Planning Your First Trip to Ghana: A Ten-Day Itinerary

Ghana is one of the easiest countries in West Africa for a first visit: English-speaking, politically stable, warm in every sense, and with a range of history, culture, coast and wildlife that fits into ten days without rushing. Whether you are coming from the US or the UK for a holiday, returning to family roots, or visiting for business with a few days to spare, this is the route we suggest most often.

Days 1 to 3: Accra

Land in Accra and give yourself a slow first day. Then:

• Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the resting place of Ghana's first president, and the adjacent museum.
• Jamestown, the old harbour district, with its lighthouse, fishing boats and street art. Go with a local guide.
• Makola Market for the full sensory experience, and the Arts Centre for crafts and fabric.
• Labadi Beach or Bojo Beach for an afternoon by the Atlantic.
• Evenings in Osu for restaurants, or a live-music night. Ask us about what is on that week.

If you are in the diaspora tracing family history, Accra is also where you will start conversations with archives and community contacts.

Days 4 and 5: Cape Coast and Elmina

A three-hour drive west along the coast.

• Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The guided tours are essential and deeply moving; allow half a day for each, and time afterwards to sit with it.
• Kakum National Park and its canopy walkway, suspended thirty to forty metres above the rainforest. Go early in the morning.
• The fishing harbour at Elmina at dawn, when the boats come in.

Stay two nights in Cape Coast or Elmina rather than day-tripping from Accra.

Days 6 and 7: Kumasi

Drive north into the Ashanti Region, about four hours from Cape Coast.

• Manhyia Palace Museum, the seat of the Asantehene, for the history of the Ashanti kingdom.
• Kejetia Market, one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa.
• The craft villages around Kumasi: Bonwire for kente weaving, Ntonso for adinkra printing, Ahwiaa for wood carving. You can watch, learn and buy directly from the artisans.
• If your dates align, an Akwasidae festival at Manhyia is an unforgettable experience. We check the calendar for you.

Days 8 and 9: Mole National Park

A long travel day north (drive, or fly to Tamale and drive the last stretch) to Ghana's largest wildlife reserve. Walking and driving safaris offer elephants, antelope, warthogs, baboons and prolific birdlife, and the lodges overlook a waterhole. Visit the Larabanga Mosque, one of the oldest in West Africa, on the way in or out.

Day 10: Return to Accra

Fly back from Tamale to Accra for your departure, or, if you have an extra day, stop at Lake Bosomtwe, the crater lake south of Kumasi, on the drive back.

Practical notes

Visa. Most visitors need a visa in advance; check the current rules for your passport well before you travel. Ghana has offered visa-on-arrival during specific periods, so verify what applies to your dates.

Health. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Take malaria precautions and drink bottled or filtered water.

Money. The currency is the Ghana cedi. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants in Accra; carry cash elsewhere. Mobile money is everywhere.

Getting around. Distances are long and roads vary. For a ten-day route like this, a driver and vehicle arranged in advance is worth the cost, and it is what we book for most clients.

When to go. November to March is dry and slightly cooler, and coincides with December's festive season, when the diaspora fills Accra. The rainy season (roughly May to October) is greener and quieter.

How we help

We build itineraries around your interests and dates, arrange accommodation, drivers and guides, handle bookings at attractions, and give you a local contact for the whole trip. For the diaspora, we also help with family-history visits and investment orientation. Tell us about your trip and we will send you a proposal.