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Ghana is a wonderful place to visit for not just its beautiful natural attractions and friendly people but also for it is wonderful and varied cuisine. Unlike other African countries, there is a lot to choose from for both vegetarians and non vegetarians.

The cuisine in Ghana varies according to the regions. You will get fish, trout and others seafood in the Volta region because of the proximity to the river. On the other hand, you will find diverse non vegetarian cuisine when you go in to the interiors where agriculture is not sustainable. Fertile parts of Ghana where crops are grown will give your cuisine that is filled with vegetables and meat dishes. You will have our lot of fun experimenting with local cuisines as long as you are bold enough to give them a try.

It does not make sense to travel to a culturally rich country like Ghana to eat your standard western staple food. However, you need not worry if you have a sudden yearning for a hamburger. The urban centers in the Ghana play host to numerous outlets that serve proper western cuisine. You will find it difficult to get such foods as you walk into the interiors but there is no point in traveling to the interiors unless you are prepared to experiment with your food.

When in Ghana, make sure you try the various drinks available in the country. From coconut water based drinks to palm wine – there are many choices and each and every drink will leave you yearning for more.

If you love going on cruises but have not been impressed by the amount of time you get to spend on the land for your downtime, you should know that you can cruise control your own vacations. You can choose packages that offer 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14 day stays. On your cruise, you can even get packages that allow you to visit two exciting locations, like Orlando and the Caribbean.

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Whether you’re planning a trip to Ghana or any other exotic locale, using online resources can save time before you depart and ensure that you have the best time during your trip. Before the Internet, most travelers depended on a few travel guides or a travel agent to fill them in on everything they needed to know. Often, this method missed some of the most interesting information.

Before booking your trip, research the local accommodations. This is one area where you won’t want a single surprise. Instead of relying on the hotel’s photographer to show you the condition of the rooms, building, and surrounding grounds, visit review sites to see what real guests had to say. This will give the most reliable information on the local hotels, restaurants, and other area attractions. If you’ve never visited a user review site, Canada 411 can help you find the best ones.

If you’re planning a family trip, create an itinerary that will interest every member of the family. Most popular attractions are represented by a dedicated website to provide visitors with plenty of information before they arrive. They will usually include operating hours, admission rates, and what to expect. Viewing the pictures and reading the descriptions will let you make the best choices to create a trip of a lifetime.

Of course, these are just two ways to plan your trip. Online traveling sites can also help you create a budget, find a cheap flight, learn about average weather conditions at your destination, and more.

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Saving up for a vacation should begin right after getting home from the last one, or as soon as possible. The sooner you can put away money every week or so, the more that fund can build up for the next vacation.

Especially if there are skiing holidays in the plans; the trip itself should entice a person into a dedicated savings plan. It’s a good idea to look up the website for the destination frequently and see all there is to do there. It can be good motivation.

Get Great Information on the Destination

One great way to save, whether shopping for fantastic ski deals or tropical beach deals, is to only spend cash. Spending cash means there will be no credit card bills after the vacation. Relying on cash may offer even greater inspiration for savings in order to have enough for a great vacation without relying on plastic.

Another savings idea that can help pay for your vacation is to collect all of the coins from your pocket or purse every day. It’s amazing how quickly they can add up into a significant pile of money. Get some coin sleeves and fill up a new roll as soon as you have enough coins as many banks don’t provide that service any more.

Pat, a waitress in Portland, Oregon, benefits by separating the coins and saving each denomination in a different jar.  The jar of dimes netted the most cash at the end of the month and she pays her refuse service bill with it. Each jar has its own purpose to be paid monthly.

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Cape Coast Castle is a line of old forts built along the Atlantic Coast by many European powers. This castle was mainly built for slave trade and this is one of the major tourist attraction. This castle is now used as museum that explains the history of Ghana, local culture, and various information about slave trade.

Another main vacation spot is the Elmina, a picturesque fishing town and home for beautiful St George’s castle. This castle also has a small museum and even there is a guided tour. Accra is the capital city of Ghana and one of the safest places in Africa. The main attractions in this city include Makola Market, National Museum, The Arts Center, and nice beaches.

Another important place to visit is the dense tropical forest, Kakum National Park and it is the home for many larger animals. Another large wildlife park is the Mole National Park. Academy of African Music and Art is another beautiful attraction that attracts many artists around the world. Ghana is the home of lovely beaches and Busua is one among them. In this beach, travelers can relax, walk in the shore, and enjoy eating lobster.

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Ghana is a coastal country with a long stretch on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Needless to say, this makes Ghana an attractive holiday destination for all those who lover the water. Well, what is so special about Ghana’s beaches that one needs to travel to this holiday destination?

Well, Ghana is in the tropical region and has a hot and wet climate. You can enjoy the sultry climate and cool off in grand style on the beaches of Ghana. This will be a completely different experience as compared to lazing on the beaches of a country with temperate climate.
The temperature rises and aridity increases as one goes away from the coast. The inside of the country can be very hot and it is best to check the best time to visit the interiors. Temperature will rise as you go closer to the Sahara and you should a person who can enjoy extended hot and dry spells if you intend to spend bulk of the time in the interiors.

Ghana can offer something to its vacationers that no other country can offer – Gold. This country was known as Gold Coast before independence is gold mining is a very important industry here. If you do your homework right, you can easily end up buying gold at a much lower price as compared to your hometown.
Of course, do not expect too high a variation in price in today’s globalized world. Immunization for yellow fever and cholera is a must before you visit the country. A trip to the doctor is a must before you leave for this country to avoid quarantine later.

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If it is the night life you like, fine dining and then some entertainment, Accra is the place for you.  There are numerous pubs and restaurants, catering to everything from garage tunes to jazz, with karaoke for those who wish to partake, as well as a Mexican restaurant and Irish and German pubs.

For your sightseeing pleasure, just 14 kilometers north of Accra is the University of Ghana, a tribute to Japanese art.  Accra is also home to The National Museum, where you can learn all about the history of Ghana, see displays of ancient relics and traditional art.  The Centre for National Arts and Culture was once for popular as an entertainment center.  Today however, it is the home to Accra’s Handicraft Market, one of the major attractions of Accra and a tourist’s delight.  People go there to buy and sell crafts and it has become the largest market for handicrafts in the country.  Items are brought in from other parts of the country.  There are wood carvings, jewelry, antiques, painted ivory and even home made instruments, all for sale.  Tourists often buy their souvenirs here and send things back to their own country for friends and relatives.

Accra is just one of the many interesting attractions of Ghana.  Just something to consider when planning your next vacation.

Not every destination has beaches, so if it is the summer fun in the sun vacation you want, you will need to go to a place that has beaches, or at least pools for you to relax and enjoy.  If it is sightseeing, culture and learning that you crave, your destination may take a completely different turn.  You will need to decide exactly where you want to go and what you want to learn about that place.  If it is a learning vacation, will you be staying close to home, or traveling far to give the kids a chance to see how people live and the rich cultures of other societies?

Maybe this economy has you a little boxed in on your choices.  If you happen to live near a resort area or a coastline, maybe you will have to choose the rest and relaxation vacation this year.  It may save you money, money that you can use to take the sightseeing and culture learning vacation next year.

That is the great thing about vacations.  You get to decide where you want to go and what you are going to do.  Everyone has worked hard all year.  We deserve a little time off to regroup and reconnect with the family.  If everyone agrees on the destination and type of vacation you are taking, it will be a fun and perhaps educational vacation for all.

You do not have to go on an extravagant vacation.  A great vacation on a budget is staying home, maybe pitching a tent in the backyard and cooking on the grill all week.  You don’t have to get up every morning and go to work and you will still get some much needed rest, especially if you turn the telephone off and pretend like you are not home.  However, maybe you would like to get away, spend some time in a place you have never seen before.  Even on a tight budget you can do this as well.

However you choose to put your budgeted money aside, make one more spot for your vacation dollars.  Tell yourself that you will go on your vacation when you have enough money put aside to do exactly what you want to do.  A lot of people use the envelope system for their budgeting.  They put money in separate envelopes every week, money for food, money for the electric bill, etc.  Well, add one more envelope for the vacation fund and don’t stretch yourself too thin.  Make an allowance that is reasonable and that you can stick to.  Put that money away every week or every other week, and before you know it, you will be sipping fruity drinks with umbrellas under the vacation sun.

There are ways to make the business trip more like a mini vacation.  Maybe it is not something you can share with the family, but it can make the nights a little more fun, and relaxation is important when you have a stressful job.  Being able to get away from the actual job for a little while, gives your mind a chance to switch gears, take it easy, making it easier to get a good night’s sleep and be ready to wow the company the next morning.

Check out the local scene.  There is probably not a place in this country, and most definitely in other countries, that does not have a local hang out spot, a place where the food is good and the people are friendly.  Maybe you can catch a live show, a good band or a fascinating sports competition.  You can check it out before your leave, thereby giving you some fun activities to look forward to on that business trip.  Your work is important, being able to have fun doing it, makes it all worthwhile.

Dipping into your old school math skills you can also estimate with pretty good accuracy how much it is going to cost for you and your family to eat for the duration of the trip.  Meal planning is an important part of the vacation budget and for the most part, families plan on eating on the run, with maybe one or two really nice sit down dinners to regroup and enjoy the dining experience of the vacation.  Perhaps you are vacationing somewhere that is famous for its local cuisine, or you are visiting this destination because of the dining experiences.  In this case, you would need to allow more of your budget for food.

There is one last, but not least miscellaneous part of the budget.  This is the spending money, that extra cash that allows the kids to buy souvenirs and mom to purchase maybe a purse or blouse that is way over the budget that would be spent at home.  A vacation is the time to splurge.  Creating your budget early and making sure you have put away enough spending money, will make your trip both fun and worry-free.

Arrangements of course, need to have been made for your arrival at your destination.  If you are traveling far, this can be a little concerning.  Of course in the day and age of the computer, you can check regularly to make sure your reservations have been confirmed and they are awaiting your arrival.  Have you checked out the accommodations?  If you have younger children, are there things for them to do, to keep them busy during your down time, the time when you are not sightseeing or participating in a scheduled event?  Do you need a refrigerator in your hotel room, for keeping medicine, baby formula or other smaller items?  If you are traveling with your family, is the security tight at the place you will be staying?  This is very important as you may not know the surrounding area and if you are not with a native or a tour guide, you could most definitely place yourself in harm’s way if you are not careful.

Ask the questions, get the answers.  Checking things out at your destination before your arrival will make your vacation more enjoyable for everyone.

Cover of Flying

Some travelers spend more time on airplanes than in cars.  Their business travel may have them flying from one city to another weekly or even more often.  The seasoned flyer is comfortable in an airplane, and stepping onto that plane is as much a part of their work week as getting in a car is for the rest of us.  When it comes time for a yearly vacation, they enjoy the flight even more, as they know their destination is not work related, and with all of the miles they racked up during the year, they may just be flying their entire family to their vacation destination for free.

Then there are those who freeze at the thought of boarding a plane.  The anxiety of being thousands of feet in the air is a reason for high levels of anxiety and fearfulness.  Though air travel is exponentially safer than car travel (let’s face it there are a lot less airplanes in the sky, than cars on the streets), it is an experience that most people do not encounter on a regular basis.  Pilots and stewardesses must love it, they are on airplanes more than the seasoned business traveler.

Flying can be an enjoyable and fascinating experience.  If you try to relax, and the stewardesses will help you, you can get a glimpse of the world from a view that  you do not get to see every day.  If you are flying across the country, beautiful mountain ranges can be seen, and the sky is alive with the dancing clouds and blue sky.  If you are flying over the ocean, its massive and majestic beauty is something to see.  If you are apprehensive, you can always close your window and listen to music, watch a movie or have a meal.  Maybe you need this flight to calm the jitters and you will see the amazing country from the air next time you fly. If you have anxiety about flying, try to relax.  You will realize what an enjoyable experience it can be.

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Going on vacation is an exciting experience.  Everyone is getting ready to go.  Dad is busy making sure the house is all locked up and secure so that you can have a worry-free vacation.  Mom has already made sure the reservations are secure, and there is a place for the family stay once you arrive.  Dad has gotten all the spending money together and he is ready to provide the fun.  Now it is time to pack up the family.

Depending on how old the kids are, more than one kid can be packed in one suitcase, or some of the smaller children’s things can be packed in mom and dad’s suitcase.  Decide how much room you have for luggage and pack accordingly.  If you are traveling by car, you may be limited to the amount of luggage you can handle in addition to the family.  Have the kids pack a “take along” bag, with stuff that will keep them busy on a long trip.  This bag could also hold a change of clothes, just in case.  You never know when a spill or a little motion sickness can come on.

It might be best for you to all pack in one really large suitcase.  It might be more feasible for everyone to pack an individual smaller bag, as these bags can be stacked or stuffed in different ways, possibly taking up less room than one big bag.  The best solution is to do a trial run, pack the entire car, or weigh your bags, just to make sure the luggage is one less thing you have to worry about.

Perhaps it is a presentation you have to make.  Have you loaded your laptop with all the necessary charts and graphics to make the presentation that no one will be able to forget?  Make sure you back up your laptop with a good flash drive, just in case.  You never know when you get somewhere what might have happened going through airports.  Many a presentation has been lost in a magnetic field somewhere along the way.  Have your secretary check and double check your travel arrangements.  A smooth transition onto a flight can make your part of the trip easier, just as a hassle at the airport can ruin your positive train of thought for a successful trip.

Have a last minute meeting with your boss or whatever team helped put together the presentation, just to make sure you are representing them properly as well.  The successful business trip is almost always a group effort, you may just be the front man.

Reading Materials
Take along that novel you’ve wanted to read, or a few of your favorite magazines. Heck, pack the weekend coupon flyers and do your coupon cutting and menu planning while in your hotel room. If you are away on business to learn something new, read your training materials to get a better understanding of what you are learning. This is the perfect time to sink into a romance novel, go out on a mysterious adventure, or solve the perfect crime.

Craft or Project
If you are a knitter, crocheter, cross-stitcher, or scrapbooker, bring your craft or project with you to work on in your hotel room. This quite time alone is the perfect time to make some great headway and get you closer to completion. You may even complete your project while on your business trip so when you get home, you can start your next project. If you are between projects, this is the perfect time to think about what project you’d like to tackle next when you get home.

Games
Games are popular, no matter what age you are. If you have your laptop, play your favorite Facebook games, card games, or even play some online poker. If you have a Nintendo DS or PSP, take it along. These portable gaming consoles are a great way to unwind, relax, and have some fun while waiting for your plane, during the flight, and while you are in your hotel room.

Plan
Planning is especially important if you are traveling with young kids. You need to be prepared for meltdowns, picky eaters, and tired little feet. You might even want to bring a small med kit for little bumps and bruises. Take some toys, favorite blankets, and snacks and nonperishable food that can be packed in suitcases and carry-on bags to keep little ones happy. If you kids take a nap, make sure you consider that when planning your days. Don’t let your kids skip their nap if you want a great family vacation.

Schedule
Try to keep a schedule that is similar to home. Try to eat your meals at the same time and take naps at the same time. It is also very important to keep bedtimes the same for kids so that they stay rested and ready to go with minimal meltdowns. Well, it’s okay if they stay up late one or two nights, but the majority of the time they should go to bed at their usual time.

Keep an Open Mind
You need to keep an open mind as you will not be able to control everything during your family trip. If the lines are too long on one ride, just smile and move onto the next. If the chicken nuggets are sold out and the littlest one won’t eat anything else, take out those fruit bars that you packed. Some people say spontaneity is the spice of life and when you are spontaneous, something will happen that you’ll always remember. Even if it doesn’t go as planned, even if it’s horrible, you’ll probably laugh about it later.

