Ghana is a country that is increasingly gaining popularity among travelers. In Ghana, there is no mass tourism, and you can peacefully enjoy the beautiful nature and unique culture. Ghana doesn't have major tourist attractions, and you can't spot the Big 5 here. What Ghana does have are stunning landscapes, a rich culture, and a welcoming population. The people in Ghana are very social and are eager to take you along on their journeys, giving you a quick insight into Ghanaian life. Want to know what there is to do in Ghana? Then you're in the right place, as we give you the top 10 tips for this beautiful destination!

Accra is the capital of Ghana, and it's where the international airport is located, so this is likely where you'll land if you're traveling by plane. Accra is a vibrant city with a lot happening and plenty to see. The city will definitely show you Ghanaian culture and atmosphere. It might take some getting used to if you haven't been to an African country before. A fun tip is to take a tuk-tuk ride around the city’s highlights. Several drivers offer this service in the city.

When you're in Accra, be sure to visit the following attractions:

• Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park: A monument dedicated to Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, who worked for the country's independence.
• Independence Square: A large square in the city center, where events are often held. It features the Black Star Monument, which symbolizes freedom and independence.
• Makola Market: A lively local market where you can find all sorts of things. It's a great place to experience the local culture.
• Osu District: A vibrant area with narrow streets and colorful buildings. It’s one of the more modern neighborhoods in the city, and it’s home to Osu Castle, built by the Danes during the colonial period.
• Arts Centre: Here, you'll find local handicrafts and artworks.
• Jamestown Lighthouse: One of the oldest neighborhoods in Accra, where you can see many colonial buildings and admire the lighthouse.
• National Theatre: Accra’s large national theater, which hosts regular performances. When there are no shows, you can ask to take a look inside, and sometimes you can get a guided tour for a small fee.

Mole National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Ghana and also has the largest nature reserve in the country. Located in the northern part of Ghana, it mainly consists of forests and savannas where you can spot a variety of animals. You won’t find the entire Big 5 here, but there are plenty of other impressive animals. The park is especially known for its large population of elephants. You can also spot monkeys, buffaloes, and antelopes, for example.

It’s best to arrange a safari in the area around Tamale. You can ask the locals for help, often getting a better price than when booking online.

The Larabanga Mosque is the oldest mosque in Ghana and one of only eight mosques in the country. It was built in the 15th century and has unique architecture. The mosque is mainly made of mud and wood, and it appears as though branches are protruding from the building.

Kumasi is another major city in Ghana that is definitely worth a visit. The city is the center of the Ashanti region and is named after the Ashanti people, an ethnic group known for their rich history, culture, and traditions. One of the highlights in Kumasi is the Kejetia market, where a wide variety of goods are sold. Another highlight is the Manhiya Palace, which was the former residence of the Ashanti kings. In Kumasi, you can also find modern boutiques and trendy cafés. The city offers a great balance between the old and the new.

Lake Bosumtwi is a crater lake located in the Ashanti region, near the city of Kumasi. It is a popular recreational area. According to the Ashanti people, the lake is sacred, and it is believed that the souls of the deceased come here to bid farewell to the god Twi. At the lake, you can enjoy activities such as swimming, kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding. We stayed at The Green Ranch, which is highly recommended. The Green Ranch is situated in the heart of nature and offers a beautiful view of the lake. The owners also have their own horses and offer tours around the lake.

Kakum National Park is an area that contains one of the few remaining pieces of rainforest in Ghana. The park is famous for its hanging rope bridges, which allow you to walk from treetop to treetop. From above, you’ll have a stunning view of the rainforest, and if you're lucky, you might even spot snakes in the trees.

In addition to the rope bridges, you can also take a jungle walk on the ground. It's recommended to book a tour with a guide, as they can provide information about the various plants and animals. The guide can also point out animals that you might not notice on your own.

Cape Coast is the perfect place to relax on the beaches of Ghana. Popular beaches include Cape Coast Castle Beach and Oasis Beach Resort. Around Cape Coast, you'll also find markets where you can buy local products, as well as restaurants where you can enjoy traditional dishes and drinks. From here, it's also easy to visit Kakum National Park and our next tip: Elmina Slave Fort.

In Ghana, several forts were built by different slave traders. These forts served as collection depots for slaves, who were exchanged for weapons and goods. Elmina Castle, built in 1482 by the Portuguese, was originally known as St. George’s Castle. Initially, the fort was intended for the gold trade, but it later became a slave fort. Along the coast of Ghana, a total of 76 forts were constructed by Europeans, including the British, French, Swedes, Danes, and also the Dutch. In 1637, the Dutch captured Elmina Castle, and it remained in Dutch hands until it was sold to the British in 1871.

The living conditions for the slaves in the fort were extremely harsh, resulting in many deaths. Many of the white slave traders had African partners, which is why you can still find Dutch surnames in the town of Elmina. In the fort, you can still find Dutch inscriptions in certain areas. Elmina Castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a clear depiction of the history of the transatlantic slave trade.