Visiting Ghana for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. With beautiful beaches, rich culture, and a safe and stable democracy, Ghana often wows new tourists and business travellers. To find your way around the many places of interest, equestrian services, and hiking spots, GH Info Site brings you this simple Ghana travel guide.

Quick Tips on Planning Your Travel to Ghana

You need a visa unless you are from ECOWAS; some can get a visa on arrival.
Best time to travel to Ghana is from October to April.
Pack light clothes and hiking shoes and sandals
Most people speak English.

Best places of interest in Ghana include:
Accra;
Cape Coast,
Eastern and Volta Regions;
Ashanti and Ahafo Regions;
Northern Regions

Best things to do in Ghana include:
Explore enchanting beaches;
Whale and dolphin spotting;
Go hiking;
Celebrate colourful festivals:
Walk on water;
Explore unique Ghanaian art.

Planning Your Visit to Ghana

Ghana is one of the most popular travel destinations in Africa. A warm climate and stable democracy, Ghana has long been a welcoming country for family vacations and first time travellers. A truly hospitable people, explosive culture, and unique history puts it top of the bucket list for travel nomads planning their first travel to Ghana.

Travellers visiting Ghana for the first time will find safari adventures along the length and breadth of the country. During traditional and music festivals in Accra and beyond, revellers paint the streets with colour and fill the country with vivacious spiritual energies. A trip to Ghana’s castles and forts is a throwback to a rocky past. The beaches along the Atlantic Coast will leave you enchanted.

Visiting Ghana is like taking a magical trip to the motherland. There is natural wonder and fantastic escapades. Dance with monkeys of Tafe, sunbathe with peaceful crocodiles, ride on dugout canoes where hippos give you seductive glances and brave an encounter with wild African elephants.

And there is more.

There are art and music festivals that take over entire communities near the Gulf Coast. 

Ghana is the gateway to Africa. With a bustling capital city and a booming economy, tourists and business travellers to Ghana will find adventure and opportunities alike. There is a huge cashless economy thanks to mobile money vendors as well as debit/credit card services. For those looking for a cosy bed and round the clock housekeeping services, Ghana’s largest hotels are dotted around the country to serve you.

Whether you are planning a visit to Ghana for a family vacation or are looking for a romantic escapade, you can rent a car and explore this historical nation with its everlasting sunshine.

Ghana welcomes you.

Akwaaba!

Can you spend dollars in Ghana?

The Ghana Cedi (GHS, GHC, GH₵) is Ghana’s official currency. It is easy to buy and sell US Dollars, Euros, Yuan, and other major currencies at the Kotoka International Airport. Banks and forex bureaus around the country also offer competitive exchange rates.

Do you need a visa to visit Ghana?

You need a visa to visit Ghana from the US. Most citizens of other countries require a visa to visit Ghana. However, visitors and families from the ECOWAS sub-region don’t need a visa; they are allowed to stay for up to three months at a time.

African travellers to Ghana can get a visa on arrival in Ghana and stay for up to 30 days. Other business travellers can also apply for such a visa. The application is often done by an inviting party here in Ghana. 

The visa on arrival fee is $150 or its equivalent in Ghana Cedis.

What language do they speak in Ghana?

Ghana’s official language is English. Spelling is based on British English in official documentations, though it is loosely enforced in informal settings. It is easy to find local French and Arabic speakers. 

Meanwhile, Ghana’s local languages are Ga, Tem (Kotokoli), Chamba, Ewe, Mamprusi, Akan (Twi, Fante), Nzema, Dagbani, Gonja, and Mamprusi, depending on which part of the country you find yourself. Akan, Ga, and Ewe are more popular in the southern, western, and eastern regions of Ghana. In the north, Dagbani, Gonja, and Frafra are more prevalent.

Best time to travel to Ghana

The best time to travel to Ghana is between October and April. You miss the major rainy season that lasts from May to August this way. Many of the traditional ethnic festivals take place outside the rainy season when crops are harvested. December, meanwhile, offers fantastic music events from Ghana’s biggest music stars. Plan your visit to Ghana around these months to get the best out of your vacation.

Visiting Ghana in December

Visiting Ghana in December is the best way to experience travelling to Ghana for the first time. The Christmas season means there are many holidays to go out and explore the country. More importantly, though, some of the biggest music stars organise shows throughout the month.

Coming to Ghana in December has become a rite of passage for many. If you don’t mind the huge crowds and premium services, then prepare to be thrilled on this journey to the motherland. By the time the New Year comes, you will be a completely new person!

