Ghana holidays

This small nation on the Gulf of Guinea is the perfect primer to West Africa. Holidays to Ghana reward adventure-seeking travellers with a patchwork of landscapes and cultures. Explore tangled jungles as you hunt for waterfalls, or immerse yourself in the country’s precolonial history in the lively city of Kumasi. At the centre of it all is one of the most hospitable and welcoming cultures on the continent.

Top destinations in Ghana

Accra

Whether you’re craving a city break or a beach getaway, Ghana’s capital delivers, with rooftop bars, art galleries and an endless supply of golden sand.

Ghana: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

Ghanaian cedi (₵)

Time zone

UTC+0 (GMT)

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Ghana holiday highlights

Ghana

Rainforest hikes

A great way to experience the country’s scenery is by exploring its many hiking trails. Cross Ghana’s oldest and most famous canopy walkway through the Kakum National Park’s rainforest, and trek through the bird-filled forests of the Bunso Arboretum. The Wli Waterfall Trail takes you past West Africa’s tallest waterfall, home to fruit bats and countless species of tropical birds and butterflies.

Asante history

Get an introduction to Ghana’s Asante Empire with a visit to Kumasi, the modern capital of the Asante Region. The Manhyia Palace Museum is a good place to start, home to over 100,000 works of Asante art and design. To learn more about this rich culture, visit the Bonwire Kente Weaving Village, which produces handwoven Ghanaian textiles.

Cultural festivals

One of the best things to do in Ghana is to experience the country’s colourful festivals. Held every sixth Sunday at the Royal Palace in Kumasi, the Akwasidae Festival celebrates Asante culture and ancestral heritage. Expect a parade with drumming, dancing and singing. In July, Elmina celebrates the Bakatue Festival, an ancient tradition marking the beginning of a new fishing season.

Things to do in Ghana

Ghana

Top attractions

To dive into the heart, soul and spirit of Ghana, head straight for Makola Market in Accra. In the country’s northwest Savannah Region, Mole National Park gives you the rare chance to go on safari on foot. And for one of West Africa’s most important historical monuments, look no further than the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Cape Coast Castle.

Beaches

Visiting Ghana’s Atlantic coast beaches is a highlight of any trip. Enjoy a sandy day on Accra’s lively Labadi Pleasure Beach, followed by an evening in one of its many beach bars. For a quieter atmosphere, escape the crowds on Awangazule Beach’s white sands near the coastal village of Axim. Love surfing? Find excellent waves at Busua Beach in the Western Region.

Nature

There’s more to Ghana’s natural beauty than its celebrated Atlantic coastline. Enjoy some of the country’s best wildlife spotting at Mole National Park, home to baboons, elephants, hippos and hundreds of species of birds. For more animal encounters, the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Reserve is a great way to spend an afternoon. And you won’t find better views than at Kyabobo National Park or Mount Afadjato.

Culture and museums

Accra is home to the National Museum of Ghana, the country’s oldest and largest museum. And the Cape Coast Castle Museum is one of the best museums in Ghana to learn about the nation’s colonial history and slave trade. To engage with the country’s Pan-Africanism movement, check out the WEB Du Bois Center and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra.

Cuisine

The best restaurants in Ghana serve traditional dishes like ‘jollof rice’ (rice with tomatoes, onions, peppers and seasonings), ‘red-red’ (stewed black-eyed beans) and ‘kelewele’ (spicy fried plantain). ‘Fufu’ is especially popular here, made of pounded cassava, plantains or yams shaped into a ball and served alongside dishes like peanut soup or a chicken and tomato-based ‘light soup’.

Family friendly

Swinging through the suspended walkways of Kakum National Park is an adventure with some of Ghana’s most beautiful birds and monkeys. There’s also a playground and two cafes for those keen to stay closer to the ground. For a beach day, Labadi, Bojo and Pleasure beaches in Accra all offer plenty of amenities with the bonus of a handful of kids’ clubs.

