Travel to Ghana — everything you need to know
When to go to Ghana?
- November – February — Dry season (north and south) : Best time to go: mild harmattan winds, clear skies, and ideal conditions for the parks and the coast. Pleasant temperatures of 25–30°C.
- June – August — Main rainy season : Heavy rain in the south (200–300 mm/month) and difficult roads. The north is drier but still hot. Less favourable overall.
Weather in Ghana
Check the weather city by city, starting with Accra.
- Accra: daytime highs from 28 to 33 °C depending on the season, 67 mm of rain per month on average.
- Kumasi: daytime highs from 28 to 35 °C depending on the season, 114 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Ghana?
Ghana is West Africa's most stable and welcoming country for tourism: a cradle of the slave trade with the colonial castles of Cape Coast and Elmina (UNESCO), tropical forests and wild primates in Kakum National Park, kente weaving in Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti, and a music scene (highlife, afrobeats) that shines across the continent.
Cape Coast & Elmina — Slave trade castles
Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle (both UNESCO-listed) are the most moving witnesses to the Atlantic slave trade: the "Door of No Return" through which 12 million Africans were forced into slavery. A deeply emotional visit, and an essential one for understanding Africa's history.
Highlights : Cape Coast Castle (UNESCO) — Door of No Return, Elmina Castle (UNESCO) — the oldest European fort in sub-Saharan Africa, Kakum National Park — canopy walkway (40m high), Anomabo Beach.
Kumasi — Ashanti capital
Kumasi is the cultural heart of Ghana: the Ashanti king's palace (Manhyia Palace), Kejetia Market (the largest in West Africa), kente weaving workshops (the brightly coloured royal cloth), and the Ashanti National Museum. It is a deep dive into Ashanti civilisation, one of the most powerful in Africa.
Highlights : Kejetia Market — the largest in West Africa, Kente weaving in Bonwire, Manhyia Palace Museum — residence of the Ashanti king, Ashanti National Museum.
Mole National Park — Elephants and savannah
Mole is Ghana's largest national park (4,840 km²): free-roaming elephants that can be observed on foot from the lodge perched on an escarpment above the waterholes. Buffalo, warthogs, roan antelope and kob. One of the most accessible walking safaris in Africa.
Highlights : Guided walking safari — elephants at the waterhole, Larabanga Mosque — Ghana's oldest mud-and-stick mosque (13th century), Larabanga village and sacred tree, Roan antelope and buffalo spotting.
Accra — Afrobeats and contemporary art
Accra is one of Africa's most dynamic capitals: the Jamestown district with its colonial lighthouse and open-air boxers, Makola Market, Labadi Beach at night, and a contemporary art scene (galleries, street art) that radiates across the continent. It is a cradle of afrobeats.
Highlights : Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Labadi Beach — afrobeats nights, National Museum of Ghana.
Travel budget for Ghana
Ghana is affordable for a Western traveller, although it is pricier than some neighbouring countries (Togo, Benin). Accra is the most expensive city. Local food is excellent and inexpensive. The cedi has gone through a sharp devaluation in recent years.
- Backpacker : 50–80 €/j — Guesthouse + local food + tro-tro
- Comfort : 100–160 €/j — 3★ hotel + restaurants + excursions
- Luxury : 250 €+/j — 5★ hotel in Accra + private safaris
Practical tips for travelling to Ghana
- Flight from Paris : ~6h direct (Air France), or via London with British Airways / on Ethiopian Airlines
- Visa : Visa required — online e-visa (~USD 90, ghana.gov.gh/visa) or embassy application. Valid for 30–60 days.
- Currency : Ghanaian cedi (GHS). Exchange rate fluctuates — bring a major currency (US dollars, euros or pounds sterling) to change locally.
- Language : English (official) — easy communication. Akan / Twi widely spoken.
- Electricity : Type G (British) — 230V. Adapter recommended.
- Health : Yellow fever vaccination required. Anti-malaria medication is essential (Malarone or doxycycline).
- Tap water : Not safe to drink — bottled water or a filter is essential.
- Mobile network : Good 4G coverage in Accra and major cities. Roaming may work, but a local SIM is recommended.
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