Coming to Ghana in the Rainy Season

The rains arrive in May and last till August. Make sure you pack in anticipation of heavy rains. Raincoats, boots, and sweaters are ideal for this period. What’s better, a cool evening enjoying a warm cup of chocolate drink after a heavy downpour is unmatched.

Travelling to Ghana for the first time around this time allows you to enjoy some of the most exciting traditional festivals in Ghana. In the capital city, the ethnic Ga people ‘hoot at hunger’ during Homowo festivities in May. The Elmina people celebrate Bakatue Festival in July. In August, the Ada folk organise the Asafotufiam festival complete with mock battles and a celebration of bumper harvest.

For art lovers, August ushers in a week-long CHALE WOTE Street Arts Festival in the traditional Jamestown community by the sea. You get to immerse yourself in the capital city’s vibrant art culture, experience large installations, murals, and film screenings from artists from all over the world.

Travelling around this time can still be exciting if you plan your visit to Ghana in advance. 

What to wear when coming to Ghana (What to pack)

During the rainy season, add raincoats and rain boots to your luggage. You can find affordable umbrellas in the city and along busy streets. A flask to keep your drink warm is fine, though there are many outlets to get this in Ghana.

Always keep a handy bag to protect your accessories when going out around this time. You don’t want the rains to destroy your leather bracelets. 

When visiting Ghana in the warmer season, outfits made from cotton or linen fabrics are best. A pullover is fine if you are spending the evenings at the beach. Keep your heels low, your sandals dry, and have a great time in Ghana. A bit of sunscreen won’t hurt as temperatures could reach 35 degrees sometimes.

Make sure you get your malaria and yellow fever shots before planning your vacation trip to Ghana for the first time. Besides being a travel requirement, it is important to keep yourself safe while visiting.

Popular Tourist Regions in Ghana

Anyone travelling to Ghana for the first time might be overwhelmed over where to go and what to do in Ghana. The country is brimming with wildlife awaiting your safari, colourful music festivals, great beaches, and generally fun-loving people. We love to cruise, and you can join us on this epic adventure across Ghana.

1. Accra

Accra is a confluence of traditional and the contemporary. Beneath its polish modern architecture and luxury apartments, there is a thick underbelly of rich cultural heritage that is always bubbling to the surface.

Visiting Jamestown, which is less than an hour’s drive from the Airport, we find the cornerstone of Ghana’s capital. The coastal town is a vibrant pool of traditional and historic influences. You’ll find Brazil House here, home to the self-liberated Tabom people who fled Brazil. 

The James Fort Prison where Kwame Nkrumah was imprisoned sits abandoned along the Accra High Street.

Makola, Ghana’s large open air market is not far from the shore, a stone’s throw away from the tourist-favourite Arts Centre. Not far from the Ministries, you’ll find the National Theatre where actors around the country come to showcase the talents.

There is also the Shai Resource Centre with its mischievous baboons to excite first time visitors to Ghana. For bird lovers, the Legon Botanical Garden and Sakumono Lagoon should be on your itinerary plan to Accra.

2. The Eastern Corridor

Driving eastward will lead you up the Aburi Mountains. Sitting high up the hills, the Aburi Botanical Gardens is a true high for safari lovers. The cool, quiet breeze sweeping through the trees mixes with the singing echoes of marvellous birds in tall trees. The craft market nearby is a treasure trove for those on a family vacation in Ghana.

An hour to Koforidua, and you find the popular Glass Beads Market. You can shop for beads from all over the world in this unique location.

The Eastern Region also serves up Adomi Bridge and its spectacular view of the Volta Lake. The Akosombo Dam offers exciting opportunities for birdists and nature lovers. And if you have the heart, a climb up Afadjato in next door Volta Region, Ghana’s tallest mountain, will leave you with a breathless view. A trip to Wli Waterfall will leave you breathless and excited by the scenic vistas from the top of the Agumatsa Range.

3. Cape Coast

Cape Coast is Ghana’s cultural capital. For a truly colourful experience, the many local festivals here will leave you with memories for years.

For an educational tour of Ghana, the Cape Coast and Elmina (nearby) castles are perhaps the most historic monuments. The kids will also love a trip to Kakum National Park to view some wild elephants from the safety of a 20ft Tree House. For the daring escapades, follow the 7 canopy walks and gaze down from over a hundred feet above ground. Have a picnic and learn about the 200+ bird species in Ghana’s first national park.

4. The Middle Belt

The Ashanti, Bono, and Ahafo East regions have some of Ghana’s biggest cultural influences. The Asante Kingdom covers much of these areas with Ghana’s Garden City, Kumasi, as its capital. At the Manhyia Palace that houses the Asantehene, you get to enjoy regular expressions of traditional and moral authority through the celebration of Akwasidae every 6 weeks. 