Plan Trips Using the Internet
When you are planning a trip, hop on your computer and search various destinations. Decide what kind of trip you want to take. Is this going to be a family trip or a romantic tropical get-a-way? Are you looking for adventure or rest and relaxation? These are all important questions that you should ask yourself as you pick a destination. Once you know what type of place you want to visit, find a vacation location that meets all of your needs.

Book Trips Using the Internet
After you decided where you want to go, it’s time to book your trip. Many hotels offer discounts when you book a stay online. Take advantage of the savings. Don’t forget to check out discount travel websites as you might even find bigger deals. You can book airfare, hotel accommodations, and even purchase tickets to attractions, all from the comforts of home.

Create an Itinerary Using the Internet
Check out the area to see what you’d like to do while on vacation. Enter your vacation destination into Google and see what comes up for area events and attractions. What is the area most famous for? What is your budget? Depending on what type of vacation you are looking for, come up with an itinerary of what you’d like to do and see, each day of your vacation.

Chat With Others That Have Been There
Many popular vacation destinations have websites and chat rooms designated just to them. Go ahead and join in on the discussions to find the must-see places, as well as those that you should avoid. Gain as much information from other people that have already been there so you will be prepared.

The Aboakyir Festival. This festival is held on the first Saturday of the month of May. It is an extremely popular festival that attracts visitors from all over the world. The Aboakyir Festival is only held in the village of Winneba. The festival kicks off with a hunt between two groups of the village. This hunt is competitive and involves each group trying to catch an antelope. The goal of the hunt is to try to catch the animal alive and is used to test the strength, power and bravery of the groups of warriors. Once the antelope has been caught the village celebrates by sacrificing the animal to the gods. Other great features of the Aboakyir Festival include the procession of the chiefs and sub-chiefs which is a colorful display as well as the native music, dancing and story telling which goes along with this event.

Nkyidwo. Nkyido is a very special festival to the people of the village of Essumeja. This festival represents the belief that their ancestors came out of a hole in the ground. This is from a native folktale that tells the tale and involves having the people followed by a dog and a lion. This festival is held on a Monday night and has a lot of spiritual blessings from the native gods as well as loud music, dancing and other activities that represent this very special evening. Nkyido is held on a Monday night in the month of June.

Location. Ghana is located on the Gulf of Guinea. It is located on the western part of the country of Africa. The countries of Togo, La Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina all border the country of Ghana.

Population. In 2000 it was estimated that the small country of Ghana holds over 20 million people. Of the 20 million people it is believed that 2 million of them live in the major city of Accra.

Language. There are over 70 different languages and dialects spoken in the country of Ghana. Linguists have separated these languages into four major groups for ease of learning the local language. These groups include Akan, Mole-Dagbani, Ga and Ewe. However, it is believed that over half of the country of Ghana speaks a form of the Akan language known as Twi. Recently, English has started to make its way as the official language of Ghana but if you head to the surrounding villages the locals all speak some form of Twi.

Religion. Over 75% of the people of Ghana follow some form of Christianity. Some of the country, about 15% follow the Islamic faith and the rest follow the traditional animist beliefs that are native to the country of Ghana.

Capital City. The capital city of Ghana is Accra. It is believed that over 2 million people live in this major city. It is the home of the Ghanaian government as well as a major tourist destination. In the past 10 years, tourism to the Accra area has increased by as much as 80%.

Hobetsostso Festival. The Hobestsostso Festival is a major festival celebrated by the village and group known as the Anlo Ewes. It is believed that these people ran away from a bad ruler by walking backwards and finally ending up at their current village. This festival represents the exodus the villagers ancestors had to go through. There are dozens of events and rituals that are held throughout this month long festival. Some of the rituals include a purification ceremony for the village, a time of peace throughout the village, and a recreation of the travels the ancestors did. The most important part of the festival is when the chiefs of the village dress up in colorful attire and receive their subjects. The Hobestsostso Festival also involves a lot of dancing and traditional Ghanaian music.

Kwafie Festival. If you are in the villages of Dormaa, Berekum, Nsuatre or Ahenkro you will be able to experience the Kwafie Festival. This festival is a time of remembrance for those that have previously passed. It is a time of purification for the villages. A unique feature of this festival is the building and burning of a huge bonfire because the legends say that the Dormaa brought fire to the country of Ghana. One of the highlights of the festival includes a pageant of the royal courts of the villages. This is where the royal courts come out to music and dancing and dress in their finest attire to greet the rest of the village.

If you are going on a vacation without any plans, it’s a good idea to spend some time in your hotel’s lobby once you get there. You can talk to other vacationers to see what they’re doing and get recommendations from the hotel staff. Then, the vacation group can get together and decide what to do.

Another place where you can get attraction ideas is from travel brochures. Many hotels have small gift shops or an area in their lobby where brochures are displayed. Brochures can be an excellent resource for travelers because they tend to include the most popular attractions in the area and provide lots of information and sometimes discounts too.

Some people don’t like to look at travel brochures because the attractions that are represented are too “touristy” or expensive. In a lot of the cases, this can be true, but they can still help you find places that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. You should always stop by these brochure stands to see if there are any attractions that are worthwhile, especially if you haven’t made plans ahead of time.

It can be stressful to go on vacation without any plans, but you can’t let the stress get to you. Have a sense of adventure and enjoy the spontaneity. Travel brochures can help you once you get there.

Homowo Festival. Homowo Festival is a festival that honors the beginning of the harvest season. This is a month long celebration by the people of the Ga Traditional Area. A unique feature of this month long celebration is the making of a special Ghana dish that involves ground corn which is made with palm oil and eaten with a local soup known as the palmnut soup. This is a traditional dish that is prepared only during the festival. Other highlights of the festival include the special processions of the local chiefs who will walk through the villages and offer blessings for a great new year. These processions involve music, dancing and a great community atmosphere. Visitors to the area are often invited to join the chief for the honorary tasting of the Homowo Festival dish.

Kundum Festival. The Kundum Festival is actually a several month festival but it starts in August. This festival starts in the village of Takoradi and features traditional drumming and music as well as dancing. Rituals and blessings are also performed during this festival. The festival lasts for two days and then moves on to other villages.

Afenorto Festival. The Afenorto Festival is held in the village of Mepe. It is a festival that signifies the bonding of friends and family members. It is a time when the village people reflect on their lives, build up family bonds and create plans for the coming year. For those in arranged marriages this is a time when they will meet each other for the first time.

Asafotu-Fiam Festival. The Asafotu-Fiam Festival is a festival that starts the last Thursday of July and runs to the first weekend in August. It is a festival that honors the warriors of the village. The festival is held in the honor of those that have passed in battles as warriors. The Asafotu-Fiam Festival starts out with a recreation of a historical event and battle where village people dress in the traditional battle attire. The younger men of the village are introduced to battle and war during this time. Visitors will experience a celebratory nature during this event and will be greeted with a lot of dancing, music and celebrations in the streets. While there is plenty of music and merry making during this festival the high point of the festival is the procession of chiefs, who are dressed in their full chief attire.

Obambea Festival. The Obambea Festival is celebrated in the Saltpond Traditional Area of Ghana on the last Saturday of August. This festival represents the Nkusukum chief and villagers move to their current location. This festival is held to keep the link between the Nkusukum people and the people that they left when they moved. The highlight of this festival is the recreation of past events and history which allow travelers to experience a piece of Ghanian history.

Animal experts believe that these animals are endangered because of the high amount of human disturbance that has been caused to the land. Human disturbance is defined as building, hunting and other activities that are native to the land. In an effort to protect these endangered animals the country of Ghana has devoted a large portion of the land to a nature preserve. These preserves are off limits to building, hunting and other environmental damages that can cause harm to these animals.

Here is a look at some of the animals that were considered endangered, critically endangered and vulnerable as of 2004.

Critically Endangered. The Groove Tooth Forest Mouse has been listed as critically endangered. This forest mouse is a native animal to the country of Ghana. Ghana over the years has experienced a lot of developmental growth and has been destroying a lot of the forest land that was home to these forest mice. With no home these forest mice have started to die off and have eventually found their way on the critically endangered list.

Endangered. African Elephants are endangered all over the world. These elephants also call Ghana home. Other animals that are also endangered in Ghana include the Chimpanzee, Diana Monkey, Wild Dog and Red Colobus. These endangered animals stand a chance of survival with the proper preservation and land reserves.

Vulnerable. Vulnerable status means that the animals numbers are decreasing rapidly and could put them on the endangered list. These animals include African Golden Cat, Fat Mouse Species, the African Lion and the Buettikofer’s Epauletted Fruit Bat.

When planning a trip to exciting Ghana, there are plenty of attractions and spots to include on the itinerary. While it may not be a location that is often thought of when planning a trip, Ghana has so much to offer any tourist, including nightlife, shopping, beautiful beaches, vineyards, outdoor activities, and so much more. The shopping is high on the list, with hundreds of local and worldwide shops featuring just about anything an individual might want to remember this wonderful vacation. When out on a shopping spree, tourists can also help out the less fortunate by purchasing a pair of Toms Shoes, a company that donate a pair of shoes to someone in need for every pair of shoes that is sold across the world.

Founder and CEO of the company, Blake Mycoskie, travelled the world to perfect the design of his shoe, and it has certainly been a remarkable journey. Originally he sold his shoes out of his home in California, but then popular retailers American Rag and Fred Segal got wind of the company and partnered with Mycoskie to begin selling the shoes in thousands of stores worldwide. Since then, the company has grown drastically to keep up with the sales, and there are hundreds of designs, colors, and sizes available for purchase. This company has revolutionized the concept of philanthropy in that it gives part of its profit from a sale directly to an individual who is in need. As a result, millions of people across the globe have purchased these shoes in order to make a difference and be part of something wonderful. Many people do not know what it would be like to not have a pair of shoes, and with the work done by Mycoskie, that number continues to become smaller and smaller.

Ghana is a very tropical country. Due to its location close to the equator it has very high temperatures and fairly consistent weather. Depending upon where you are located in Ghana you could experience rainy seasons and bright sunny skies.

When it comes to temperatures the country of Ghana rarely goes below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These low temperatures occur in the evening during the month of August. This lower temperatures are due to the rainy season as August is very rainy in the country of Ghana. The high temperatures in Ghana occur during the months of November through January and can reach above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Generally Ghana is a very tropic and humid country. However, if you are traveling to the country between the months of April and September you run the risk of facing the rainy season. Ghana has an average of 43 inches of rain in the southern part of the country and an average of 83 inches in the northern part. The rainy season in Ghana can range from the occasional rain shower to complete downpours. If you are looking for less rain than the southern part of Ghana is where to visit.

During the months of December to March a very warm, humid, dry wind will greet tourists to Ghana. This wind is known as the harmattan and usually comes in from the northeast. The harmattan is responsible for making the weather during these months very dry, less humid and gives the country warm days and cool nights.

Here is a look at the educational system in Ghana.

Language of Education. All classes held in the country of Ghana are taught in English. This allows Ghana to bring in teachers from all over the world in order to meet the rising demand for teachers in the area.

Cost of Education. The country of Ghana funds student’s education in primary and secondary school. These schools are tuition free and the uniforms that are worn by students are provided by the government. In fact, Ghana devotes over 40% of its country’s budget to the educational system.

Primary Education. Students in Ghana start primary education at the age of six. Primary education in Ghana is a six year school system. This is where the students will learn the basics of education such as reading, writing, science and math.

Junior Secondary. After the students pass their first six years of primary education they are sent to a junior secondary school. At junior secondary school they will spend three years learning a variety of vocational and educational classes that will help them decide what to choose in the senior secondary classes.

Senior Secondary. Senior secondary is where the students in Ghana will prepare themselves for college education. Senior secondary is a mixture of core classes and some elective classes that the student chooses that will be related to their college or university education.

The University of Ghana. The University of Ghana is the largest college campus in Ghana. It is located on the outskirts of Accra. The University of Ghana offers a wide range of courses to study and attracts a majority of the local students for classes. The University of Ghana is also known for having a number of foreign students that take classes there.

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Ghana also has a college that is specifically devoted to the study of science and technology. This college is known for offering some of the highest quality science and technology courses in the world.

Valley View University. Valley View University offers students in Ghana a chance to gain a college education with a balance in a spiritual education and humanitarian efforts. Valley View University gives students a quality education but also focuses on training them for vocational studies as well as leading a spiritual lifestyle.

University for Development Studies. The University for Development Studies is the equivalent of a vocational school in the United States. Instead of focusing on education it focuses on giving students the skills and knowledge to live and work in Ghana. The University for Development Studies also teaches students how to operate and open up their own business or place of employment.

Ghana is a great place to take a family vacation, but in order to plan a vacation to visit, you’ll need to decide on what time of the year you want to go, such as during the winter or summer. During certain times of the year, cruise packages may be cheaper than others. Family holiday deals on cruises can be located online by checking out travel sites.

Ghana is hot all year round, but the best time to visit is between December and April so that you won’t have to deal with a lot of rainfall. Once you’re on your cruise there will be times when the ship will dock. When your cruise ship docks, there will be many places to choose from to visit. Two beaches in Ghana that you may want to see are Keta and Ada Beach. Keta Beach is similar to Venice Beach, California. Ada Beach connects with the Volta River. It has jet skies and a yacht community.

The waterfall in Ghana is breathtaking. The Volta River is where you will get to see the beautiful Wili Water Falls, which is 45 minutes from the town of Ho Ho. The Volta River is the largest river in West Africa. You may have to put on your hiking boots because in order to get there you’ll need to hike for 45 minutes through the rainforest.

Coco Beach is much more family friendly. You will meet a lot of friendly locals and they make you feel right at home. The best part is you will be safe while on the beach. Let the children play on the beach for a while until you’re ready to go back to the ship. You may even find some shops where you can purchase some souvenirs for your family back home.

Don’s Place. Don’s Place is a Osu Jazz bar. It offers tourists the chance to experience some great modern jazz music while enjoying some great food. Don’t Place is known for having some of the best chicken in the Accra area. It’s a great chance to listen to great entertainers while enjoying a once in a lifetime chance to try some great chicken.

Ryan’s Irish Pub. Even if you aren’t into Irish pubs or bars you have to stop by Accra’s only Irish pub. Ryan’s attracts a really great crowd that allows tourists to really get a feel for the Accra area. If you are looking for some great Irish food or grabbing a drink that reminds you of Ireland then Ryan’s Irish Pub is a must visit location.

Vibe Cafe. The Vibe Cafe is really a must visit restaurant for tourists. It has some of the most spectacular views of the Accra area. The menu offered by the Vibe Cafe is one of the most unique menus in the area. The Vibe Cafe is also home to the only radio station in the Accra area and allows the Vibe Cafe to be considered a radio cafe. Vibe Cafe is the only radio cafe on the whole African continent.

Chester’s Place. If you are looking to get a feel for what the locals do then Chester’s Place is the place to be. Chester’s Place is a favorite of the local Ghanians. One of the unique features of Chester’s Place is the local bands that play every night there. It really is a great way to get a feel for the local area.

Kokrobrite. Kokrobrite is 50 miles west of Accra. It has been dubbed the favorite beach of tourists. It has huge beaches that spread for miles. Kokrobrite is also surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of hills. Many tourists have mentioned that Kokrobrite is one of the calmest and quietest beaches in the world.

Cocoloco Beach. Cocoloco Beach is located about an hour east of Accra. Beyond the beautiful sands and water the Cocoloco Beach is known for being a nature preserve for animals. Visitors can see beautiful sea turtles and a wide variety of native birds to the country of Ghana. One of the unique features of the Cocoloco Beach is that it offers tourists a chance to stay in small bungalow huts along the beach. These huts allow visitors to truly get the experience of the beach while staying in Ghana.