Find the best time to visit Ghana

Weather in Ghana

April – October: The warm, tropical climate of Ghana is broken into two seasons: wet and dry. The south of the country, including Accra, experiences the heaviest rainfall from April to June. In the north, the rainy season stretches from April to October. This is a great time to see waterfalls, rivers and lakes in full force — just pack wet weather gear.

November – March: The cooler dry season is the best time to visit Ghana. But be aware that you might experience dry winds carrying dust from the Sahara. It can bring relief and some incredible wildlife viewing, but there’s also the chance of dust-choked days. To see Ghana at its most festive, consider visiting during Christmas or Easter, when moods soar.

Events in Ghana

Winneba Fancy Dress Festival (January): Masks, elaborate costumes, brass bands and rows of dancers ring in the new year in Winneba, a coastal town in the central region. The event originated with Dutch colonisers but is now wholly Ghana’s own.

Chale Wote Street Art Festival (August): This is the event to take in the breadth and bounty of Ghana’s contemporary art scene. Don’t miss a bouncing street party in Accra’s Jamestown with live music, Ghanaian food and loads of expressive art.

Akwasidae Festival (every six weeks): Every 42 days, a grand procession is held in the Royal Palace in Kumasi to honour the Asante Empire’s long-held ancestral traditions. It’s an almighty display of fashion, gold and cultural customs.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Greetings are important in Ghana. Take the time to meet, greet and shake hands, and be sure to show extra respect for elders and dignitaries. It’s best to avoid public displays of affection and pointing, as both are considered taboo. And always use your right hand when giving or accepting food, a present or goods.

Health and safety

All travellers aged nine months and older must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It’s also advisable to drink bottled water and take precautions against mosquito bites, as waterborne and insect-borne diseases are common. If you’re visiting during the hot, dry season, take care to carry water, wear a hat and rest often to avoid heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

LGBTQ+ travel

Ghanaian law and the majority of public sentiment are strongly anti-LGBTQ+. There have been recorded instances of violence towards the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Exercise caution when travelling here, avoid public displays of affection, and be aware of the local laws and customs.

Budget

Cheap holidays to Ghana are very doable, especially if you travel during the wet season (April to June). Once you’ve arrived, expect to pay about 60 Ghanaian cedis (₵) for an inexpensive meal and as little as ₵17 for a local beer. If you’re catching a taxi, plan to pay around ₵88 for a short ride.

FAQs about Ghana holidays

Is Ghana expensive?

More refined hotels and restaurants in Accra, Cape Coast and Kumasi come with higher price tags. But travelling before peak season in October and November and eating at local restaurants are great ways to keep costs down.

Is it safe to travel to Ghana?

Overall, Ghana is a safe tourist destination, but check with your local government for regional travel advisories. Be mindful of the roads, as aggressive driving and poorly maintained surfaces can make exploring by car a hazard. Homosexuality is criminalised in Ghana, so LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise extreme caution.

What is the currency in Ghana?

You’ll use the Ghanaian cedi (₵) — pronounced ‘seedy’ — during your trip. Ghana is largely a cash-based country, and only upscale restaurants and hotels in Accra and Kumasi are likely to accept credit card payments. While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s appreciated for good service.

What is the language in Ghana?

English is Ghana’s official language, but over 80 regional languages are spoken throughout the country. Twi is the most common Indigenous language, along with Ewe, Hausa and Dagbani. If you want to try a Twi phrase, ‘medaase’ (thank you) is a good start.

When is the best time to visit Ghana?

The best time to visit Ghana is from October to March. You’ll enjoy cooler, less humid weather and avoid the spring and summer rains. If you’re after the best wildlife sightings, aim for a visit in January and February, when the weather is at its driest. This is a great time to spot animals gathering around watering holes in places like Mole National Park.

Where is the best area to stay in Ghana?

You can’t go wrong in Accra, the beating heart of Ghana’s emerging art scene, with beach clubs and historical monuments. It’s also a great base for side trips to Cape Coast, nearby national parks and smaller towns.