For a bit of mystery, there is the legendary Okomfo Anokye sword that unified the Asantes into one kingdom, still buried into the ground. Kintampo Falls located in Ghana’s most central town is located within this region.

5. The Northern Regions

Ghana’s northern regions are packed with rare gems. Like the mysterious Heavenly-inspired 15th Century Larabanga mosque. Make sure to include a trip to the north in your travel plans for Ghana; The Sahelian architecture is truly one of a kind.

If you are travelling to Ghana for safaris, the Mole Game Reserve is where you’ll find the country’s mighty beasts. Leopards, lions, and the majestic African elephants call this reserve home. Further north, there is the Paga Crocodile Pond where you can actually pose next to the gentle and tame crocs.

And when it’s time to get back from your trip to the Northern regions of Ghana, you’ll find your bags packed with unique batakari smocks, baskets from Bolgatanga, and large doses of healthy, authentic shea butter. A last minute peep into the Red Clay Studio of Ibrahim Mahama will leave you awe inspired.

What to Do During Your First Time in Ghana

There is so much to do in Ghana. But you can plan your trip around these events if you are travelling for the first time.

1. Explore pristine beaches

Ghana has some great surfing options along its undulating coast at Kokrobite in Accra and Busua in the west. The two locations serve up more than an enticing wave; they are also some of Ghana’s favourite beaches, with warm waves and swaying palm trees in the background. For a warm, buzzing beach experience close to downtown Accra, hop on a short ride to Labadi Beach.

2. Whale and dolphin spotting

At the southernmost point of Ghana lies Cape Three Points. A visit to Ghana is not complete without visiting the settlement closest to 0°, 0°. The scenic display from its towering lighthouse includes rolling hills, clear blue sea, and a gam of whales when they are in season. If you are lucky enough, you might just spot some of the smartest dolphins teasing you into the Atlantic.

Once you are done whale spotting, it is easy to chillax on the gorgeous beach nearby. The surrounding rainforest reserve is a perfect place to experience the wild nature and to spot marine birds in their natural habitats.

3. Walk on water

Immerse yourself with a daring escapade to Nzulezo (Nzulezu), Ghana’s village on stilts. Located in Ghana’s Western Region, the entire town sits completely on Lake Tadane where residents trace their history to the ancient Ghana Empire. The small but welcoming community offers short stays on the water. Sample local delicacies and hop on a small canoe to enjoy a smooth ride on the surrounding water.

There is always an excuse to splash through water in this tropical weather. Luckily, Ghana’s beautiful waterfalls offer a chance to relax and have fun with friends and family. You’ll find Wli Falls, the highest in West Africa, hidden inside a nature reserve in Hohoe in the east. Kintampo Falls sits square in the centre of Ghana, while Boti Falls offers two for the price of one in the Yilo Krobo District of Ghana.

4. Go hiking across Ghana

Get your favourite walking boots on and join the trail at the Shai Resource Centre. Hop on a horse at the Burma Camp Military Horse Camp or watch a polo spectacle at the Accra Polo Club to unwind.

Join an exhilarating mountain climb to the top of Afadjato. Mount Gemi is not far away in Amedzofe, and there is a chance to pursue game at the Mole National Park up north. If you find yourself further inward, Kwahu Plateau has exciting paragliding opportunities if you have the heart for it.

5. Celebrate colourful festivals

Ghanaian traditional festivals are a time to explore the divine. There are almost always one or more festivals each month throughout the country. From the north’s Damba Festival to the Homowo celebrations in Accra, Ghana is always in a celebratory mood. The colourful pageantry and abundance of local dishes will give first time visitors to Ghana a truly memorable experience.

6. Explore Unique Ghanaian Art and Music

The Afrobeats phenomenon sweeping through the world has its roots in Ghanaian Highlife. The true life stories, amazing drum tempos, and hooting horns can only be experienced on a night out in the former Gold Coast.

And in galleries lined up in Osu and along the La Beach Road, you have the chance to explore unique Ghanaian traditional and contemporary art. The free Artists Alliance Gallery hosts the largest collection of artwork in West Africa. Nubuke Foundation provides splendid displays from the local artists front. 

There are also countless music festivals organised all over the country, some intimate, but many filled with a mass of thrilling spectators at the International Conference Centre, Bukom Arena, and many other venues around the country.

Plan You Trip to Ghana Now

Now that you know what you can do and have an itinerary of where to go, now is the time to plan your visit to Ghana. Here are a few tips for travellers to Ghana that you need to know before you jump on a plane.