Ghana is a very beautiful country with rich cultures and so much history. Over the years, Ghana has positioned itself as one of the top travel destination in Africa. The country is an attractive destination due to its heritage and culture, bustling cities, noicy and busy markets, national parks, and its blossoming music and arts scene.
If you’re interested in visiting Africa, but don’t know what country to start with, Ghana is the best option to begin with. This friendly, welcoming country will make you feel right at home. Here is my complete travel guide for first-time visitors.
The climate in Ghana is warm and tropical and there are two main seasons: a dry season (harmattan) in the winter, and a rainy season in the summer. The coastal Southern region has two rainy seasons. The first one begins in March and peaks in May/June, and the second one occurs in September/October.
Peak tourist season is during summer and winter, generally increasing airfare costs.
Ghana will not require a Visa before arrival in most African countries. As for U.S. citizens and other European countries, a visa may be required, as well as a valid passport and proof of yellow fever vaccination. For more information about visas and travel requirements, click here.
Ghana’s largest airport, Kotoka International Airport (ACC), is located in Accra. It’s the premier airport that connects to major cities around the world. In addition, Ghana has many regional airports to easily access other areas of the country. To travel around the city, take a taxi, Uber, or trotro – an inexpensive minibus that connects various metro areas around the country.
Mosquito repellent
Malaria pills
Sunscreen
Hat/visor
Travel adapter/converter
Comfortable sneakers
Long loose clothing (skirts, dresses, pants)
Upset stomach medication
Swimsuit
Umbrella or poncho
The official language is English, but there are over 80 languages spoken throughout the country. There are nine government-sponsored languages. These are, Akan, Ewe, Dagbani, Dangme, Dagaare, Ga, Nzemaa, Kasem, and Gonja. The Akan language is the most commonly spoken language, comprised of 3 main dialects: Fante, Asante Twi, and Akwapim Twi.
Ghana offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget:
Luxury Hotels: Experience world-class amenities at places like Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City in Accra or Labadi Beach Hotel.
Mid-Range Hotels: Comfortable and affordable options such as Alisa Hotel and Coconut Grove Beach Resort.
Budget Stays: Guesthouses and hostels like Somewhere Nice in Accra cater to budget-conscious travelers.
Eco-Lodges: For nature lovers, places like Zaina Lodge in Mole National Park offer a unique and sustainable experience
When you finally arrive, there are so many transportation options depending on your budget. Here are some options:
Domestic Flights: Fly to major cities like Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi.
Buses and Minibuses (Trotros): Affordable but often crowded.
Car Rentals: Ideal for flexibility; consider hiring a driver if you’re unfamiliar with local roads.
Ride-Hailing Services: Apps like Bolt and Yango operate in major cities.
Ghana is brimming with incredible sights and experiences. Here are some highlights:
Historical Sites:
Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle: Learn about the transatlantic slave trade.
Independence Square: A symbol of Ghana’s freedom from colonial rule.
Natural Wonders:
Kakum National Park: Famous for its canopy walkway.
Wli Waterfalls: The highest waterfalls in West Africa.
Lake Volta: Perfect for boat trips and relaxing.
Cultural Experiences:
Kumasi: Explore the Ashanti culture and visit the Manhyia Palace Museum.
Accra: Visit the National Museum, the Arts Centre, and the vibrant Osu neighborhood.
When you visit Ghana, it’s a must that you try some of the traditional Ghanaian foods. Ghanaian food consists of tomato-based stews and spicy soups that can include fresh fish or meat. These are eaten with rice or a starchy dough like fufu or banku. Another staple food is our famous Ghanaian jollof rice. You can’t leave Ghana without trying this
Health Precautions: Be sure to secure travel health insurance before your trip. SafetyWing is the world’s first International Travel Medical insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers traveling or living abroad worldwide. It includes coverage for medical emergencies as well as accidents like travel delays and lost checked luggage. At only $37/week per 4 weeks, SafetyWing is a very affordable option for travelers. It’s available for purchase in 180 countries and can be purchased even while traveling
Safety: Ghana is a safe destination, but exercise caution with valuables and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
Emergency Numbers: Save emergency contacts, including the local police and your embassy.
Currency: Ghana’s currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). ATMs are available in major cities, but it’s good to carry cash for rural areas.
Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for services.
In Ghana, it’s customary to greet people from the right to left when entering a room. Always use your right hand to greet people, eat, and accept things. The left hand is considered the ‘toilet hand’ in Ghanaian culture. For this reason, it’s extremely rude to greet or accept things using your left hand. Click here for a guide on Ghana’s customs and etiquette.
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