Ada Beach. Ada Beach is known as the beach for those looking for adventure. There are various snorkeling, fishing, boating and waterskiing businesses located up and down the Ada beach.

Alaska Beach. Alaska Beach is known as the beach that lets you get away from it all. It offers a secluded beach that has quiet nature trails ideal for backpackers. Alaska Beach has beautiful camping grounds and wonderful traditional Ghanaian food. Alaska Beach is also home to the well known Busua Resort which offers fresh seafood dishes and traditional Ghanaian food.

When people think of taking a trip to Africa, it is probably not often that they plan to go to lie on the beach. In fact, when most vacationers think of Africa, they probably imagine a safari or a sightseeing tour.

Those things are certainly available to you, and you should do those things. However, you should also make time to visit the wonderful beaches of Ghana.

Even the names of some of the beaches sound inviting. For example, one is called the Next Door beach. You shouldn’t have to go too far to get there. Another is named La Pleasure Beach. That one already sounds like a good time, doesn’t it?

Some of them are public, and some of them are privately owned. Some of them have very nice major hotels on them. Of course, you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time in a hotel. You would want to be out soaking up all the sunshine and fresh air you can.

It is ironic how we can sometimes come home from a vacation more tired than we were before we left. It almost makes you feel as though you need to go back to work to get some rest.

When you take your vacation to Ghana, you won’t have to suffer that. Just make sure that you spend the last day or two getting a little bit of that African sand between your toes before you go home. It may be just what the doctor ordered.

Through your efforts with Scottsdale property management, you have managed to master the economy. Homes are purchased; homes are subsequently sold; and the result is a career that offers stability.

Such stability is less of a triumph than it should be, however.

You long for an adventure. You dream of new experiences, new cultures. Arizona — though adored — has become too much of a complacency. There must be something beyond its borders, you’re certain, that could overtake the monotony. And so you consider the world, dwell on all of the little countries stuffed along a map. They each promise thrills — but only one seems truly worthwhile: Ghana.

Settled in the northwestern twist of Africa, Ghana is an exploration of history and culture. Established in 1500 BC, it began as a collection of small empires and warring kings. Time eventually named it a valuable ally, however, and it was sought out by European merchants and traders. Its position along the Gulf of Guinea (coupled with a rich ethnic diversity) marked it appealing to all throughout the world. And that sentiment remains even today.

Ghana is among the most coveted of destinations within Africa. Its blend of differing tribes and sensibilities has shaped it to a mecca of art and cuisine. Influences can be found from Christianity, Islam and the Ashanti — and the result is an experience like no other.

You want more than Arizona’s flat beauty. You instead want to seek history. Ghana is therefore ideal.

Sport fishing is one of the most exciting things an angler can do. Those who have the wherewithal to continent hop will find the catch of their dreams off the coast of West Africa. For those out of the loop, big game fishing for marlin in Ghana is a well-kept secret. After all, no fisherman is about to give away his favorite spot.

Watching those great fishing episodes on the television in which the adrenaline-oozing anglers are hooked up with a Blue Marlin weighing several hundred pounds or more seems a bit unreal. However, off the coast of Ghana in West Africa it happens on a regular basis. Trophy-sized blues have been caught in those waters weighing in at over a half ton.

Marlin fishing in Ghana is not the type of thing that is done on a whim. The trips are usually planned well in advance and booked through one of the many fishing guides available in the area. Considering all that comes with most of the sport fishing packages, the trips are not very expensive. Even when you add in the cost of airfare it is worth it.

The guided tours generally last seven or eight days and can accommodate from two to six people. The guides will not only take you to the saltwater hotspots, but also show you some of the other local attractions during the down times. A little sightseeing, a little whale watching, and even a little nightlife is usually on the agenda during your trip to Ghana.

If catching a trophy fish is your dream, consider some big game fishing for marlin in Ghana. Whether you catch that trophy or not, you will certainly have the time of your life. You are bound to come out of West Africa thinking your trip was another for the books.

There is a lot going on off the coast of Ghana in West Africa. It is all the buzz among world-class big game fisherman, especially those who are avid marlin fishermen. Word is out that, after a short lull, the saltwater fishing in that area is hot again. However, before you pack your bags and hit the road, you will need to know the best time to go marlin fishing in Ghana.

There was a time when the extent of saltwater fishing in Ghana was for yellow fin tuna, snapper and a few others. However, over the years it was discovered that those waters flourished with Blue Marlin. Anglers got excited and angling in that area has not been the same since that time. People go there from all corners of the world with high hopes of reeling in a 700-pounder.

The best time to go marlin fishing in Ghana is when the marlin are migrating into the coastal waters and when they are making their way back out. Fortunately, this leaves a wide time frame of several months in which to plan a trip.

They start heading into the coastal waters in October and stay until around February. The billfish then start their exodus in March, and it goes on until June. In essence, there are only about three months of downtime. Even the most addicted fisherman can hang on that long to possible catch a trophy-sized marlin.

If you just want to take a trip to Ghana and fishing is not important to you, there are things you can do year-round that make for a fun tour. There is a lot of history and culture there. Nevertheless, if your heart is set on a guided fishing tour, the best time to go marlin fishing in Ghana is usually October to June.

When it comes to personal care, the sky is the limit for a lot of people. No expense is too great to bear when it comes down to looking or feeling good. When it comes to their pets, many of the same people invest in pet insurance that covers the same spa treatments humans can receive. Yes, pet insurance can cover pet massage and aromatherapy treatments too.

Massages, complete with a pampered spa visit, have come to be the norm rather than the exception — and it’s easy to see why; a massage loosens muscles that feel as if they’ve been tight for years. It frees up your range of motion, which can have the resultant effect of making you feel younger. The same is true when it comes to pet massage covered by pet insurance.  Some people claim that a massage improves their skin tone, although most masseuses would probably comment that skin quality walks in the door and doesn’t leave their hands in a vastly improved state.

Of course, massages also improve circulation and other health concerns for humans and their pets. For people who have been involved in an accident which has frozen up joints, especially those around the neck area, a course of massage work can free up those issues in time and help to restore proper functioning. That’s not to say that massage is a miracle cure, because it isn’t, but it does work wonders. Many people suffering from a health malady that a doctor has recommended surgery to fix, have found relief from getting a massage.

Those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome are easy examples. Doctors want to lengthen the over-tight tendons with a scalpel, while a masseuse works the same muscles in a non-invasive way to provide the same freedom of movement. And the cost of a massage, or a series of massages, is far less than the cost of a surgery. Most everyone appreciates not having to pay doctors large sums of money, which explains the popularity of pet insurance, which helps to cover the unexpected costs associated with your pet needing some medical attention rather than yourself. This sort of insurance helps keep your pet as comfortable as you are.

Anyone who is looking for a great place to do some birding should consider doing some bird watching in Ghana. There are tours and field guides available that can get fans of nature to the action quickly. There is no shortage of wildlife-protected areas and national parks in the area in which to admire our feathered friends.

Birding is popular in Ghana because of the diversity of bird species in West Africa. In the area of Ghana alone, there are over 700 varieties of them. Some of the most popular with tourists are the Western Bluebill, the Western Grey Plantain Eater, the Chestnut Wattle-eye, the Blue-headed Bee Eater, and the Blue-breasted King Fisher.

How to Go Bird Watching in Ghana

There are a couple of ways to enjoy birding in the area:

Free Birding Pals

These are serious bird lovers in Ghana who are willing to share what they know about their hobby. They will take you to the best areas to see the most interesting birds. The tour is free. They do it because of their love for birding. There are no fees, but it is traditional that you pay for their gas and buy them lunch.

Paid Tours

Professional guides are available for hire to take bird lovers to the best spots in Ghana. These trips can last less than a day, and they can last for up to three weeks. If hiring a guide appeals to you, a trip of at least seven days is suggested. A half-day trip doesn’t allow enough time to get a good start on all the birding opportunities.

If birding is your thing, bird watching in Ghana is certainly a trip you should add to your agenda. Whether you choose to go for a short tour with a free birding pal or a full-blown bird watching safari for a few weeks, it will be an experience to talk about when you get back home.

Most every sportsman dreams of going on a big game expedition. Trophy hunting is very popular in West Africa, and for good reason. Prize hunters can hire a tour guide to take them on a trophy hunting safari in Ghana. Trips to that area include those for both rifles and bow hunting.

Even the word safari brings to mind Africa, which has always been well known for sightseeing as well as big game expeditions. In the country of Ghana, hunting safaris are common for wildlife such as the Mountain Goat, the Klipspringer, Royal Antelope and the Mountain Reedbuck.

A trip with an African tour guide is the only way to go. They know the area and right where to take hunters. This does not always guarantee success, but the odds of it are much higher with a chaperone and a crew who know their way around.

An African hunting safari package for Ghana will include a stay at an area lodge. Some of the lodges have accommodations that include butlers and house cleaners. Both group and private lodging is usually available. The owners take pride in offering chef-prepared meals that are based on the local wildlife.

Normally, hunters will fly into Accra and go by automobile to the lodge. When it comes time for the hunt, professional hunters and trackers will assist them. Drivers will take them to their destination in 4-wheel drive vehicles. This, as well as the lodging, is all included in the cost of the package. Also included are licenses and other fees.

Anyone who has the dream of bagging a big game trophy should plan for a trophy hunting safari in Ghana. Even those who have hunted in other areas of the continent would be pleased with what the country of Ghana has to offer as far as wildlife, terrain and scenery.

Sightseeing on a wildlife safari in Ghana is a great way to get to know this beautiful country in West Africa. The abundance of beautiful animals against a background of forested terrain in the high plains makes everything there look like a picture waiting to be taken. Even if the wildlife weren’t there, this would be a trip well worth taking.

Ghana is near the coast, so it has a variety of terrains. The low sandy area near the beach gradually works into a high plains wooded area. Both are beautiful, but if it is the big game you want to see, you will need to move up higher to the plateau.

The area is full of national parks and wildlife reserves that are home to around 100 different animals, not including hundreds of species of birds. This is where sightseers will see creatures living in their own habitat as opposed to those they normally only see on television or in a zoo.

A Few Animals You Might See on a Wildlife Safari in Ghana

Elephants
Hippopotamus
Monkeys
Antelope
Buffalo
Leopards
Lions
Hyenas
Baboons

There are a variety of tours that can be taken, including those in a motorized vehicle such as a jeep, hiking expeditions, horseback excursions and even canoeing trips. Anyone who has the time should try to spend a day or two with each one of them.

The weather is warm in Ghana, so most any time of the year is a good time to plan a sightseeing safari. However, those who do not like the wet weather might not want to go from the months of April through November. That is the rainy season.

Going sightseeing on a wildlife safari in Ghana is sure to create some memories and photos that will last a lifetime. Pick up the phone or go online to book a guided safari in West Africa.

Most of the time when people think of doing some sightseeing in Africa, whale observation is not what comes to mind. Instead, they think of animals such as lions, hippos, elephants and monkeys. However, whale watching in Ghana is quite a popular activity with tourists and locals alike.

One good thing about those who go on saltwater fishing expeditions off the coast of Ghana is that, even if the marlin aren’t biting, the fishermen may still be entertained by the whales. Likewise, there is occasionally some turtle watching to do, as well.

This is a seasonal trip. July through December is usually when tours for whale watching are booked. They typically last for one day and include an overnight stay. Of course, multiple days can be booked simply by rebooking. A tour will usually consist of two to as many as twenty people, depending upon the size of your party.

The better trips include transportation to your lodging from the Accra airport. They will take you back to the airport when your tour is over. The lodging is usually included in the cost of the tour, as are meals and drinks in the evening.

One thing you should know before you arrive at your destination: The inhabitants of Ghana take whales very seriously. They believe that the creatures are divine, which is one reason why the expeditions have been set up. The information is good to know so you can avoid any comments that might upset your guides and the other locals.

If you are looking for a getaway that provides a very different experience, plan to do some whale watching in Ghana. There are so many other things to do there that, even if you don’t get a chance to see Moby Dick, you are still sure to have a whale of a time.

There is a lot to see and do in most all areas of Ghana. Everything from hunting and fishing, to hiking and canoeing, to bird watching and sightseeing, to getting a tan on the beach and even the nightlife are a few of the reasons why tourism in Ghana is popular.

The outdoors is the name of the game in West Africa, namely in the beautiful country of Ghana. The beach in itself is a well-liked tourist attraction. From there, you can hop aboard a vessel and head out to sea for some great marlin fishing and whale watching.

After you return to port and get your land legs back, you can start making your way to the higher country where you can go out on horseback to do some bird watching and check out some of the gorgeous waterfalls. Then, tie the horses up and do some whitewater rafting or kayaking.

If you still have any energy left when the evening comes, you can slip into town and enjoy a fine restaurant and some nightlife. In the cities, you will find a variety of international foods, but you should try the local cuisine. It is not often most people get a chance to eat authentic Ghana fare such as fried yam sticks, jollof rice, or fufu with palm nut soup and goat meat.

After that, if you’re not too full, you can take in a show or opera at the theater. Later, you can wind down by relaxing in one of the local pubs.

You can spend many days and weeks getting familiar with all of the reasons why tourism in Ghana is popular. In fact, you would have to make several visits to the region just to take everything in. If you are a lover of the outdoors, a long trip to West Africa will allow you to see some wonderful things that you have never seen before.

The country of Ghana is famous for so many things that it would be hard to experience everything in just one trip. With all of the sightseeing and wonderful places to go, you could find yourself running out of time before you get to see some of the best attractions. However, if you are planning a trip, there is one thing for sure: You want to be sure you take in one of the major festivals in Ghana.

The festivals in Ghana occur in all parts of the country and celebrate a wide variety things. They normally last a full day, but can go on for as much as a couple of months. Some are the celebration of religious beliefs, some commemorate victories and freedom, and others are for the giving of thanks for the New Year, the celebration of or thanks for a crop harvest and the anticipation of good fishing.

There are also festivals that observe things like the time of girls coming into puberty, the Kete-Kyen fetish, the donning of new clothes, the purification from social evils, the honoring of the spirits of departed family members, and the purifying of stools. What you probably want to ask is something you will just have to get the answer to when you go.

Most of the festivals in Ghana are celebrated with bright garments, headgear and jewelry, as well as interesting decorations, marching and parades, dancing and music, and food festivities.

If you are considering taking a tour of West Africa, allow yourself plenty of time to do the many things available to you there. Pick one or two of the major festivals in Ghana that most interest you and plan your trip around those. They will give you the opportunity to become more familiar with the culture and tradition in Ghana.

One of the great things about visiting Ghana is that you can stay in a luxury resort without spending a lot of money. Hotels in Ghana that might cost a couple hundred dollars would easily cost over $1000 in some parts of New York City. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious vacation without breaking the bank on hotel accommodations.

Finding Affordable Hotels in Ghana

When searching for affordable hotels in Ghana, be sure to check the most popular vacation websites such as TripAdvisor and Expedia. These sites are useful because they tell you how much the hotel rooms cost and give you some indication of which ones offer the best services. When you browse the hotels, you will find that many of them are affordable. A lot of them cost less than apartments for rent in Atlanta and other large U.S. cities.

Finding Luxurious Hotels in Ghana

After deciding which hotels fit into your budget, you will need to determine which ones can give you the services that you want. This differs from traveler to traveler, so you will have to read the description of each hotel to choose one that appeals to you. Some people will want hotels that offer spa services. Others, however, are more interested in finding a hotel located near the attractions they want to see.

Paying for Hotels in Ghana

When you book your hotels through travel websites, you take all the guesswork out of paying for the rooms. Instead of giving your credit card information to an overseas company that you do not know, you can pay through popular websites that are based in the United States. That way you know that you are paying a legitimate company for your hotel accommodations instead of falling for a scam.

