The West African coast bears the weight of one of history's greatest tragedies. From the 15th to the 19th century, millions of Africans were captured and shipped across the Atlantic in the transatlantic slave trade. Today, the sites where this occurred stand as powerful memorials—places of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance. This guide helps you navigate these sacred spaces with the respect and understanding they deserve.
Understanding the History
The Transatlantic Slave Trade
Between 1500 and 1900, an estimated 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas. Of these:
10.7 million survived the Middle Passage
An unknown number died in capture and holding
Major destinations included Brazil, Caribbean, and North America
Why West Africa?
European powers established trading posts along the Gold Coast (Ghana), Slave Coast (Benin, Togo), and Nigerian coast because of:
Existing African trading networks
Coastal accessibility
Powerful African kingdoms willing to trade
Strategic locations for Atlantic crossing
Key Sites to Visit
Ghana
Cape Coast Castle
The most visited slave castle in West Africa, Cape Coast Castle processed an estimated 1,000 captives at any time.
What You'll See
Male dungeons that held up to 1,000 men
Female dungeons with similar horrific conditions
The "Door of No Return"—the final exit to slave ships
St. George's Church built directly above the dungeons
Museum with artifacts and historical displays
Emotional Preparation
Tours last 1-1.5 hours
Guides share detailed, graphic history
The dungeon conditions are viscerally impactful
Many visitors are moved to tears
Elmina Castle
The oldest European structure in sub-Saharan Africa (1482), originally for gold trade before becoming a major slave depot.
Unique Features
The oldest surviving European building in Africa
Portuguese chapel—Africa's oldest church
Dutch colonial architecture
Female dungeons separate from male
Governor's quarters overlooking dungeons
Fort Metal Cross, Dixcove
A smaller but significant trading post, less crowded than major castles.
Benin
Ouidah Route of Slaves
The 4-kilometer path from the auction square to the beach traversed by over one million captives.
Key Stops
Place Chacha: The central square where slaves were auctioned
Tree of Forgetfulness: Captives were forced to circle this tree to "forget" their homeland
Zomai House: Where slaves were kept before departure
Tree of Return: Where spirits were believed to return after death
Door of No Return: A haunting arch on the beach marking the departure point
Annual Commemoration
Every January 10th, Benin holds National Vodun Day with ceremonies along the route.
Nigeria
Badagry Heritage Museum and Slave Route
One of West Africa's most significant slave ports, Badagry shipped an estimated 550,000 people.
Historical Sites
First Storey Building in Nigeria
Slave museum with authentic artifacts
Vlekete Slave Market
Point of No Return at the beach
Brazilian Barracoon (slave holding quarters)
Togo
Slave Trade History in Aného
The former capital and major slave trading port.
Sites to Visit
Colonial-era buildings
Historical markers along the coast
Regional museum
How to Visit Respectfully
Before You Go
Mental Preparation
Read about the history beforehand
Understand the emotional impact
Prepare for an intense experience
Consider your personal connection to this history
Physical Preparation
Bring water
Wear comfortable, modest clothing
Good walking shoes for uneven surfaces
Tissues
During Your Visit
Behavior Guidelines
Maintain silence in dungeons and memorial spaces
Follow guide instructions
No flash photography in sensitive areas
Listen more than talk
Reflect on the experience
Photography Etiquette
Ask before photographing people
Some areas prohibit photos
Be sensitive about what you share online
Consider whether photos are necessary
After Your Visit
Processing the Experience
Take time to reflect
Journal your thoughts
Discuss with travel companions
Learn more about the ongoing impacts
For Diaspora Visitors
Special Significance
For visitors of African descent, these sites hold particular meaning. Many describe the experience as:
A pilgrimage
Painful but necessary
A connection to ancestors
A form of healing
Homecoming Ceremonies
Some castles offer special ceremonies:
Walking back through the Door of No Return
Naming ceremonies
Libation and prayer services
Certificate of return
Support Available
Guides understand the emotional weight
Some tours are specifically designed for diaspora visitors
Counseling resources may be available
Group tours provide community support
Planning Your Visit
Recommended Itinerary
Ghana Focus (2-3 days)
Day 1: Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle
Day 2: Kakum National Park (decompress in nature)
Day 3: Reflection, additional sites
Multi-Country (5-7 days)
Days 1-2: Ghana castles
Days 3-4: Travel to Benin, Ouidah Route of Slaves
Days 5-6: Explore Ganvié and Porto-Novo
Day 7: Return to Ghana or continue
Best Times to Visit
January 10: Vodun Day in Benin (powerful but crowded)
August 1: Emancipation Day in Ghana
February: Black History Month (various events)
Any time: Sites are meaningful year-round
Tour Options
Self-Guided
Possible but not recommended
Local guides add crucial context
Emotional support often needed
Guided Tours
Highly recommended
Guides share stories beyond written history
Support throughout the experience
Heritage Tours
Specifically designed for diaspora visitors
Include cultural and genealogical elements
Often include ceremonies and rituals
The Importance of Memory
Why Visit These Sites?
For Understanding
Comprehend the scale of the tragedy
Connect history to its human cost
Understand how it shapes present day
For Healing
Acknowledge ancestral suffering
Honor those who endured
Begin or continue healing process
For Future Generations
Preserve memory
Educate others
Ensure "Never Again"
Supporting Preservation
Pay entrance fees (support maintenance)
Donate to preservation funds
Share your experience to encourage others
Support local communities
A Final Word
Visiting slave trade sites in West Africa is not tourism in the traditional sense. It's a pilgrimage, an education, and an act of remembrance. These places remind us of humanity's capacity for cruelty—but also of survival, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.
The millions who passed through these doors were not just numbers. They were people with names, families, cultures, and dreams. They survived against unimaginable odds, and their descendants carry forward their legacy.
As you walk these routes, remember: you walk with ancestors.
Evans Tours offers sensitive, guided experiences to slave trade heritage sites. Contact us to plan your journey of remembrance.
