Win a trip to Sydney
& New South Wales >
A group of peopl edancing in colourful traditional clothing

Ghana Travel Guide

Located in West Africa, Ghana's warm hospitality and vibrant cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic African experience. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra, where you can shop for traditional crafts and immerse yourself in the local way of life. Visit the historic castles and forts along the Cape Coast, a poignant reminder of Ghana's past as a major hub in the transatlantic slave trade. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Kakum National Park, with its lush rainforests and iconic canopy walkway, or venture to the northern regions to experience the rich traditions of the Ashanti and Dagomba kingdoms.

In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, Ghana also boasts stunning beaches along its coastline. Relax on the golden sands of Busua or Kokrobite, where you can soak up the sun, enjoy water sports, and indulge in delicious seafood. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to Mole National Park provides the opportunity to spot elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Ghana's diverse landscapes and welcoming people make it an ideal destination for travellers looking to immerse themselves in African culture and explore the wonders of this vibrant country.

See trips to Ghana
Flight deals of the week
  • Accra
    Single from £336

Key Facts

Time Zone

GMT+0

Money

Ghanaian Cedi

Dialing Code

+233

  • Ghana is a great ‘introduction’ to Africa and is perfect for those wanting to see Africa at a steady pace.
  • Ghana has plenty of wildlife including zebra, leopards, lions, hippos and baboons, in some of the most beautiful African landscapes.
  • It is a great place to go if you have time to give yourself to a good cause. Schools and communities are crying out for volunteers to aid the country on the path to development through teaching and other activities
  • This destination is cheap!

Accra is home to some 2 million inhabitants and is the vibrant heart of Ghana. Centred around the Makola Market, Accra will exhilarate you as you explore its teeming city streets. Ghana is considered a safe destination by African standards, so you'll feel at your ease as you wander around Accra and make new friends. A short distance from beautiful beaches, Accra is the ideal base from which to start your African adventure!

  • Get the warmest of African welcomes in this friendly, laid-back country.
  • Experience the charm of the capital city of Accra and its buzzing streets.
  • Enjoy volunteering in schools, care or sports coaching projects, or grab an inspirational internship in medicine, media or law.
  • Check out Ghana's history at Cape Coast.
  • Walk high above the jungle on a canopy walk.
  • Hang out at a monkey sanctuary and meet some simian friends.
  • Admire the animals at Mole National Park.
  • Climb Mt. Afadjato, Ghana's highest mountain.
  • See stunning views across lush Lake Volta.
  • Shop ‘til you drop at one of the teeming Kejetia markets in Kumasi.
  • Feel the chilled-out vibe and sunbathe in the glowing tropical sun at one of Ghana’s beach towns.
  • Take a history lesson and learn about the country’s struggle for independence and the devastating impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade at the National Museum.

Ghanaian food is centred around the staples of cassava, plantains and rice with sauce and meat, fish or vegetables. Groundnuts and peanuts also play an important role in adding flavour to a lot of Ghanaian dishes.

The weather in Ghana is usually hot and humid due to its location close to the Equator. There are two seasons in a year; dry and wet. The Wet season runs from April-June every year and the Dry season runs from December-February. The average temperature is between 28-36 degrees during the day and between 20-24 degrees at night.

In January, a dry wind known as the Harmattan blows throughout the month, coming south from the Sahara and bringing with it dry particles of dust which can settle across the country.

Visa

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company, who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Passport

Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. Some countries also require you to have at least 2 blank pages in your passport before travel. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip. 

Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.

The official language is English. However, there are 79 recognised languages spoken in Ghana, including Ga–Dangme and Akan.

The South African/Indian socket is used in Ghana (2 circular pins with a larger circular grounding pin); therefore, if you wish to use British appliances, you will need to purchase an international travel adaptor.

Related Articles

The Lion King Animals and Where to Find Them

Last updated: 24th Jan 2024

From Simba to Timon, all these Lion King characters are roaming around Africa and waiting for you to find them! Enjoy the different safari journeys through iconic national parks like Serengeti and Etosha. Why not discover amazing African landscapes and...

Top Travel Trends for 2024

Last updated: 29th Nov 2023

Get ahead of next year's travel trends! Find out what’s popular in 2024, from the best travel experiences to the top destinations. With a growing desire for authentic experiences and new adventures, find out why group travel is...

Should I Travel to Africa?

Last updated: 13th Oct 2023

The short answer is absolutely yes! Africa is a continent like no other. With its unique mix of cultures, incredible wildlife safaris, and stunning natural landscapes, visiting Africa is one of life’s must-do’s. Here’s...

5 Moments to Tick Off Your Bucket List in Africa

Last updated: 13th Oct 2023

Dreaming of immersing yourself in the outdoors, camping under the stars and waking to the wild sounds of nature as your alarm clock? A trip to Southern and Eastern Africa is all this and more. It’ll be the...

Africa's Big 5 - The Safari Checklist

Last updated: 21st Jul 2017

Originally a term used by hunters, the ‘Big 5’ refers to Africa’s most sought after wildlife: elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalos. Now, armed with only a camera and a beady eye, it’s your turn...

I Want to Volunteer in Africa - What Can I Do?!

Last updated: 20th Jul 2017

Volunteering is an incredible way to experience life in Africa. Helping out in an African community gives you a unique insight into local life, and you’ll be making a real difference, which is not only super-rewarding, but also...

Extreme Africa

Last updated: 19th Jul 2017

Calling all adrenaline junkies! Africa is home to some incredible extreme activities, which will satisfy even the most daring thrill seeker! From sandboarding to skydiving, your trip to Africa won’t be short on thrills! Check out our list...

Gap 360's Hannah in Africa: Her African 'Gap Year'

Last updated: 17th Sep 2014

Back in July, Hannah flew the nest (aka, our Australian office) to go on a long 'gap year' in Africa. To find out about the INCREDIBLE adventures she's had so far, check out the below! Hey there guys and...

Kids in Ghana

Last updated: 10th Mar 2014

When Gap 360's Head of Marketing, Will, headed to Ghana to visit our projects, he had a fantastic time! It's official: the kids in Ghana are the nicest, ever! After tough negotiating with BA staff to get an upgrade...