The question of where to go sightseeing in Ghana does not come to mind because there are so few places to go, but because there are so many places to go that it is hard to narrow them down. Tourists are typically only going to have time to see a handful of things in proportion to everything that is available.

One of the first things you will have to decide when planning a trip to this country in West Africa is what to leave out. You can best do this by narrowing down what cities you are going to visit. You won’t likely have time to see all of them, so maybe you should only plan to visit those that are the largest. Even if you could make it to them all, it would be hard to see everything.

Some of the largest cities that you might want to consider visiting during your sightseeing trip to Ghana include the capitol, Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Obuasi. These four will give you plenty to do during your visit to West Africa. You will learn a lot about the culture, the religious beliefs, the history, and the traditions and customs of these wonderful municipalities.

In addition to taking tours of the cities, you have several choices of themed tours that you can get as part of a tourism package. These include diverse areas of the region, and they will help you to learn a lot about Ghana in a short amount of time.

Examples of these themed excursions include eco-tours, camping, bird watching, fishing, hunting, safari and beach tours. Eco-tours are those in which the trip is focused on the environment.

When you are planning your trip, be sure you narrow down your choices for sightseeing in Ghana. Pick only the things in which you are most interested. You will have to save the others for another trip.

There are all kinds of things to see and do when you travel to Ghana, including many kinds of tours, shopping, shows and festivals. One of the things you will want to do on your trip is to visit some of the national parks and wildlife conservation areas in the country. They are a bit like a “best of” list because you can so see many things all in close proximity.

Among others, some of the popular recreational areas in Ghana include the Mole, Digya, Bia, Nini Suhien, Kayabobo and Kakum National Parks, the largest of which is Mole. Mole has beautiful vegetation and diverse landscape. Its forests are full of rivers and streams bordered by steep slopes.

Mole National Park is the biggest and most popular in the region. It gets more visitors each year and there are more varieties of animals there than any of the other recreational areas. The area is home to around 100 kinds of animals including warthogs, baboons, hartebeest, bushbucks, antelope, monkeys, lions, buffalo and elephant. Hundreds of species of birds also claim residence there.

The journey to Mole is rugged, but worthwhile. There are buses that can take you there from Accra, which is the capitol of Ghana. From there it is about a six-hour ride to your destination. However, it’s not a straight shot. You will first arrive in the city of Kumasi, and then you will go to the town of Tamale. Then from there, your next stop is Mole.

When you go to Ghana, save the shopping and the fine restaurants for later in the day. You will want to spend the daylight hours visiting the various national parks and wildlife conservation areas available to you in Ghana. Those are the things that are going to be the most memorable to you after you return from your trip.

There is a long list of sanctuaries and reserves you can visit in Ghana. Once you have had your fill of seeing the wonderful attractions in some of the major cities such as Accra and Kumasi, you may want to head out to see some of these other areas. They are a big contrast to what you find in the cities.

Located in the western region of Africa, Ghana is home to a wide variety of birds, fish, mammals and vegetation. The people of that region have been good enough to make sanctuaries for all that life to preserve it and make it so that the locals and the tourists can enjoy it.

There are zoos you can visit in some of the cities, but it almost makes you wonder why. It’s not too long of a trip away from the metropolitan areas to one of the reserves where you can see those wonderful creatures in their own habitat. Some of the sanctuaries are even home to some endangered species.

Here is a very short list of the many sanctuaries and reserves you can visit in Ghana:

Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Reserve

This reserve has been designed to protect the monkeys from being hunted and killed. This is done because the locals consider them to be the children of their gods.

Xafi Bird Watching Sanctuary

This sanctuary is a great place to do some birding from a canoe in the river.

Bunso Arboretum

Bunso is a sheltered forest reserve that has over 100 kinds of vegetation, butterflies and birds.

Keta Lagoon Complex

The complex is a protected wetland area for migratory birds and a breeding area for sea turtles.

You certainly want to see everything you can in the big cities of Ghana, but you also want to set aside to visit the some of the sanctuaries and reserves. You will rarely see the quality of scenery and the wildlife anywhere else in the world but this region of Africa.

There are enough beaches in Ghana to keep you busy tanning for a long time. Since it is almost always warm there, the cool waters of the Atlantic are sure to entice you to take a dip. On the other hand, maybe you would prefer to get a line wet and try your luck at some fishing. Whichever you choose, vacationing on the beaches of Ghana will leave you relaxed and refreshed.

When people think of taking a trip to Africa, it is probably not often that they plan to go to lie on the beach. In fact, when most vacationers think of Africa, they probably imagine a safari or a sightseeing tour.

Those things are certainly available to you, and you should do those things. However, you should also make time to visit the wonderful beaches of Ghana.

Even the names of some of the beaches sound inviting. For example, one is called the Next Door beach. You shouldn’t have to go too far to get there. Another is named La Pleasure Beach. That one already sounds like a good time, doesn’t it?

Some of them are public, and some of them are privately owned. Some of them have very nice major hotels on them. Of course, you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time in a hotel. You would want to be out soaking up all the sunshine and fresh air you can.

It is ironic how we can sometimes come home from a vacation more tired than we were before we left. It almost makes you feel as though you need to go back to work to get some rest.

When you take your vacation to Ghana, you won’t have to suffer that. Just make sure that you spend the last day or two getting a little bit of that African sand between your toes before you go home. It may be just what the doctor ordered.

The Kakum National Park in Ghana is a not-to-be-missed attraction on any visit to the country. The park is a rainforest that is surrounded by agricultural fields. This now small rainforest at one time extended from Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire as well as through Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Unfortunately this spectacular rainforest was decimated and reduced in size through the processes of settlement, farming and mining. The remaining forest is one of the last habitats for such endangered animals including forest elephants and Diana monkeys.

Within this park is a canopy walkway that is located approximately 100 feet off the ground. Because of this height you are able to get a very different view of the rainforest. You will observe many of the tropical birds living in this forest as they fly below your feet.

The walkway begins on level ground and then as you start your walk, you’ll see that the ground begins to slope away into a valley. The many bridges that make up this walkway are made of netting, wood planks and steel ropes and are connected by view platforms. The walkway is designed in a circular pattern that will bring you around and back to the starting point for a complete trip.

Because the bridge does sway slightly, some visitors may feel some trepidation but the sensation is definitely — however the bridge is definitely not for anyone with a fear of heights! Do be assured that professional designers, engineers and others were used during the construction to ensure safety.

You will be able to observe more than 300 types of birds, as well as about 500 types of butterflies. You may, if you are lucky, spot one of the elusive monkeys within the rainforest.

Consider using a local guide during your visit to the forest, so you can learn as much as possible about this national treasure.

You are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime — a trip to the African country of Ghana. You’ve already done enough research to realize that the temperature of this country is just plain hot. Or raining. Or both. The beach and shoreline area of Ghana are more tropical than the inland areas that tend to be more arid. You know and are anticipating participating in the myriad events and festivals that happen all year round.

But just exactly what other things such as documents and vaccinations do you need to prepare for before your departure? Here are a few tips to help make your journey and stay a safe and memorable one.

–You will need both a visa and a passport for entry into Ghana. All visitors to Ghana must carry a valid passport. The missions and embassies of Ghana will issue visas or entry permits to visitors desiring to visit the country.

–You will need to provide proof of vaccinations against cholera and yellow fever. Immunizations for protection against malaria are highly recommended.

–Currency exchange. The form of currency used in Ghana is called the Cedi. You have no restrictions on how much currency you can bring with you into the country, but you will need to state the amount on the entry declaration form. Your foreign currency is easily exchanged at any foreign exchange bureau. Be advised that many of the bureaus outside of the capital city of Accra will not accept traveler’s checks.

–All visitors flying out of Ghana will be required to pay a tax or airport departure fee. The country also imposes a value-added tax of varying percentages to restaurants.

–Hospitals and medical facilities are few outside of Accra. Be aware that local doctors and hospitals may require that cash be paid for medical services.

Ghana first populations were from the Akan kingdoms, the Ashanti Empire as well as Fante states. In the 15th century the Portuguese can into Ghana and subsequently trade was established with Europe. The Gold Coast Crown colony was established in 1874 by Britain.

The firs sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence from Britain, the Gold Coast became independent in 1957 and chose the name Ghana. The name reflects the ancient empire that extends through a good portion of West Africa.

Archeological data presents evidence that there were people living in Ghana as early as 1500 BC. Oral history stories indicate that the current groups arrived in approximately l200 AD, with the Dagomba believed to be among the first groups to settle in Ghana. The ancient Empire of Ashanti is now included in modern-day Ghana as was a very influential empire prior to colonial rule. Much of present-day Ghana was under the Empire of Ashanti by the 16th century.

The Portuguese arrive in Ghana in the 15th century due to the availability of gold. The Portuguese were aiming to increase their economic and political stronghold within the region and used ivory, gold and slave trades to meet these goals.

By the middle of the 16th century the Dutch had joined the Portuguese in Ghana. Other European nations followed including the Swedes, Danes and English. The country is the site of about 30 castles and forts that were built by these colonists. The English named the region the Gold Coast for the gold in the area while the French named an adjacent area the Ivory Coast because of the ivory jewelry worn by the local peoples.

He grew up in Bokum and fighting was as much of a way of life as it was a sport for the children growing up in the area. The kids of Bokum could fight as long as there were no weapons used and the kids were the same age. The kids from Bokum gained a repuation as fighters. His father was a boxer and Nelson wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Nelson thought he was a fierce fighter until he entered a proper gym and was beaten down. He kept returning until he beat his opponent and then began to train for his boxing career.

His first career record of 50 and 1 was as an amateur featherweight. He received a gold medal in the division in 1978 at the Edmonton Games. After receiving this medal he turned pro. Within his first 10 fights he held the championship belts from Ghana, Africa and the Commonwealth. He started his pro career with a 13 and 0 record. His 14th fight saw him face WBC featherweight champion Salvador Sanchez. The fight lasted 15 rounds before it was stopped.

Nelson won the super-feather weight WBC title in 1988 with a disputed decision over Mario Martinez. He went on to defend this time three times. His career record is 39-5-2 and includes 52 knockouts. About half of his fights were world titles.

He received his nickname of The Professor because he taught his opponents a lesson. And he is still regarded as one of best fighters to emerge from Africa. He is expected to be named to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

He actually began fashion at 16 and is entirely self taught. At 23 he formed a design studio on Portobello Road in London and it is where his reputation began to take off. An excellent seamstress who just happened to be his mother assisted him, and he started selling his clothes there on Portobello Road.

He had a dream of working on Savile Row and in 1994 opened a store at the end of Savile Row.

He was eager to learn traditional tailoring skills, learning from those who were considered to stitch the best buttonholes or who made the best lining; all the while developing his own style.

He is noted for being the first tailor to stage a Paris catwalk show. He is credited for revolutionizing Savile Row tailoring styles and having a whole new generation embrace it. He coined the phrase bespoke couturier because he considers himself both a designer as well as a tailor.

In 2003 Givenchy menswear named him creative director. The Sundance Channel aired a reality series —House of Boateng —in 2006. The series followed his effort to introduce the Bespoke line in the United States. Also in 2006 he received the Order of the British Empire. In 2007 the Forum of Young Global Leaders recognized him as a foremost young global leader.

Boateng has many famous clients to his name including Mick Jagger, Laurence Fishburne, Jamie Foxx, Keanu Reeves, Samuel L. Jackson and Will Smith.

Boateng lives with his wife and children in London and was just named one of the 100 Great Black Britons.

The Canadian International Development Agency (also known as CIDA) has been with Ghana since 1957. And since the two seem to be getting along so well, it will most likely continue going on until Ghana is an international player at the level of a mature country. If this tiny land ever develops to the point where China and India start to take notice of it, Canada is going to be very happy (and no doubt happily rewarded) for its long term commitment to helping Ghana to be a peaceful, prosperous and independent African nation. There is just something rewarding about helping someone new to improve.

As time goes on, the relationship between these two nations should be extremely beneficial to both. Canada is a smart country, and they plan their maneuvers (and build their relationships) for maximal benefits over the long term. The likelihood of anything but a very successful coalition between Canada and Ghana is practically nil — at least in this one corner of Africa, the people rule and the country is free to build and to shape its own destiny. It should be exciting as time goes on, seeing what such a country may be capable of doing. You can’t tell with a simple glance.

Ghanaian cuisine has many traditional dishes that come from specific ethnic groups. However, most cuisine in Ghana includes a starch portion and sauce or coup. Starchy dishes include cooked plain rice, Jollof rice, cassava, corn dough and tofu. Typical stews and sauces contain tomato as a main component and protein such as fish, snails or meat. Popular soups include groundnut, okra and palmnut. An alternative to a starch and soup meal is “Red Red,” a mashed bean stew served with fried plantain.

Just as the United States celebrates cotton in its basic white t-shirt or True Religion jeans, textiles in Ghana are also significant. Perhaps the most famous cloth is the Kente, an Ashanti ceremoinial textile of different colors, designs and sizes. Culturally, Kente is a visual representation of Ghanaian history and is considered as a written language through weaving.

Art in Ghana is also culturally driven. Music has a diverse sound with each ethnic group developing their own styles. Instruments typically used in Ghanaian music include drums, goje fiddle, koloko lute and log xylophones. Some of Ghana’s popular music genres are Afro-jazz, Highlife, Dancehall and Hiplife. Dance, like music in Ghana, also follows the traditions of each ethnic group. Dances are performed for various occasions like worship, storytelling, funerals and celebrations. Common Ghanaian dances include klama, adowa, agahu and bamaya.

One commonality that you will discover exists through the country is its love of festivals. Not a week can go by without a festival going on in a city, town or village. Even very personal events such as weddings and funerals usually have a festival-like atmosphere. The locals will be dressed in their finest garb and visitors and tourists are always encouraged to join in the festivities.

Most visitors start their journey through Ghana in its capital city of Accra. Visit the older sections of the city including Jamestown and Usshertown. You’ll discover centuries-old architecture. You can also discover Jamestown Lighthouse and Osu Castle. On the more modern side visitors can enjoy Nkrumah Mausoleum and Independence Arch. The downtown portion of Accra contains a bustling section with shops, fabric outlets, restaurants, hotels and more.

Another favorite city for visitors is Kumasi, the ancient capital of the Ashanti tribe. The Ashanti once ruled over a kingdom that ranged from central Ghana to Togo and Burkina Faso. Within this ancient city you can visit the 300-year-old Beasese shrine or the weaving village of Bonwire. Another not-to-miss sight is the Manhyia Palace, where the current Asante King holds court.

Then there is Fante Kingdom located on the coast of Ghana. You’ll see local fisherman wearing the traditional pirogues and life is in this city is said to be ruled by the winds and tides of the Atlantic. To the north you’ll find the sandy Sahel. Here you’ll find Islamic traditions that date back several centuries.

The Ashanti kingdom emerged as a dominant powerhouse by the 16th century and its tribes took control of the country’s trade routes that went to the coast. The kingdom’s capital Kumasi was a center that rivaled anything found in Europe. Subsequently the Europeans discovered this country. The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese who were soon followed by Swedes, Danes, Dutch, French and British settlers. All of these European groups built now famous forts and castles. They began trading gold, slaves and other items with the Ashanti.

When the slave trade was ended in the 1800s, so did the Ashanti’s rule. In addition, the British had conquered the area and began invading the Ashanti lands. There were several wars that ended with the ransacking of Kumasi by the British. As the British expanded their stronghold, the Gold Coast as it was called then, became a colony of Britain.

