Ghana is a small English-speaking country in West Africa that charms its visitors with its rich traditional culture, nice tropical beaches and friendly people. Ghana is also home to steamy rainforests, African wildlife, and one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. No wonder this West African country is becoming a popular tourism destination, receiving a growing number of visitors from Europe and North America.
Varied attractions. Visitors interested in history will enjoy the historical sites in Ghana's colonial center of Cape Coast, while nature enthusiasts will appreciate the African wildlife in Mole National Park and the rainforests in Kakum Nature Park. But most of all, Ghana is a peaceful laid-back country that is ideal for a relaxing holiday in an authentic African culture. As such, it is a safe introduction to West Africa as a whole.
Travel to Ghana is usually done by air. The capital of Ghana, Accra has an international airport receiving direct flights to Ghana from several African, European and US cities. You can also arrive here by ship from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and South Africa, or by bus from the neighboring Burkina Faso, Togo and Ivory Coast.
Local transport. There are domestic flights available between major Ghanaian cities, and local public transport is handled with buses, minibuses called tro-tros, and trains. There are also passenger ferries crossing Lake Volta, a 520 kilometers long reservoir that generates electricity for the country. Ghana’s road network is generally in decent shape, so driving a rental car in Ghana is also possible.
Tourism attractions in Ghana: from colonial heritage to beaches and wildlife safaris
With its wealth of colorful local cultures and stable political conditions, Ghana is a great destination for first time travelers to Africa. This relatively small country has many points of interest, such as the Ghanaian capital Accra with its colorful markets and nice nearby beaches that are suitable for water sports and beach holidays. Ghana is also home to the old kingdom of Ashanti, located in the central part of the country.Varied attractions. Visitors interested in history will enjoy the historical sites in Ghana's colonial center of Cape Coast, while nature enthusiasts will appreciate the African wildlife in Mole National Park and the rainforests in Kakum Nature Park. But most of all, Ghana is a peaceful laid-back country that is ideal for a relaxing holiday in an authentic African culture. As such, it is a safe introduction to West Africa as a whole.
Ghana travel information and practical tips
Located on the coast of Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, Ghana has a tropical climate with warm weather throughout the year. The eastern part of the coast of Ghana is warm and relatively dry, whereas the southwest is hot and humid and the north hot and dry. There is a rainy season in Ghana between May and September. A dry Harmattan wind blows from the North from January to March.Travel to Ghana is usually done by air. The capital of Ghana, Accra has an international airport receiving direct flights to Ghana from several African, European and US cities. You can also arrive here by ship from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and South Africa, or by bus from the neighboring Burkina Faso, Togo and Ivory Coast.
Local transport. There are domestic flights available between major Ghanaian cities, and local public transport is handled with buses, minibuses called tro-tros, and trains. There are also passenger ferries crossing Lake Volta, a 520 kilometers long reservoir that generates electricity for the country. Ghana’s road network is generally in decent shape, so driving a rental car in Ghana is also possible.
Photo: Stig Nygaard, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Services & safety. Ghanaians are very friendly and helpful people and even though the country’s tourism infrastructure is not yet well organized, Ghana is a good destination for touring with hotels and guesthouses available in many parts of the country. There are more than 250 languages spoken in Ghana. English is the country's official language and many people especially in urban centers are able to speak English. Ghana is an inexpensive as well as safe country with low crime levels compared to many other African countries, but sensible precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime such as pick-pocketing.
