference call with trip updates and Q&A July 03 – Departure day for July trip
July 15 – Monthly installment payment due July 19 – 5th monthly conference call with trip updates and Q&A
Aug 15 – Monthly installment payment due
Aug 16 – 6th monthly conference call with trip updates and Q&A August 21 – First Batch of Visa Applications submitted to Ghana Embassy September 04 – Final Batch of Visa Applications submitted to Ghana Embassy September 05 – Final Monthly installment payment due September 10 – All outstanding payments due
September 27 – Final monthly call with trip updates
October 5 – Departure day
Disclaimer: This schedule may change. Conference Call Line 712 770-5505 pin 668631#
$5,799 all-inclusive round-trip coach/single occupancy standard room
What is included in the cost?
The cost includes round trip coach airfare, all hotel accommodations, local transportation, all meals, visas and fees for all attractions.
What is not included in the cost?
Tips, and beverages/snacks outside mealtime.
Is there a Payment Plan?
July payment plan
The monthly payments are due on the 15th of each month with the last monthly payment due by June 05.
Standard Double: $750 non-refundable deposit and 4 monthly payments of $1000
Deluxe Couple: $750 non-refundable deposit and 4 monthly payments of $1000
Standard Single: $950 non-refundable and monthly payments of $1150
October payment plan
The monthly payments are due on the 15th of the month with the last monthly payment due by September 05.
Standard Double: $799 non-refundable deposit, 7 monthly payments of $600 extra
Deluxe Couple: $799 non-refundable deposit, 7 monthly payments of $600 extra
Standard Single: $899 non-refundable deposit and 7 monthly payments of $700
Full Payment can be made at any time; checks, cash, credit/debit cards accepted. Call 844-693-3733 Ext. 4 or email ghana@mydfree.org
*All checks must be payable to: dfree Foundation
When is the registration deadline?
March 21, 2020
When can participants start making payments?
Online registration will be available at www.mydfree.org/ghana from Feb 21, 2020
To pay by cash/check, please contact 844-693-3733 Ext. 4 or email ghana@mydfree.org
Cancellation policy:
Registration may be cancelled on or before April 30. There will be no refunds after this date but transfer of package will be possible through May 15. To cancel/transfer, please contact 844-693-3733 Ext. 4 or ghana@mydfree.org as soon as possible.
Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months from the travel date (Contact the US post office or visit www.usps.com/passport immediately if you need one).
Vaccinations (consult your physician or your local hospital – Infectious Disease Dept.)
Spending money
Travel Insurance
Will I be able to access the internet?
Yes, all hotels provide Wifi access. Limited Wifi available on bus.
What are the requirements for traveling to Ghana?
Passport, Visa, and proof of Yellow Fever shot are required by Ghana law, must be 13 years or older
Passports – should be obtained as early as possible. If you already have a passport, ensure it has not expired and that it will be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel. Contact US Post Office about a passport.
The visa application process can take up to 3 weeks (including mailing time) when you will not have your passport. Kindly take this into consideration when you make travel plans and advise us about any conflicts.
Vaccinations/Shots should be taken at least 10 days before travel date. Contact your personal physician or your local hospital.
Visa – a tourist visa is required for stay of up to 30 days (extendable)
Visas will be processed for the group. There will be no need for individuals to take documents to the Ghanaian Consulate in New York or the Embassy in Washington DC.
Visa application fees are included in the trip cost
An invitation letter and itinerary will be provided
You must provide 2 recent passport photos not older than 6 months. CVS and Walgreens have instant passport photo service.
Visas will be single entry only. The option to get a multiple entry visa is also available.
All questions may be directed to ghana@mydfree.org or 844-mydfree (844-693-3733)
Yes, 13 and older if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Will the hotels be air conditioned?
Yes.
Will there be time for sightseeing and shopping?
Yes.
What is the exchange rate?
www.coinmill.com is a reliable resource for current exchange rates. Monies will be exchanged on arrival in Ghana. Do not exchange money before travel.
Should participants carry cash?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you carry cash for the trip. ATMs are also available in most locations. Remember to notify your card service about using your card at an ATM in Ghana and inquire about fees.
Should I purchase Traveler’s checks?
No, do not bring traveler’s checks. Cash or card only.
What is the weather like in Ghana?
Temperatures are usually between 70 and 90 degrees all year round. Please pack sunscreen lotion.
What kind of clothing should I bring?
