Ghana Itinerary for Americans: The Perfect 7-Day West Africa Adventure Guide

Day	Location	Highlights	Night In
Day 1	Arrive Accra	Settle in, Labadi Beach sunset	Accra
Day 2	Accra	City tour, markets, W.E.B. Du Bois Center	Accra
Day 3	Accra → Cape Coast	Travel, Elmina Castle, beach	Cape Coast
Day 4	Cape Coast	Cape Coast Castle, Kakum Canopy	Cape Coast
Day 5	Cape Coast → Accra	Return, Aburi Gardens, craft shopping	Accra
Day 6	Accra	Black Star Square, cultural experiences	Accra
Day 7	Depart	Last-minute shopping, departure	–

Total Estimated Cost: $800-1,500 per person (excluding international flights) Best Time to Visit: November-March (dry season) Visa Required: Yes – apply online 5 days before travel

Before You Leave America: Essential Preparation

Flights from USA to Ghana

Book 2-3 months in advance for best prices:

Delta Airlines: Direct from JFK ($900-1,400) and Atlanta ($850-1,300)
United Airlines: Direct from Washington DC starting May 2025 ($950-1,400)
Best booking days: Tuesday/Wednesday
Avoid: Peak season (December) unless attending festivals

Visa Application for Americans

Timeline: Apply 2 weeks before travel

Visit ghana.travel
Upload requirements:
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Passport photo
- Yellow fever certificate
- Flight itinerary
Pay fee: $60-150 depending on entry type
Receive approval: 3-5 business days
Print visa approval for airport

Health Requirements

Visit travel clinic 6 weeks before departure:

Mandatory: Yellow fever vaccine ($150-200)
Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Meningitis
Malaria prevention: Malarone or Doxycycline ($50-100)
Travel insurance: $50-100 for comprehensive coverage

Packing Essentials for Americans in Ghana

What to bring:

Lightweight, modest clothing (shoulders/knees covered)
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (expensive in Ghana)
Insect repellent with DEET
Power adapter (Type G – British style)
USD cash in good condition ($500-800 recommended)
Copies of passport and visa
Prescription medications
Hand sanitizer and tissues

What NOT to bring:

Camo/military-style clothing (illegal)
Drone without permit
Expensive jewelry
Single-use plastics (banned in some areas)

Day 1: Arrival in Accra – Welcome to Ghana!

Morning/Afternoon: Arrival at Kotoka International Airport

Flight arrivals from USA:

Delta from JFK: Arrives 9:30 AM
Delta from Atlanta: Arrives 9:05 AM
United from DC (2025): Arrives 10:15 AM

Airport process (1-2 hours):

Health screening (show yellow fever card)
Immigration (visa verification)
Baggage claim
Currency exchange or ATM (get 500-1000 GHS)
SIM card purchase (MTN or Vodafone – $5)

Airport to hotel transfer options:

Uber/Bolt: $10-15 to most Accra hotels (recommended)
Hotel shuttle: Often included in mid-range+ hotels
Taxi: $15-20 (negotiate before entering)

Afternoon: Check-in and Orientation

Recommended areas to stay:

Airport Residential Area: Safe, central, expat-friendly ($60-150/night)
Osu: Lively, restaurants, nightlife ($40-120/night)
Labadi: Beachfront, resorts ($80-200/night)

Top hotel picks for Americans:

Luxury: Kempinski Gold Coast ($180-250/night)
Mid-range: Alisa Hotels North Ridge ($80-120/night)
Budget: YAFO Institute Guesthouse ($30-50/night)

First day orientation (2-3 PM):

Hotel check-in
Test your local SIM card
Download Uber/Bolt apps
Locate nearest ATM
Brief neighborhood walk

Evening: Labadi Beach Sunset

5:00 PM – Head to Labadi Beach

Uber ride: $5-8 from most hotels
Entry fee: $2
Chair rental: $3
Secure belongings (use hotel safe for valuables)

Beach activities:

Horse riding: $10 for 30 minutes
Live music on weekends
Fresh coconut water: $1
Local food vendors

Dinner at Labadi Beach Hotel:

Oceanfront dining
Try: Jollof rice with grilled tilapia ($15-20)
Sunset views included
Return to hotel by 8 PM (jet lag recovery)

Day 1 Budget:

