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Accra Travel Guide

Updated December 2021

Black star Gate - Ghana Independence Day 2019 Photograph by Armenyl Photography

After Black Panther was released years ago, it felt like Africa was standing in a new light. From music to international personalities, the world started paying attention and I couldn’t be more excited for this new wave that is calling foreigners to see Africa beyond the media’s portrayal of starving children and poverty. Yes, “Wakanda” is a fictional place, but Africa itself (which it seeks to represent) is one full of beauty. I’d say my favorite thing about Black Panther’s portrayal of Africa is that despite Wakanda being the most technologically advanced and richest place on earth, there  remains an emphasis on an untainted culture. One that is not looked at with shame or poverty, but is celebrated with pride. So that its residents dressed differently, spoke differently, and still lived surrounded by vast lands, but it no longer suggested a lower class; instead, it depicted wealth in culture.

Ghana is my second home. It is a place that I have long wanted my friends to see and explore. Thanks to social media, I’ve been able to take you along with me every time I visit, but I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately to share more about the country. So, I decided to share a list of my favorite things to see and do in Ghana for those of you who have been asking for a travel guide and for those it might inspire to explore one day.

BEFORE YOU VISIT:

Get all necessary vaccinations as instructed by the Ghana authorities . Most airlines have detailed and most up-to-date information concerning trip requirements into Ghana.

Visas may be required to cover the duration of visit for non-Ghanaian passport holders

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

December is the most popular time to visit Ghana and a great time to visit if you are looking to see the country come alive. The month is packed with a long list of fun cultural and entertaining events. It also means traffic and crowds are at an all time high. If that’s not your scene, find your sweet spot in a summer visit to Ghana or an even quieter time between March and June.

GETTING AROUND:

If you don’t book a private car, the best way to get around Accra is with Taxi, Uber or Bolt (typically the most inexpensive of the three). For a fraction of the price, there’s also a very inexpensive option in “Trotro” –a shared van that makes stops at major points throughout the city.

PACK:

Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, comfortable shoes, hand fan, and copies of any required vaccination records

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW:

LANGUAGE: Most people speak English. WEATHER: Get’s really hot and dry. Pack clothes to keep you cool and hydrate.

Explore Ghana: A travel guide by Armenyl.com

Black Star Square

Visit the Black star square to see monuments honoring Ghana’s Independence including the Black Star Monument/Black star gate, Independence Arch and the Liberation Day Monument

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum

Speaking of Ghana’s Independence, see where it all began a few streets away from the Black Star Square. Walk down over to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum, where you can find the burial place and museum of Ghana’s first president and one of its founding fathers, Doctor Kwame Nkrumah. Fun fact: Ghana was the first African country to gain its independence

WEB Du Bois Memorial Centre

Visit the home and burial grounds of African-American Civil Rights Activist and co-founder of the NAACP, W.E.B Du Bois.

Explore Accra Ghana - travel guide by Armenyl.com

Take a day trip out to the Central Region

Home to historical sites such as the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle which were both prominent during the slave trade era

—Hans Cottage Botel

While in Cape-Coast dine and adventure with crocodiles at Hans Cottage Botel

—Kakum National Park

Or go a 100ft above ground on a canopy walk through the 234 Square rainforest at Kakum National Park

Ghana with its vibrant funky prints has always had its unique way of interpreting style. See the best Street Style at Afrochella

Afrochella Street Style photography by Armenyl
From the article: Things to do in Accra Ghana guide by Armenyl

Labadi Beach

One of Accra’s most popular beaches and nightlife scene

Afia Beach

A calmer and less crowded alternative to Labadi Beach

Jamestown

Lined with graffiti walls and fishing boats by the harbor, enjoy a walk through Accra’s eclectic artsy scene.

Royal Senchi (outside Accra)

A beautiful mix of modern and traditional. Relax by the pool or take a fun boat ride over the Volta River to see the Adomi bridge. (Read about my experience here).

Hillburi, Aburi (outside Accra)

A hotel and restaurant situated on top of the beautiful hills of Aburi. (Read about my experience here)

Aqua Safari Resort, Ada (outside Accra)

This is the only thing on my list I am yet to do, but it comes highly recommended by all my friends. Take a weekend away and enjoy some jet ski fun

Ghana Street portraits by Armenyl photography
Ghanaian cuisine - Food and drinks in Ghana a guide by Armenyl.com

TASTE

There’s nothing quite like Ghanaian food! Here are a few local dishes I recommend you try while in Ghana

Jollof Rice

Rice, tomato sauce, and tasty flavors make up this one-pot rice dish you have to try! And for the record Ghana Jollof is BETTER than Nigerian Jollof. Polls closed!

Fufu & Light Soup

Cassava and ripe plantains are pounded together until they became a dough. This is fufu! A dish popular in both Ghana and Nigeria and served with a variety of soup options. My favorite combination is fufu with chicken light soup.

From the article: Places to go and Things to do in Accra Ghana guide by Armenyl
Ghanaian cuisine Hot pepper photo by Armenyl.com

Waakye

Another favorite is Waakye. A mélange of dark black-eyed beans and rice with tasty add-ons like meat, fish, spaghetti, and gari (cassava flakes) Mouthwatering! 

Kenkey & Fish

You can’t leave without trying this Ghanaian staple. Kenkey or Komi is a popular Ghanaian dish made of fermented maize (say yes, to food coma). It is usually served with hot pepper and fried fish.

DRINKS

Palm Wine

Lightweights beware. Palm wine is a popular West African alcoholic beverage made up of palms such as coconut and date palms.

“Sobolo”

The local name for Hibiscus drink in Ghana

Listen…

Shop for Souvenirs: Oxford Street . Art Center

Accra Ghana travel guide best restaurants and resorts by Armenyl.com

Favorite Places to Hangout

Kempinski hotel accra pool side photo by Armenyl.com

The list of places to visit, things to do and food to eat goes on and on, but as I said these are my current favorites! I will expand the list as I continue to explore more. I also urge readers who have visited Ghana to share their recommendations in the comments for all of us!

Enjoy your trip!

Accra Travel Guide This post was originally published in March 2018. Updated December 2021