The Ultimate Ghana Travel Guide

Ghana is a vibrant, beautiful country with rich cultures and so much history. Over the years, Ghana has positioned itself as a top travel destination. This tropical country is an attractive destination due to its spectacular beaches, bustling cities, colorful markets, national parks, and its blossoming music and arts scene.

If you’re interested in visiting the motherland, but don’t know what country to start with, Ghana is a great place to begin. This friendly, welcoming country will make you feel right at home. Here is my complete travel guide for first-time visitors.

Before your trip

Decide on the best time to visit

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 the summer and winter months, generally making airfare costs higher.

Check visa requirements

A visa is required for U.S. citizens. In addition, a valid passport and proof of yellow fever vaccination are required. For more information about visas and travel requirements, click here.

Must-pack essentials

• 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

Flights and transportation

The busiest times to visit Ghana are during the summer months and the winter holidays. Typically, ticket prices will hover around $1,500 during these times. I fly Emirates (my favorite airline) with a layover in Dubai. You can sign up for their email list to receive special offers and flight deals.

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. Looking for some tips for traveling alone? Check out this post.

Important things to know

Language

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. (My family is from the Ewe tribe).

Money/currency exchange

The official currency of Ghana is the cedi. Currently, 1 USD will get you 5.64 GHS. You can exchange money at the airport or at one of Ghana’s many banks. (Tip: don’t exchange all your money at once). Many of the larger retailers accept debit and credit but bring cash when shopping at local markets and shops.

Health requirements

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the following vaccinations for those traveling to Ghana:

• Routine vaccinations (all travelers)
• Measles (all travelers)
• Polio (all travelers)
• Yellow fever (all travelers)
• Full list of recommended vaccines

Additional tips

See your doctor for a prescription for traveler’s tummy. This is good to have on hand in case of a stomach ache during your trip. Don’t eat street food unless you’re comfortable doing so, and only drink bottled water.

Health insurance

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

Overall, Ghana is a very safe country to visit. The people are incredibly friendly and there are no major security concerns to worry about. As always, be aware of your surroundings and be wary of pickpockets (these are common in large public areas like street markets).

Customs and etiquette

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.

Fashion

Ghanaian fashion is comprised of colorful, boldly printed woven fabrics. Kente cloth is a symbol of national pride and is worn by Ashanti royalty. Today, African print (also known as Ankara) is easily accessible and more common around the world. Purses, shoes and home decor can also be designed with African prints.

Food

When you visit Ghana, it’s a must that you try 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!

Things to do and see

Ghana has an abundance of beautiful attractions including beaches, museums, and national parks. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Ghana:

• Spot wildlife at Mole National Park
• Experience a piece of history at Elmina Castle
• Get lost in the hustle and bustle of Makola Market
• Attend an event at Polo Beach Club
• Cross the suspension bridge at Kakum National Park
• Visit the bars and restaurants at Labadi beach
• And so much more!

Stay tuned for my next post, which will cover the best attractions to see in Ghana. Have you ever visited Ghana? Did this post inspire you to add it to your list? Let’s chat in the comments!