The wonderful diversity of natural tourist attractions, historical heritage and the vibrant cultural identity offers visitors of Ghana a microcosmic taste of Africa. Known for the hospitality and friendliness of the people, Ghana is an obvious first port of call for especially first time travelers to the African continent and is a pleasant destination for tourist travelers with children. Ghana is one of the few English speaking countries in the region.
People and culture
Experience rural life and enjoy the friendliness and hospitality of the local people during your visit to one of the many interesting eco-tourism projects in Ghana.
Discover the various architectural styles of local houses and the distinctive way of living in the sub-Saharan northern part of the country.
Visit the flamboyant festivals celebrated throughout the year and learn about culture and traditions of the various tribes in Ghana. Be amazed by the vibrant parades surrounding the traditional chiefs in their colorful dresses and the rhythmic beat of local drumming.
Visit the traditional weaving villages of Kpotoe, Daboya or Bonwire and explore other craft making villages like the pottery and art village Sirigu and wood carving section of Aburi or Kpando.
Enjoy the panoramic scenery after climbing to the top of Mount Afadjatoe, Mount Gemi or the Breast Mountains in Kyabobo Natural park; the highest peaks in the Volta Region. Take a refreshing shower under one of the surrounding waterfalls, like the Tagbo falls at Liati Wote, Wli falls or Ote falls.
Spot Mona monkeys living in harmony with the local people in the villages Tafi Atome monkey sanctuary and the Baobeng Fiema monkey sanctuary.
Watch elephants, crocodiles and antelopes during a foot safari in Mole National Park. Spot other species of wildlife during an adventurous drive further into the park.
Paddle a pirogue on the Black Volta River and look for hippos.
Take a canoe trip at the Amansuri Lagoon and visit the extra-ordinary stilt village Nzulezo. Highly interesting for bird watchers, like the Xavi Bird Watching Sanctuary!
Enjoy the shadow of the giant Baobab trees during your hike through the rock formation around the village Bongo or climb to the sacred caves of Tano.
Enjoy the green rolling hills around the banks of the Volta Lake during a two day ferry trip up north.
Relaxing and beach life
Taking respite from the Ghanaian heat and relax along the exotic beaches around Busua, Elmina or Ada. Relaxation is guaranteed at Ko-Sa Beach Resort, Green Turtle Lodge, Ellis Hideout and others.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere and the gorgeous taste of grilled tilapia in the lovely hide-outs at the bank of river or Lake Volta. Relaxation guaranteed at Aloy’s Bay, Xofa village, Rainbow Gardens at Lake Bosumtwi and others.
Sleep in the open-air under a bright sky full of stars! The best places are Sirigu pottery village where you sleep at the flat roof of the decorated compound houses, or Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary where you spend the night on a wooden sleeping platform in top of the giant silk cotton tree.
Clearly, one of the main attractions of this West African country is its opulent, picturesque beaches. The coastline of Ghana was previously known as The Gold Coast and one can immediately see why. The majority of these spectacular sands are kept in Accra; where all different tastes can be suited.
If you want a more traditional beach experience then perhaps the best would be the Labadi Pleasure Beach. An entrance fee must be paid for this particular experience which might detract slightly from the enjoyment, but for your money you get one of the few beaches in Ghana which is deliberately kept clean, a plethora of restaurants and bars to avail yourself of and, on certain days, performances of cultural music and dancing; mainstream music is often also available to enjoy as well.
Ghana also boasts much more secluded, tranquil beaches. For example, Misty Beach, to be found as one leaves Accra on the way to Tema, is great for getting off the tourist-track. Whether you want to watch the army’s of fishermen leave every morning, or simply relax in the solitude lacking on larger beaches such as Labadi, this could be a great choice.
If you like a more environmental and nature-filled slant on your beach experience, then Cocoloco Beach could be ideal. About an hour’s travel out of Accra, it marks the point where the Volta River merges into the Atlantic Ocean; creating a wonderful natural environment which has become renown for the large variety of sea turtles which breed there, as well as the huge variety of birds which can be seen in the Volta Estuary. Sticking with the Volta, the Ada beach is another such sand which merges with the river and provides spectacular, unrivalled views. If spectacular views are what you’re after, then the Kokrobrite Beach, about 30 kilometres outside of Accra, might also interest you. Its serenity is offset by dramatic hills which provide a frame to the large beach; another must for those who like to have their breath taken away.
For those who want to escape even further there is the quite ironically named Alaska Beach which is on the shore of the Gulf of Guinea. It offers a chance to escape the constant on-the-go feeling of the more touristy spots, but doesn’t leave you completely in the wild, with showers, camping facilities and even provision Ghanaian food on demands.