Airport transfer: $15
SIM card: $5
Labadi Beach: $5
Meals: $25-35
Total: $50-60

Day 2: Discover Accra – History Meets Modernity

Morning: Historical Accra Tour (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Start with breakfast at hotel or local spot:

Hotel breakfast: Usually included
Local option: Waakye (rice and beans) – $3
Coffee shop: Cuppa Cappuccino in Osu – $5-8

9:00 AM – Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Ghana’s founding father’s mausoleum
Entry: $3 for adults
Guided tour: $5 (recommended)
Photo opportunities
Museum with independence history
Duration: 1 hour

10:30 AM – Independence Square (Black Star Square)

Iconic independence arch
Free to visit
Photo stop: 20 minutes
See: Black Star Monument

11:00 AM – W.E.B. Du Bois Center

Pan-African heritage site
Former home of civil rights leader
Entry: $5
Significance for African Americans
Personal library and manuscripts
Duration: 45 minutes

Afternoon: Markets and Culture (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM)

Lunch at Asanka Local (1:00 PM)

Authentic Ghanaian cuisine
Try: Fufu with light soup – $8-10
Or safer option: Grilled chicken with jollof – $10
Location: Osu

2:30 PM – Makola Market OR Arts Centre

Option A: Makola Market (for adventurous travelers)

Largest market in Accra
Overwhelming but authentic
Hire a guide: $10-15
Buy: Fabric, spices, crafts
Haggle expectation: Start at 50% asking price

Option B: Arts Centre (easier for first-timers)

Tourist-friendly craft market
Fixed prices more common
Buy: Masks, drums, paintings
Less chaotic than Makola
Credit cards accepted at some stalls

Shopping tips for Americans:

Always bargain (except in malls)
Buy fabric, get tailored clothes in 24 hours
Authentic kente cloth: $30-100
Wood carvings: $10-50
Paintings: $20-200

Evening: Modern Accra (5:30 PM – 10:00 PM)

6:00 PM – Oxford Street, Osu

Accra’s entertainment district
Window shopping
Street food safe options
ATMs and pharmacies available

Dinner at Buka Restaurant (7:30 PM)

Upscale African dining
Perfect for Americans adjusting to local food
Try: Salmon with jollof – $20
Or: Grilled lamb chops – $25
Cocktails: $8-10

Optional nightlife for energy:

Republic Bar: Expat-friendly, live music
Skybar 25: Rooftop views
Return by 10 PM to rest for tomorrow

Day 2 Budget:

Attractions: $13
Lunch: $10
Market shopping: $30-100
Dinner: $25-30
Transport: $15
Total: $93-163

Day 3: Journey to Cape Coast – Confronting History

Morning: Accra to Cape Coast (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

Early departure essential

Wake up: 5:30 AM
Quick breakfast: Hotel or grab-and-go

Transportation options:

Private car with driver: $80-100 (recommended for Americans)
- Most comfortable
- Stop when you want
- Safe and reliable
Uber: $60-80 (if available)
STC Bus: $8 (adventurous option)
- Departs 7 AM from Circle
- Air-conditioned
- 2.5 hours

Route highlights:

Distance: 100 miles west
Drive time: 2.5-3 hours
Stops: Roadside coconut vendors
Scenic: Atlantic coastline views

Late Morning: Elmina Castle Tour (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

First UNESCO World Heritage Site

Built: 1482 by Portuguese
Oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa
Entry: $10 for non-Ghanaians
Guided tour: Included (mandatory)

Emotional preparation for Americans:

This is where enslaved Africans were held
“Door of No Return” is deeply moving
Many African Americans become emotional
Take time to process
Photography allowed but be respectful

Tour highlights:

Dungeons where captives were held
Governor’s quarters above
Portuguese chapel
Slave auction courtyard
Duration: 1.5-2 hours

Afternoon: Lunch and Beach Recovery (12:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

Lunch at Coconut Grove Beach Resort

Beachfront location
Decompress after emotional morning
Try: Grilled lobster – $20-25
Or: Club sandwich – $10
Fresh juice: $3

Beach time (2:00-4:00 PM)

Swim in Atlantic (watch currents)
Beach chairs available
Local crafts vendors (can bargain)
Relax and reflect

Late Afternoon: Elmina Town (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

Explore fishing harbor

Colorful boats returning with catch
Photo opportunities
Fish market (intense smell warning)
Posuban shrines (unique to region)

