TRAVELING TO GHANA

So, you’ve made the exciting decision to embark on a holiday to Africa, specifically to the enchanting West African nation of Ghana. Now, the anticipation and excitement of planning a Ghana trip can begin. 

But when it comes to organizing your Ghana trip, where do you start? Should you tackle it solo or enlist the help of a professional? Which is the best travel itinerary for Ghana for the best experiences, convenience, and enjoyment? 

In this blog, I’ll guide you towards the best itinerary for your Ghana trip, ensuring your travel to Ghana is nothing short of amazing.

If you are not yet sure if you want to visit Ghana, read this blog about vacations in Ghana first.

CAN I PLAN A GHANA TRIP BY MYSELF?

Planning your Ghana trip independently is entirely feasible. There is a wealth of information available online. However, relying solely on the experiences of an individual who spent a brief period in Ghana may provide limited insights. Similarly, information from Facebook groups may not always be reliable. It’s essential to sift through and verify the information. 

If you prefer to plan your Ghana trip by yourself, we’ve done some of that work for you using my 20+ years of experience in Ghana. In this e-book, you’ll discover detailed directions, valuable links, contact information for delightful accommodations, and a treasure trove of tips and tricks.

Alternatively, collaborating with a travel expert or having someone else handle the arrangements can be a fantastic option. After all, it’s your holiday! An experienced planner can not only suggest but also coordinate the best routes, worthwhile activities, and more, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

SHOULD I RENT A CAR OR USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN GHANA?

This depends on various factors, including your preferred itinerary in Ghana, your attitude, and your budget. 

Renting a car might be preferable for you if you’re looking for flexibility, convenience, and the ability to explore off-the-beaten-path locations. Renting a car in Ghana offers the flexibility to explore remote areas and access the not-so-touristy things to do in Ghana.

However, renting a car alone is actually rare in Ghana. Instead, you would rent a car with a driver. And that can come in different price ranges. You can rent a taxi without air conditioning, or you can rent a 4×4 with an experienced driver who can also serve as a tour guide. And everything in between. Prices vary quite a bit, from €60 per route to €250 per route, including driver, excluding petrol.

If you’re interested in a more budget-friendly Ghana trip, or if you would only explore major tourist destinations like Accra, public transportation can be a suitable option. It allows you to experience local culture and interact with locals, enhancing your trip to Ghana. Want to read more about public transport in Ghana? Then click here.

HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY DO I NEED FOR MY GHANA TRIP?

The answer to this question varies depending on your individual preferences. For example, opting for public transport, instead of having a car and driver, will change how much spending money you need.

There’s also a multitude of accommodations available, spanning various price points depending on the location. Your dining choices also play a role, with street food typically being more budget-friendly compared to restaurant meals. Additionally, the exchange rate of the Ghanaian Cedi fluctuates, adding another layer of consideration.

Nevertheless, I’ll provide an estimate of costs to give you a clearer picture. If you rent a car with 2 people for a 2-week trip, the costs are between €1600 and €2600. This includes transport, entrance fees and accommodation for 2 people. The price does not include airfare, visa and insurance. When you rent a car with more people, the transport costs per person will drop given the shared expense.

If you stick very closely to your budget, use public transport, eat most meals from the ‘street’ and don’t visit major tourist attractions every day, you can travel with 2 people for 2 weeks for €700 to €900.

Want to read more about food in Ghana? Check out my blog article about street food here.

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO IN GHANA

Ghana boasts remarkable diversity, showcasing varied stunning landscapes and attractions. Unfortunately, this African country is not very touristy, which makes it sometimes challenging to get to some of these stunning sights.

Below is a list of some of the highlights:

• Beautiful beaches in the Volta, near Accra, Winneba and Busua, among others
• The slave forts in Cape Coast and Elmina are a must see. In addition, several smaller forts can be found along the coast
• The Volta region has Ghana’s highest mountain and largest waterfall
• Elephant spotting in Mole national park

Besides these more familiar sights, I would also recommend the following places:

• The beautiful lake Bosumtwi
• The Kwahu region
• The surroundings of our guesthouse, BWO Hostel, in the Ashanti region
• When you have plenty of time and a rental car, the hippos in Wenchi

GHANA TRIP TIPS

I have many tips to share, but in this blog about the best travel itinerary for Ghana I will share my top three tips for your trip.

