Ghanaians are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making them some of the most hospitable people in the world. Their genuine kindness and generosity are deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. Whether you are a local or a visitor, …
Read more
backpacking Africa
Ghana
Explore The Gambia
Explore Guinea
Backpacking Ghana in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Ghana with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Ghana
Discover the warmth of Ghana, a unique fusion of culture, history, and natural beauty that beckons backpackers. Pros? Immerse in vibrant local markets, explore historic forts, and embrace the friendly atmosphere. Ghana is budget-friendly with diverse landscapes. However, transportation can be challenging, and certain areas may lack tourist infrastructure. For the culturally curious backpacker, Ghana offers an enriching experience, where the unique blend of traditions and the genuine hospitality of its people set it apart as a distinctive and welcoming destination in West Africa.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Ghana
People
Uniqueness
Exploring Ghana is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant local communities. From the bustling markets of Accra to the historic slave forts along the coast, Ghana offers a wide …
Read more
Read more
Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Ghana is vibrant and diverse, with a mix of budget accommodations, local transportation options, and a wide range of cultural experiences. Backpackers can explore the bustling markets of Accra, relax on the beautiful beaches …
Read more
Read more
Food
The food in Ghana is so good because of its rich and diverse culinary heritage. Ghanaian cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes that are influenced by a variety of cultures, including West African, European, and Middle Eastern. The use …
Read more
Read more
Cheap
The average costs for backpacking in Ghana can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $20-$40 per day, which includes accommodation in hostels or budget guesthouses, …
Read more
Read more
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Ghana
- Visit Cape Coast Castle: Explore the historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which played a major role in the transatlantic slave trade.
- Experience the Ashanti Culture in Kumasi: Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions, art, and history of the Ashanti people by visiting the Manhyia Palace Museum and witnessing the Ashanti King’s royal processions.
- Explore Mole National Park: Embark on a safari adventure in Ghana’s largest wildlife reserve, home to elephants, antelopes, baboons, and various bird species.
- Discover the Volta Region: Explore the natural beauty of the Volta Region, including the stunning Wli Waterfalls, the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, and the picturesque Volta Lake.
- Relax on the Beaches of Cape Coast and Busua: Unwind on the sandy shores of Cape Coast and Busua, where you can swim, surf, and soak up the sun while enjoying the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
But Ghana offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Ghana
The best time to visit Ghana for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant with lower humidity and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country. However, it's important to note that Ghana's climate can vary in different regions, so it's advisable to check specific weather conditions for the areas you plan to visit.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Ghana
- There's been an increase in reported incidents of banditry involving passenger buses travelling in the Upper West and Upper East regions resulting in injuries and deaths. In January, unidentified gunmen attacked a bus travelling on the Walewale-Bolgatanga highway, resulting in several injuries.
- If you're travelling to Ghana, you could be a target for crime, including kidnapping and robbery. There are increased security risks if you're a woman travelling alone. Take particular care in and around Accra.
- There's a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in the northern areas of Ghana bordering Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Burkina Faso. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places, and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Avoid demonstrations and protests. Large public events and intercommunity disputes can turn violent. Be cautious around large crowds, including at football matches.
- Internet scams often originate in West African countries. Criminals may ask for details of safe bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. Criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites or chat rooms. Be wary of online contact from people you don't know. Don't send money until you've checked who you're sending it to. Don't travel to Ghana to get your money back or to get revenge.
- Power outages may occur after dark. This often leads to more crime, especially if street and traffic lights fail.
- Officials or people posing as officials may try to extort money from foreigners, including at the airport. Legitimate airport staff wear a current ID card with their name and photograph.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
GhanaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Ghana sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Ghana. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Ghana may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Ghana. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Ghana may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Ghana, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Ghana, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
.jpg)
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024