Ghana
Ghana pairs the sobering slave forts of the old Gold Coast at Cape Coast and Elmina with rainforest canopy walks at Kakum, walking safaris among Mole's elephants and the royal heritage of the Asante in Kumasi. English is the official language and the welcome is genuine, making it one of West Africa's easiest first trips.
Overview
Most first trips to Ghana loop out from Accra. West along the coast, Cape Coast and Elmina hold the best known of the European forts built for the gold and slave trades, with Kakum's rainforest just inland and surf beaches around Busua further on. Inland, Kumasi is the heart of the Asante kingdom, and a long day's drive beyond lies Mole National Park in the northern savannah. East of Accra, the Volta Region's forested hills, waterfalls and the monkey sanctuary at Tafi Atome make a contrasting add-on, often combined with crossing into Togo.
Ghana moves at a friendly, unhurried pace: tro-tros leave when full, and greetings always come before business. Costs surprise many visitors, especially in Accra, where imported goods and good hotels are priced close to European levels, though chop bars, street food and guesthouses stay cheap. English makes independent travel straightforward, so it suits first-time visitors to Africa as well as diaspora travellers tracing their roots, a movement boosted by the 2019 Year of Return. Expect heat, humidity, the dusty harmattan haze from December to February, and keen questions about your football team.
Map of Ghana
Top 5 highlights
- 1History
Cape Coast Castle
Seat of British rule on the Gold Coast until 1877, this whitewashed slave-trading fort has dungeons and a 'Door of No Return' toured with local guides; pair it with Elmina's older, Portuguese-built castle a short drive west.
- 2Nature
Kakum National Park
Rainforest inland from Cape Coast, crossed by a canopy walkway of seven rope bridges slung up to 40 metres above the forest floor; arrive at opening time for birdsong and fewer school groups.
- 3Wildlife
Mole National Park
Ghana's largest park protects savannah elephants, antelope, warthogs and baboons; armed rangers lead walking safaris from the Mole Motel, whose clifftop pool overlooks the waterholes. The mud-built Larabanga Mosque is nearby.
- 4History
Manhyia Palace Museum
The former Asantehene's residence in Kumasi, built in 1925, now displays royal regalia, furniture and life-size wax figures that tell the story of the Asante kings; time a visit for an Akwasidae festival day.
- 5Nature
Wli Waterfalls
Near the Togo border in the Volta Region, Ghana's highest waterfall is reached by an easy forest walk to the lower falls and their huge fruit-bat colony; a steep hike continues to the upper tier.
Biggest cities
Accra
Give it a couple of days: Jamestown's lighthouse and fishing harbour, Makola market, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, then Osu's restaurants and bars before heading along the coast.
Kumasi
The Asante capital and crossroads for the north: browse Kejetia, one of West Africa's largest markets, visit the palace museum and watch kente weavers at nearby Bonwire.
Tamale
The Northern Region's capital, a hot, largely Muslim city thick with motorbikes; most visitors pass through on the way to Mole National Park, but its markets sell fugu smocks and shea butter.
Rounded metropolitan figures based on the 2021 census; Accra's is the Greater Accra Region. Some UN urban-area estimates put Sekondi-Takoradi ahead of Tamale.
When to go to Ghana
Best time: Nov–Mar.
Average climate in Accra
Festivals & events
- MayAboakyer
In Winneba each May, two asafo warrior companies race into the bush to catch a live bushbuck barehanded and present it to the chiefs, amid drumming and processions.
- AugHomowo
The Ga harvest festival in Accra, 'hooting at hunger', when kpokpoi, steamed maize meal mixed with palm oil, is sprinkled through the streets and Jamestown fills with drumming processions.
- SepFetu Afahye
Cape Coast's festival on the first Saturday of September brings a durbar of chiefs in kente and gold, asafo companies and a colourful procession through town.
How much does Ghana cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Jollof rice
Rice simmered in a spiced tomato, onion and pepper sauce, usually with chicken or fish — and the subject of a fierce, good-humoured rivalry with Nigeria.
Fufu with light soup
Cassava and plantain pounded into a soft, elastic dough, eaten by hand with a peppery tomato-based soup of goat, chicken or fish.
Kelewele
Cubes of ripe plantain tossed in ginger, chilli and spices and deep-fried, sold hot from street stalls in the evening, often with roasted peanuts.
Getting around
STC and VIP coaches run air-conditioned services between Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast and Tamale; tro-tro minibuses cover everything else cheaply but slowly. Domestic flights from Accra to Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi on Africa World Airlines and PassionAir save long drives. In Accra, Uber, Bolt and Yango work well and avoid haggling, but traffic is heavy, so allow time. Hiring a car with a driver is common for coast and Volta circuits.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- DG230V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +233
- Time zone
- UTC+0 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Around 10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included; small cedi tips for guides, porters and drivers are appreciated.
- Etiquette
- Use your right hand to eat, give and receive, greet people properly before any question or request, and ask before photographing anyone, especially at markets and forts.
- Main airports
- Kotoka International Airport (ACC), Accra
Visas & entry for Ghana
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to visit Ghana.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoidYellow fever
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BMeaslesMeningococcal diseaseRabiesTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers (usually over 9 months or 1 year old). There is a risk of yellow fever in parts of the country — vaccination may be advised.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in Ghana: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Ghana
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 4 Dec 2026 | Farmers' Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Boxing Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Thu 7 Jan 2027 | Constitution Day |
| Sat 6 Mar 2027 | Independence Day |
| Tue 9 Mar 2027 | Eid-ul-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Shaqq Day (date may shift) |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Eid-ul-Adha (date may shift) |
| Thu 1 Jul 2027 | Republic Day |
| Tue 21 Sep 2027 | Founder's Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Twi
| English | Twi | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Ɛte sɛn? | eh-teh SEN |
| Thank you | Medaase | meh-DAH-see |
| Please | Mepa wo kyɛw | meh-pah-woh-CHEH-oo |
| Excuse me | Agoo | ah-GOH |
| How much is this? | Wei yɛ sɛn? | way yeh SEN |
Know before you go
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival and is checked; malaria is present year-round, so take antimalarials and use repellent from dusk.
- December is 'Detty December', when diaspora visitors flood Accra for concerts and parties; book flights and rooms months ahead or expect sharply higher prices.
- Use bank ATMs for cedis, carry small notes for tro-tros and market stalls, and pick up a local SIM on arrival — data is cheap and ride-hailing apps work best with it.
Ghana travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Ghana?
The best time to visit Ghana is generally Nov–Mar. Peak months are January, February, March, November and December. Average highs in Accra range from 27°C to 31°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Ghana cost per day?
Roughly £35 a day on a tight budget, £80 mid-range and £180+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Ghana?
Ghanaian cedi (GHS).
What plug type does Ghana use?
Type D and G sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Ghana?
Traffic drives on the right in Ghana, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Ghana?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Ghana?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to visit Ghana. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Ghana before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ghana/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Ghana?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid and Yellow fever for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Measles, Meningococcal disease and Rabies sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