The people of Ghana began to long for independence in the late 20s, and organizations were formed to achieve this. But they could not find a consensus. However in 1948 led by Kwame Nkrumah the Conventional People’s Party was formed, and Nkrumah was eventually elected Prime Minister. He then became Ghana’s first president when Ghanaian independence was gained in 1957.

Even though he built several projects such as universities, hospitals and damns, the traditional tribal chiefs did not favor him. Eventually he lost power in a1972 coup.

Asamoah Gyan, Ghana football striker, was recently awarded by FIFA for the World Player of the Year.

Gyan is a striker for the Sunderland team is was chosen from 23 other players who where nominated by the International Federation of Association Footbal (FIFA).

One of the major reasons he received this award was he steered his team, the Black Stars, to the quarter finals of the 2010 World Cup. Then when the Black Stars made their appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, held in Angola, he played a huge role and that clinched the award from FIFA>

Gyan is one of three Africans who were also named in the Player of the Year award and it is said that receipt of this honor will increase his chances to receive the Africa Player of the Year accolades.

However, there are many other great players who pose are also in the running and some of them are considered to be the best in the world. Lionel Messi from Barcelona and Christian Ronaldo from Real Madrid also received the award, alongside Gyan.

There is also a shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award and the list includes seven of Spain’s World Cup squad. Spaniards made the list however there were no English, French or Italian players nominated due to the teams bad performance in South Africa.

On January 10, 20100 the winner will be announced in Zurich. The players will be selected by a committee comprising members of FIFA’s Technical and Development Committee, FIFA Women’s World Cup and other experts from France Football Magazine.

The FIFA Ballon d’Or combines the France Football Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year awards. In December of 2010 the names of the top three vote getters will be announced by France Football and FIFA.

In 2008 he presented his views on new media and the future at the Digital Citizens Indaba/ Highway Africa. His main emphasis was the use of mobile phones and their technologies as a way to empower citizens.

He did his high school years at Adisadel College. While there he received the Dyke Sharp Award for English. While at this school he studied sciences because he had the intent to become a physician. However, he discovered his passion for expression when he joined the schools writers and debate club. He eventual became the leader of the club.

He began studying publishing at his university studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. During his stay at this school he was recognized as the Best Publishing Student in his year group of 2005.

After receiving his bachelor’s in Publishing Studies he completed his national service stint at Ovation International (Ghana) Ltd. After completion, he decided to stay. He became a research/online editor and created his column, “The Awful Truth with Ameyaw” published for Star Newspaper. His readers are won over by his accurate and sharp views of the emerging entertainment industry in Ghana. The column can be read on several online sources including www.ghanaweb.com.

He has also presented his works international and his Jaded Renegade blog is found on www.globalpost.com. His writing is versatile and is wide and diverse in its scope as he tackles any number of subjects.

There are great places to travel abroad. You have surely been enticed to go to many of them. There is, of course, the United States which has many wonderful cities. There is the fine food and history of Italy. There is the rich literary culture of Ireland and the amazing art of France. But there is one country you haven’t thought to travel to and now is your chance: Ghana.

The medium sized country located on the continent of Africa is a place that gets overlooked by tourists. It lacks the pizzazz of many other countries around the world, but the truth is that Ghana has a wonderful culture and is certainly worth your next vacation voucher. It might not be a city that makes you want to look up moving quotes, but it will make you want to visit again and again.

The first thing that will catch your eye in Ghana is the amazing Safari’s you can take while there. Africa is known for it’s precious wildlife. Don’t miss an absolutely breathtaking opportunity to see lions, tigers, and zebras out in their natural habitat. You will be astounded by how close you get to these wonderful and magical creatures.

While you are in Ghana, you should visit the territory known as the empire of Ashanti. This empire was one of the most influential places in all of the southern part of Africa. The empire of Ashanti has been a big part of the culture of Ghana for centuries.

Ghana also features some weather that can be absolutely delightful. If you are attracted to the heat, then you will love the weather there. Ghana is not on most peoples radar, but once you go there, you will never want to book another trip anywhere else. Take a look into Ghana today.

You will need some money to spend on your trip, and like every other tourist destination, Ghana too provides some of the best festivities. One does not want to worry about their finances when they are on their trip, and equally they do not want to worry about the status of their home and car while they are away. Start by looking for insurance savings as we all know insurance in the United States can cost quite a lot. You don’t have to compromise the insurance you currently have in order to save money.

21st Century Insurance is just one company that can provide you with your auto insurance as well as many others including your home, rental, and belongings. They work with you to get you the best deal within your budget, and the more you group your insurance with them, the higher of a percentage you will save on a monthly basis. So why wait until it’s too late when you can get a better insurance cost and free up the money for your trip? It does not take much of your time and the savings are beyond your expectation. You will have the additional money for your trip and your property back home will be protected.

In two of his collections Petals of Blood and Rediscover he uses a dirge motif of “painful or thwarted return”. He was describing the experiences of an African educated in the West who was reflecting on his indigenous background. In a famous poem, the Weaverbird, he uses the metaphor of this weaverbird to represent colonists who destroys its host. He goes on the say that the droppings of the bird were defiling the country’s homestead and place held sacred.

Awoonor had very close times with Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana. When the president was driven out of the country in 1966, Awoonor left for exile as well. During this exile he studied abroad completing graduate and doctoral studies. He received a PhD from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He published his doctor thesis in 1975 as The Breast of the Earth.

In 1975 he made his return to Ghana. Unfortunately he was jailed for his involvement with the coup plot. A book of poetry titled The House by the Sea, published in 1978 told stories of his time in jail.

He has spent his later years working in within the political arenas in Ghana. Many think that his emphasis on political activities has taken away from not only the quality of his writing, but that it has affected the quantity as well. His last novel, Comes the Voyager at Last published in 1992 was about an African-American’s journey, and one critic called it “flat and tired.”

Accra is the historic capital of Ghana and is often used as a starting point when exploring the area. The downtown area of Accra contains many shops, hotels and restaurants. You can also visit the National Museum in Accra that is the largest as well as the oldest museum in Ghana.

Ghana is well-known for its crafts, and when visiting you will be able to find extraordinary pottery and craftwork. Pottery is very prevalent throughout Ghana and is made mostly by women, although many modern men are now taking up this job to express their creative juices.

Kente cloth is a type of weaving done with clothing materials. The people of Ghana also specialize in making coffins, and have produced some very unique and beautiful coffins for those that have passed on to the other side.

There are also many famous beadmakers in Ghana. The beads they use are dug up from the ground and are used to make some outstanding beadwork. Many men make these works of art, as it takes many years of practice to be able to make some of the intricate patterns that are the most popular.

When visiting Ghana, the best thing to do is to visit local shops and restaurants so that you can get the same experience the locals do. Make the most of your visit by seeing everything you can in the short amount of time you are staying in the wonderful country of Ghana.

Peggielene Bartels was made king when her uncle who ruled Otuam died. Otuam is located outside of Accra, Ghana’s capital. She was chosen his successor after the elders performed rituals including pouring schnapps on the ground while they spoke 25 eligible relatives names. These elders were waiting for steam to rise to signify that the ancestors blessed that particular successor.

She was awakened at 4 a.m. in her condo with an overseas caller saying “Hello, Nana.” This title is one that is used by Ghanaians when referring to people of standing — from grandparents to kings and queens. Because she has no children and therefore no grandchildren, she assumed the call was a prank.

However the caller was telling her that she was the new king of Otuam with all the resident powers over the land. While she told the caller she was a woman and if anything, should be titled queen, the caller said that things were changing and she should accept the post.

It took her thee months of deliberation until she realized from a voice inside her that said she couldn’t escape and to take the post.

She took some time off form her position as a secretary at the Ghanaian embassy to attend her coronation in Otuam. She stayed just 10 days and then returned to the embassy in Washington.

Until her retirement in a few years, she is a commuter king. She uses her paid leave time to visit Otuam. It is her goal to make her position well respected. She stated during her coronation that her gender should not be confused with weakness.

Perhaps one of the most well known citizens of Ghana is Kofi Atta Annan who is a former Secretary General of the United Nations. When he was born in Ghana in 1938, the country was still under British rule and was called Gold Coast. He was born into a family of chieftains of the Fante people.

He started education at a university and Ghana and completed a bachelor’s at Macalester College in Minnesota. He continued his studies at the Institute Universitaire de Hautes Etudes International in Switzerland. Finally he obtained a Master’s degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He joined the U.N. in 1971 and spent most of his career in New York, Africa and throughout Europe. His tenure at the United Nations was mostly administrative holding positions that included head of human resources and security coordinator, chief of personnel of the High Commission for refugees and Assistant Secretary General for Program Planning.

In March of 1993 Annan was named Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations. Shortly thereafter he expressed displeasure that the international community was not being more proactive in ceasing the Somalia killings, as well as the Rwandan genocide.

He was also sent to Iraq during the hostage situation and successfully helped to negotiate their release. He also oversaw the move of 500,000 Asian workers that were stranded in that area.

In Bosnia, acting as a representative of the U.N. Secretary General he negotiated terms with the four powers — the United States, France, Russia and Great Britain — who had intervened in the Bosnia situation.

ON December 13, 1996 Kofi Annan was named the first black African to hold the position of Secretary General of the United Nations.

During his tenure he had to gain support for the United Nations, especially from the Congress of the United States.

Pele gained fame while playing on France’s Ligue 1 (Division 1 category) of Lille OSC as well as Olympique Marseille. In both 1991 and 1992 he received the high honor of being named African Footballer of the Year. In March 2004 he received further recognition upon being recognized as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers.

Ibrahim and Andre, two of his sons have followed in his footsteps becoming players for the Ghana team and were also selected to the FIFA World Cup 2010.

Abede Pele is considered to be one of the frontrunners in pioneering African football on European soil. He played from Swiss, German and Italian teams, but most famously for the French. It was here where he propelled Olympique Marseille into prominence in the 1990s. He was included in the all-star selection of FIFA numerous times. In the 1997 Meridian Cup, he captained the African all-star team to victory of its European opponents.

In his native country of Ghana, he played for his country 73 times and is considered by the country to be its greatest football player in history. In the 50-year history of the Ghana Black stars he is the top goal scorer with a total of 33 goals. During the 80s and 90s, he was a fixture with his national team at the African Championships.

After retiring Pele owns a second-division club that he uses to nurture young talent, as well as doing charity work across the African continent.

In the past few years, a lot of work has been put into a website and other avenues of information that advertise Ghana as a place to consider as a vacation destination. You can find all the information you need on visiting Ghana, such as the best way to get there, what to expect when you get there, how to find your way around, and how to stay safe. You can also find information on holiday rentals in or around Ghana so that you’ll know where to stay.

Visiting a relatively unknown country such as Ghana may seem a bit daunting, but remember, thinking about taking the “same old” vacation is what got all this started in the first place. It is for sure that you won’t be bored in Ghana, especially if you take a little time to do some research about the country.

Take the time to do a little research of your own into the customs, culture, and traditions of the people who live in Ghana as well as the weather, especially at the time of year you are considering traveling. If you have some advance information, it won’t seem as strange when you really start experiencing it.

Make sure your passport or visa, whichever document you need, is up to date, and check with your local health authorities to determine if you might need any special immunizations for visiting Ghana. Also, if you take daily prescription medication, check with your health care professional about making sure you have enough to last you while you are there.

In the western part of the country, you’ll find the terrain is broken up with streams, rivers and forested hills. In the north you’ll experience a savanna complete with drainages from the White and Black Volta rivers.

Animals and Plants of Ghana
Agriculture has destroyed much of Ghana’s vegetation; but you can still find African mahogany, silk cotton and cedar. These plants are found in the southern tropical forest zone. In the Ashanti uplands you’ll fid the oil palm and the coastal lagoons have mangroves.

A savanna or grassland covers the northern two thirds of Ghana. Unfortunately animals have also been depleted in the country. What remains is diverse and includes elephants, antelope, leopards, hyenas and more. There are also many reptiles such as puff adder, cobra and python. Ghana is also home to approximately 725 bird specials.

In the late 1800s, the southern half of Ghana was covered in hardwood forests. Unfortunately these forests have almost been complete destroyed. The remaining forestland is not all viable commercially and studies indicated that the country is losing about 1.3 percent of its remaining forest each year.

Ghana has undertaken the Forest Resource Management Project, which is a conservation plan to save the forests. This program restricts the export of certain tree species and raw logs. While some of the land is officially protected by this project, the remaining forestland is constantly threatened by illegal logging activities.a

Droughts, overgrazing and deforestation also presents threats to the environment in the forms of sole erosion and desertification. As a result, wildlife populations are also threatened.

Approximately 40 percent of Ghana’s working population works in agriculture, Ghana’s dominant industry. The country is considered to be a leading world exporter of cocoa. The country also exports gold and lumber.

The country covers an area of approximately 235,500 square kilometers and has a population of about 22 million people. This population comprises about 100 different ethnic groups. Each of these groups has its own language, but the official language is English.

Ghana was the first country in the Saharan African area to become independent (1957). Subsequently the first president, Kwame Nkrumah was deposed in 1966 during a military coup d’etat. After this first president a series of military rulers, interspersed with the occasional tries at democratic rule, were in place. The most recent attempt at democracy began in 1992 and has been successful in making Ghana a leading African democratic country.

There are many attractions for visitors to Ghana, including Fort S. Antonio, Watchtower, Cape Coast Castle and more. Visitors can arrive in Ghana using any number of international airlines providing air service to and from the country. The country’s own international airport is located in the capital city of Accra.

Visitors can also take advantage of the inter-country air travel and will also find that the telecommunication sector including Internet will let them be connected at any time.

While many may think that there is nothing much to keep you entertained in Ghana, it can be one of the most beautiful places that you could ever set foot in.Exotic rain forests, walks through the forest, bird and bird and butterfly watching are a few of the activities that tourists to Ghana enjoy. African Mahagony, Cedar, and cotton add to the vegetation of Ghana.  But the most valuable and beautiful resource in Ghana is found in the traditions and ways of life of its people.  Experiencing Ghana means experiencing a whole other way of life, full of culture and heritage.

Ghana was the first African country from the Saharan region to become independent from the British in 1957. It shares borders with Ivory Coast, Togo and the Gulf of Guinea. Agriculture remains the chief bread winner for almost 45 % of the population of Ghana.  Some of the key items that are available in bulk in Ghana include gold, lumber, and cocoa. In fact, a lot of world export related to these items is pivoted around Ghana.

Recently, oil deposits have been discovered in and around the Gulf of Guinea, and Ghana has an oil refinery. As an immediate consequence, Ghana can be seen indulging in oil exports as well. 

Ghana is famous for its wildlife. It is home to rare varieties of antelopes, elephants, leopards and Hyenas. Apart from these, almost 800 unique species of birds can be spotted in Ghana too.  Just imagine seeing first hand what you have only seen in movies–native and exotic African wildlife.

You can reach Ghana by air or road. If your finances are posing a problem, just take a payday loan.   A payday loan is nothing but a small arrangement with a money-lender, which entitles you a certain amount of money as a loan, until your next paycheck arrives.  After all, Ghana is worth the visit. Moreover, due to the technological advancements and the improvements in air transport, staying connected with the world at all—even from the remote location of Ghana—is now easier than ever before.

The African country of Ghana is especially well known for its crafts. In particular the kente cloth that has been woven by the Ewe and Asante people for centuries. The Asante are also known for their dyed adinkra cloth. There are 60 Adinkra signs used in these cloths that are credited to proverbs. As a visitor to Ghana, you will find stalls throughout the country selling masks and sculptures from Ghana, as well as Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Mali.

Kente cloth was originally only worn by royalty or prominent citizens of Ghana. It is however expensive and is still a sign of prestige. The men of the Ashanti and Ewe tribes usually perform the weaving of kente cloth. The work of the Ewe tribe usually features human, animal and symbolic patters; while the Ashanti use more geometric designs.

