Ghana Travel Information

Ghana, located on the west coast of Africa, is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich history and culture. From its bustling cities to its lush jungles and stunning beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Ghana. Here are the top 10 things to do in Ghana that should not be missed:

1. Explore the Capital City of Accra

Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is a bustling metropolis with a mix of modern and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and the Makola Market.

2. Visit the Kakum National Park

The Kakum National Park is home to one of the world's few canopy walkways, allowing visitors to walk through the treetops and see the rainforest from a unique perspective.

3. Experience the Culture in Kumasi

Kumasi, the cultural capital of Ghana, is home to the Ashanti Kingdom and the Ashanti people. Visitors can see the Manhyia Palace, the Okomfo Anokye Sword, and the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum.

4. Take a Boat Trip on Lake Volta

Lake Volta, the largest man-made lake in the world, is a popular spot for boat trips and fishing. Visitors can also see the Akosombo Dam, which provides power for much of Ghana.

5. Visit the Cape Coast Castle

The Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful reminder of Ghana's history as a center of the transatlantic slave trade. Visitors can learn about the history of the castle and the people who were held there.

6. Go to the Beaches of Labadi and Bojo

Labadi and Bojo are two of Ghana's most popular beaches, known for their white sands, clear waters, and lively atmosphere. Visitors can also see the Osu Castle, a former slave trading fort.

7. Explore the Mole National Park

The Mole National Park is Ghana's largest wildlife reserve and home to elephants, antelopes, warthogs, and many other species. Visitors can go on safari and see the animals in their natural habitat.

8. Visit the Wli Waterfalls

The Wli Waterfalls are the highest waterfalls in West Africa, and a popular spot for hiking and swimming. Visitors can also see the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and learn about the local culture.

9. See the Nzulezu Stilt Village

The Nzulezu Stilt Village is a unique and fascinating sight, where the local people live in houses built on stilts over a lake. Visitors can take a boat trip and see the village up close.

10. Experience the Festivals

Ghana is known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations, such as the Homowo Festival, the Adae Festival and the Dipo Festival which showcases the rich culture and tradition of the country.

A great addition to your Ghana trip is to visit Togo, which offers a unique culture different from Ghana's. Togo has a rich and diverse culture that is different from that of Ghana, and visiting the country can provide an opportunity to learn more about the customs and traditions of the Togolese people. This can include exploring traditional markets, visiting historical and cultural sites, and experiencing local music and dance. Additionally, Togo offers a variety of natural attractions such as beaches, national parks, and protected areas that are distinct from those found in Ghana, making for a diverse and extraordinary travel experience.

Climate

Ghana is located in West Africa and it has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The country has two main seasons: the rainy season (April to October) and the dry season (November to March).

During the rainy season, the country experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity, while the dry season is characterized by less rainfall and lower humidity. The temperature during the year ranges between 25°C - 35°C (77°F - 95°F)

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ghana depends on the type of activities you want to do and your preferences. The dry season, from November to March, is considered the best time to visit as the weather is more stable and the chances of rain are lower. This is also considered the peak tourist season, and the prices for accommodations and activities may be higher.

The rainy season, from April to October, is considered the low season for tourism, but it's also the time when the nature is more lush and the wildlife is more active, making it a great time for nature lovers. The weather during the rainy season is still warm and tropical, with occasional rain showers.

It's worth noting that Ghana has a rich culture and history, and a visit during the traditional festivals and ceremonies can be a unique and memorable experience.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Ghana has a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. You can find hotels in most of the major cities, towns and tourist destinations.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular option in Ghana, as they offer comfortable and budget-friendly accommodations. They are typically run by local families, and they offer a unique way to experience the local culture and hospitality.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals such as apartments, villas, and houses can be rented on a short-term basis. This is becoming an increasingly popular option in Ghana, and it can be a great option for those looking for more privacy and space.

Campsites

Campsites are available in most of the national parks and nature reserves, and they can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers or those who enjoy camping.

Eco-lodges

Eco-lodges are a popular option in Ghana, as they offer comfortable accommodations in harmony with nature. They are typically located in remote areas, and they offer a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the country.

Air travel

Ghana has two major international airports: Kotoka International Airport (ACC) located in the capital city Accra, and Tamale Airport (TML) located in the northern region. From there, you can take a domestic flight to reach other destinations in Ghana.

Bus travel

Buses are a popular and convenient way to travel around Ghana, with extensive networks of long-distance and local buses that connect most of the cities and towns. Bus travel is relatively inexpensive, safe, and comfortable.

Car rental

Car rental is a great option for those who want to explore Ghana at their own pace, it's widely available in most cities and towns. It's worth noting that the road conditions can be challenging in some remote areas.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in most cities and towns, and they are a convenient and safe way to get around. It's worth noting that it's best to use a licensed taxi and to agree on the fare before starting the journey.

Motorbikes and Scooters rental

Motorbikes and Scooters rental is also an option in Ghana, it's widely available in most cities and towns. It's worth noting that the roads can be challenging and it's essential to have a valid driver's license and insurance.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.