Ghana

What are the most recommended things to do in Ghana?

  • Visit Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle to learn about Ghana's colonial history and the transatlantic slave trade.
  • Explore Kakum National Park and its canopy walkway for rainforest adventures.
  • Relax on the beaches of Accra, Kokrobite, and Busua.
  • Experience vibrant markets such as Makola Market in Accra for local crafts and textiles.
  • Discover the Wli Waterfalls and other natural attractions in the Volta Region.
  • Attend cultural festivals such as Panafest or Homowo to experience Ghanaian traditions.
  • Explore Kumasi’s Manhyia Palace and the Ashanti Cultural Centre to learn about the Ashanti Kingdom.
  • Go on wildlife tours in Mole National Park to see elephants, antelopes, and other African fauna.

Introducing Ghana

The Republic of Ghana, abbreviated as "Ghana," is a country in western Africa. Its terrain stretches from north to south and narrows from east to west, with most of the country being plains. The Akwapim Mountains lie to the east, the Kwahu Plateau to the south, and the Gambaga Escarpment to the north. Mount Jebobo, its highest peak, stands at 876 meters. Ghana has a relatively developed economy among West African countries, primarily based on agriculture.

Ghana is one of Africa's top ten tourist destinations. Major tourist attractions include the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Akosombo, the Kumasi Cultural Center, Cape Coast, the Elmina Slave Fort, and the gold mining belt. Lake Bosumtwi, Ghana's only inland lake, is a famous tourist destination. Located in the Kumasi region, it was formed by a volcanic eruption or meteorite impact, forming a conical shape. The lake covers an area of ​​49 square kilometers. The center of the lake is over 70 meters deep, and the surrounding areas slope towards the center, as if formed by a cone. It is considered the roundest lake in the world.

Climate and best time to travel

The coastal plains and the southwestern Ashanti Plateau have a tropical rainforest climate, while the White Volta Valley and northern plateaus have a tropical savanna climate. The best time to travel is from October to April.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Aburi Botanical Gardens

It is one of the most beautiful, tranquil, and captivating places in Ghana. Opened to visitors in March 1890, the gardens cover 64.8 hectares and overlook the Accra coastal plain from an altitude of 370 to 460 meters. Aburi Botanical Gardens is a must-see for not only Ghanaians but also for every tourist visiting Ghana.


Cape Coast

It was once a famous "slave fort" in the slave trade and was the seat of government for the British colonists.


Mole National Park

The national park of Ghana, a West African country, is located in the northwest of the country. It was established in 1958. Wild animals here include African elephants, hippos, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, red gazelles, ibex, hartebeest, duiker, East African baboons, green monkeys, red monkeys, colobus monkeys, dwarf crocodiles, African narrow-snouted crocodiles, hyenas, lions, leopards, etc.


Most Popular FAQs for Ghana

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Ghana, located in West Africa, is historically significant as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957. It has a rich cultural heritage, with kingdoms like the Ashanti and Fante, and played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Ghana is in West Africa, bordered by Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Atlantic Ocean. International visitors arrive via Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Within cities, transport includes taxis, tro-tros (shared minibuses), buses, and walking for local exploration.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Most attractions are open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from November to March.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Cape Coast Castle: ~$10–15, purchased onsite or via tour operators.
  • Kakum National Park: ~$5–10, purchased onsite.
  • Mole National Park: ~$10–15, purchased onsite or via guided safari tours.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For castles, national parks, and guided tours, booking 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist season.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

10–14 days to cover major cultural, historical, and natural attractions across multiple regions.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle
  • Kakum National Park and canopy walkway
  • Mole National Park for wildlife viewing
  • Accra city markets, beaches, and cultural centers
  • Kumasi and Ashanti cultural sites
  • Wli Waterfalls and Volta Region attractions

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are widely available in English, the official language, with some tours offering local dialect explanations. Audio guides are less common.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Canopy walkway in Kakum National Park
  • Cape Coast and Elmina Castles overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
  • Wli Waterfalls and surrounding forest landscapes
  • Mole National Park for wildlife photography
  • Beaches and colorful markets in Accra

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start in Accra for city life and cultural experiences, travel to Cape Coast/Elmina for historical sites, then north to Mole National Park for safaris, and visit Volta Region for waterfalls and natural attractions.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night safaris in Mole National Park are available. Cultural festivals and local performances may offer evening events, but castles and parks generally close by early evening.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Popular tourist sites can be busy during December–January. The least crowded times are weekdays in the dry season outside major holidays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Most major attractions offer toilets, snack bars, souvenir shops, rest areas, and drinking water. Facilities in remote parks are basic but sufficient at lodges.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Urban sites and castles are mostly accessible; canopy walkways, waterfalls, and wildlife areas may be physically demanding.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash (Ghanaian cedi) is widely required. Major hotels, lodges, and some attractions accept cards, but mobile payments are limited outside cities.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Accra and Cape Coast feature local eateries, cafés, and international restaurants. Coastal towns offer seafood and beachside dining options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options exist but are limited; halal options are available in urban areas and larger towns.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Accra: luxury hotels, guesthouses, and budget hostels
  • Cape Coast: beach resorts, guesthouses, and lodges near castles
  • Mole National Park: safari lodges and eco-camps
  • Volta Region: eco-lodges and guesthouses near waterfalls

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Cape Coast and Elmina Castle combo tour
  • Kakum National Park canopy walkway and nearby villages
  • Beaches near Accra and Kokrobite cultural village
  • Volta Region day trips including Wli Waterfalls and Mount Afadja

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenirs include kente cloth, beads, wood carvings, handwoven baskets, and traditional crafts available at markets and tourist shops.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Domestic flights between Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale; buses and tro-tros for regional travel; taxis and private cars for short distances.