Vacationing on the Beaches of Ghana

Beach with palms in Ghana, Westafrica
Image via Wikipedia

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.

Filed Under: Ghana, Transportation Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

National Parks Showcasing the Natural Heritage of Ghana

Devils Punchbowl Waterfall at Arthurs Pass in ...
Image via Wikipedia

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.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Attractions, Ghana Tagged With: , , ,

Accommodations In Less Popular Regions of Ghana

Each region in Ghana offers its own unique sights and activities, and the accommodations are just as varied. There is something for everyone to enjoy, but finding suitable lodging can help to make the most out of any visit to the country.

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.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Attractions, Ghana, Transportation Tagged With: , , ,

Heading towards Ghana – Do’s and Don’ts of Travel

The Ghanaian government actively promotes tourism. The best time to visit Ghana is anytime, since the temperature is always hot and humid. If you prefer the humidity head toward the beaches or stay inland for dry climates. You must be vaccinated against yellow fever, cholera and malaria before you travel and carry the vaccination certificates along with you. Other than in the city of Accra, medical facilities are limited, so carry medicines with you for common illnesses such as bruises, fever, aches and gastric trouble.

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

Filed Under: Customs, Ghana, Transportation Tagged With: , , ,
Newer Posts »