Ghana is also well known for its traditional pottery that is both functional and simple. This pottery is general not glazed and the colors will vary depending on what type of clay was used to fashion the pottery. Most of this pottery is used to cook and store food, but the most widely used is the grinding bowl. These pots are fragile because they are fired at low temperature and are inexpensive and can be found for purchased in marketplaces and along the roads.

Ghana is also recognized for its beads and beadwork. The Krobo are considered to be the most famous of the bead makers and they originally obtained their beads from Nigerian traders. Currently there are workshops of Krobo bead makers that make glass beads in molds using kilns. These beads are very recognizable by their intricate patterns.

Another craft or art form for which Ghana is known is coffin making. This industry began as a tribute to a deceased uncle and has turned into a lucrative business in Accra. These coffins are made to resemble cars, animals, planes and so on.

The Western Region is a popular tourist destination, with weather that boasts of warm temperatures year round. There is about 192 kilometres of tropical beaches which runs along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

There is a rich heritage in this region, with many castles and European trading forts that offer visitors a glimpse into the past. Many of these would later be used in the slave trade. There are also mines that tourists can visit by making prior arrangements, including the Nsuta Manganese Mine, Tarkwa Goldmines, and Prestea Goldmine.

The Western Region of Ghana is also well known for its wonderful beaches, such as the Busua Pleasure Beach, Ajua Beach, Princess Town Beach, and Sports Club Beach. Not only that, but this region also has the most tropical jungles in the country which draw countless visitors.

An attraction that must be seen when traveling to Ghana is the famous Village on Stilts of Nzulezu. This incredible village features houses build on stilts in the waters of Lake Tadane, where traditional life goes on every day. Visitors are welcome at any time, except for Thursdays which is a sacred day.

There are also many nature reserves to see including the Akatekyi crocodile pond, Ankasa Conservation Area, Bia National Park and The Amansuri Conservation Area. Visitors can watch animals and birds, or enjoy a peaceful camping trip.

The Western Region offers many options for travelers, and is well known for its friendly people and unique attractions.

There are many castles and European forts which line the coast as reminders to the history of the region. Three of these have been named as UNESCO World Heritage Monuments – Elmina Castle, Cape Coast Castle and fort St. Jago. These historical sites offer tours and give a glimpse into the past, including the chance to witness the dungeons and other reminders of the slave trade.

The region also boasts of incredible palm lined beaches, with restaurants and accommodations that offer visitors fun and relaxation. Some of the most popular beaches are the Brenu beaches, Elmina, Gomoa Fetteh and Winneba, which also has the popular Sir Charles Beach Resort.

Along with the fishing and craft villages to explore, the region offers an abundance of natural attractions. The Kakum National Park features rainforests which can be seen on the many walking tours, while getting the chance to see butterflies, birds and other wildlife such as the forest elephant and bongo.

One of the most amazing attractions in the park is the Kakum Canopy Walkway. It is a rainforest walkway made out of a suspended bridge that stretches 350 metres. There are six tree platforms that visitors can enjoy the site from over 30 metres above the ground. The walkway offers spectacular views of the forest that would be impossible to see from the ground.

The Central Region holds many festivals throughout the year which are always entertaining, including the popular Bakatue symbolizing the start of the fishing season for Elmina, and Edina Buronya, which is the native equivalent to Christmas celebrated by people of Elmina on the first Thursday in the New Year.

The Central Region offers many more incredible sites and attractions that must be seen when visiting Ghana.

The Capital city of Accra spreads along the Atlantic coast, offering a variety of restaurants, nightclubs and hotels for travelers to enjoy. The city has transformed from a 19th century suburb into a modern metropolis which provides an abundance of sites and attractions for visitors. There is the National Museum showcasing the rich heritage of Ghana until present times, and Independence Square which is the location of many of the national celebrations.

The Greater Accra region is home to many popular beaches and resort destinations for tourists, including the Kokrobite Beach Resort, Next Door Beach Resort, La Pleasure Beach, Ningo-Prampram Beach and the Cocoloco Beach, which has camping and accommodations in traditional thatch huts.

There are also wildlife and nature reserves for visitors to enjoy, including the Shai Resource Reserve. This nature reserves showcases the striking contrast of rocky hills set amid the grassy plains. The reserve features caves to explore, and over 150 species of birds to watch.

The region puts on spectacular festivals throughout the year, such as the Homowo Festival in Accra. This colourful festival features dancing, drumming and everyone having a merry time. Some of the other festivals include Kpledjoo, Asafotifiam, Ngmayem and on March 6, Independence Day. Independence Day is one of the largest festivals and provides an abundance of color and ceremony for spectators to enjoy.

The Greater Accra Region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ghana, and offers a vast amount of activities to take part in and choice of sites to visit.

Outside of the major metropolitan areas of Baltimore, real estate, especially baltimore condos,  is affordable for the average middle class family. You do not have to make a six figure income to live in a large, roomy home of 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. You just have to realize that the old adage of real estate is true—the only thing that matter is location, location, location! While Baltimore condos boast one of the best locations, it also comes with the largest price tags. A short train ride outside of the city to Maryland  will offer more property for  the dollar. Home are more reasonable and larger. If you travel outside of the city limits, home prices tend to be lower and the homes tend to be larger. This means you can have more than the mere 100 square feet Baltimore condos in the city—you could have 20 times that in the suburbs!

Due to the large area it covers, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean up to the arid landscape to the north, the climate in the Volta Region can vary considerably. The warm tropics of the coast on the ocean lead into the rainforests in the central region, and further north to the arid savannah offering a taste of just about every tropical climate that Ghana has to offer.

Dominating in the west is the River and Lake Volta, which brings most of the water to the region. It also provides power as well as a highway to the north. The lake is known for its great fishing, making it a popular tourist recreation area.

There are many beautiful attractions in the Volta Region, with the most well known being the spectacular waterfalls. Some of these are seasonal, but they are all set into either a breathtaking mountain or wooded setting. There are the Wli Falls, Tsatsadu Falls, Tagbo Falls, Aflambo Falls and Abadzeme Falls, each offering an incredible view for visitors.

Other well known nature and wildlife reserves are the Kyabobo National Park, Lake Volta Estuary and the Tafi Monkey Village. The many species of monkeys, including the endangered True Mona Monkeys, have been protected here for over two hundred years where they are considered sacred messengers to the gods.

There is also the Kalakpa Resource Reserve which is home to a large variety of animals, including the buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, red-riverhog, oribi, kob, duiker and many species of monkeys. The Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary features the highest waterfalls in Ghana, a spectacular set of waterfalls that cascades down 600 metres.

The Volta Region is a beautiful tourist destination, with much to see and do for everyone.

One of the largest man-made lakes, Lake Volta, is a prominent feature in the region. Also a popular spot for visitors is the Akosombo Dam which is the source for most of the hydroelectric power in Ghana. The landscape makes for wonderful walking trails, where hikers can enjoy the spectacular views of the Krobo Mountains and Akwapim Ridge.

Ghana’s only commercial diamond mine is located in the Eastern Region at Akwatia as well as the birthplace of the cocoa industry in the country, Tetteh Quarshie’s Cocoa Farm. About a one hour drive from Ghana’s capital city of Accra is the very popular tourist destination, the Aburi Botanical Gardens. The gardens are full of rich tropical plants that attract numerous birds and butterflies.

Another tourist paradise is the Atewa-Atwirebu Butterfly Sanctuary that boasts of over 150 species of ferns and plants that are a haven for many birds and insects. The sounds and sights of the forest are spectacular and a must see for any nature lover.

There are also many waterfalls in the Eastern Region which attract many visitors, including the Boti Falls, The Waterfalls of Begoro and The Tsenku Waterfall. And one of the most amazing tourist spots in Ghana, the Big Tree, is located in the region’s Esen Epan Forest Reserve. This tree is believed to be the biggest in West Africa, with a circumference of 12 metres and standing 66.5 metres in height.

The region also boasts of many festivals and events including, among many others, the Bobum or Dipo Festival, Ngmayem Festival, Akwantukese Festival, Ohum Festival and Begoro Odwlra Festival (Ahwie Festival). Each festival has special meaning and offers a spectacular show.

There is much more to do in the Eastern Region that makes it a very popular tourist destination.

Fifty kilometres southwest of Kumasi in Obuasi is the most important gold mine in the country, which allows visits if arranged ahead of time. Or, visitors can ask for consent from the Manhyia Palace to visit the Royal Mausoleums, the final resting place for Ashanti Royalty.

There are many museums in the Ashanti Region that visitors can take in, including the Manhyia Palace and Museum, Ghana Armed Forces Museum and The Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, which showcases some unique and interesting Ashanti memorabilia. The region is also home to Lake Bosomtwi, a meteorite crater lake 31 kilometres southeast of the capital. The lake has many farming and fishing villages surrounding it, and it is a popular destination for those who enjoy diving, swimming or just a peaceful setting to relax.

Some of the wildlife and nature sanctuaries found in the Ashanti Region include the Digya National Park, Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary and the Owabi Forest Reserve and Bird Sanctuary. All feature beautiful landscapes and stunning wildlife to observe.

The Ashanti Region has its own share of festivals and events to attend, such as the Adae Kese Festival, Kente Festival, Papa Festival, Yaa Asantewaa Festival, Nkyidwo Festival and Mmoa Nni Nko Festival, each with special meaning and significance to the Ashanti’s.

There are numerous hotels and restaurants located throughout the region, which makes for a popular destination for visitors who want to enjoy the splendour in the traditional heartland of Ghana.

Lake Volta runs along the eastern border of the region, which is a popular destination for fishermen. And, hidden back in the woods near the Kumasi/Kintampo highway is a spectacular site. The Kintampo Falls are a hidden gem that are often missed, but offer a stunning view for those who find them. The Fuller Falls, which can be found about seven kilometres west of Kintampo, are also a beautiful site where visitors can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

The Boabeng-Fiema Sanctuary is located in the Brong-Ahafo Region between the communities of Boabeng and Fiema. The sanctuary offers visitors the chance to observe and interact with the large number of friendly monkeys that live here. The sanctuary is not the largest in Ghana, however it is home to hundreds of monkeys, butterflies, birds and many varieties of plant life.

Also found in this region is the Bui National Park, which is one of the largest areas of land that are protected in Ghana. The park features caves, mountains, waterfalls and the Black Volta River which crosses the entire area from north to south. There is an abundance of wildlife to see including the hippopotamus, warthog, waterbuck, kob, patas monkey, baboons, green monkey, crocodiles, duikers, roan antelope, bushbuck and an assortment of birds.

Each year, there are festivals and events that visitors can observe, such as the Apoo Festival, Sasabobirim Festival, Kwafie Festival and Fordjour (Yam Festival). These celebrations have special meaning to the locals and offer insight into the native traditions of the region.

The Brong-Ahafo Region is a must see for any traveler wanting to experience all of Ghana. ]]> http://www.cepsghana.org/the-brong-ahafo-region-of-ghana.html/feed 0 http://www.cepsghana.org/booking-a-hotel-in-london.html http://www.cepsghana.org/booking-a-hotel-in-london.html#comments Sat, 02 Oct 2010 09:24:31 +0000 admin http://cepsghana.org/?p=212 [Continue Reading]]]> There are numerous hotels in London with plenty of offers and varieties. Every hotel has something else to offer. Some has gyms, bars, cafes and shops too. Some hotels include taxes in their prices, others do not. Some apply credit card fees and some has booking fee as well. There are many old hotels in London but many new are opening as well. In short there is such a wide variety of hotels that it is hard for a visitor to decide without any guidance.

Booking a hotel in London is not a difficult task. There exist plenty of booking services online where one can visit and seek guidance. On these online booking sites, you may get detailed reviews of almost all hotels available in London starting from luxurious five star hotels to comfy bread and breakfast hotels to cheap hotels. A huge database lets you search according to your needs. You can search on the basis of desired location or discounted rooms.

You can book hotels in breaks like winter or summer breaks and get special discounts. London gets crowdy in these yearly breaks so it is recommended to book a hotel room for you earlier. On these online booking websites, you may connect to online agents who will help you selecting the best hotel looking into your budget and your desires. These booking sites offer London short breaks, London weekend breaks and London package special offers in Central and outer London. If you are a first time visitor to London, these online agents can be really helpful to you.

Although it is the largest, it is also one of the most underdeveloped and least populated, due in fact to emigration because of the extreme poverty in the region. Most of the economy depends on agriculture.

There is still much to offer visitors to the region however, such as the Mole National Park in the West Gonja District. It is the largest National Park in Ghana, with a restaurant and basic hotel located in the park for visitors overlooking an elephant bath. Some of the amazing wildlife to view while visiting the park include thousands of warthogs, buffalo, waterbucks, roam antelopes, elephants, hartebeests, and countless leopard, lions and hyenas. There is also a wide variety of primates that can be seen as well.

Some of the other attractions to the region include the Larabanga Mosque and Larabanga Mystery Stone. Moorish traders first built the mosque in the 13th century and it is considered to be the holiest in all of Ghana. It has been widely photographed due to the beautiful structure and look of the mosque. Not that far away is a mysterious stone that has long been the subject of a local legend.

The region is home to many festivals and events that visitors can enjoy, including the Bugum Chugu (Fire) Festival, Gobandawu (Yam) Festival, Kpini Chugu (Guinea Fowl Festival), Damba Festival and Jintigi Fire Festival. All festivals are meant to honor and celebrate, and each has its own special meaning to the locals.

Although the Northern Region may not be as popular among tourists visiting Ghana, it should not be overlooked when wanting to experience everything the country has to offer.

The weather in Ghana is always hot, so there is no best time to visit. There are two rainy seasons, one from March until July and the other for the months of September and October. Humidity is to be expected, and the best clothing to take includes lightweight materials that are designed for the tropics.

In order to enter Ghana, visas and passports provided by the visitor’s home countries are required. A certificate indicating a yellow fever and cholera vaccination is also required. Vaccinations or precautions such as mefloquine are also advised for protection from malaria. It is a good idea to organize vaccinations at least four weeks prior to leaving for Ghana.

Major credit cards including MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are accepted at most places. The currency for Ghana is Cedi, and is indicated by (“). There is no limit to the amount of money visitors can bring into Ghana, however if bringing more than $5000 U.S. cash into the country, it needs to be declared upon entry. It is possible to exchange currency at most banks as well as with licensed foreign exchange bureaus.

An airport departure tax will be applied, normally around $15. Ghana also charges a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 10% on purchases, while restaurants will charge an additional 5% service charge tax.

Traveling to another country always calls for proper research to be sure that the laws and requirements of that country are being followed. It is important to ensure that all travel requirements are met before leaving for any trip in order to avoid undue delays and problems upon entry into the country.

Due to its abundant natural heritage, Ghana offers tremendous appeal to visitors who enjoy nature and who are ecologically aware. There are many nature parks to visit, and more being developed every day in the vast rain forests that are abundant in the south and west areas of the country.

When compared to other countries in Africa, the national parks may seem small. However, there is still plenty of wildlife to see, including lions, monkeys, antelope and elephants. The rain forests also boast of many birds and butterflies which are a truly wonderful sight for any tourist.

Many of the parks have added features to make the visit memorable, with hiking, horseback rides, and four-wheel drive safaris giving the visitor the full Ghana experience. Some of the best places for those who enjoy hiking include Bia National Park, Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, Togbo Falls at Liati Wote, Mole Game Reserve, Aduklu Mountain, Afadjato Mountain in the Volta region, Bui National Park, Mount Afadjato, and the Kakum Nature Reserve. Visitors can also go for horseback rides through the Shai Hills Game Reserve.

