For those looking to visit Africa, Ghana is a great place to start. Known as “Africa for beginners,” it’s the perfect destination for getting acquainted with this diverse continent. And that’s not the only reason to visit. Rich history, an upbeat culture, wildlife-filled parks and beautiful beaches are just a few other facets worth exploring. To help you plan your trip, here are 10 reasons to make Ghana, Africa, your next vacation destination.
Independence Square
The history
Ghana offers a number of opportunities to learn about the country’s dark yet important history. One such place is Cape Coast, as from here one can visit sites like Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle. Both were slave castles along the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade route, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about this sad time in Ghana and the history of the slave trade. Just know you will leave these places with heavy hearts. Around the country, these are over 30 heritage castles. In Accra, it’s also recommended to visit the National Museum to peruse historical artifacts and exhibits.
Accra pottery market
The culture
For westerners, the culture of Ghana is much different than what you’re used to — in a good way. You’ll see people dancing and wearing bright baroque patterned clothing — which you can have handmade for you in a local tailor shop — as well as streets filled with upbeat music. Markets big and small seem to be on every corner, and you’ll have many opportunities to peruse traditional crafts like painting, woodcarving and mask-making. Drumming is also an important Ghanian art, and those interested can take a drumming lesson at a studio. Bonus: For those who want to experience a healthy dose of culture shock but want to be able to communicate with the locals, the official language of Ghana is English.
Drumming away
The festivals
If planning to travel to Ghana, you may want to coordinate your schedule with one of the country’s many festivals. It doesn’t matter what month you’re traveling in, the locals are celebrating. While January in the Volta Region brings the Rice Festival, complete with food, song, dance and drumming, July brings the Bakatue Festival and its colorful boats and fisherman ceremonies. In August in Greater Accra, the Odambea Festival showcases reenactments of ancient traditions so you can learn more about Ghanian heritage. These are just a few of the many festival options in Ghana.
The beaches of Ghana photo courtesy of Stig Nygaard via Flickr
The beaches
If you’re looking to get tan, Ghana is home to a number of beautiful and relaxing beaches. The most popular stretch of sand for those visiting Accra is Labadi Pleasure Beach, home to endless games of beach volleyball and frisbee as well as buskers and artisans. For a beach with a hippie vibe, take the bus to Kobrobite and head to Big Milly’s Backyard, full of backpackers, restaurants and fun events (reggae nights on weekends!). There are also artisans selling their wares and opportunities to swim, drink palm wine and take a drum lesson on the beach. Wildlife enthusiasts should go to Cocoloco Beach, where nesting sea turtles and estuarine birds can be found. Note: Before going into the water, inquire with the locals where it’s safe to swim. Some areas can get rough and dangerous.
Mole National Park photo courtesy of Erik Cleves Kristensen via Flickr
National parks
Ghana is home to some spectacular national parks, like Mole National Park, Kakum National Park and Bia National Park, to name a few. While all worthwhile, each has it’s own special reason to visit. For example, Mole National Park — Ghana’s largest national park at 1,869 square miles (4,840 square kilometers) — is located within the country’s Guinea Savannah Woodland ecosystem and is home to wildlife like elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, monkeys, antelope and an array of exotic bird species. At Kakum National Park, accessible from Ghana’s Cape Coast, visitors can have the unique experience of walking over a shaky 40-meter (131-foot) high canopy bridge in virgin evergreen rainforest. You’re sure to lose your breath from both the scenery and the shakiness of the bridge. From Kumasi, visitors can go to Bia National Park, a biosphere reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 60 mammal species and more than 160 bird species.
Wli-Waterfalls hike photo courtesy of Stig Nygaard via Flcikr
Waterfall hiking
For those staying in the Volta Region, one must-have Ghana experience is hiking Wli-Waterfalls, West Africa’s tallest waterfall. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert hiker; there are two options. First is the Lower Falls, where you’ll walk for about a half an hour down a flat road to the bottom of the waterfall (and cool off with a dip in the crystal waters, too). For those seeking a challenge, opt for the Upper Falls, a 3-hour+ steep uphill climb over rocky and rough terrain and through dense forest. The Volta Region in general is a beautiful place to just hike, sit by the lake or relax in your hotel’s yard staring up at the mountains, valleys and abundant flora in a rainbow of colors; however, from the top of Wli-Waterfalls the experience is enhanced tenfold. Before leaving the attraction, check out the wares of local craft vendors, as this is a great spot to buy a hand-made souvenir or bite of food.
Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary photo courtesy of Nora Morgan via Flickr
Monkeys galore
There are a number of opportunities within Ghana to interact with adorable monkeys in the wild. Along with the above-mentioned national parks, the Volta Region has the Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary that takes you into the jungle to see monkeys in their native habitat, and even feed them bananas if you’d like. Near to Kumasi is the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, with hundreds of Colobus and Campbell’s Mona monkeys that you’ll also have the option to feed.
Get to know the Ghana locals photo courtesy of atvowles via Flickr
Friendly locals
Ghana is known for its hospitable culture, and you’ll likely be astounded by the amount of people you’ll meet without even trying who genuinely want to get to know you. The word “akwaaba,” or “welcome” will fill your ears, and you’ll make easy friends not just with other travelers, but with actual local people who can teach you about Ghanian culture. Note: You may hear the word “oberoni” (foreigner) quite a bit being shouted to you. Don’t take offense, as this is the locals’ way of trying to start a conversation with you and get to know you more.
Village in Accra, Ghana
The chance to get away from tourists
While Ghana has a tourism infrastructure and is visited by tourists, it is not what you would at all call touristy, especially when it comes to international visitors. This provides travelers the benefit of enjoying the destination and its offerings without the crowds and jacked up prices that come with very popular destinations.
Masks for sale at a market
Colorful markets
Who doesn’t love a great market? Ghana is full of them. No matter what city you visit — from Accra to Kumasi to The Volta Region and beyond — you’ll be able to peruse the creations of locals (which is also great for those seeking to travel responsibly and put money directly back into the local economy). Popular market items include all-natural peanut butter (you’ll usually be able to taste a free sample), body bead belts, wood carvings, folklore-inspired paintings, local fruits and handmade jewelry. Some top market suggestions include Kumasi Market, The Accra Green Market, Osu Night Market and Makola Market. Moreover, Accra’s Center For National Culture is full of handicrafts at inexpensive and negotiable prices.
-Contributed by Jessica Festa
Reasons to Go to Ghana by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog