Are you considering a trip to Ghana? Whether you're drawn by its rich history, vibrant culture, or stunning landscapes, planning your journey from the USA requires some preparation. Ghana, located in West Africa and formerly known as the Gold Coast, offers a unique travel experience. This guide provides essential tips to ensure your trip is both enjoyable and safe.
Ghana is divided into 16 administrative regions.
Planning Your Trip
1. Decide on Your Destinations
Before booking flights and accommodations, determine the regions you wish to explore and the duration of your stay.
2. Establish a Route and Timeline
Consider the weather, geography, and your travel preferences to create a sensible itinerary. Account for travel time between destinations, as traffic and road conditions can be challenging.
3. Create a Budget
List all anticipated expenses, including airfare, local transportation, lodging, food, entertainment, and activities.
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4. Develop an Itinerary
Allocate the number of days you wish to spend in each location. Minimize hotel changes to save time and money, allowing for a better understanding of each town.
Flights to Ghana
For many, the most significant expense of a trip to Ghana is the airfare. Unfortunately, only a few international carriers, such as Emirates and Delta, offer direct flights from the US to Ghana, which keeps ticket prices relatively high. A typical round-trip ticket from JFK airport can cost around $1200, but prices can vary.
Tips for Buying Flights to Ghana
- Choose Your Departure Airport Wisely: Research flights from different airports, as some may offer better deals.
- Find the Cheapest Dates to Fly: Keep your travel dates flexible to take advantage of potential savings on certain days.
- Book in Advance: Aim to book your flights 3 to 6 months ahead of time to avoid last-minute price increases.
- Avoid Peak Season: Travel during off-peak times to secure lower airfares. Peak season in Ghana is usually in December, January, and sometimes summer.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Visa Requirements
For entry into Ghana, a visa is typically required for non-Ghanaian passport holders. Citizens from African Union (AU) countries may be eligible for a visa on arrival. It's essential to apply for a visa at your local Ghanaian embassy or consulate well in advance, allowing at least three weeks for processing.
Required documents often include:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- Passport photos
- Flight itinerary (proof of return flight)
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodation in Ghana
- Invitation letter from a host in Ghana (if applicable)
- Application fee
Be sure to check the specific requirements for your country.
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Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers nine months or older entering Ghana. Other recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningitis.
Accommodation
Ghana offers a range of accommodation options. Prices for hotels can be high due to limited competition. A cheaper alternative is to consider an AirBNB. AirBnBs can vary widely, so read reviews carefully.
Tips for Finding Accommodation
- Determine your priorities (price, location, hotel quality).
- Set a budget.
- Use Google Maps to research options in central locations with proximity to facilities and conveniences.
Safety and Security
While Ghana is generally considered one of the more politically stable countries in West Africa, it's essential to be aware of potential risks.
Crime
Violent crime, including armed robbery and kidnapping, can occur. Be particularly cautious in and around Accra, especially in crowded market areas and tourist beaches. Attacks on passengers in vehicles are on the rise, so keep windows up and doors locked when stationary. Street crime remains a problem in Accra and other large cities. Thieves may carry out "snatch & grabs" in isolated areas or from vehicles in traffic.
Safety Tips:
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- Use registered taxis.
- Stay alert in crowded places.
- Be cautious with credit card details to prevent fraud.
Scams
Internet scams, including romance, friendship, business, and employment opportunities, are prevalent. Officials or people posing as officials may attempt to detain foreigners or extort money, including at the airport. Credit card fraud is common. Exercise caution when using credit and ATM cards.
Avoid:
- Homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning.
- Engaging with unsolicited sellers at tourist sites.
- Being manipulated by vendors with sob stories.
Other Safety Considerations
- Power Outages: May occur after dark.
- Road Safety: Travel in darkness outside major cities is hazardous due to poor lighting and unpredictable behavior of pedestrians and animals.
- Swimming: Swimming in coastal waters is dangerous and strongly discouraged.
Emergency Contacts
- Main Emergency Number: 112
- Ghana Embassy Duty Officer: +233 (0) 30-274-1000 (for urgent matters, not visa inquiries)
- Embassy : +233-(0)30-274-1000 ext. 1570
10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE Coming to Ghana 🇬🇭 Travel Tips & Tricks For Visiting GHANA in 2021
Local Customs and Laws
Respecting local customs and adhering to local laws is crucial. Public smoking is illegal in Ghana. Ghana’s criminal code outlaws “unnatural carnal knowledge,” which is frequently interpreted by local authorities as consensual same-sex sexual relations.
Health and Medical Information
Healthcare in urban areas is basic, and medical facilities are more limited in rural areas. You may need upfront cash payments for treatment. Medical evacuation may be necessary in severe cases. Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
Health Tips:
- Only drink bottled water. Avoid sachet water.
- Bring charcoal tablets and Imodium for digestive issues.
- Carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging.
Cultural Immersion
Ghana is home to over 100 distinct groups, with the Akan people being the largest ethnic group. English is the official language, a remnant of British colonial rule. Ghana has more than 80 local languages spoken across its regions. The major ethnic groups in Ghana are the Akan, Mole-Dagbon, Ewe, Ga-Dangme, Gurma, Guan, Grusi, and Mande.
Having a local friend helps with navigation and haggling.
Accessibility
Accessibility for travelers with disabilities may be limited. Wheelchair accessibility is often difficult due to bumpy roads and crowded places. Many buildings lack elevators, and wheelchair-accessible sidewalks are scarce. Hiring a private vehicle may improve accessibility.
Ghana Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
Ghana experiences year-round warmth but has two main seasons: the wet season (June to September) and the dry season (December to February). The wet season features lush greenery and fully flowing waterfalls, while the dry season is ideal for outdoor activities like safaris and hiking.
Things to Do
Ghana offers a variety of attractions:
- Elmina Castle: A historical site on the coast.
- Kakum National Park: Features a canopy walk suspended on rope.
- Akosombo Dam: A hydroelectric plant on Lake Volta.
- Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary: The primary habitat for hippos in the country.
Kakum National Park features a thrilling canopy walk.
What to Pack
- Cotton shirts and dresses due to the tropical climate.
- Anti-malaria drugs.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Seasonal allergy medications.
- A battery pack for charging devices on the go.
Money Matters
The exchange rate is approximately 1 US dollar to 4 Ghanaian cedis. Credit card payments aren’t widely accepted, and credit card fraud is a problem. ATMs are available and widely used.
Staying Connected
Internet connectivity can be slow. Purchasing a local SIM card is the easiest way to get internet access on your phone. MTN provides the best mobile network coverage.