St. George’s Castle view

Exterior photos
Sunset lighting ideal

Evening: Cape Coast Accommodation (6:00 PM onward)

Where to stay in Cape Coast:

Luxury: Coconut Grove Beach Resort ($100-150)
- Beachfront
- Pool
- American-friendly amenities
Mid-range: Ridge Royal Hotel ($60-80)
- Clean and comfortable
- Good restaurant
Budget: Mighty Victory Hotel ($30-40)
- Basic but clean
- Central location

Dinner at hotel or local spot

Most Americans prefer hotel restaurants first night
Try: Red snapper with banku – $12-15
Star beer: $3

Day 3 Budget:

Transport to Cape Coast: $80-100
Elmina Castle: $10
Lunch: $20-25
Beach/activities: $10
Accommodation: $60-150
Dinner: $15-20
Total: $195-305

Day 4: Cape Coast Castle and Kakum Adventure

Morning: Cape Coast Castle (8:00 AM – 10:30 AM)

Second UNESCO Site – Different perspective from Elmina

Entry: $10
Built: 1652 by Swedish, later British
Larger than Elmina
Obama family visited in 2009

Tour elements:

Male and female dungeons
Condemned cells
“Door of No Return”
Museum with slavery artifacts
British colonial history
Duration: 1.5-2 hours

For African Americans:

Many report this as most impactful site
Ceremony of return available
Spiritual significance
Consider bringing flowers for remembrance

Late Morning: Drive to Kakum National Park (10:30 AM – 11:30 AM)

Distance: 20 miles north (45-minute drive)

Hire taxi for day: $40-50
Or join tour group: $60-80 per person

Midday: Kakum Canopy Walk (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM)

Ghana’s most famous eco-tourism site

Entry: $20 for non-Ghanaians
Canopy walk: Included
Guide: Mandatory (included)

The Canopy Walk Experience:

7 bridges suspended 130 feet high
1,000 feet total length
One of only 4 in Africa
Safety equipment provided
Not recommended if afraid of heights
Duration: 30-45 minutes

Additional activities:

Nature walk: $5 extra (recommended)
Tree house climb: $10
Butterfly sanctuary: $5
Medicinal plant tour: Free with guide

Tips for Americans:

Wear closed-toe shoes
Bring water
Use bathroom before walk
No large bags on bridges
Early morning less crowded

Afternoon: Return and Lunch (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

Lunch at Hans Cottage Botel

Unique restaurant over crocodile pond
Safe viewing from restaurant
Feed crocodiles: $2
Try: Grilled chicken with kelewele – $12
Or: Vegetarian pasta – $10
Cold beer essential: $3

Late Afternoon: Cape Coast Town (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

Optional activities:

Fort William (lighthouse views): $3
Cape Coast University campus tour: Free
Craft market shopping: Varies
Beach relaxation at hotel

Evening: Cultural Night

Option 1: Cultural show at hotel

Traditional drumming and dancing
Usually Friday/Saturday
Cost: $10-15

Option 2: Local spot experience

London Bridge bar: Local vibes
Orange Beach Resort: Seafood dinner
Oasis Beach Resort: Live band weekends

Day 4 Budget:

Cape Coast Castle: $10
Kakum National Park: $20
Transportation: $40-50
Lunch: $15
Dinner: $15-20
Activities: $10
Total: $110-125

Day 5: Return to Accra via Scenic Route

Morning: Coastal Drive Option (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Choose your return route:

Option A: Direct Highway (2.5 hours)

Fastest return
Stop at Anomabo Beach Resort
Photo stops at request

Option B: Coastal Scenic Route (4 hours)

Through fishing villages
Abandze and Biriwa beaches
Salt ponds at Nyanyano
More authentic experience

Afternoon: Aburi Botanical Gardens (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

Detour to the hills (30 minutes from Accra)

Entry: $5
Established: 1890 by British
Cooler climate (elevation)
160 acres of tropical plants

Highlights:

Giant silk cotton tree
Orchid house
Medicinal garden
Picnic areas
Craft vendors at entrance

Lunch at Aburi Gardens Restaurant

Scenic views over Accra
Try: Palm nut soup – $8
Or: Continental dishes – $12-15

Late Afternoon: Return to Accra (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