Don’t rely solely on Google. A lot of information is absolutely great, but not all Ghanaians know how to use Google maps. The information on distances, roads and travel times is definitely not always accurate.

I consider sustainability very important. Not just ecological sustainability, but definitely social sustainability. I would like to inform you that not every accommodation in Ghana can be found on well-known booking sites and not all cool places have a website. So listen to locals and recommendations from other travelers. In doing so, book directly with the accommodations’ website or by phone so that the income stays in Ghana!

Use your right hand to indicate things – to pay, to greet and to eat! The left hand is reserved for less hygienic things.

THE BEST GHANA TOUR IS DIFFERENT FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL

If you’re a beach enthusiast who prefers minimal travel, you might opt to explore the coastline while also enjoying a city tour of Accra. This itinerary allows time for visiting slave forts, experiencing nature, trying your hand at surfing, and immersing yourself in the local culture.

Venturing into the Volta region unveils stunning natural beauty, with verdant hills, numerous waterfalls, and serene beaches. Here, you can also delve into traditional crafts like pottery and bead making.

Time, distance, and accessibility play significant roles in crafting the best Ghana itinerary. Traveling to the north, for instance, may pose challenges in terms of limited route variations. However, this doesn’t diminish the trip’s value. You can make stops along the way on your way there and back, explore diverse locations, and witness the country’s rich natural and cultural diversity.

From charming fishing villages along the southern coast to the lush jungles and rocky terrain of the Ashanti region, and further to the rolling hills and expansive farmlands of Brong Ahafo, culminating in the flat savannahs of the north adorned with traditional round mud houses — Ghana’s landscapes and cultural tapestry await exploration.

Making choices is challenging when planning a trip. What do you skip, what do you definitely want to see and experience? If you have already been on safari in other countries, you might want to forget the north. If you do want to go to the north, realize that it is sometimes time consuming to make the entire trip to Busua, causing you to miss out on other wonderful experiences.

2 EXAMPLES OF A TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR YOUR GHANA TRIP

To help you plan your Ghana trip, I would like to give you 2 example itineraries. For more details, you can download our detailed Ghana itinerary e-book here.

GHANA ITINERARY FOR WHEN YOUR TIME IS LIMITED BUT YOU WANT TO GO ON SAFARI (2 WEEKS)

Start your journey from Accra with a domestic flight to Tamale, your gateway to Mole National Park.

Next, make your way to Nkoranza via Kintampo Falls, and don’t miss the opportunity to explore the sacred monkey village of Boabeng Fiema. You can then continue your journey to Kumasi and/or consider a delightful stay at our hostel in Banko.

A visit to the scenic Lake Bosumtwi is an absolute must during your trip.

Afterwards, venture towards Cape Coast, where you can indulge in beach relaxation while also delving into the history at the slave forts and exploring Kakum National Park. 

Conclude your trip with a direct journey to the airport or extend your stay for a few extra days of beach bliss in picturesque locations like Kokrobite.

LONGER ITINERARY FOR GHANA THOSE WITH MORE TIME WHO LIKE NATURE, HIKING AND CULTURE (3 WEEKS)

Commence your adventure in Accra with a comprehensive city tour.

Depart from Accra to explore the stunning landscapes of the Volta region. This area boasts majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches, the expansive Lake Volta, and a captivating monkey village.

Next, journey to Ashanti for an immersive Ashanti tour. Dive into hiking adventures, cultural experiences, visits to mesmerizing waterfalls, savoring Ghanaian cuisine with locals, and exploring Kumasi, among other enriching activities.

Afterwards, venture to the serene Lake Bosumtwi for activities like horseback riding, canoeing, and leisurely enjoyment.

Continue your exploration to Busua, renowned for its excellent surfing opportunities and picturesque beaches. Transition to Cape Coast to delve into the poignant history of the slave forts and experience the thrilling treetop hikes on Kakum National Park’s rope bridges.

Conclude your memorable holiday by unwinding at Kokrobite beach, basking in its relaxed coastal ambiance and perhaps even partaking in drumming lessons.

For more comprehensive details on the above 2 week and 3 week itineraries including accommodation, packing, and route recommendations, you can download our free detailed Ghana Itinerary e-book here.