10 Best Places to Visit in Ghana: The Ultimate 2026 Travel Guide

Why Ghana Should Be Your Next Destination in 2026

Ghana is one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in West Africa. With its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant culture, welcoming people, and stunning natural landscapes, Ghana offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveller.

Whether you're a history buff, adventure seeker, beach lover, or foodie, this guide covers the 10 best places to visit in Ghana — complete with insider tips, estimated costs, and the best time to go.

Planning a trip? Secure Travel and Tours can handle your flights, accommodation, and local tours so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

1. Cape Coast Castle & Central Region

Cape Coast Castle is one of the most significant historical sites in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1653 by the Swedish Africa Company, it served as one of the largest slave-trading posts on the Gold Coast.

Why visit:

• Walk through the "Door of No Return" — an emotionally powerful experience
• Explore the castle museum with artefacts spanning centuries
• Combine your visit with nearby Kakum National Park

Getting there: Cape Coast is approximately 3 hours from Accra by road. Secure Travel and Tours can arrange private transfers.

Cost: GH₵80 for international visitors (approximately $6 USD).

2. Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park is home to the famous canopy walkway — a 350-metre suspension bridge system hanging 40 metres above the rainforest floor. It's one of only three canopy walkways in the entire African continent.

Why visit:

• Walk the breathtaking canopy walkway through the treetops
• Spot over 300 bird species and rare forest elephants
• Experience guided night walks through the rainforest

Read our full guide: Why Kakum National Park Should Be at the Top of Your Bucket List

Best time to go: November to March (dry season) for the clearest views from the canopy.

3. Accra — The Vibrant Capital

Accra is where tradition meets modernity. From the buzzing markets of Makola to the trendy restaurants of Osu, Ghana's capital city is a sensory feast.

Top things to do in Accra:

• Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and learn about Ghana's independence hero
• Explore Jamestown — one of the oldest districts with colonial-era lighthouses
• Shop at the Arts Centre for authentic Ghanaian crafts
• Experience the nightlife in Osu and East Legon
• Eat waakye, jollof rice, and kelewele from the best street vendors

Check out our guide to activities to do in Accra for a complete itinerary.

4. Mole National Park

Mole National Park is Ghana's largest wildlife reserve, covering over 4,840 square kilometres in the Northern Region. It's the best place in Ghana to see elephants, baboons, antelopes, and warthogs in their natural habitat.

Why visit:

• Join a walking safari guided by experienced rangers (one of few in West Africa)
• Spot elephants bathing at the watering hole right from your lodge
• Experience the remote savannah landscape of northern Ghana

Getting there: Fly from Accra to Tamale, then drive 2.5 hours to Mole. Secure Travel and Tours offers all-inclusive Mole safari packages.

Best time to go: January to March, when animals gather around water sources.

5. Wli Waterfalls (Volta Region)

Wli Waterfalls (also called Agumatsa Falls) is the tallest waterfall in West Africa, plunging approximately 80 metres into a natural pool. Located near the Togo border, it's a hidden gem that rewards adventurous travellers.

Why visit:

• Hike through lush tropical forest to reach the upper and lower falls
• Swim in the cool natural pool at the base of the waterfall
• Witness thousands of fruit bats roosting on the cliff face

Difficulty: The lower falls is an easy 45-minute walk. The upper falls requires a challenging 3-hour hike with a guide.

6. Elmina Castle & Fishing Harbour

Elmina Castle, built by the Portuguese in 1482, is the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa. It's another UNESCO World Heritage Site and sits alongside one of the most colourful fishing harbours in Ghana.

Why visit:

• Tour the castle and its dungeons — a powerful historical experience
• Watch hundreds of colourful pirogues (fishing boats) come in with the daily catch
• Visit the nearby Elmina Java Museum for contemporary art exhibitions

Tip: Visit Elmina and Cape Coast on the same day trip. Secure Travel and Tours offers combined heritage tours.

