So, let’s talk about Ghana! If you’ve ever dreamt of a quick getaway that’s bursting with history, food, culture, and good vibes, then this guide is for you. I have written an Ultimate guide to Ghana for anyone looking to travel to this beautiful west Africa country.
I recently took a 3-day road trip to Ghana, and trust me, it was everything I didn’t know I needed. From crossing the borders, munching on spicy street food, to soaking in the rich history of castles and markets, you’ll be surprised at just how much you can experience in three short days.
A road trip to Ghana is something I would recommend. I love road trips as you get to see other countries like the republic of Benin and Togo. Also, check out my on fun things to do in the republic of Benin.
This isn’t your stiff, guidebook-style article. Nope. This is me sharing my chaotic but exciting road trip experience with you, so you can recreate it or tweak it for yourself.
I highly recommend you book a tour with getyourguide to plan your Itinerary. Girl, they will make your trip as enjoyable and fun as possible.
Ready? Let’s gooooo!
Independence square, Accra, Ghana
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Guide to Ghana: Fun things to do
Ghana has always been on my travel Wishlist for the longest. And I am glad I finally ticked it off my travel wish list. Was I excited, yes? Especially to try out the Ghana cuisine that made my mouth water via social media. I get to experience them in real life. Here is all you need to know.
What to pack for a trip to Ghana
First things first, pack light. Ghana is warm, vibrant, and busy. You don’t want to be dragging around a giant suitcase like you’re relocating! I packed a small backpack and a carry-on, and it was perfect. A few essentials to keep in mind:
- Clothes: Lightweight cotton clothes are a must. Pack a mix of casual wear and one or two dressier outfits for nights out. Don’t forget something comfortable for the road trip. It could be leggings, joggers, or loose trousers.
- Shoes: Comfortable sneakers for walking, and sandals for chilling.
- Skincare: Ghana’s sun doesn’t play! Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap or hat.
- Toiletries: Wipes, hand sanitizer, and bug spray (mosquitoes think I’m a buffet, so repellent saved my life.)
- Cash: Yes, cards are accepted in some places, but Ghana is very cash-friendly. Carry Ghanaian cedis (I’ll explain currency later).
- Documents: Passport, border papers (if you’re driving in from a neighboring country), and any vaccination cards.
- Sim cards: You can choose to get a Ghana sim card while you’re on the trip but trust me I don’t recommend this. One, you will use the sim card for a few days except if you’d be staying for months. Also, Ghana telco revokes the lines after it is dormant for months. So for ease of communication, I will say use e-sims like Airalo to stay in touch. However, I would say you should check if you phone is compatible with e-sims before you opt for this option
I’d advise you to roll your clothes instead of folding when packing as they take up less space. And please, leave space in your bag because Ghanaian markets will tempt you with beads, fabric, art, and snacks you’ll absolutely want to take home.
Black star Gate, Ghana
The Borders: Getting into Ghana by Road
I went by road, which was a whole adventure in itself. If you’re entering from Nigeria, Togo, or Côte d’Ivoire, you’ll have to cross land borders. I started my trip from Lagos, Nigeria, and entered through Seme Border.
Crossing the border is part patience and part preparation. Immigration checks are thorough, so make sure:
- Your passport is valid for at least six months or you have the ECOWAS travel certificate or Nigerian international passport. (It’s way easier for West Africans since we can travel within the region without visas).
- You carry a yellow fever vaccination card. This is non-negotiable.
Be prepared for some waiting time, and sometimes, random checks. But once you’re in, oh my goodness, the roads, the vibe, and the scenery are worth it. The road trip itself feels like a mini adventure before the actual adventure.
Currency in Ghana
Ghana’s currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). The exchange rate can fluctuate, but I found it quite affordable for food, transport, and shopping. A lot of transactions are cash-based, so I kept smaller denominations for trotro rides (their version of mini-buses) and market shopping.
I’d recommend that you don’t stress too much about converting beforehand. You can easily change money at the borders or in major towns. Also, negotiate when shopping in local markets But, remember to be friendly and wear a huge smile.
Other ways to access cedes is via momo agents. Some you can pay in Naira via their POS terminal or Use Bitnob to transfer Cedes to a Momo agent and withdraw cash. To sign up for Bitnob use my referral code: magdalene8 to support the blog and my travel goals.
Ghana Cedis
What to eat in Ghana: Local dish and street foods to try
Now, let’s talk about food (my favorite part of traveling anywhere). Ghanaian food is comfort food with personality. Here’s what I stuffed myself with:
- Jollof Rice: Of course. Ghanaian Jollof is smoky, rich, and has that tomato depth that makes you go for seconds. (And if you’re Nigerian like me, you already know the eternal Jollof wars, but Ghana holds its own. Respect!