The Mole National Park is one of the biggest nature reserves, and gives tourists a memorable experience both when hiking or taking a four-wheeled vehicle on the exploration. Camping is allowed, however visitors must always be accompanied by guides when traveling in the park.

Tourists who enjoy watching wildlife can take a trip into the protected conservation area of Kakum Nature Reserve, which is abundant in water buffalo, monkeys and antelope. Wildlife can be watched by visitors from a tree-top walkway that is 1,093ft from the ground, and then they can enjoy a rest in a tree house. Or, visit The Owabi Forest Reserve and Bird Sanctuary, near Kumasi, which offers a spectacular treat for bird enthusiasts.

The many parks and wildlife reserves showcase nature that is truly unique to Ghana, offering visitors an experience to remember.

While traveling to Ghana, visitors can experience a wide range of activities and scenery, but one of the best experiences while in Ghana is the food and drink that is available. Tourists can enjoy tasty meals that are unique to each region in the country.

Ghanaian food is very flavorful, with many spices being used to prepare stews that are a staple diet of the country. Some of the spices include allspice, ginger, onion, garlic, cayenne, curry and chilli peppers. These spices are added to make the thick stews that are most often served with rice or yams. The most popular stews are Okra; forowe, which is a fish and tomato stew; bean or other green leaf stews; and plava sauce, a spinach stew made with either fish or chicken. Another one of the country’s national dishes is groundnut or peanut stew.

Traditional foods can be enjoyed in many restaurants in Ghana. Some of the foods that visitors will want to try include Kenkey, which is made of hot peppers and fish; Fufu, a dish consisting of cassava beans that have been pounded, rice, plantain or yam; and Akyeke, which consists of cassava couscous that is served with avocado. Visitors will also want to taste Akrantee, or bushmeat; and Fante fante, a dish that is popular in the central regions of Ghana, and is a palm oil stew with small fish.

International food is also widely served in many restaurants and hotels in the country. Accra features restaurants that serve Chinese, French, Middle Eastern and other European foods. On the coast, varieties of seafood, especially prawns, are very popular.

The legal drinking age in Ghana is 18 and some of the best drinks for tourists to try include coconut juice; Zom koom, which is toasted millet flour mixed in water; Palm wine; and of course, Pito. Pito is a beer brewed from millet in the northern regions.

The flavorful foods and drink that are abundant in Ghana make for some unique tastes for the tourist’s palate, and will be remembered as some of the best meals the visitor has experienced.

Ghana has an abundance of culture and attractions that make visiting the country truly memorable. With an active nightlife and shopping that showcases some of the most stunning features of the country, there is something to enjoy for everyone.

Accra and many of the other major centers offer nightclubs that feature popular music from Western society, as well as Afro beat. The National Theatre in Accra is considered a Chinese architectural sensation, which offers many concerts for visitors to enjoy, such as plays, dancing and musical shows. In Legon, The School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana puts on a variety of poetry shows, dramas and cultural dancing performances.

Accra also boasts the Ghana Film Theatre and Executive Film House that features both foreign and Ghanaian films for tourists to enjoy. Festivals which showcase drumming, feasting and dancing are held annually in every region. Each festival is meant to affirm tribal values, remember the ancestors and past leaders, while preparing for the upcoming year by purifying the state.

Just about every commodity can be found in the shops and markets in Ghana, as well as many luxury items. Shopping tours can be arranged through the Ministry of Tourism, or visitors can enjoy any of the markets that are abundant throughout the country. The Centre for National Culture sells many traditional crafts and cloths such as kente.

There are many open air markets, such as the Makola Market which features vendors from neighboring villages. A night market, the Osu Night Market, is illuminated with hundreds of candles and lanterns, and is always a remarkable sight to see.

Artefacts and handmade jewellery from the Ashanti and northern regions of the country are popular tourist purchases, as well as African art. The northern markets also offer leatherwork, earthenware pots, woven shirts and baskets handmade with multi-colored raffia that are evidence of the diverse culture in Ghana.

The shopping and nightlife activities available in Ghana offer a truly memorable experience for all visitors, and will provide some incredible insight into the unique culture witnessed in all regions of the country.

Standing testament to one of the most appalling events in the world’s history, there are still castles and forts in Ghana that stand as reminders of the brutal slave trade.

Elmina Castle

Elmina Castle was originally built in 1482 by the Portuguese to be used as a trading post. However, as the demand grew for slaves in the Caribbean and America, the commodity changed to human trade. In fact, Elmina Castle is just one of about twenty hiding places along the coast of Ghana that were used to hold captives waiting to be sent to their final destinations. The castle is empty now, but reminders like the dungeons used as holding areas for the slaves, are all over, clearly showing the horrific history of the building.

Cape Coast Castle

Situated along the oceanfront about 90 miles west of the city of Accra, Cape Coast Castle remains one of the major tourist attractions in Ghana. Originally built by the Swedish for their lumber and mineral exports, this fort was taken over the Dutch and eventually the English, where it became the hub of slave trade for over 150 years. Notorious in the Cape Coast Castle is what is known as the door of no return, which remains open to the Atlantic Ocean, where millions of Africans took the final steps towards their lives of suffering and brutality as slaves far from their homes. Dungeons remain where the thousands of men and women were confined together before being sent through the dark underground tunnels onto the ships.

While these castles are now empty, guided tours bring countless visitors to Ghana through the doors every year. Most of the visitors feel a need to walk and feel what the slaves must have gone through, to try and understand the horror of the slave trade. Re-enactments are often put on for visitors who get to experience the final journey of the millions of slaves as they walked through these dungeons and tunnels until they boarded ships ready to take them to America.

Image via Wikipedia

While traveling in Ghana, visitors can take in some of the beautiful beaches that are abundant in this country. This West African country is situated on the Atlantic Ocean, making for incredible beaches perfect for a variety of water sports.

Cocoloco Beach
The Cocoloco Beach is located just outside the city of Accra. It is found at the point where the Volta River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. There is camping available, and accommodations in traditional thatch style bungalows. A breeding ground for a wide variety of sea turtles, this beach also boasts of the Volta Estuary, which is a sanctuary for a large number of birds.

Labadi Pleasure Beach
This beach is located eight kilometres east of Accra, at Labadi. It features a large stretch of beach front, and has great winds and large waves, making it a perfect destination for surfers and other water sports enthusiasts. The Labadi Pleasure Beach is the main public beach for Accra, and has restaurants, changing rooms, shower rooms and snack bars located all along the shore.

Kokrobite Beach
Located about 30 kilometres west of Accra, the Kokrobite Beach is a more secluded expanse of beach that draws fewer tourists. However, those who do make the trip to this sprawling beach are treated with scenic views and beautiful blue waters. There are a few change rooms and restaurants located along the beach. A great way to visit this beach is to actually stay at the location. Including all kinds of experiences, from beach homes to log cabins, why wouldn’t one want to enjoy vacation rentals? Get the most out of your vacation and get rid of the hotel.

Ada Beach
Located near the coastal town of Lome Road, Ada Beach is found close to 100 kilometres east of Accra. The village features restaurants and inns that provide food and lodging to visitors to the beach. There is also a marina, which makes it a popular spot for yachting, as well as fishing, skiing and many other water sports.

Alaska Beach
The Alaska Beach is another more secluded beach located on the shore of the Gulf of Guinea, which is a common destination for campers and backpackers. The beach has many camping areas, and restaurants for the tourists to sample the local food. It also features water sports facilities that cater to enthusiasts, such as Sea-Doo’s which can be rented.

Abuesi Beach Resort

The Abuesi Beach Resort is located just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, and features acres of foliage and spectacular ocean views. The resort accommodations feature all of the modern amenities, including air conditioning, televisions with DVD, mini-bar, internet access, and a backup generator, all in fully stocked rooms. Extra features offered by the resort include airport transfer and a nearby golf park.

The resort boasts of the only hanging restaurant in the country, offering incredible views of the sea outside. The restaurant itself serves many international dishes, while also offering traditional Ghanaian food for visitors to enjoy. Another drawing feature for many tourists is the beach bar that has a pier stretching out over the edge of the water, making for some amazing sunset views while relaxing with a drink.

Busua Beach Resort

Also located in the Western Region of Ghana, the Busua Beach Resort is about a five hour drive from the capital city of Accra. The resort is situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, with accommodations that fit with every budget. There are all the comforts a traveler needs depending on their room choice, such as air conditioning, satellite television, backup generators, direct dial phones and shared or private kitchenettes.

The rooms are just a few feet from the ocean, leading to amenities and activities for everyone to enjoy. Sailing a catamaran, surfing and water-skiing are just a few of the water sports that are enjoyed by visitors. Busua also boasts of its own private island, Abokwa, which is a paradise on its own.

Not only is there a wonderful beach, but the resort also features a swimming pool, playgrounds for children, and tennis courts. Many people enjoy fishing and horseback riding along the coast.

There is a restaurant at the resort that specializes in seafood, and is the home of the famous King Lobster. The chefs prepare traditional fare, and will often add a European twist to the meals, making them truly unique.

There are many great places to stay in the Western Region, making it a popular tourist destination.

The Manet Paradise Beach Resort is about a 90 minute drive from the capital city of Accra, on the lower branch of the Volta River. This resort is well known for its craft experiences in neighboring communities that allow visitors to try their hand at straw mat and basket weaving. There is a beautiful swimming pool at the resort, and many of the popular water sports such as jet skiing, sailing and deep sea fishing.

The resort itself also boasts of important amenities like laundry service, volleyball court, conference centre and a restaurant. The restaurant serves delicious meals at a good price, so food is not allowed on the beach area.

Dreamland Beach Resort

Tourists looking for a true outdoor experience will enjoy the accommodations at the Dreamland Beach Resort. The resort sits on the beach of Ada-Foah, about 120 kilometres east of the capital city of Accra. Considered an EcoTourism resort, the buildings are made out of bamboo, mud or wood and are unbelievably comfortable.

The land around the resort offers spectacular flowers, palm trees and bushes that always have something in bloom. The town of Ada-Foah has about 2000 people living there, who live a simple life. There is a market for shopping while taking in the surrounding landscape.

There are many other hotels and resorts throughout the Volta Region which offer great views and incredible deals. Some of the other popular ones are the Villa Cisneros Resort and Spa, Holy Trinity Health Spa, and the Chances Hotel.

It is always recommended to research accommodations before booking to see what other visitors report and to get a better idea of what each place offers. Depending on the reason for the visit, as well as the interests of the visitor, each resort and hotel will have features which appeal to different people.

Travelers can stay in traditional round huts built out of local materials, or choose to stay in the bungalows. Either way, the Cocoloko Beach Camp Resort in Ghana offers comfort and the perfect place to relax. Located near the village of Totimekope, the resort offers visitors the chance to learn drumming or dancing, swim in the waters of the ocean or just relax and enjoy the beautiful sunshine.

The resort offers many popular amenities, such as laundry and ironing services, television, private bathrooms, fridge, airport transfers, bar, dining room, room service and of course the incredible ocean view. The restaurant serves many traditional Ghanaian dishes as well as Continental meals, along with plenty of fresh fish. There is also a bar that offers a great place to relax with a few drinks.

All around the Cocoloko beach there are activities and sites to see. Every year in December, three species of sea turtles come to the shores to lay their eggs. Or, visitors can enjoy the many birds, some of which have migrated from other areas like Europe, North or South Africa, who decide to stay on the islands.

There are historical sites like the slave market of Totimekope, or Foangua as it used to be called, and the Fort Kontstern slave transit yard. A major salt production area, called the Songar Lagoon is nearby and is noted as a great place for bird watching.

Cresta Atlantic Resort

Another great resort in the Greater Accra Region in Ghana is the Cresta Atlantic Resort. This resort is geared towards families and business travelers alike, with amenities like horseback riding, adult and children’s swimming pools, tennis courts, gymnasium and in suite kitchens. However, as it is part of an international chain of resorts, the price is a bit more to stay compared to other Ghana resorts.

These are just two of the great resorts and hotels found in the Greater Accra Region. Visitors can choose from many others which cater to their needs, and are close to the attractions they want to see.

Elmina Beach Resort

Located in the town of Elmina on the coast of the Atlantic, Elmina Beach Resort is about 150 kilometres west of the capital city of Accra. The resort overlooks the renowned Elmina Castle, which is another very popular tourist destination. Within just a short drive, visitors can take a walk on the famous Canopy Walkway in the Kakum National Park or tour the fishing village of Elmina itself.

Amenities offered at the resort include air conditioned rooms, private balconies, satellite and cable television, direct dial telephones, complimentary toiletries, in room smoke alarms, and options for disabled facilities as well.

The resort also offers something for everyone, including two swimming pools, squash and tennis courts, table tennis, jogging track, gymnasium, nine-hole golf course, basketball and volleyball courts and many hiking trails in the Kakum National Park. There is also a playground for children, catering to guests who have kids.

The restaurant offers tasty traditional and seafood dishes, with an amazing view of the ocean. There are two bars, one with an open air ocean view, and the other providing some great evening entertainment for guests.

Alberta Palace Beach Resort

The Alberta Palace Beach Resort is ideally situated in one of the most beautiful and scenic areas in Ghana, on just over seven acres of coast. It is close to the famous Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, as well as many other attractions such as the Tarkwa Gold Mines and Takoradi Habour.

The accommodations offer private washroom facilities, television, telephone, refrigerator, and air conditioning. There is also a restaurant featuring African and Continental foods, with a bar that provides a relaxing atmosphere for guests.

There are many activities for visitors to enjoy close to the resort, including water sports, snorkling and scuba diving, and fishing. Live entertainment is provided by local musicians, while African movie nights are also popular with guests.

Choosing from the many resorts and hotels can be difficult with so many great sights to see, but most can offer the visitor a truly wonderful stay that will long be remembered.

The Royal Basin Resort is located in the city of Kumasi, the second busiest city in Ghana. However, the resort itself is set off in the more peaceful neighbourhood of Oduom, and has become a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. It is just nine kilometres from the centre of the city and a fifteen minute drive from the airport.

There are many amenities offered in the resort that make the stay pleasant, including a restaurant, Jazz hut, three cocktail bars, laundry service, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, internet access, around the clock security, room service, gift shop, safety deposit box and a backup generator in case of a power outage. Each room has air conditioning that is individually controlled, hot bath, in house music and movies, telephone, color television with satellite and mini bar if requested. Business travelers can also make use of the competitively priced conference room fully equipped with projectors and other important features for any meeting or presentation.

The gift shop sells many traditional artifacts and clothing of Africa, while the Royal Restaurant provides a spectacular dining experience for all visitors. The jazz hut and bars provide the perfect backdrop for entertainment and socializing.

Lake Bosomtwe Paradise Resort

Located on the shores of the largest natural lake in Ghana, the Lake Bosomtwe Paradise Resort is located in Abono – a small town about 35 kilometres south of Kumasi. The resort overlooks the beautiful lake, and is surrounded by lush vegetation covered mountains.

The resort boasts of many nearby attractions for visitors, including craft villages, mountaineering, swimming, diving, Kumasi central market, Kumasi Fort and the Armed Forces Museum, Kumasi zoo, traditional shrines, model Ashanti village and much more.

Lake Bosomtwe itself rests in a meteor crater, and offers a peaceful place for relaxation and serenity, while allowing visitors so much to see while hiking and exploring the surrounding countryside.

The Brong Ahafo Region, located in the mid-western area of the country, is less known to many tourists than some of the other regions. However, there are hotels that cater to tourists, including Eusbett, Vision and Dymn’s Hotels.

The Eastern Region of Ghana is nestled near the bottom of the country and offers many attractions for tourists. Some of the hotels and lodgings that are widely used include the Afrikoko Water Front Resort, located along the Volta River; Akosombo Continental Hotel; Volta Hotel; Radach Memorial Centre and Capital View Hotel.

The Upper East and Upper West Regions border on the country of Burkina Faso, and are the gateways to the rest of the country. The major economic activity is agriculture, and due to the extremely dry climate of the region, it is common for workers to travel south in the country for work during the dry season.

These regions offer many attractions to tourists, and have their own historic stories. In the Upper East Region, guided tours are available showing the slave camps. Accommodations in the Upper East Region include the Sira Lodge, Axim Beach Hotel and Samata Guest House.

The Upper West Region has the Sanat Minat Guest House and the Upland Hotel. Since tourism is not as big of a draw in these upper regions further away from the ocean, there are not as many places to choose from as in the more popular regions. However, that does not mean there are no attractions that visitors could enjoy here.

There is plenty for tourists to see and do when in all of these regions, each offering its own history and culture to share.

If you are young at heart and you want you make new friends, head to one of the many night clubs of Accra, experience live band and revel yourself in a packed crowd. Gate fees range from Cedi 6 to Cedi 18. Engage in a hip life with loud R&B, hip hop, techno music while you enter into bliss and remain there until way past midnight. Affluent youth of Accra also join in on the weekends. Some night clubs also have hotel rooms, so if you tire out you can book a room for the night. Nightclubs include the Aphrodisiac, Bass Line Jazz, Barcadis, Bliss, Boomerang, Indigo, Glenn’s, Fox Trap, Oops, Celebration, Copa, Coliseum, Havana, Rhythms, Jokers, Funky Town Disco and many more. The crowds in these night clubs are lively and change the experience everyday. Themes and styles change rapidly, so you will never exhaust the night.

If you are the sober socializing type head to one of the many pubs and restaurants in Accra, indulge in some fine drinks and share conversations about your African experience. These outlets have varied and beautiful decorations and themes of Africa and other patron countries like Ireland, Germany, Mexico and interiors ranging from having pool tables, patios, gardens and VIP rooms. Some provide a beautiful view of the city of Accra. Pubs and restaurants include The German Aquarius, Vibe Cafe, Jokers, Ryan’s Irish, Afrikko, Bassline, Don’s and Champs. Restaurant cuisines are varied ranging from African, Mexican, Continental and Chinese. You can choose your usual delight or go for the heritage variants of Africa.

The National Museum of Ghana is in the capital city of Accra. This museum was established in the year of Independence, is the oldest of its kind, and has special significance to Ghana. The museum owns exhibits that are considered national treasure and includes archaeological discoveries from the Stone Age period, antiquities of colonial rule and contemporary Ghanaian art. Various objects of ethnographic significance such as stools, pottery, musical instruments, the famous Ashanti gold weights, beads and textiles are set up on display here. Objects from other parts of Africa, such as the Bushongo carvings from Congo, bronze heads from Nigeria, Senfu masks from Ivory Coast and Zulu wooden figures from Southern Africa, which have been acquired through exchange, are also set up to display here. The National museum is open Tue to Sun, 0900hrs to 1700hrs. Visitors are charged an entrance fee and photography is allowed.

The Centre for National Arts and Culture in Accra, hosts the country’s largest handicrafts market. Handicrafts ranging from traditional musical instruments, exotic woodcarvings, leatherwear, cane and raffia products, precious metal jewelry, antiques, paintings, clay and ivory products, that have been manufactured in different parts of the country and abroad, are sold here. Buyers include individuals who buy for personal use and for gifts, and dealers who buy in bulk and sell them in America and Europe. The Handicrafts market industry provides employment opportunities to thousands of Ghanaians and to those in the neighboring countries. International delegates and dignitaries, who visit Ghana, are offered courteous visits to the handicrafts market.

There are over fifteen forts in Ghana, dating back to the 15th century and they speak of the legacy of European colonial rule and African history. Experience the rainforest flora and fauna at Kakum national park and Mole National Park. Visit Paga Crocodile ponds at Bolgatanga, and wildlife sanctuaries like Bui national park, Boabeng-Fiema Monkey sanctuary, Bomfobiri wildlife sanctuary and more. Choose to go cave exploring in ancient caves existing in some of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and witness sculpted walls and ancient artefacts.

Visit Lake Volta and Lake Bosomtwi where you will hear of its making and see savannah vegetation all around you. The Akosombo dam taps the heavy rainfall in the Volta region and provides water for surrounding agriculture and civilization. Visit Mount Afadjato and the Wli waterfalls when in Volta. Head to the coastline of Ghana to experience hot and humid weather and enjoy beach life. Some of the popular beaches along the Gold coast are Elmina beach, Brewa beach, Gomoa Fetteh beach and Sir Charles beach. Some forts like the Elmina castle, St Jago and Cape Coast castle are in proximity of beaches. Visit the fishing villages to witness the civilization, their fishing fleets and markets. Many beach lovers prefer the beaches in Dixcove and Busua, because they offer long stretches of white sand and good waves for surfers. The coastline also offers number of lagoons for those who like to explore through island foliage.

When in Accra city visit the The Du Bois centre, University of Ghana, The National Museum, Army Museum, Makola market, other handicraft markets and artefact stores. Find a number of night clubs and pubs to go partying at night and restaurants to enjoy fine wining and dining.

Four different domestic airlines i.e. Muk Air, Fun Air, Air Link and Golden Airways, widely operate within important towns and cities of Ghana. These airlines have been assessed by the US Federal Aviation authority and have been approved and considered as well and fitting in operating with the safety measures and standards set. Bookings can be done at airline offices in the airport, by calling in airline offices or by travel agencies in advance. Air fare is relatively very cheap. Sometimes these flights are overbooked, get cancelled or delayed. Travellers must anticipate changes in schedules and prepare for food and lodging.

Trains operate between the ten capital cities of Ghana. Trains that operate along important routes, like Takordi, Kumasi, Tadi and Accra are more comfortable than the rest. Bookings can be made at railway stations at the time of travel or in advance to ensure confirmation of tickets. Travelling by trains through Ghana is an excellent opportunity to view the scenic views of the countrysides. Train fares are very cheap; for example the sleeper ticket fare from Kumasi to Takordi costs around Cedi 50,000.

Travel by road can be chaotic but can serve as quick means of transportation between places. Road infrastructure in Ghana is fairly acceptable on main roads, but rural roads can be bad with many inconsistencies such as poor lighting at night, unpredictable traffic, farm animals obstructing the path and breakdown of vehicles. Buses, Taxis and Sightseeing Vans ply for tourists between sightseeing attractions or you may choose to drive a rented car or a bicycle.

The Cedi is the official currency of Ghana. One hundred Pesewas make One Cedi. In 1982, the Cedi stood at a high $2.75 against the US dollar, after which serious recession hit Ghana. The economic situation since then has relatively improved, but constant fluctuation in inflation rate keeps the Ghanaian Cedi at a low value. Today the Ghanaian Cedi stands against the US dollar at approximately 71 cents. Cedi currency notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000. Pesewa coins come in denominations of 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and 1 Cedi.

Ghana follows a liberal foreign exchange system with other important countries and promotes the trade widely in all major towns through Forex bureaus, commercial banks and at the airport. Tourism plays a large role in contributing to the Forex trade in the country. Forex bureaus give better rates for the US dollar, Sterling pound and Euro as Cash than for Travellers cheques or Credit cards. To allow re-exchange of Cedis while departing the country, after your stay, it is advisable to save all Forex receipts for the transactions you have made while your stay in the country.

Most hotels, businesses, restaurants and travel agencies in Ghana accept American Express, Diners and Visa cards for their services. Some Forex bureaus also accept credit cards in exchange for Cedi cash, but the service fee is high. You can withdraw cash using your international ATM cards in banks, which operate Mon to Fri, 8.30hrs to 16.00hrs and on Sat 9.00hrs to 14.00hrs. Some banks in the US have upgraded the magnetic stripes on the cards issued to you. You may have to check and discuss with your bank to know whether your cards will be acceptable in Ghana. You may also want to check for value added services and offers against the travel points you accumulate. While on travel in Ghana, you are advised to protect your cards and cash and spend wisely

Ghana is historically famous as a stopping point for African slave traders. Ruins of European forts dot the coast line of the country, ghostly reminders of an infamous past. What made Ghana suitable for slave trading, however, serves today as a wonderful tourist attraction. The beaches on Ghana’s coast offer a chance for beautiful views and a slight escape from the heat.

Other tourist attractions include forests in the Volta region and the traditional home of the Ashanti in Kumasi. Kumasi is also famous for crafts. Of course, wild life viewing is always a big attraction and a traveler in Ghana can get their fill in the Northern area of the country.

One small drawback to Ghana is that the country is rather hard to get around. Navigating through the country is up to the traveler as public transportation is minimal at best. One option is to take the buses, while another is to travel around the coastal areas by boat. The truly brave can attempt to rent a car and drive through parts of Ghana. Those who attempt this option should be extra careful to make sure they have car insurance in case of anything unplanned. Rental cars and insurance can be found online.

Ghana’s eclectic cultural mix is a true experience for any traveler. Just make sure to be aware of the heat and methods of transportation before setting out on your trip.

Image by Stig Nygaard via Flickr

Of the various reasons that attract travelers to Africa, the one that tops the list is the rich, varied and abundant Wildlife that exists in this continent. There are umpteen numbers of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and forest reserves in Ghana and they are open to visitors for general viewing, trekking and jeep safaris.

The Boabeng-Fiema monkey sanctuary was established to preserve the Colobus and Mona monkeys that exist in large groups. This sanctuary also has rich butterfly fauna. The Bui national park is made up of miles of savannah woodland and is along the Black Volta River. Hippo population exists in a large number here, along with antelopes, primates and numerous varieties of birds. The Mole national park includes varieties of monkeys, antelopes, warthogs, elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, hyenas and rich species of birds. Other sanctuaries like the Kakum Assin-Attandanso, Boumfoum, Shai Hills, Kogyae, Gbele, Kalakpa game reserves, Digya and Bia national parks and Bomfobiri wildlife sanctuary host similar variety of birds and animals. Visiting each sanctuary is but is a different experience altogether.

Visitors are encouraged to trek into the wild along beaten paths and camp overnight at designated places. Trekkers often see wild animals and sometimes encounter underground passages and cliffs, from where they can see distant villages and vegetation. Carry appropriate clothing and gear for trekking when planning for a safari. Prefer low visibility clothing to avoid startling the animals. Gear must include a hat, sunglasses, a pair of sturdy boots, a water canteen, binoculars and a battery-powered flashlight. Experienced and armed guides will accompany you on the safari and they will teach you the art of trekking, explain to you about the animals, the terrain and protect you from some animals who unusually feel threatened. You also need them to guide you across the route, in choosing the correct paths and spotting campsites without difficulty. You may choose to ride a Land Rover safari on request, but a foot safari is recommended in order to have an adventurous and satisfying experience.

Travelling to Ghana requires a passport and a Ghanaian visa. You may directly approach the Ghanaian embassy or allow your travel agent to help you through the process of applying and receiving the visa. When entering into Ghana, it is not advisable to carry more than US$5,000. Declare your electronic equipments, such as laptops and handy cams at the customs when you arrive at the airport, with a deposit fee of 17.5% of the equipments cost, if asked to. Collect your deposit fee from Accra Customs and Excise office within 48 hours before departure. When departing from Ghana, the airport charges a tax of US$15.

Travel and living expenditure in Ghana is a lot cheaper compared to standard international rates. Hotels, restaurants and other retail establishments charge you a 15% tax over your bill. The official currency of Ghana is the Cedi. Licensed Forex bureaus and banks in all major towns will provide currency exchange by accepting Cash, Travellers Cheque and sometimes Credit Cards. Currency exchange with private citizens of Ghana is illegal, so be prepared financially before leaving the states, as cash loans might be hard to come by if an accident occurs. Most large stores accept American Express, Visa and MasterCard. Do not shoot pictures or videos of military establishments and government buildings. Purchase gold and precious stones only from licensed dealers and carry the sale receipt and certificate with you. Phone cards for Cedi 12,500 are available to make local and international calls from phone booths. If you are travelling within the Northern region of Ghana, authorities sometimes impose curfews to curb ethnic violence, although for most the region is peaceful

English is the official language in Ghana and all major establishments and organizations operate in this medium. Majority of the population engages in agriculture, which is the main contributing factor to its economy. Ghana also exports cocoa, gold and lumber to international markets like the United States, France, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Ghana is a modernized country well connected domestically and internationally with telecommunication and air travel.

The tourism industry is flourishing with more tourists from America and Europe visiting Ghana each year. Ghana offers various tourist attractions to its many visitors, giving them a taste of Africa’s heritage and culture, and with the comfort and safety of a responsible host. Many international airlines operate to and fro Accra International airport and multiple mediums of domestic travel connect tourist attractions well. Both heritage and standard hotel accommodation is available in abundance, at economic prices if compared to the international market. The people of Ghana, especially those associated with the tourism industry, are friendly, polite and proactive at making your stay an enjoyable and memorable one.

Some of the attractions to look out for are the forts, castles, the wildlife safaris, the two lakes, the beaches, the museum and the handicraft market. When you are in the city of Accra visit the night clubs or pubs and enjoy the fine dining experience of the heritage or continental kind.

Visit the Volta region in central Ghana, to see Lake Volta, which covers over 40 percent of the nation’s land, stretching from the north to the south. This water is primarily responsible for irrigation of farmlands throughout Ghana. The Volta basin receives an annual rainfall of about 1,300 millimeters and is a critical asset to Ghana, since agriculture contributes to about 45 percent of the nation’s economy. Miles of land around the Volta basin consist of savannah vegetation and the population mainly of farmers. Visit Mount Afadjato to see the Wli waterfalls and Akosombo dam, which generates hydroelectricity to neighboring villages and cities.

Head to the coastline of Ghana to experience the hot and humid weather, and soak in the sun to your heart’s content. The air along this coastline is the freshest, free of noise pollution and the peaceful life invokes a sense of belonging in the traveller. Elmina beach, Brewa beach, Gomoa Fetteh beach and Sir Charles beach are some of the popular beaches along the Gold coast. Forts like the Elmina castle, St Jago and Cape Coast castle are in proximity of the beaches and coves. Visit the fishing villages to witness the civilization, their fishing fleets and markets. Experience choice seafood like lobsters and more, prepared and served to you for a very modest price. Long stretches of white sand for miles in Dixcove and Busua at the southern tip have attracted many tourists, providing them more space to spread out and spend longer periods. These bays are famous for its good waves and have been the favorite of Surfers. The coastline also has a number of different lagoons, rich in island foliage, for those who like to explore.

The Elmina Castle, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Benya lagoon, was built by the Portuguese in the 15th century and was later taken over by force by the Dutch. Christiansborg Castle was built by the Danes in the 17th century after taking over the temporary structure created by a Swedish African company, but soon lost it to the Portuguese. Fort Patience at Apam was built by the Dutch in the 17th century to act as a defence against the British. Fort St. Jago / Coenraadsburg was originally used as a gun position by the Dutch in the 17th century to take Elmina Castle from the Portuguese. Fort Apollonia at Beyin was built by the English to tap the rich local resources of gold and timber. Friederichsburg at Princess town was built in the 17th century by the Brandenburgers, which then later was captured by the Dutch. Cape Coast Castle near Elmina Castle was originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, which then later changed hands to the Swedes, Dutch and English.

Other Forts and castles include Fort William at Anomabu, Fort Cormantin at Abandze, Cape Good Hope at Senya Beraku, Fort Batenstein at Butre, Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove, Fort Anthonio at Axim, Fort Orange at Sekondi and Fort St. Sebastian at Shama.