Once named the Gold Coast for its lucrative deposits of precious metal, Ghana now glitters with a different light.
Ghana’s past may be confronting, but today it offers travellers an African getaway full of culture, history and sun. Discover this country’s savage history at sites such as Elmina Castle and Manhyia Palace. Get an alternate view of the place through the age-old rites and shrines of the animists locals. And then soak up the warmth while relaxing on the idyllic coast. Whether timid or intrepid, travellers have a great getaway in Ghana.
Ghana travel highlights

Discover Ghana’s horrific past at Manhyia Palace
The 14th century palace was built by European colonisers and co-opted by the African Ashanti King. Today, the restored palace houses a museum of imperialist past.

Luxuriate at Axim Beach
This pristine beach is one of Ghana’s most remote and unknown treasures. Take advantage of the isolation, bask and enjoy the water sports.

Enter the Door of No Return at St George’s Castle
Also known as Elmina Castle, this forbidding edifice was built in the 1400s and functioned as the heart of the Ghanaian slave trade.
Ghana holiday information
Ghana facts
Local culture of Ghana
Geography & environment
Shopping guide to Ghana
Ghana festival calendar
Food & drink in Ghana
Further reading
Ghana travel FAQs
- Australia: Yes - in advance
- Belgium: Yes - in advance
- Canada: Yes - in advance
- Germany: Yes - in advance
- Ireland: Yes - in advance
- Netherlands: Yes - in advance
- New Zealand: Yes - in advance
- South Africa: Yes - in advance
- Switzerland: Yes - in advance
- United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
- USA: Yes - in advance
Prepare for your visit to Ghana by obtaining a visa in advance from your home country. You may also require a yellow fever card. You can purchase a visa from visalink.com or contact your nearest embassy or consulate.
Tipping is not expected in Ghana, but feel free to leave some change if you feel the service has been particularly good.
You can access the internet in Ghana’s large cities, but don’t expect to find internet outside of these areas.
There is good mobile coverage in Ghana’s major cities but service is limited outside of these areas. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.
You’ll find both Western-style toilets and squat toilets in Ghana. You may like to carry soap and toilet paper with you in case it isn’t provided.
- One hour in an internet cafe = 1-2 GHS
- Street food/market snack = 2-2.50 GHS
- Bottle of beer = 2-3 GHS
- Meal in a cafe = 4-8 GHS
Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Ghana. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.
You may be able to use your credit card in places like major hotels, nice restaurants and tourist establishments. However, cash is required for most other goods and services.
While Ghana has plenty of ATMs in its big cities, they may not be internationally connected for a lot of cards. Visa cards are sometimes accepted, but carrying cash is always the safest choice.
Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.
For a current list of public holidays go to:
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/ghana/public-holidays