When to go ?

Ghana is a tropical country lying just north of the equator. The rainy season lasts from April to October in northern Ghana and from April to June and again from September to October in the south. Temperatures range from about 21 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius) and the humidity is relatively high. The rest of the year is hot and dry with temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees. In most areas the temperatures are highest in March and lowest in August after the rains, and variations between day and night temperatures are small.

When to Fly to Ghana

The Republic of Ghana is located in West Africa and shares its borders with Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo and Gulf of Guinea. It is located a few degrees north of the Equator which means it has a warm climate. The east coast is warm and can be quite dry with long sandy beaches backed up by scrub land and tropical forrests and this is a very popular tourist destination with great tourist hotels, beaches, days out, shopping and much much more waiting to be explored.

This is a country that has such a huge cultural diversity that draws tourist in from the busy and sometimes hectic downtown Accra to the calmer villages in the north. Whilst visiting you will be sure to find a festival taking place for one reason or another as this is feature of Ghanaian culture and they love them. From eco-warriors to sunbathers, luxury-seekers to budget backpackers, Ghana can offer something for everyone to enjoy.

Peak Season:
Ghana is still relatively undeveloped for tourism so there is no specific peak season. The rainy season can be cooler, but temperatures are always high. If you don’t like humidity, stick to the coast.

Off peak season:

The winter months are less popular with holidaymakers and flights to Ghana arrive emptier. This can be the time to find the best deals.

Getting Around Ghana

Roads are very bad throughout most of the country and the easiest way to navigate them – especially if travelling far – is by hiring a 4WD. However, be prepared for Ghanaian drivers, who feel no compulsion to stay within the confines of the road, let alone their own lanes, if potholes are in the way.

Tro-tros are a cheap and interesting way to travel. These minibuses cover almost all destinations you could wish to travel to. They leave when they are full – however long it takes to fill up – stop wherever anyone wants to get off, and often transport animals, certainly a chicken or two, along with the passengers. They are slow, but an essential experience for anyone wanting to really see the country and its people.

Normal buses are available for longer trips. Again, schedules, if existent, are rarely adhered to. It is not unusual for a bus that is meant to leave at 6am to still be waiting in the depot for more people to get on at midday. Take a good book, plenty of food and patience if you’re travelling by bus. As with tro-tros, however, travelling by bus is an excellent way to meet Ghanaians – often said to be the friendliest people in Africa.

Ghana Airports

Passport/Visa

Ghana Insider Information

• The roads in Ghana can appear a terrifying obstacle to tourists. Crossing roads in town, driving (especially in Accra) or simply being a passenger on a bus take some getting used to. In Accra the traffic is horrific and it is not unusual for cars to physically nudge other vehicles in order to get ahead.
• Roads between towns are poorly maintained, often without edges, and tro-tros and buses often decide to head off the road to avoid potholes, and travel instead at the dirt alongside. Most buses and tro-tros have Christian phrases on the front or back, such as “Jesus Saves”. Drivers believe that this protects them against accidents. You may not feel the same.
• The Mole Game Reserve in the north of the country is hardly one of Africa’s finest, but worth a visit if you have time to spare. The park doesn’t have a huge amount of visitors, which means that the animals have become rather bold. You're as likely to see a warthog rifling through the rubbish, or a gorilla at the window of your hut as you are to see them in the reserve. An early morning trek to watch the elephants bathing is strongly recommended.
• Accra is the capital and by far the biggest and most vibrant city in the country. It has undergone extensive modernisation recently, but parts are still incredibly poor. It can feel intimidating upon arrival, but if you’re lost just ask a local for directions. Ghanaians are incredibly friendly and will be happy to help.
• Don’t be alarmed if you are hissed at in the street – this is a local means of greeting and not a sign of disapproval.
• Kumasi, in the centre of the country, is the second-biggest town and the seat of the old Ashanti region. The town is much more laid-back than Accra and often preferred by tourists. It was also the centre for the gold production of the gold coast. There are a couple of museums which are fascinating to explore for its history.
• The coast itself is a mixture of idyllic beaches and old slave forts. Cape Coast and Elmina both have well-preserved forts where you can see the horrendous conditions that slaves were kept in before being shipped out of Africa.