Ghana Travel Guide

Getting to Ghana

British Airways operates daily, direct flights between London Heathrow and Accra.

Flight Duration

6 hours and 35 minutes

Visas

It's your responsibility to obtain your visa for entry into Ghana. All nationalities, except Ghanaians and members of the ECOWAS community, need a visa for entry into Ghana. A single entry one month visa costs US$60 and you'll need to allow (at least) 21 working days for processing time. An Express visa (72hrs) can be arranged for US$140 and Express visa (24hrs) for US$200.

The visa application must be filled in online. Instructions are here: Ghana High Commission Ghana High Commission is set to co-ordinate. (ghanahighcommissionuk.com)

Passport Validity

Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after their intended departure date and that it has at least two blank (unstamped) pages for visas and immigration stamps. Please note that the last two amendment pages are not acceptable for visas or stamps. To avoid any issues, it's a good idea to scan a copy of your passport and email it to yourself before your trip. This will provide you with a backup in case anything happens to your physical passport while you're traveling.

Compulsory Health Requirements

You'll be required to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate in order to enter Ghana. Tap water is not safe for drinking. Ghana is a malarial area, so prophylactics must be taken.

Travel Insurance

Adequate insurance cover is a compulsory requirement for our trips in Ghana. It's your responsibility to take out a suitable policy which includes personal accident, medical expenses and repatriation to your country of origin. We recommend your policy covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

Health Considerations

To make the most of our holidays to Ghana, we encourage a spirit of adventure. Travel in the Afro-tropics may involve some physically demanding activities, such as entering and exiting a variety of vehicles. There may also be some extended road journeys and domestic flights to reduce travel time. The following physical capabilities are recommended:

• The ability to walk at least one mile without difficulty
• Climbing stairs without assistance
• Riding comfortably in four-wheel drive vehicles on unpaved or bumpy roads for extended periods of time

Safety

To ensure your safety while travelling, please follow these guidelines:

• Keep all valuables in the hotel safe and avoid flashing money around
• Be mindful of your belongings and keep bags in front of you in crowds or on your lap at restaurants
• Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid walking around with your smartphone in hand
• Be vigilant when crossing roads and stick with your guide
• Avoid any street protests or large gatherings and avoid wearing expensive or sentimental jewellery while travelling

If you have any safety concerns, let your guide know.

Communications

The country code for Ghana is +233. Most places where you'll stay in Ghana will have Wi-Fi. But the speed, bandwidth and availability may not be as consistent as you're accustomed to. It's often easier to get a strong connection in the lobby of hotels rather than in individual rooms.

Here are the most common methods for staying connected and making calls while travelling:

1. Smartphone apps: Apps like Skype, WhatsApp and Viber can be used to make calls when Wi-Fi is available.
2. International calling: If you'd like to use your personal mobile phone while in Ghana to contact your relatives, you'll have to inform your service providers to put you on international roaming.
3. Local phone or SIM card: SIM cards are recommended for international travellers for making calls within Ghana, as international calls can be expensive. If you need help purchasing a local phone, let your guide know.

Money Matters

The Cedi is the currency in Ghana - a closed currency, which can only be bought in Ghana. We therefore recommend you bring Sterling, Euros or US Dollars, which can be changed at a Forex Bureau (your guide can assist you, so you get the best rate). Alternatively, you can exchange currency at the airport but please check the amount you receive. There are also ATM machines in Accra (the capital), Cape Coast and Kumasi - but not in the more remote areas.

The amount of spending money you'll need is determined by the type of tour you have booked - our customised Ghana tours are all-inclusive, so you need to budget only for the following items: snacks, soft drinks (not mineral water, as this is always included in your tour price) and alcoholic drinks, as well as items of a personal nature (tips, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs).

Time

Ghana operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Electricity

230V and frequency of 50Hz. Outlets use plugs D and G (three-pronged). To make sure your electronics can be used in Ghana, you might want to consider purchasing a universal plug. This will allow you to easily connect your devices to the outlets in Ghana.

Climate

Ghana's average daytime temperatures are around 30°C, with some seasonal and regional variation. The mid-portion of the country experiences temperatures ranging from 21°C to 32°C, while the north sees temperatures from 24°C to 40°C. The warmest months are February and March, and the coolest are August to early September. Ghana's rainy season is from May to October. The northern region has one period of rain, from mid-May to August. Dry and hazy conditions may occur in the north from December to mid-January due to the Harmattan winds, but generally do not affect visitors.

Cultural Considerations

Experiencing different cultures is an enjoyable part of travelling. To better understand and respect cultural differences in Ghana, please keep the following information in mind:

• Ghanaians tend to dress more conservatively than in Western cultures. In rural areas and more formal settings, it's considered inappropriate to wear sleeveless or low-cut tops, short shorts or skirts.
• Greetings are important in Ghana. Whenever you pass a group of people, especially the elderly, it's expected that you greet them. When approaching a group, it's polite to greet and shake hands if possible. Greetings are considered an important part of social interactions and are not seen as a 'waste of time'.
• It's respectful to use formal titles when addressing someone. Anyone older than you can be addressed as "brother" or "sister." Elderly people should be addressed with titles of respect, such as "father", "mother", "grandfather", "sir" or "madam", as Ghanaian culture is hierarchical.
• Ghanaians are more indirect communicators. This means they take care not to convey information in a way that could cause problems, such as giving bad news, turning down an invitation or refusing a request.
• Public displays of affection between men and women are not common in Ghana, even between spouses. Men may hold hands or hug, but male/female relationships are strictly controlled. Hugging is generally not done except between very close friends, especially between men and women. Loud, boisterous behaviour is also considered poor taste, especially for women. In public, it's best to display a quiet, careful and friendly attitude.

Language

English is the official language of Ghana, but there are more than 50 indigenous languages spoken in the country, with Akan being the most common. While most people you encounter will be able to speak English, it's a kind gesture to try and learn a few phrases in Akan.

Travelling around Ghana

While you're in Ghana, you'll be taken care of by your dedicated, private, professional, expert guide and your private driver. You'll be transported in your comfortable, air-conditioned four-wheel drive vehicle. At forest sites like Ankasa we provide additional Land Rover vehicles to access more difficult roads. Do note that in and around larger cities such as Accra, Takoradi, Cape Coast and Kumasi, traffic can be heavy, meaning drive times between stops may be longer than anticipated. 

Guides

Our guides love their work, care about conservation and have been described by many as the best local guides they've encountered. Their knowledge of Ghanaian culture and history is encyclopaedic. They have excellent identification skills, know all birds by call and where to find them. They also have excellent knowledge of locating other wildlife. Not only that, but they're constantly in the field leading tours, researching new locations and providing data for publications and the Ghana Wildlife Division. The passion shown by our guides when leading tours is evident, they are respected, appreciated, paid well and receive the benefits they're entitled to like pensions and healthcare.

Drivers

The safety and comfort of our clients is always the priority for our experienced drivers. Road conditions and driving in West Africa requires the driver to focus on your safety and comfort, and not be distracted by the additional responsibilities of guiding. Our drivers are friendly, personable and knowledgeable on Ghanaian culture and wildlife, too.

Reading

Ghana: the Bradt Travel Guide (8th edition), by Philip Briggs.