Ghana Travel Guide: All you need to know to visit Ghana in 2023

Ghana is one of the most amazing countries to visit in West Africa. It has perfect beaches, cosmopolitan cities, and nature reserves full of wildlife, making you feel connected to mother nature. It is also a country with a cultural history worth getting to know while you are there.

To help you prepare for your trip, check out this ultimate Ghana travel guide. On this page you will find everything you need to know for an amazing trip to this corner of Africa.

Document checklist for Ghana

• Visa

• Health Declaration

• Valid passport (valid for 3 months beyond length of stay)

• Sufficient funds for your entire trip

• Return airline ticket

Essential Ghana travel information

• Currency - Cedi (GH₵). $1 is equivalent to approx. GH₵ 14.43.

• Daily budget for 1 person - Allow a daily budget of GH₵ 288 ($19.97).

• Languages - The most spoken language is English. Additionally, there are over 50 indigenous languages used, of which Akan is the most widely spoken.

• Socket type - Ghana uses two plug types, D and G, 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

• Time zone - Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

• Top 3 cities to visit - Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi.

• Top 3 landmarks/monuments - Cape Coast Castle, Mole National Park, and the Larabanga Mosque.

Visa information for Ghana

Please use our handy visa checker tool to find out if you need a visa for Ghana and apply at your nearest embassy or consulate. The Ghanian government previously issued physical visas, but is planning to introduce an online visa in the near future, called the Ghana eVisa.

Once available on iVisa, this electronic travel document enables eligible foreign nationals to visit Ghana for temporary stays for tourism and business purposes.

Ghana Health Declaration form

The Ghana Health Declaration is valid for and allows a into the country. Simply fill out the online form through iVisa.

This travel document is a mandatory health document for all travelers wishing to enter Ghana. This is due to the current worldwide pandemic and to ensure the safety of both visitors and residents of Ghana. However, please note that this document does not replace a Ghana Visa.

Typical costs and budget for Ghana

This is what you need to remember for your budget to travel to Ghana.

Daily spending per person - On average you might spend around GH₵ 288 ($19.97) per day on a comfortable budget.

• Meals - Daily meals come to average GH₵ 69 ($4.78) per day.

• Transport - Public transportation costs around GH₵ 94 ($6.52) per day.

• Hotel - A single room costs on average GH₵ 188 ($13.03), and GH₵ 217 ($15.04) fr a double room.

A vacation to Ghana for one week usually costs around GH₵ 2,013 for one person.

Transport and best ways to travel around Ghana

Public transportation is the easiest way to get around in Ghana. We’ve described some of the most used modes of transportation below.

• Buses - The bus system is managed by the Ghana State Transport Corporation (STC) and is a safe and affordable option for short and long-distance travel throughout the country.

You can purchase your tickets online for some trips, but most tickets must be purchased at the bus station.

• Tro-Tro - These are local mini buses that transport anything from passengers to farm animals. We do not advise travelers to use this mode of transport due to safety concerns, but it can be a very affordable way to travel short distances.

• Okada - These are motor-taxis, and are a fast but dangerous way to reach your destination. If you do take a ride with an Okada, always make sure that there is a helmet available for both the driver and passenger.

• Taxis - Taxis are the easiest and safest option; however, the prices can be relatively high. Always negotiate a fixed price with the driver before taking a trip.

Safety in Ghana

Ghana is a relatively safe destination for visitors, and the government has made a great effort to promote the country as a tourist destination. However, it is important to always be vigilant for pickpockets and keep your valuables out of plain sight.

Some extra travel advice for a safe and worry-free trip to Ghana:

• Make sure to get good travel insurance that covers medical expenses in private hospitals.

• Keep the local numbers of emergency services on hand in case you need help.

• Read about local traffic laws to prevent car accidents and be aware of the local laws in Ghana.

• Respect and follow the local rules and traditions. If you need help, ask the local police for assistance.

• Monitor local media to stay up-to-date with important info.

• The weather can cause the presence of mosquitos, so always have insect repellent on hand.

Weather in Ghana

Generally, the best time to visit Ghana coincides with the winter season in the North Hemisphere, from October to April. During these months, temperatures are high, but the humidity is at its lowest.

• If you want to enjoy safaris in Mole National Park, the best time to visit is from January to March, as these are the dry months. Water sources attract animals in this season, and the grass is lower, so it is easier to see them. For bird watchers, the dry season is also the best time to spot seasonal birds migrating from Europe and Asia.

• If you want to enjoy the coastal western part of Accra, which offers beautiful beaches and colonial landmarks like castles, you should visit in the dry season from October to April.

Popular cities and towns in Ghana

Here is our top 5 of awesome cities and towns in Ghana to not miss on your trip.

• Accra - The country's capital and a fantastic city. Here you’ll find most government buildings. You can visit flea markets such as the Makola market and heritage buildings from the colonial era. In addition, several beaches surround the city, such as Labadi Beach.

• Cape Coast - A beautiful village surrounded by historic buildings and a castle. This city once housed the biggest slave market in West Africa, so it gives an opportunity to learn a lot about the country's history and culture.

• Kumasi - The former capital of Ghana, Kumasi, attracts numerous tourists every year. It is famous for its artisanal gold jewelry, kente fabric, and wooden stools. If you love shopping, this is the perfect place to get your souvenirs.

• Tamale - A charming place to explore culture and nature. Here you will find Mole National Park, the largest nature reserve in Ghana. This is a good choice for a safari if you are looking for a wild adventure.

• Busua - This small town offers beautiful beaches, fishing, hiking and surfing. It is close to the Gulf of Guinea. Enjoy delicious and affordable fresh seafood and chill out in a hammock!

Must do and see in Ghana

Don’t miss these awesome things to see and on your trip to Ghana.

1. Cape Coast Castle - This castle dates back to the 15th century, and was founded by the Swedes to facilitate the trade of gold and wood. However, it also served as a holding facility for slaves before they were sent to the “new world”.

Today it is a museum that houses artifacts and documents related to the time of slavery. As a result, you will have a better understanding of what Africa has lived through and fought for.

2. Mole National Park - The largest national park in the country with a wide variety of wildlife. It offers about 100 species of mammals, including lions, elephants, monkeys, buffaloes, and much more. It is also home to more than 300 bird species, some of which are endangered.

3. Larabanga Mosque - This mosque is known as the "Mecca of West Africa". Built-in 1421, it is one of the oldest mosques in Africa. You’ll be drawn to its white color and Sudanese architectural style.

4. Lake Bosumtwi - This lake is the only natural lake in Ghana and is located southeast of Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti. There are about 30 villages around the lake. The lake is actually a crater, which may be a product of an asteroid impact.

The Ashanti consider Bosumtwi a sacred lake. According to traditional belief, the souls of the dead come here to say goodbye to the goddess Asase Ya.

5. National Museum of Ghana - The perfect place to get to know the rich history of Ghana. It is located in Accra, and is the oldest museum in the country, opened in 1957. There are three main areas in the museum dedicated to Ghanaian history: art, ethnography, and archaeology.

Typical Ghana food to try

• Waakye - This dish is made of rice and beans and eaten at breakfast or lunch. You can also add other ingredients such as fried bananas, spaghetti, black pepper sauce, boiled eggs, and more.

• Fufu - One of the most complicated dishes in Ghana but certainly one of the most popular. The preparation process consists of beating the yucca and the green plantains against a wooden pole to crush them while adding water. When mixed it gets soft, gets formed into small balls, then placed in a stew or soup with meat.

• Red Red - This Ghanaian stew consists of beans, red palm oil, tomato paste, garlic, ginger, chili, and onion. Also served with fried bananas. You should definitely try this popular dish while you are in the country!

Vaccine information for Ghana

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by law for anyone entering Ghana. Contact your local medical center to receive an official certificate of vaccination. Additional vaccines that are recommended are hepatitis A, malaria (tablets), meningitis, rabies, and typhoid. Please refer to the CDC website or your local general practitioner for recommendations.

Those who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must provide a negative PCR test result within 48 hours of arrival in Ghana.

A guide to going on safari in Ghana’s Mole National Park

A wildlife experience like no other can be found at Mole National Park, Ghana's largest national park. The Ghana National Park was the first national park to be established in the country, covering 4,912 square kilometers.

Mole National Park has the greatest diversity of wildlife in Ghana, including elephants that can be seen in the wild. In addition to the elephants, you can spot antelope, bushbucks, monkeys, warthogs, baboons and other smaller wildlife.

There is a good deal of tourist infrastructure in Mole National Park. It is well worth a visit even though it is more expensive than many other parts of Ghana. Mole can be reached by a two-day drive or domestic flight.

As there are no predators, safaris can be done on foot, which is quite different from the vehicle safaris in southern and eastern Africa. It is an exhilarating experience to walk so close to elephants!

Fun facts about Ghana

Get to know Ghana better and impress your friends at your next trivia night with these fun facts!

• According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) report in 2022, Ghana is the second most peaceful country in Africa. This makes it an attractive country for tourists and harmonious for Ghanaians.

• Cocoa production is thriving in Ghana. It is the main agricultural export of the country. They are second only to the Ivory Coast, making them the world's second-largest cocoa exporter.

• Kofi Annan was born and raised in Ghana. Known internationally for his role as Secretary-General at the United Nations from 1997 to 2006, he grew up in Kumasi. Before taking up his role at the UN, he was the Director of Tourism in Ghana.

• Although Ghana is divided in terms of religion between Muslims and Christians, young Ghanaians are taught the importance of respect and freedom of worship, thus promoting tolerance among communities.