5 reasons why you should visit Ghana at least once in your lifetime
Although widely considered to be "Africa for beginners," Ghana is often overlooked by travelers. Maybe people don't want to walk with elephants or relax on unspoiled beaches. Whatever your reasons may be, here are 5 as to why everyone should visit Ghana at least once in their lifetime.
Please note: This post was updated as of December 2023
Although widely considered to be "Africa for beginners," Ghana is often overlooked by travelers.
I suppose, in a way, it can be quite overwhelming with too much nature to explore, too many foods to choose from, or a local culture too vibrant to step into.
Sounds terrible, right?
Here are 5 reasons that you should make time to visit Ghana at least once in your lifetime!
1. DIVERSE WILDLIFE
A one hour flight north of Accra to Tamale gives access to Mole National Park, the epicenter of Ghana’s wildlife.
Mole was the first National Park established throughout the country and covers 4,577 square kilometers of burnt orange savannah.
Once inside the park, visitors are transported into a world full of wildlife, including antelopes, bushbucks, monkeys, rare birds (most notably the white-backed vulture), and even leopards, although extremely rare.
It’s not uncommon to be wandering the grounds of the Mole Motel, only to stumble upon a family of warthogs grazing in the grass.
Don’t get distracted for too long though, as the pesky baboons aren’t shy about rummaging through your belongings. During my first visit, I zoned out at breakfast only to realize a baboon had jumped onto the table, stolen the toast and butter, and was cheekily consuming it 10 yards away.
What’s so special about Mole National Park, you ask? The elephants.
Yes, I failed to mention that it’s an elephant hot spot and a prime place for viewing these magnificent mammals between December and April.
Due to the lack of predators within the park’s boundaries, safaris can be done on foot when accompanied by an armed guard. This means that visitors can come within mere feet as elephants graze the savannah.
In total, Mole National Park encompasses 90 different species of mammals, 334 of birds, 33 of reptiles, and approximately 120 of butterflies.
It was a surreal experience, to say the least.
Other places of note include the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in Nkoranza and the remote Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, tucked away in the Upper West Region along the border with Burkina Faso
Looking for a little more luxury? Check out Mole National Park’s Zaina Lodge. This all-inclusive resort comes complete with an infinity pool, fine dining, and games drives.
Walking with elephants at Mole National Park
2. VIBRANT CULTURE
Thailand might be known as the “land of smiles,” but I’m willing to cast my vote for Ghana to claim the title.
Upon landing in Accra, visitors will notice the positive vibes that are emitted from the locals as they smile and greet everyone that passes by. Don’t be surprised if you make a few friends on the streets and the two of you are suddenly chatting as childhood best friends do. It’s completely normal.
Ghanaians aren’t afraid to express themselves through any means and the perfect place to experience it all at once is Makola Market. Wander through the narrow paths as sellers shout their prices, negotiations become animated, and people move to the beat of the music that fills the air.
It’s no wonder everyone is so happy. In a sea of dust and smog, Ghana’s arts shine bright.
For proof, the stalls full of kente cloth goods at the Center for National Culture.
This vibrant cloth was once sacred amongst the Akan people, reserved for Kings and Queens to wear in times of great importance. Although it’s turned mainstream for the sake of souvenirs in Accra, the royal culture is alive and well in villages throughout the city.
Side note: When visiting a village it’s customary to present the elders with a bottle of schnapps. During one of my visits with Aya, we abided by this custom and he, in turn, presented us with a live goat. I’d like to think that he’s still happily roaming the fields of central Ghana where we set him free.
Whether dancing the night away with locals on the famed Labadi Beach or wandering the halls of the Artists Alliance Gallery in Accra, even the most introverted people can’t resist the vibrant culture in Ghana (I can personally attest).
Traditional drumming & dance performance in Senase, Ghana
3. DELICIOUS FOOD SCENE
Whether in search of traditional fare or cuisine from around the world, Ghana has got you covered.
Dive into a bowl of fufu, a ball of pounded cassava served with stew, or jollof rice, a mixture of tomato paste and rice that packs a punch with a pinch of habanero pepper.
Ghanaians are passionate about their jollof. So much so that a seemingly endless online debate has been taking place for years with Nigerians as to whose jollof rice is the best. For neutrality’s sake, I’m going to keep my mouth shut (but definitely have some while in Ghana, if you catch my drift).
Another personal favorite is the mouth-watering bofrot, the African version of a donut. It’s easy to find a street vendor selling this traditional fried snack on most corners, serving as a quick, easy, and cheap breakfast.
As vast as the traditional foods might be, the global food scene shines bright in the capital city of Accra.
Visit Burger & Relish in the lively neighborhood of Osu for arguably the country’s best burger or enjoy an evening at Santoku for an innovative Japanese experience.
Whatever your food preference may be, you can find it in Ghana.
Traditional Ghanaian fufu
4. DEEP HISTORY
Ghana’s vibrant culture becomes next-level when considering the dark and gut-wrenching past.