Stop at Madina Market or Accra Mall

Last-minute shopping
Madina: Local prices, authentic
Accra Mall: Western-style, fixed prices
Both have ATMs

Evening: Relaxation in Accra

Check back into Accra hotel

Same hotel recommended for luggage storage
Rest and refresh

Dinner at Santoku Restaurant

Japanese cuisine if needing break from local food
Sushi: $20-30
Or stay local at Azmera Restaurant

Day 5 Budget:

Transport: $80-100
Aburi Gardens: $5
Lunch: $12-15
Shopping: $50-100
Dinner: $20-30
Total: $167-250

Day 6: Final Accra Experiences

Morning: Choose Your Adventure (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Option A: Jamestown Walking Tour

Historic old Accra
Lighthouse climb: $2
Fishing community
Street art and murals
Guide recommended: $15
Photo opportunities

Option B: Labadi Pleasure Beach

More developed than Labadi Beach
Water sports available
Jet ski: $50/30 minutes
Banana boat: $10
Beach volleyball

Option C: National Museum

Ghana’s history and culture
Entry: $5
Traditional artifacts
Contemporary art
Air-conditioned relief

Afternoon: Modern Ghana Experience (12:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

Lunch at A&C Mall Food Court

Multiple options
KFC/Pizza available for homesick Americans
Local options too
$8-15 per person

1:30 PM – Choose:

Option A: Get clothes tailored

If bought fabric on Day 2
Final fitting
Usually ready in 24 hours
Cost: $10-20 per outfit

Option B: Marina Mall

Modern shopping center
Supermarket for snacks
Game store (electronics)
Silverbird Cinema: $5 movies

Option C: Legon Botanical Gardens

Newer than Aburi
Canopy walk (different from Kakum)
Entry: $10
Zip line: $20
Quad biking: $30

Late Afternoon: Preparation (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

Return to hotel

Pack purchases securely
Wrap fragile items
Check weight limits (usually 50 lbs x2)
Organize documents

Evening: Farewell Dinner (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Special farewell venues:

Option A: Coco Lounge

Upscale atmosphere
Mix of local and continental
Live jazz Thursday-Saturday
$30-40 per person

Option B: Tea Baa

Rooftop restaurant
Accra skyline views
Tapas-style dishes
$25-35 per person

Option C: Chez Clarisse

French-African fusion
Romantic ambiance
$35-45 per person

After dinner:

Early to bed for morning flight
Or Republic Bar for last drinks

Day 6 Budget:

Morning activity: $15-50
Lunch: $10-15
Afternoon activity: $20-30
Farewell dinner: $30-40
Total: $75-135

Day 7: Departure Day

Morning: Final Preparations

Hotel checkout

Most hotels: 12:00 PM checkout
Late checkout usually $20-30
Store luggage if evening flight

Last-minute shopping near hotel:

Shea butter: $5-10
Black soap: $3-5
Chocolate: $10-20
Coffee: $5-10

Airport Departure

Timing for US flights:

Delta to JFK: Departs 11:00 PM (arrive 8:00 PM)
Delta to Atlanta: Departs 10:45 PM (arrive 7:45 PM)
United to DC: Will depart 11:30 PM (arrive 8:30 PM)

Airport process:

Check-in opens 3 hours before
Security and immigration: 45 minutes
Duty-free shopping available
Restaurant options limited but adequate

Day 7 Budget:

Last shopping: $30-50
Airport transfer: $15
Airport meals: $15-20
Total: $60-85

Total Trip Budget Breakdown

Conservative Budget (Per Person)

Category	Cost
Accommodation (6 nights)	$300-360
Meals	$210-280
Transportation	$300-350
Attractions/Activities	$100-120
Shopping/Souvenirs	$150-300
Miscellaneous	$100
Total	$1,160-1,510

Costs NOT Included:

International flights ($900-1,400)
Visa ($60-150)
Vaccinations ($200-300)
Travel insurance ($50-100)

Money Tips for Americans:

Bring $500-800 USD cash
ATMs widely available (3% fee typical)
Credit cards accepted at major hotels
Mobile money (MoMo) convenient for small purchases
Always have small bills for tips/vendors

Customization Options

Extending Your Stay

Add 2-3 Days for:

Kumasi: Cultural capital (1.5-hour flight)
Mole National Park: Safari experience (12-hour bus or 1-hour flight)
Volta Region: Waterfalls and mountains (3-hour drive)
Beach extension: Busua or Kokrobite (3-4 hours)