Dress casual and comfortably; respectful shorts and swimwear; comfortable shoes for optional hikes.
Dress for church – Sunday dress, smart casual, no jeans.
Is insurance required?
No, obtaining medical or travel insurance is a personal decision. Check with your service provider.
Travel insurance is also available at the airport and online.
Is there a frequent flyer program?
Yes, visit delta.com for the frequent flyer program.
Yes, always bring your medication in your purse or carry-on bag where they are easily accessible.
How will special needs be handled?
Communicate your needs early. Contact ghana@mydfree.org or call 844-mydfree Ext.
Can I use my cell phone while in Ghana?
Please check with your service provider about roaming service and charges that may apply.
Will there be photos taken during the trip, or should people just bring their camera?
A professional photographer will travel with the group. Feel free to bring your own camera, but always listen to tour guide announcements about local protocols on picture taking.
How will updates and details be communicated to participants prior to travel?
A monthly conference call is scheduled to answer questions and give updates. Regular emails will also be used to communicate information between calls.
When will people find out their roommate assignments?
During one of the conference calls after all participants are confirmed and visas are secured. If you have a person for your roommate, please provide the name during registration.
Are there any helpful links for Travelers to Ghana?
The Ghana Mission:Touching Lives, Making a Difference
Since 2016, dfree® Global Foundation, led by Dr. Soaries, has:
Sponsored the building of a playground for an elementary school in the Akaa Community;
Sponsored the building of a cafeteria that seats up to 200 children in the Akaa Community school;
Partly sponsored, in collaboration with Akyem Traditional Council, a children’s library in Kyebi;
And, partly sponsored, in collaboration with Peace Corp, the building of an infirmary for the Kibi School for the Deaf.
dfree® is raising funds to support community-based projects and institutions in the Akyem Abuakwa kingdom of Eastern Ghana as part of its 2020 cause. The projects include:
The Kibi School for the Deaf (KSD): On average, the 200 plus children in this institution live on less than a dollar a day, being funds allocated by the government to the cover cost of all expenses including room and board, medical needs, learning aids, and all other miscellaneous expenses. dfree® seeks to support KSD with a subsidy of $2,000 a month for the next 12 months. This would afford an additional $10 per child each month and would make a lot of indifference in their standard of living.
The Queenmothers’ Development Association: The Queenmother of the kingdom, HRH Nana Dokuaa, has formed an association of her subordinate queenmothers from the various towns and villages, currently with a membership of about 170. They commune to plan community-based activities like street and public space cleaning, health screening in conjunction with local health service providers, and micro-finance support groups, among others. dfree® aims to raise a lumpsum figure of $20,000 to serve as seed money to expand their micro-finance endeavors to reach more women throughout the over 400 towns and villages that make up the kingdom.
The Queenmother’s HIV/AIDS Care Foundation: The Queenmother and her small team of volunteers visit HIV/AIDS patients regularly in their homes, bringing to them and their families much-needed aid in the form of food, clothing, bedding and medicines. She solicits funding from the Ghana AIDS Commission to provide anti-retroviral drugs for these people and engages the support of local healthcare centers for the administering of the drugs as well as counseling for patients and their families. She started the program in 2004 to complement the work of the Okyeman AIDS Foundation, established by the King in 2002 to encourage voluntary testing and counseling, provide free distribution of anti-retroviral drugs, and most importantly, create awareness about the disease and fight stigmatization. dfree® seeks to raise a funds to provide a monthly subsidy of $2,000 over the next 12 months to support the Queenmother’s effort to fully provide for the needs of orphans of HIV/AIDS victims, whom she helps to place with extended families in order to keep them out of orphanages and like institutions.
dfree®’s goal is to develop a strategy that will make these funding goals sustainable for the beneficiaries beyond the targeted 12-month duration.
Monique Little (dfree® Ghana2019) takes a selfie with students from the Kibi School for the Deaf
dfree® Ghana2019 men stand with HRH Nana Dokuaa, Queenmother of Akyem Kingdom
Some dfree® members pose with students and staff during the opening of the Kyebi Children's Library
Middle School students browse books in the newly opened children’s library
Dr. Soaries cuts a ribbon to open a new cafeteria for the Akaa Community School donated by dfree® Ghana2017 group.
Playground donated to Akaa Community School donated by Herbie & Jackie Gettys (dfree® Ghana2016)
Construction of infirmary building underway at Kibi School for the Deaf.
