Cape Coast and Elmina
Visit these UNESCO-listed forts, major witnesses to the history of the slave trade along the African Atlantic coast and its colonial past.
Ghana
Ghana blends a deeply significant colonial past with vibrant contemporary culture. Between the historic forts of the coastline, the canopy walkway of Kakum National Park and the Ashanti royal heritage of Kumasi, the country reveals itself through a mosaic of history, nature and living traditions.
Why visit Ghana?
Ghana is one of the most accessible countries in West Africa, known for its historical heritage linked to the slave trade, its nature parks and the richness of Ashanti culture. Accra, the lively capital, and Kumasi, the cultural capital of the Ashanti kingdom, offer two complementary faces of the country.
What to discover in Ghana?
Ghana's coastline preserves striking traces of the slave trade through the forts of Cape Coast and Elmina, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visiting their dungeons and the so-called "door of no return" offers an essential moment of remembrance for understanding the region's Atlantic history and the role played by these fortified trading posts along the coast. Nearby, Kakum National Park features a suspended canopy walkway, offering a rare view over the tropical forest and its rich biodiversity from several dozen metres above the ground.
In Accra, the historic district of Jamestown and Independence Square tell the recent story of the country, the first in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence, in 1957. Further inland, Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti kingdom, preserves a rich royal heritage around Manhyia Palace and its bustling textile craft markets, home to kente, the emblematic cloth woven in patterns carrying symbolic meaning passed down through generations of weavers.
Cities to visit in Ghana
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Ghana in pictures
Must-see highlights
A few emblematic experiences to discover the richness of Ghana.
Kakum canopy walkway
Walk along the suspended bridge above the tropical forest, several dozen metres above the ground and the dense forest canopy below.
Historic Accra
Explore Jamestown and Independence Square, key sites in the history of the first African nation to gain independence, in 1957.
Ashanti kingdom of Kumasi
Discover Manhyia Palace and the craft markets, the cultural and historical heart of the powerful Ashanti kingdom, still vibrant today.
Lake Volta
Sail across one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, lined with peaceful fishing villages and lush green landscapes along its shores.
Coastal beaches
Enjoy the beaches of Busua or Kokrobite, appreciated for their relaxed atmosphere, surf spots and beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Practical information
- Capital
- Accra
- Area
- 238,535 km²
- Population
- around 34 million people
- Language
- English (official), Twi, Ewe, Ga and other local languages
- Currency
- Ghanaian cedi (GHS)
- Time zone
- GMT (UTC+0)
- Climate
- Tropical, with dry season and rainy seasons
- Best season
- November to March, dry season
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Ghana?
Accra is the capital of Ghana, a dynamic coastal city that concentrates the country's main political and economic institutions, as well as much of its contemporary cultural and artistic life.
What is the best time to visit Ghana?
The dry season, from November to March, offers a more pleasant climate and easier travel across the country, making it by far the most recommended period to discover Ghana comfortably.
Do I need a visa for Ghana?
Most visitors need to obtain a visa before departure, depending on their nationality. It is advisable to check the exact entry requirements with Ghanaian consular authorities well before travelling to the country.
Which sites in Ghana are UNESCO-listed?
The forts and castles of Cape Coast and Elmina, linked to the history of the slave trade, are among the Ghanaian sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for their memorial value.
What language is spoken in Ghana?
English is the country's official language, while Twi, Ewe and Ga are among the local languages most widely spoken on a daily basis depending on the specific region and community.
How do you get around in Ghana?
Shared taxis and minibuses, known locally as tro-tro, serve the main cities well, while road links remain the most common way to travel between the country's different regions and towns.
Plan your trip to Ghana
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
