Travelisto destinations
Ghana holidays
Cape Coast’s castles, rainforest canopy walks, Kumasi’s Ashanti culture and the lively capital, Accra — West Africa’s most welcoming introduction.
Overview
Welcome to Ghana
Ghana is one of the friendliest and easiest countries in West Africa to visit, English-speaking and about six and a half hours from London. Its coast is lined with palm-fringed beaches and fishing villages, and with the old European forts and castles of the transatlantic slave trade. Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are moving places to visit and the reason many travellers come. Nearby, Kakum National Park has a canopy walkway high above the rainforest.
Accra, the capital, is energetic and creative, with the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Independence Square and Arch, Jamestown’s lighthouse and fishing harbour, and a growing scene of galleries, markets and restaurants. Inland, Kumasi is the heart of the Ashanti kingdom, with the Manhyia Palace, a vast market and villages where Kente cloth is woven. Further north are Mole National Park, the country’s main safari area, and the Volta region’s lake, waterfalls and hills.
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Best for: first-time visitors to West Africa, travellers tracing history and heritage, culture and festival lovers, and tours combining Ghana with Togo and Benin. Our escorted tours include Accra, Cape Coast and Elmina.
From the team
Why we love Ghana
Start with Accra, spend real time at Cape Coast and Elmina, and add Kumasi for the Ashanti culture. It is a trip that stays with people long after they get home.
Rossella Rossella, Luxury & Destination Specialist Meet our Travel DesignersMain areas
Where to go in Ghana
4 distinct regions — they pair beautifully two or three at a time.
Accra & the east coast
Accra
Jamestown
Ada
Cape Coast & Elmina
Cape Coast Castle
Elmina Castle
Kakum National Park
Kumasi & Ashanti
Kumasi
Manhyia Palace
Kente-weaving villages
The west coast & Volta
Busua
Axim
Lake Volta
Wli Falls
Find your trip
Holiday types in Ghana
Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.
City breaks
Ghana's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.
Cruises
Takoradi and Tema are occasional calls on West Africa expedition cruises along the Gulf of Guinea.
Escorted tours
1 escorted tours through Ghana — guided, customisable, fully ATOL-protected.
Tailor-made
Everything you see above is a starting point — we'll shape any of these around how you actually want to travel.
Heritage journey
Cape Coast, Elmina and Accra with an expert guide.
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Ghana, Togo and Benin
Three countries in two weeks with a private driver-guide.
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Culture and festivals
Time your trip for a festival in Kumasi or on the coast.
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Coast and rainforest
Beach lodges with Kakum and the castles.
EnquireTravel guides
From our editorial team
Ghana Holidays: Accra, Cape Coast and Kumasi
Ghana holiday guide: Accra, Cape Coast and Elmina castles, Kakum and Kumasi, plus when to go, visas, vaccinations…
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Togo Holidays: Lomé, Kpalimé and the Tamberma Valley
Togo holiday guide: Lomé, Lake Togo, Kpalimé and the Koutammakou tower-houses, plus when to go, visas, vaccinations and…
Read morePractical info
Knowing before you go
When to go
Jan
31°
Feb
31°
Mar
31°
Apr
31°
May
31°
Jun
29°
Jul
27°
Aug
27°
Sep
28°
Oct
30°
Nov
31°
Dec
31°
November to March is the best time, during the dry season, although the Harmattan wind can bring hazy skies from December to February. The main rains fall from April to June, with a shorter rainy season in September and October.
Flights & how to get there
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Accra take about 6 hours 30 minutes. Ghana is on GMT, so there is no time difference with the UK in winter.
Visa & passport
UK passport holders need a visa, which must be arranged before you travel. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. For up-to-date entry requirements and safety advice, check the UK FCDO travel advice for Ghana.
Currency & money
The Ghanaian cedi (GHS). Cards work in larger hotels in Accra; carry cash elsewhere. Mobile money is widely used.
Language & tipping
English (official), with Twi, Ewe and Ga widely spoken.
Health & safety
Yellow fever vaccination is required, and malaria is present throughout Ghana, so antimalarials are essential. Consult a travel clinic at least six weeks before you travel and buy comprehensive travel insurance.
FAQs
Ghana — your questions
When is the best time to visit Ghana?
November to March, the dry season. The Harmattan wind can make skies hazy from December to February. April to June is the main rainy season.
How long is the flight to Ghana?
About 6 hours 30 minutes direct from London Heathrow to Accra, and there is no time difference with the UK in winter.
Do I need a visa and vaccinations for Ghana?
Yes. UK passport holders need a visa arranged in advance, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Antimalarials are essential.
What are the must-see sights in Ghana?
Cape Coast and Elmina castles, the Kakum canopy walkway, Accra’s monuments and markets, and Kumasi for Ashanti culture. Mole National Park adds a safari in the north.
Make this trip yours
Plan your Ghana holiday with a Travel Designer
Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot