Boasting a combination of beautiful beaches, culture, history, and an interior countryside that is home to wildlife roaming in its natural habitat, Ghana is a country that holds many attractions.
With a range of seafood restaurants and great waves for surfers, this is a popular beach that stretches for around 9 mi and is home to various resorts – both luxury and rustic.
Travel to Teshie-Nungua, just east of Accra, to see the Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop of the renowned Fantasy Coffins where coffins are related to what the person did in life – for example, a fisherman may be buried in an elaborately carved coffin shaped like a fish.
There are more than 20 coastal battlements to explore along the Ghana coast, but two of the best include the Portuguese-built castle at Elmina and the Cape Coast Castle, both of which are a stark reminder of Ghana's history and the existence of the slave trade.
The Kakum Canopy Walk consists of a network of rope suspension bridges hung in the canopy of the jungle at the Kakum National Park, which takes visitors 130 ft above the ground.
Visit the city of Kumasi to explore some of the history of the Ashanti Kingdom. Check out Manhiya Palace and the National Culture Centre and pop into the bustling Kejetia Market.
With its tropical climate and proximity to the Equator, it is possible to visit Ghana at any time of the year. It is better to aim for the months between October and April when the weather is drier and humidity can be lower. Temperatures will range from 68-86°F.
US, UK, EU and Canada passport holders will require a visa to visit Ghana and will need to have a passport that is valid for at least six months, as well as an onward/return ticket. Visas should be obtained before travel and will be paid in US dollars. It costs around 331 GHS (60 USD) for a single entry and 552 GHS (100 USD) for a multiple-entry visa.
Flying is the quickest way to get into Ghana. The main airport is Kotoka International Airport in Accra, which receives flights from carriers such as Emirates, Air France, Delta Air Lines and KLM.
The national bus company of Ghana operates an intercity bus service between Accra and neighboring West African countries, such as Burkina Faso and Côte D'Ivoire.
Accommodation in Ghana ranges from luxury hotels in cities, such as Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi, to mid-priced bed and breakfast guesthouse style accommodation along the coast.
There is an extensive private sector-owned network of buses and taxis that transports people in the cities of Ghana. Taxis are reasonably priced and easy to catch in town. There are also tro-tros (minibuses) that run around the towns, but they may be crowded and not as comfortable.
Buses in the form of long-distance coaches are a more comfortable way to travel around Ghana than the more compact minibuses. As well as the local government-owned coach line, there is a privately run company called VIP Jeoun Transport Company that has air-conditioned coaches with comfortable seats.
Domestic flights between Accra and other towns, such as Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale, are operated by Africa World Airlines on a daily basis.
Some of the major hotels and restaurants in Accra will accept credit cards, but in general, they are not used in Ghana. ATMs exist in larger urban areas and some of these accept international cards. You could expect a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs to cost around 51 GHS (9.30 USD) in a grocery store while eating out may cost around 22 GHS (4.00 USD) per person in one of the local, inexpensive restaurants.