- Waakye: This is rice and beans cooked together, often served with boiled egg, spaghetti, fried plantain, meat or fish, and shito (a black pepper sauce that’s addictive).
- Kelewele: Spicy fried plantains that you snack on at night. They’re cut small and seasoned with ginger, chili, and cloves. They’re sweet, spicy, crunchy perfection.
- Banku with Tilapia: Banku is a fermented corn and cassava dough that’s eaten with grilled tilapia and pepper sauce. The tilapia in Ghana? They’re huge and so well-seasoned.
- Street food: Roasted plantain with groundnuts, meat skewers, and chilled sobolo (hibiscus drink).
I made it my mission to eat something different every meal, and I succeeded. If you’re a foodie, Ghana will spoil you.
Banku and Okra Soup
Ghana Jollof, chicken and Shitor spice
The Itinerary: 3 Days in Ghana
So here’s the real deal. If you’re going by road like I did, then let’s be honest, Day 1 is going to be a lot about the journey. You’ll need to cross the border, deal with immigration, and still make that drive into Accra. Trust me, it’s a ride, not a sprint. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself.
Here’s how I broke it down:
Day 1: Travel + Settle In
This was basically my “get there, breathe, and settle” day.
- Border Crossing & Road Trip: Depending on where you’re starting from (Nigeria, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire), the border takes time. Don’t stress, just be prepared with your documents and cash. The drive is long but scenic, so pack snacks, music, and patience.
- Check into Your Hotel in Accra: By the time you reach Accra, you’ll be tired. I checked into my hotel, had a quick shower, and felt like a new person.
- Dinner in Osu (Oxford Street): Osu is the heartbeat of Accra when it comes to food and nightlife. I kept it light, grabbed some Jollof and grilled chicken at a rooftop spot, watched the city come alive, and just enjoyed the vibe.
Optional Nightlife: If you’re not too tired, Accra’s nightlife is electric. From rooftop bars to lounges with live music, there’s something for every mood. I personally chose to keep it chill and went back early because the road had already drained me.
Day 2: Explore Accra
This was my big “city exploration” day. By now, I was well-rested and ready to embrace Accra’s chaos and charm.
- Makola Market: My first stop was this buzzing market. It’s a maze of colors, fabrics, spices, and chatter. I bought kente-inspired fabric and some beads. Bargaining here is almost an Olympic sport, but I loved it.
- Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum: Next, I went to the mausoleum dedicated to Ghana’s first president. This place is a lesson in African history. The fountains, statues, and museum are worth the visit.
- Independence Arch & Black Star Square: Quick stop here for photos and vibes. This is where Ghana celebrates its independence, and standing there just felt powerful.
- Lunch Time: I had Waakye (rice and beans with shito sauce, fried plantain, egg, and fish). My taste buds were singing.
- Labadi Beach: By afternoon, I headed to Labadi Beach. There were horse rides, music, and street food stalls. The people-watching alone was worth it.
Evening in Osu (Oxford Street): Back to Oxford Street for shopping and food. If you love nightlife, you can push through till late. I danced, ate kelewele (spicy fried plantain), and basically forgot I had to wake up early the next day.
Day 3: Cape Coast Day Trip
This was the emotional but unforgettable part of my trip. I woke up early and hit the road to Cape Coast (about 3–4 hours from Accra).
- Cape Coast Castle: Visiting this UNESCO site was heavy. Walking through the dungeons and seeing the “Door of No Return” was heartbreaking but necessary. It left me quiet and reflective.
- Elmina Castle: Just a short drive away, this castle tells the same painful but important story of slavery. The architecture itself is striking, but the weight of history hits you.
- Lunch Stop: I grabbed grilled tilapia with banku at a local spot. That tilapia? Massive, fresh, and seasoned to perfection.
- Kakum National Park: To lighten the day, I went here next. The famous canopy walkway was terrifying at first (I screamed, no lie), but once I looked down at the rainforest, it was pure magic.
- Return to Accra: I got back in the evening, had a quiet dinner, and started packing for the journey home the next day.
Three days might seem short, but Ghana gave me memories to last a lifetime. The road trip itself felt like an adventure, the border crossing was a story on its own, and the food, history, and people made it even more special.
Would I go again? Absolutely. But next time, I’m giving myself at least a week! Are planning a trip to Ghana anytime soon? Do you find this Ultimate guide to Ghana useful? Let me know in the comments.