Special Interest Additions

For African Americans:

Ancestry DNA testing coordination
Meeting with local chiefs
Naming ceremony arrangement
Land purchase consultation
Extended heritage tours

For Adventure Seekers:

Wli Waterfalls hike
Afadjato mountain climb
Surfing at Busua
Monkey sanctuary visits

For Culture Enthusiasts:

Cooking class: $30-50
Drumming lesson: $20
Kente weaving workshop: $25
Language basics course: $40

Essential Tips for American Travelers

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

Use right hand for greetings/eating
Dress modestly (knees/shoulders covered)
Ask permission before photographing people
Bargain at markets (expected)
Try local food gradually

DON’T:

Use left hand for important gestures
Wear military/camo patterns
Public displays of affection
Photograph government buildings
Give money to beach vendors initially

Health and Safety

Stay Healthy:

Bottled water only ($0.50 everywhere)
Avoid ice in drinks
Street food: cooked thoroughly only
Malaria prevention essential
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Hand sanitizer frequently

Stay Safe:

Uber/Bolt for transport
Avoid walking alone at night
Keep copies of documents
Hotel safe for valuables
Emergency contacts saved

Communication

Staying Connected:

MTN best coverage
Vodafone good alternative
5GB data: $5
WhatsApp widely used
Hotel WiFi usually reliable

Useful Phrases:

Akwaaba = Welcome
Medaase = Thank you
Yebehyia bio = See you again
Ete sen? = How much?

Month-by-Month Considerations

Best Months for Americans to Visit Ghana

November – February (Peak Season)

Dry, less humid
Harmattan winds (dusty but cool)
Higher prices
Book accommodations early

March – May (Hot Season)

Very hot, humid
Fewer tourists
Better deals
Easter festivities

June – October (Rainy Season)

Afternoon showers
Lush greenery
Lowest prices
Some roads difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 7 days enough for Ghana?

Yes, 7 days allows you to see major highlights: Accra, Cape Coast, and Kakum. You’ll get a taste of history, culture, and nature without rushing too much.

How much cash should I bring?

Bring $500-800 USD in crisp bills. ATMs are reliable in cities, but cash is king in markets and rural areas.

Is Ghana safe for American tourists?

Yes, Ghana is one of Africa’s safest countries. Use common sense, avoid flashy jewelry, and use Uber/Bolt for transportation.

Do I need malaria medication?

Yes, malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Consult your travel clinic 6 weeks before departure.

Can I use my credit card?

Major hotels and restaurants accept cards, but many places are cash-only. Visa and Mastercard work better than Amex.

What’s the best souvenir from Ghana?

Authentic kente cloth, shea butter, local art, and hand-carved masks make great souvenirs. Buy from artisan markets for authenticity.

Should I tip in Ghana?

Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated. 10% at restaurants, $1-2 for hotel staff, round up taxi fares.

Can I drink tap water?

No, stick to bottled water. It’s cheap and available everywhere. Avoid ice in drinks from street vendors.

What clothing should I pack?

Light, breathable fabrics. Modest clothing (covering shoulders/knees) for cultural sites. One nice outfit for upscale restaurants.

Is WiFi widely available?

Yes, most hotels, restaurants, and cafes have WiFi. Buy a local SIM card for reliable mobile data.

Making the Most of 7 Days in Ghana

This itinerary balances Ghana’s historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy while considering American travelers’ comfort levels. The key is staying flexible – Ghana operates on “Ghana time,” meaning things may run slower than expected.

Remember, you’re not just visiting Ghana; you’re experiencing a country that many African Americans consider a spiritual homecoming. Whether you’re tracing ancestry or simply exploring, Ghana’s warmth will leave lasting impressions.

The itinerary provides structure, but don’t be afraid to deviate. Some of the best Ghana experiences come from unexpected invitations – a local wedding, a family dinner, or an impromptu drum circle.

Your 7 days in Ghana will be transformative. You’ll confront difficult history, celebrate resilient culture, and form connections that transcend typical tourist experiences. Most importantly, you’ll understand why Ghana’s tourism slogan rings true: “Akwaaba” – Welcome home.

Ready to book your Ghana adventure? Start with your visa application today, and in just 7 days, you’ll have memories to last a lifetime.

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