Over the last few years, Ghana has become the go-to destination for Black folks across the diaspora. From Afronation to Afrochella, and everything in between, the now famous “Detty December” is when things get rowdy in the capital, Accra. But beyond the party scene, Ghana is brimming with history, culture, stunning natural wonders and picturesque beaches. 2019 marked ‘The Year of Return’ when African Americans and those of African heritage were encouraged to visit, invest and settle down in Ghana. The year was significant as it marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American soil in Jamestown, Virginia.
Ghana had been on my travel bucket-list for a while. In August 2022, I finally made my dream a reality and booked a flight to Accra. Uncertain of what to expect and aware of the fact that I was traveling solo, I turned to group travel. Perusing Viator, Tripadvisor and countless other sites I finally settled on ProTour Africa for my big trip. The company is owned by two enigmatic, business-minded, young Ghanaian women, Zainab and Rasheeda. Their company is only a few years old–established just before Covid–but has already taken hundreds of travelers, including me, across Ghana, giving them an authentic, tailored experience.
When Zainab and Rasheeda picked me up at the Kotoka International Airport, it felt like I was meeting two old friends. We chatted excitedly about the upcoming trip, why I was visiting Ghana, SZA and Stormzy who’d also just been in Ghana, and stopped off at Burger King–very authentic–before heading to my hotel. From the very first day, when we visited the Aburi Botanic Gardens, I knew this trip would be more than memorable…
I spoke to ProTour Africa co-founder Zainab to get the inside scoop on what to do when visiting Ghana. She also gave tips on how to prep for the trip, the best local foods to try and why choosing a group tour will enhance your visit!
Tell us about ProTour Africa?
ProTour Africa is a tourism company founded by two Ghanaian females. Our community-based tourism approach enables travelers to experience local culture while simultaneously empowering communities. We are guided by the principles of sustainability with a focus on reducing our environmental footprint, supporting local communities, and promoting cultural exchange.
What kind of tours can people do with ProTour Africa?
Our tours differ across various interests; from nature tours to cultural and historical tours to relaxation tours. Our main focus is to offer sustainable travel experiences which are unique, giving every guest the opportunity to learn more about the rich heritage of Ghana. We also leverage tourism to promote arts, music and dance through events like Afrochella and Chalewote festival. Our packages range from half-day experiences to multi-day experiences.
What are your top five favorite places to visit in Accra?
- Kwame Nkrumah Museum for its rich history of the struggle for independence by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (the first President of Ghana) and other key figures.
- Accra Arts and Cultural Center for the best local crafts. It’s also a great way to learn more about arts and culture in Ghana.
- Bojo Beach for its peaceful relaxation vibes, for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Buka Restaurant for their wide range of authentic Ghanaian cuisines with the honorable mention of the famous Ghana Jollof.
- +233 Jazz Bar and Grill for live music and meeting new people. Locals and tourists gather here for a music-filled night under the stars.
People often visit Accra and stop there but there’s so much more to Ghana than the capital city. What are some other regions people should visit and why?
While [in] Ghana, these are the other top 3 regions we would highly recommend you visit.
The Ashanti Region, which is home to one of the few monarchies still present in Africa. Visiting this region with a guide will give you cultural and historical insights into the significant events and the way of life of the Ashantis. Some sites to visit in this region include The Manhyia Palace, Prempeh Museum and the Okomfo Anokye Sword Site.
The Volta Region is known for its beautiful landscapes, lush vegetations and is a prefect getaway for nature lovers. It is also home to the famous River Volta. Top activities in this region include hiking up the tallest Mountain in Ghana (Mount Afadjato), swimming in the tallest waterfall in West Africa (Wli Falls) and feeding monkeys at the Tafi Monkey Sanctuary.
Savannah Region in the Northern part of Ghana offers a different view of the culture andhistory of the people of Ghana. Due to its further distance from Accra, it is usually overlooked by many visitors traveling to Ghana but this region is definitely worth the visit. Attractions that are a must visit when in this region include the Mole National Park for Elephant viewing and the mysterious Larabanga Mosque. We also highly recommend visiting some towns and villages to learn about the making and significance of shea butter which is widely used across the world
How long should someone spend in Ghana when they come to visit?
A tourist visiting Ghana may consider spending between 8 to 15 days, as this will be enough time to experience the country and what it has to offer.
“Ghana is generally peaceful and safe for travelers, and the people are open minded so tourists should also be open minded about the country and its people before they visit.”
What are some local foods that people should try?
Jollof rice is a popular African delicacy that is consumed by almost every citizen of Ghana. Therefore, it should be the number one food to try whenever a tourist visits Ghana. Other popular food options to try include fufu which is served with different soup options like pepper soup, peanut butter soup, palm nut soup, and many others. You can also try red red or beans stew, and it is served with ripe plantains. Boiled yam or plantains served with spinach stew is another food to try when in Ghana. Tourists can also try waakye which is a mixture or rice and beans cooked together and served with stew and chili sauce.
The best time of year to visit Ghana?
The best time to visit Ghana is from September to March. For tourists looking forward to party hopping, December is desirable. This is because it is the time when a lot of events/parties take place together with the two popular events namely–Afronation and Afrochella (now known as Afrofuture). A tourist visiting Ghana in December must consider their expenses because the cost of hotels and flights during this peak period becomes expensive.
Why is booking a tour a good way to explore Ghana?
It is highly recommended to book a tour with a travel and tour company to help you fully enjoy your stay in Ghana. Travel companies are in the best position to advise tourists on destinations to visit whilst in Ghana, and also help them organize and enjoy local experiences which they may not be able to do on their own. Moreover, tour companies provide tourists with support throughout their duration of stay; these guides answer questions about the country and help understand the country and its people, the culture and more. Booking a tour with a tour company is efficient and also helps you to customize your trip to suit your needs and expectations.
The logistics (aka the boring stuff that you have to sort out before traveling)
- Travelers traveling to Ghana must be vaccinated or must have proof of yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Malaria tablets are also recommend.
- Visitors should also have mosquito sprays and repellent at all times.
- Not many countries are visa exempt so make sure you check and get that visa application in early.
Everytime I think about my trip to Ghana, and look back at the pictures I feel overjoyed that I took the plunge and booked that ticket. I only stayed for eight days but in that time I traveled to the Eastern region, Cape Coast, Volta region, explored Accra, rode a horse on Labadi Beach, took a skating lesson at Freedom Skate Park, visited Elmina Castle, met the bead king of Ghana, ate my entire body weight in jollof rice, and made some amazing friends.
If you’d like to find out more about ProTour Africa, you can visit their website or check out some stunning tour visuals on Instagram.