7. Lake Bosomtwe

Lake Bosomtwe is Ghana's only natural lake, formed by a meteorite impact over one million years ago. Sacred to the Ashanti people, it sits in a beautiful crater surrounded by hills and cocoa farms.

Why visit:

• Swim or kayak in the warm, crystal-clear water
• Hike around the crater rim for panoramic views
• Learn about Ashanti mythology and the lake's spiritual significance
• Enjoy fresh tilapia from the lake at local restaurants

Getting there: About 30 km southeast of Kumasi — an easy day trip from the Ashanti capital.

8. Kumasi — The Garden City

Kumasi is the cultural heartbeat of Ghana and the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom. It's home to the legendary Kejetia Market — one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa.

Top things to do in Kumasi:

• Visit the Manhyia Palace Museum — the seat of the Asantehene (Ashanti King)
• Get lost (on purpose) in Kejetia Market's 11,000+ stalls
• Tour the Kente weaving villages of Bonwire and Adanwomase
• Explore the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum for Ashanti royal history

Tip: Kumasi is a gateway to Lake Bosomtwe and a great base for exploring the Ashanti Region. See our 7-Day Ghana Itinerary for a sample route.

9. Ada Foah & Songor Lagoon

Ada Foah sits where the Volta River meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a stunning estuary perfect for water sports and relaxation. The nearby Songor Lagoon is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

Why visit:

• Go kitesurfing, jet skiing, or boat cruising on the Volta River
• Visit during the annual Asafotufiami festival (August) for incredible cultural celebrations
• Relax on quiet, uncrowded beaches far from Accra's bustle
• Spot migratory birds at the Songor Lagoon

Getting there: About 2 hours east of Accra. Perfect for a weekend getaway.

10. Busua Beach (Western Region)

Busua Beach is Ghana's best-kept secret — a laid-back coastal village with golden sand, consistent surf, and a chilled backpacker vibe. It's considered the best surfing destination in Ghana.

Why visit:

• Learn to surf with local instructors (board rental from GH₵50/day)
• Take a boat trip to the nearby Fort Metal Cross
• Enjoy fresh seafood at beachside restaurants
• Experience the annual Kundum Festival (September/October)

Tip: Combine Busua with a visit to Nzulezo stilt village — a community built entirely on stilts over Lake Tadane.

Best Time to Visit Ghana

Ghana has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

Season	Months	Best For
Dry Season	November – March	Wildlife safaris, hiking, outdoor activities
Rainy Season	April – October	Lush green landscapes, waterfalls at full flow, fewer crowds

The Ghana Tourism Authority recommends November to March for first-time visitors.

How to Plan Your Ghana Trip

Planning a trip to Ghana doesn't have to be stressful. Here's what you need:

• Visa: Most nationalities need a visa. Check our Visa Checker Tool to see requirements for your country
• Flights: Direct flights are available from London, New York, Amsterdam, and Dubai to Accra's Kotoka International Airport
• Accommodation: From luxury hotels in Accra to eco-lodges in Mole — options for every budget
• Internal travel: Domestic flights, private transfers, and VIP buses connect major cities
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended. See our guide on the best travel insurance for Ghanaians

Ready to explore? Secure Travel and Tours offers customised Ghana tour packages with flights, accommodation, and guided excursions — all handled for you.

Is Ghana Safe for Tourists?

Yes! Ghana is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in West Africa by the Global Peace Index. Read our detailed safety guide: Is Ghana Safe in 2026? Everything You Need to Know Before You Land

Final Thoughts

Ghana offers an incredible mix of history, nature, culture, and adventure. Whether you're walking through the Door of No Return at Cape Coast Castle, spotting elephants on a walking safari at Mole, or surfing the waves at Busua Beach — every experience in Ghana leaves a lasting impression.

Ready to plan your 2026 Ghana trip? Contact Secure Travel and Tours for a free consultation, or chat with us on WhatsApp to get started today.