Custom travel to Ghana

Ghana is one of West Africa's most moving cultural and historical destinations: 238,533 km², 33 million inhabitants, 6-8 h from Paris. The first African country to gain independence in 1957 under Kwame Nkrumah, the former British 'Gold Coast' carries the most tangible memory of the transatlantic slave trade. The UNESCO forts of Cape Coast and Elmina (1979) were embarkation points for millions of slaves to the Americas between the 15th and 19th centuries; the emotional visit to the 'Door of No Return' leaves a lasting mark. A stable English-speaking democracy, the country hosts at Kumasi the Ashanti kingdom, still alive through Manhyia Palace and Asantehene ceremonies. In the north, Mole National Park (4,577 km²) is one of the world's rare parks where you approach elephants on foot. Lake Volta, created in 1965 by the Akosombo dam, and Accra with its Kwame Nkrumah memorial complete a 10-12 day itinerary blending culture, history and wildlife, carried by a vibrant West African cuisine.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Cape Coast and Elmina forts (slavery)
  • Ashanti kingdom at Kumasi (Manhyia palace)
  • Mole National Park (elephants on foot)
  • Lake Volta (8,502 km², 2nd largest artificial lake)
  • Modern Accra (Kwame Nkrumah, independence 1957)
  • West African cuisine (jollof, fufu, banku)

Frequently asked questions

When?

November-March (dry season, harmattan in December-February but without rain). Avoid April-October (rainy season).

How long?

10 days for Accra + Cape Coast/Elmina + Kumasi + Lake Volta. 12 days adding Mole. 14 days in voodoo loop (Togo, Benin).

Budget?

€3,200-€4,500 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €5,200-€7,500. Flights: €700-€1,100.

Visa?

MANDATORY e-visa online before departure ($50, 30 days). MANDATORY yellow fever vaccine.

Forts visit: emotional preparation?

Yes, it's the trip's most moving experience (dungeons, Door of No Return). Many visitors leave crying. Preparation possible with your Ghanaian guide.

Family?

Cape Coast forts from age 14 (emotional intensity). Mole walking safari from age 12. Before: Lake Volta, beaches, Kumasi.

How to get around?

4×4 with English-speaking driver. Africa World Airlines domestic flights (Accra-Tamale 1 h for Mole). Main paved roads.

Safety in Ghana?

One of West Africa's safest countries (stable democracy since 1992). Vigilance Accra and Burkina Faso border.

Combine?

Yes: Ghana + Togo + Benin (voodoo loop, 3 coastal countries), Ghana + Ivory Coast, Ghana + Senegal.

Tips?

10% in restaurants. $5-$10/day for guides and drivers. $2-$5 for porters and photographers (forts).