Part 1: Ghana Travel Essentials for 2026

Before you pack your bags, there are several logistical “must-knows” that will make your entry into Ghana seamless. Ignoring these can lead to frustration at the airport.

1. Visa Requirements & Professional Support

Most international travelers (excluding citizens of ECOWAS states) require a visa to enter Ghana. While Ghana has continued to streamline its digital visa processes, the documentation requirements remain strict.

• Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
• The Documentation Checklist: You will typically need a completed application form, passport photos, proof of hotel booking, flight itinerary, and a yellow fever certificate.
• The Invitation Letter: Crucially, most tourist visas require an official invitation letter from a licensed tour operator or a Ghanaian host.

The Secure Travel Advantage: Navigating bureaucracy can be tricky. Secure Travel and Tours specializes in visa assistance services. We provide the necessary invitation letters and ensure your supporting documentation aligns perfectly with Ghana Immigration Service requirements, significantly reducing the chance of delays.

2. Health and Vaccinations

• Yellow Fever: A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (the “Yellow Card”) is mandatory for entry. You will be asked to present this upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport (ACC).
• Malaria Prophylaxis: Ghana is located in a malaria zone. Consult your doctor before traveling for the best preventative medication (such as Malarone or Doxycycline) and pack high-quality insect repellent.
• Hydration: Stick to bottled or filtered sachet water. Popular, trusted brands like Voltic and Bel-Aqua are readily available everywhere.

3. Money, Connectivity, and Getting Around

• Currency: The Ghana Cedi (GHS). While international credit cards are accepted in major hotels and malls in Accra, Ghana remains a cash-heavy economy. You will need cash for markets, taxis, and local restaurants.
• ATMs & Exchange: ATMs are widely available in cities. We recommend bringing backup USD, GBP, or EUR to exchange at reputable bureaus in the city for better rates than the airport.
• Connectivity: Stay connected by picking up an MTN or AirtelTigo SIM card at the airport upon arrival. Data is affordable and essential for navigation and using ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, or Yango, which are highly recommended in Accra.

Part 2: The Ultimate 10-Day Ghana Itinerary

This itinerary is designed to balance deep cultural immersion, somber historical reflection, and thrilling wildlife adventure across Ghana’s diverse regions.

Day 1: Welcome to Accra – The Pulse of West Africa

Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC). After clearing customs and immigration, meet your **Secure Travel and Tours** escort for a private, comfortable transfer to your hotel. Accra can be overwhelming initially; let us handle the logistics.

Evening: Ease into the Ghanaian “vibe.” Enjoy a sunset dinner at a rooftop restaurant in the trendy Airport Residential area or the vibrant Osu district. This is the time to try your first plate of authentic **Jollof Rice**—prepare to pick a side in the ongoing “Jollof Wars” with neighboring Nigeria!

Day 2: Accra’s History, Heritage, and Hustle

• Morning: Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the final resting place of Ghana’s first president and a stunning tribute to the Pan-African movement.
• Afternoon: Explore Independence Square (Black Star Square) and the iconic arch. Continue to **Jamestown**, one of Accra’s oldest districts. Walk past colonial-era architecture and vibrant street art toward the iconic red-and-white lighthouse.
• Late Afternoon Shopping: Stop by the **Accra Arts Centre**. It’s the premier spot for hand-carved drums, masks, and leather goods. (Pro tip: Haggling is expected and part of the fun—keep it friendly!)

Day 3: The Journey West to the Central Region

Drive approximately three hours west toward Cape Coast. This region is the historical and emotional heart of the country.

• The Stop: Assin Manso Slave River: We highly recommend stopping here en route. This was the site where enslaved Africans had their “Last Bath” in African waters before being marched to the coastal dungeons. It is a deeply spiritual and solemn place for reflection.
• Evening: Check into a beachfront resort near Elmina or Cape Coast. The sound of the Atlantic crashing on the shore provides a peaceful backdrop for the days ahead.

Day 4: Canopy Walks and Colonial Castles

• Morning Adrenaline: Head to **Kakum National Park**. Experience the world-famous **Canopy Walkway**—a series of seven suspension bridges hanging 40 meters above the rainforest floor. The views are breathtaking, and it’s a unique way to experience the West African jungle.
• Afternoon Reflection: Tour the **Cape Coast Castle**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tours lead you through the dungeons and eventually out the “Door of No Return.” It is a visceral, life-changing experience that connects you deeply to the painful history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Day 5: Elmina’s Majesty and the Drive North

• Morning: Visit **Elmina Castle (St. George’s Castle)**, the oldest European building in existence sub-Saharan Africa. Contrasting the dark history of the castle is the vibrant energy outside; walk across the bridge to the bustling fishing harbor to see hundreds of colorful wooden pirogues (canoes) bringing in the day’s catch.
• Afternoon: Begin the four-hour drive north through lush scenery to **Kumasi**, the bustling capital of the Ashanti Region and the heart of Ashanti culture.

Day 6: The Ashanti King and the Golden Stool

• Morning: Visit the **Manhyia Palace Museum** for a deep dive into the history of the Ashanti Kingdom. If your trip aligns with the *Akwasidae Festival* (held