Today, 40 castles that formerly housed slaves before loading them onto ships bound for the New World dot the coastline. Of the 11 million to cross the Atlantic, most were taken to South America or the Caribbean but it is thought that around 500,000 Ghanaians disembarked in the United States.
Cape Coast Castle is the most popular of former slave sites to explore and provides visitors the opportunity to experience first-hand the suffocating, dark dungeons that housed 1,000 males and 500 females with minimal food and no sewage available.
The most chilling part of the experience is by far walking through the infamous “Door of No Return,” where slaves once took their final steps in their homeland before a life of labor elsewhere became the reality. That’s if they were fortunate enough to survive the ocean crossing.
It was on March 6th in 1957 when the resiliency of Ghanaian’s paid off and the country became the first sub-Saharan nation to gain independence.
Needless to say, there’s a long and storied history here and it begs to be explored. What better way to do so than to do it first-hand?
Cape Coast Castle looking towards the “Door of No Return”
5. UNSPOILED NATURE
A 4.5-hour drive east of Accra lies Wli Falls, conveniently situated along the border with Togo. Cascading into a pool from 80 meters (262 feet) above, it’s West Africa’s largest waterfall and just a scratch on the surface of all that Ghana has to offer.
Hikers can climb to the top of Mount Afadjato (885 meters/ 2,903 feet) the highest peak in the country, while beachgoers can head south to Ada Foah and stay at the off-the-beaten-path Maranatha Beach Camp for some much-needed relaxation and fun in the sun.
Maranatha Beach Camp in Ada Foah, Ghana
If mountains and beaches don’t do it for you, then how about rainforest hiking?
Kakum National Park is located a short drive north of Cape Coast, Ghana and encompasses 360 square kilometers of the country’s rapidly receding vegetation.
It’s also the home to the famed canopy walk where visitors saunter between the treetops on a precariously placed piece of wood (it’s completely safe, I swear).
Forest elephants and bongo antelopes, both endangered, call this park home while guided hikes from the visitors center help hikers spot birds and butterflies.
Hiking, birdwatching, swimming, sunbathing; Ghana has it all.
Canopy walkway at Kakum National Park
Hopefully, by now you’re a bit better acquainted with all the beauty, both natural and cultural, that this West African nation holds.
If not, here’s the moral of the story: take a trip to Ghana. Explore it, live it, breathe it and enjoy the ride!
Have you ever been to Ghana before? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments below!
As always, stay safe & happy travels.
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3 must-do day trips to take from Accra, Ghana
Ghana's capital city certainly has plenty to offer as is, but don't overlook the country's rich culture, natural beauty, and storied past. Here are 3 must-do day trips to take the next time you find yourself in Accra!
Please note: This post has been updated as of December 2023
A city of over 1.5 million people, Ghana’s capital of Accra certainly has plenty to do as is, but don’t let that stop you from seeing more! Step outside of the hustle and bustle to unlock the natural beauty, rich culture, and storied past of this West African nation.
Here are 3 must-do day trips to take the next time you find yourself visiting Accra, Ghana!
KAKUM NATIONAL PARK
Located 170km from Accra along Ghana’s southern coast, Kakum National Park is home to 360 square-kilometers of the country’s rapidly receding rainforest and protects several endangered species such as the forest elephant, bongo antelope and more.
The park itself was established in 1992 and has since seen steady growth. Ghanaians and foreigners alike come from all around to hike through the butterfly-rich forest, birdwatch along the SunBird Trail and, most frequently, experience the famed canopy walkway (one of three on the African continent).
Suspended 30m above the forest floor, the 7 suspended bridges span a length of over 330m, zig-zagging between the trees along the way. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart as the precariously placed single planks of wood that separate you from plummeting to the ground seem suspiciously unstable, but rest assured it’s perfectly safe.
However you decide to experience Kakum National Park, trained guides are available every step of the way to help spot wildlife, discuss the environmental and economic impact of the area, as well as explain local medicinal purposes of the flora and fauna.
Once exhausted from a day of exploration, the visitors area at the main entrance offers a relaxing atmosphere amongst educational exhibits and the Rainforest Cafe, a place to rest your weary legs and enjoy a refreshing beverage. The cafe sources fresh produce and ingredients from the surrounding communities, so a meal here not only supports the national park but local farmers as well.
Not ready to leave? Kakum National Park offers several overnight accommodations from the primitive Afrafranto Campground (equipment not included) to the comfortable onsite Rainforest Lodge, but for a unique experience book a night in the canopy treehouse and fall asleep to the sounds of the surrounding forest.
