Planning A Trip To Ghana: Our Expert 2024 Guide
Home to diverse animal life, miles of sandy beaches and plenty of history, Ghana is somewhere you should be visiting this year (or at least ticking off your bucket list!). Often referred to as the “Peaceful Country”, Ghana is a wonderful place to be and there’s plenty to explore too!
When it comes to planning a trip to Ghana, there can be a lot to think about, which can often leave you feeling rather overwhelmed. To help ease the process, we’ve put together our own expert 2024 guide to planning a trip to Ghana. From types of accommodations, the culture and local cuisine, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to Ghana…
#1 Do I Need A Visa To Go To Ghana?
In the event you may be travelling from outside of the country to Ghana you will need to consider whether you need to obtain a visa or not. For most people, you will need valid entry visas or entry permits. To stay up to date with all visa information, visit the Ghana High Commission websitehere.
You will also need to consider any passport and vaccination requirements. For UK based travellers, you are expected to have a minimum of 6 months validity on your passport and a yellow fever certificate on arrival and departure of Ghana. It is important to check the regulations of your country to ensure you can safely travel to Ghana, which in turn with ease the planning of your trip.
#2 When Should I Visit Ghana?
When planning your trip to Ghana, you should consider the weather and climate. In most respects, the best time to visit Ghana is between October and April, when humidity levels are lower, ensuring your trip is a lot more comfortable and manageable and you’ll likely miss the spring and summer rain.
If you’re looking to visit Ghana for a specific event or festival, then bear in mind the current climate during those dates. There are two main seasons in Ghana, the wet season and the dry season. The wet season typically falls between June and October and the dry season between March and July.
#3 Where Should I Visit In Ghana?
One of the most important things when it comes to planning a trip to Ghana is your itinerary. Map your days and/or weeks out and book popular tourist attractions to ensure you fully immerse yourselves in the Ghanian culture.
Our top three places to visit include:
Accra: The Vibrant Capital
- Start your journey in Accra, the bustling capital city. Explore the vibrant Makola Market, visit Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and take in the arts and crafts at Arts Centre.
- Don’t miss out on staying at the Perriman Hotel either, we have lots to offer our guests.
Beaches and Coastal Resorts
- Ghana’s coastline boasts beautiful beaches. Relax at Busua Beach, Ada Foah, or Kokrobite Beach.
- Mole National Park: Safari Adventures
- Go on a safari at Mole National Park in northern Ghana. Spot elephants, antelopes, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
Kumasi: Heart of the Ashanti Kingdom
- Kumasi is the cultural hub of the Ashanti people. Explore the vibrant Kejetia Market and the Manhyia Palace Museum.
- Attend the Ashanti Durbar festival if your visit coincides with this colourful cultural celebration.
#4 Where Should I Stay?
Your accommodation is arguably one of the most important things to organise when you are visiting anywhere abroad. Throughout Ghana, you will find hotels, hostels, park lodges and guest houses, all with their own quirks.
From our experience, with a range of guests travelling from a variety of countries, we would always recommend staying in a safe and secure hotel, (like ours!). We offer luxurious hotel rooms with breakfast included, a friendly and welcoming team and a lot of delicious Ghanian cuisine. We may be biased but we honestly believe that the Perriman Hotel is the best hotel in Ghana, offering our guests a one-of-a-kind experience.
At affordable prices, you can book your stay at the Perriman Hotel by ringing our team on +233 (0) 30 397 7324 or filling in our contact form here.
#5 How Can We Travel Around In Ghana?
Most travellers will take a direct flight to Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport in Accra, which is well connected in terms of flights. You will then be able to navigate your way around Ghana via taxis, buses or even by hiring a car for your trip! (We do offer this service inhouse, so if you do need to hire a car, please just let out team know).
#6 What Do I Need To Know About The Culture?
There are many phrases and words you are bound to hear when in Ghana including:
- Akwaaba – Welcome
- M’adamfo – Friend
- Eti Sen? – How are you?
- Wot Din De Sen? – What is your name?
- Wa Ye Sen? – How much?
- Koo Se – Sorry
- Meduase – Thank you
Try practising these phrases before you visit so you can try them out when you finally arrive in Ghana.
No matter where you visit, it is always important to remember to treat people with respect and be kind to others. There are things you can do additionally to ensure maximum respect to those in Ghana including:
- Right hand rule – Always use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, giving and receiving anything etc.
- Greet people – Always make sure to greet people, Ghana is a friendly place so take time to say hello to everyone.
- Respect your elders – Be sure to respect your elders and treat them with high regard.
- Be mindful of clothing – Always dress appropriately, be sure to bring clothing that can cover your chest and shoulders or past your knees if you need to.
#7 Are There Any Tips For Staying Safe In Ghana?
As always, you should get travel insurance when you book your trip, so in the event you need to go to a healthcare facility, you have travel insurance to cover you.
It is also worth noting that drinking tap water in Ghana is not advised as there is no guarantee that the water has gone through the proper measures to ensure it is safe. We offer bottled water here in the hotel to ensure the safety of our guests.
Much like in any country, just take sensible precautions. Avoid carrying large sums of money or valuables, travelling alone and swimming in areas with rip tides and undertows.
#8 Where Should I Eat?
From jollof rice, Waakye, Kenkey and Banku, these traditional Ghanian dishes are sure to make your mouth water. Ghana’s most famous food is Jollof rice so we would recommend you try this at least once during your stay!
Here at the Perriman Hotel, we ensure our guests are guaranteed a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner, every day, seven days a week. Our team offers a wide range of dining options to suit most palates, and certain foods and dishes can be individually requested subject to local availability.
Plus, with every stay you will get a free breakfast! Another reason why you should stay at the Perriman Hotel.
#9 What Should I Pack?
Before you start to pack your suitcase with items of clothing, you do need to consider the season you are visiting in, whether it will be dry or wet season. To make it more straight forward, we have put together the top ten items you should take with you:
- Yellow fever certificate
- Travel insurance
- Passport
- Travel card and/or cash
- Battery pack for your phone, laptop etc
- Portable fan
- Sunglasses
- Sun tan lotion/sunscreen
- Hand sanitiser
- Insect repellent
Start Planning Your Trip To Ghana Today!
We’ve covered all the core areas you need to consider when planning a trip to Ghana so hopefully you can now start booking your flights, accommodation and activities! We would love for you to stay with our team at the Perriman Hotel, whether you stay a night or two weeks, we will ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Book your stay now by calling us on +233 (0) 30 397 7324 or filling in our contact form here. You can also explore the different rooms we have available here. Please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!