The Final Run to Elmina: Mole National Park to Elmina: 20th November to 24th November

Imagine this, an escarpment with a small motel, camping area, swimming pool (!) and restaurant. From this point you can see forever over the National Park and wild life reserve. In the distance there are soft blue shapes of tall palm trees and forestation and, directly below us, silver water holes where you can quietly observe animals such as elephants and water buffalo coming to drink. Even at 7.30 in the morning, when we arrive, it is hot.

Some of our group have been here before and they set about giving the bus a massive and well needed clean. This is Jon’s last day before setting off for Accra and his return home to the UK, so three of us take a guided trek in the park and are able to watch antelope, baboons, python and crocodiles close up (but not too close!). Another amazing and very special experience.

Sadly John, Aubrey and the Bedford depart later in the day for Accra. Those of us left camp on the escarpment that night and are joined by baboons the next morning. They came like hooligans looking for trouble and breakfast. The camper next to us had bananas on its roof. An open invitation and there for the taking, plus dried milk and other things which took their fancy. An exciting beginning to the day as we set off for Kumasi.

Arriving later in Kumasi was like taking the lid off a beehive. Noisy, swarming with people surrounding the bus but ignoring its existence. Momentarily overwhelming, exciting, intimidating and massively attractive at the same time. The centre of Kumasi is a huge market, selling everything from chickens to second hand flip-flops. It took some calm and careful negotiation to drive through to find the Presbyterian House Lodge, which was our home for the next two nights. Set in its own grounds, an old colonial style building with camping and rooms.

Our last day of the journey finally arrives and it is with some mixed feelings that we drive into Cape Coast to meet up with Aubrey who has arrived ahead of us with the Bedford and the volunteers already established in this area. The drive in is along a coastal road stunningly beautiful, with the sea crashing onto mile upon mile of white beach lined with palm trees. We have arrived a little travel weary and despite the dust and dirt, everything we originally set out with in the vehicles was unchanged – however, the travellers certainly weren’t! Full of incredible memories, experiences, sights and sounds which will take months to unravel and digest.