Walking along the swinging bridges of Kakum National Park in Ghana
Associated Fees
Standard entrance fee: 2 GHC per person
Canopy Walkway: 60 GHC for non-Ghanaian adult (not including tips)
Guided Hike (1 hour): 50 GHC for non-Ghanaian adult (not including tips)
Cost fluctuates based on nationality and age, as well as inflation. For a full breakdown, visit the official website
Hours of Operation
The park gate is open daily from 8 am - 4 pm
If using park accommodation, arrangements can be made to arrive earlier/later as needed
Getting There
Hop on a shared tro-tro from Kaneshie Station in Accra. Once in Cape Coast, hire a taxi the rest of the way
VIP Bus from Accra to Cape Coast before hiring a taxi
Arriving via rental car is possible as the drive is fairly straight-forward. Be cautious and consider hiring a private driver as traffic in Accra can be overwhelming and be prepared for tolls and police stops along the way
Kakum National Park in Ghana
MARANATHA BEACH CAMP
Welcome to Maranatha Beach Camp, where the Volta River meets the Gulf of Guinea.
A short 2.5-hour drive east of Accra will land travelers in the small fishing town of Ada-Foah. Ask around enough and someone will inevitably be able to point you in the direction of the beach camp, located at the edge of town along a picturesque strip of sand that’s dotted with palm trees and thatched huts.
It’s one of the best places to kick back in a hammock and enjoy a cold beer, only breaking the cycle to cool off in the river. By day, time seemingly stands still but at night, the camp transforms into a local hangout with blaring music and a full dance floor.
The Maranatha Beach Camp was first established by a man named Winifred who saw a need for education within his community. By founding the guest house, he began using the profits to establish a nursery school on the beach. What was once an open-air shelter has since blossomed into a Government-supported and fully-enclosed school and to this day, profits from the beach camp continue to directly benefit the community. Upon arrival, you may be offered a tour of the community. Don’t shy away; it’s great to see where the money is going!
Looking to explore more of the area? The staff at Maranatha are well-connected and are more than happy to arrange a local fisherman to get you more acquainted with Volta Estuary. During one of my visits, we stopped at a local crocodile farm — something I never expected to find on an island in the middle of the river!
Maranatha Beach Camp from the water
Getting There:
The first step is to hop in a tro-tro from Accra to Ada-Foah (2.5hrs, but plan for longer), then there are two options:
Option 1: Find a motorbike willing to take you from Ada-Foah to Maranatha (ask around and don’t be afraid to negotiate the price)
Option 2: Give the beach camp a call and they will send a boat to meet you. Price is typically 30GHC per person for a one-way trip
If travel via tro-tro isn’t in your repertoire, then consider hiring a reliable taxi cab for the day to take you to/from Ada-Foah
Tips & Tricks:
The camp is a cash-only establishment and there is no way to get more. It’s important to plan ahead and overestimate what you’ll need. During one of my trips I had to ask the tro-tro to stop at an ATM on the way back to Accra so that I would be able to pay them because I had run out of money
The restaurant serves great food, but it may be difficult to find something that fits within a vegan diet, so come prepared with snacks if you’re staying for the day. Similar to the lack of ATMs, there are also no stores in the area
Contact Info:
Phone: (+233) 243528248
Sunset above the Maranatha Beach Camp
CAPE COAST CASTLE
A visit to Cape Coast Castle certainly isn’t an experience that will leave you feeling happy and fulfilled, but it’s an important place to visit firsthand and will shed a heart-wrenching light on all that the Ghanaian people have been through.
This particular castle is just one of forty slave forts that were built along the Gold Coast of West Africa by European traders and, since being acquired by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, is widely touted as one the most restored and best maintained. It’s possible to visit Fort James back in Accra, but the prison is held under lock and key by the locals and is a far less informative experience.
At Cape Coast Castle, there is an eye-opening museum and guests have the chance to take a somber tour around the grounds. Step inside the damp dungeons underground that once housed up to 1,000 males and 500 females in separate rooms and feel a shiver down your spine as the tour guide slowly closes the door and total darkness descends upon the room. It’s an out-of-body-experience I’ll never soon forget.
As if stepping foot inside the dungeons isn’t heavy enough, the tour culminates by leading visitors through the “Door of No Return.” The exact hole in the fort’s exterior in which slaves once marched through before boarding ships bound for the New World. For the estimated 15% of the 12 million slaves thought to have died at sea, this door not only embodies their final steps on their homeland but also on this Earth.
It’s an emotional experience to be a part of, but I promise that you will have a much deeper connection to the people and culture of Ghana. It’s important to confront the terrible past to truly understand how far things have come. Some of the most positive and resilient people I’ve ever met have been during my travels through this beautiful West African nation.
Inside Elmina Castle, looking towards the path that leads to the “Door of No Return”
Associated Fees:
40 GHC for adult foreigners which includes entry into the museum and a guided tour
Hours of Operation:
Open daily from 9 am-5 pm
Getting There:
Take a local tro-tro to Cape Coast before flagging down a taxi to drive the rest of the way. Expect a 3-4 hour trip if using local transportation
Hire a private car or taxi for the day to make the 127km trip from Accra
Relics of the former life of Cape Coast Castle are now on display for visitors
Wherever you go in Ghana and whatever you do, just remember that there is so much more to the country than what Accra has to offer! Travel farther, expand your mind, and experience something new.
Have you been to Ghana before? What were some of your favorite parts? Let me know in the comments below!
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