13 Days Ghana Akwasidae Festival from US$3,740- small group

Sandwiched between the West African countries of Cote d'Ivoire and Togo in the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana is a friendly and largely safe country with locals who are usually eager to help first-time foreigners find their feet on African soil. This spectacularly scenic nation boasts an exquisite tropical coastline and exceptional national parks providing a haven for some unusual flora and fauna. The capital, Accra, is a thriving metropolis replete with bustling markets, luxury hotels and lively nightlife. Fill your itinerary with visits to gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, ancient forts, historical castles, and quaint fishing villages. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach vacation or are keen to immerse yourself in the fascinating ancient cultures of this nation's diverse ethnic groups, Ghana offers a unique and compelling African experience.

Currency:  
Local currency: Ghana Cedi  
Symbol: GH¢ and GH₵ 
ISO code: GHS 
Subunit: Ghana pesewas 
Banknotes: Gh₵ 10, Gh₵ 20, Gh₵ 5, Gh₵ 1, Gh₵ 2, Gh₵ 50. 
Coins: Coins are in denominations of GH₵1, 10 Gp, 50 Gp, 1 Gp, 20 Gp, 5 Gp 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: 
ATMs: Yes, in large urban areas 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes/No 
Diner’s club: No 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: Mon-Fri 0830-1600 
Weekends: Sat 0800-1200 
Public Holidays:  
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Formerly very expensive, domestic flights are now quite affordable and a viable alternative to travelling by bus or car.

Car hire services are available in Accra but there are few outlets, and hiring a car can be rather expensive, with or without a driver. However, the only way to reach most sites of interest in Ghana is by road, whether you rent a car and driver, or catch public transport. Be warned that all commercially available maps of Ghana (as well as those issued by the Survey Department in Accra) are seriously out of date, or riddled with inaccuracies, or both. These maps are fine for general orientation purposes, but can't be relied upon fully. Urban roads are generally in good condition, but road conditions can be in poor condition outside of the towns.

The speed limit is 50kph (31mph) in towns and 80kph (50mph) outside of towns. Seat belts are compulsory and drink-driving is illegal. A UK driving licence is theoretically valid for 90 days, but you are less likely to be queried by bribe-seeking officials if you carry an International Driving Permit.

Taxis are available throughout Ghana.

Travelling by coach is usually the best way to travel between major centres. The market used to be dominated by the State Transport Company (STC), which still operates along most major surfaced routes, but better and more reliable air-conditioned services are now provided by operators such as VIP, VVIP and OA.

The usual form of transport on minor routes is minibuses or vans. These break down into two broad categories: newer air-conditioned vans known variously as Fords, Stanbics or Yutons, and older and less comfortable bangers called tro-tros (or sometimes lorries). In small towns and villages, public transport generally arrives at and departs from one central terminus (usually referred to as the ‘station’, or ‘lorry station’).

Larger towns usually have several different stations. Most road transport doesn’t operate to a fixed schedule; vehicles simply wait at their designated station, and leave as soon as they are full. This can seem quite chaotic to first-time visitors, especially where departure points are decentralised, but it is actually quite efficient and straightforward. Local transport is cheap, too, though unfortunately the standard of driving is poor.

Accra has extensive bus and taxi services operated by the private sector. There is an abundance of taxis in the towns. Prices are reasonable. Drivers do not generally expect tips. Other ways of getting around, for the more adventurous traveller, are tro-tros (minibuses), which are usually far less comfortable than taxis.

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if peeled and well-cooked 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, if well-cooked 
Street food: No 
 
Local cuisine:  

Across the country, local food can be enjoyed in small restaurants known as 'chop bars' where either rice or other starchy local staples such as kenkey, a fermented corn dough,or fufu, a firm ball of fermented maize served together with a meat or vegetable sauce. Notable highlights include red-red, a spicy concoction of rice and beans cooked in red palm oil, jollof rice, prawns and other seafood. By generously employing tomatoes, hot peppers and onions, many Ghanaian dishes are often red or orange in appearance. 

 
Drinks: 

Pito- Beer brewed in the Northern region made from millet. 

Zom koom- Toasted millet flour in water. 

Palm wine - A potent wine made from the sap of palm trees. 

Coconut juice - Typically served in the shell 
 
Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: 1209.75 mm 
Average temperature: 28°C 
 
Summer: 

Average Highs: About 32°C 

Average Lows: Around 24°C 

Winter: 

Average Highs: 30°C 

Average Lows: 22°C 

 
Best time to visit:  

Thanks to its proximity to the equator, Ghana enjoys a tropical climate, with temperatures soaring to 30°C and dropping to a temperate 20°C, however, October to March is marginally cooler and less humid.

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: No 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): No 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes