If you’re ready for the ultimate African experience, Ghana has you covered. This beautiful West African nation abuts the Atlantic Ocean near the equator, benefiting from sundress temperatures and turquoise waters most of the year.
Inland, it features a variety of rainforest and savanna regions, much of which is protected area where you can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventuring in general.
Perhaps most importantly, Ghana just has an all-around good vibe. As Demand Africa puts it, “One of the few English speaking countries in Africa, Ghana takes pride in its bustling modern cities and peaceful villages, where rich traditions mesh with the ultramodern.
Is it any wonder that Ghana is also hailed as Africa’s ‘Golden Child’?” For Americans, it’s an excellent way to see the beauty of Africa without stepping too far outside your comfort zone.
You’ll find plenty of people who speak English, the country is favorable to tourism, and you’ll never get bored. Of course, you also want to make sure you can afford the trip – and that’s where we come in!
This guide will help you through considerations such as flights, transportation, accommodations, and more. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have everything you need to plan an amazing, affordable vacation of a lifetime.
Ready to dive in? So are we — let us be your guide!
Average Trip to Ghana Cost in 2024
An average one-week trip to Ghana for two people will cost around $6,000:
- Average Accommodation Cost: $100 per night
- Average Flight Cost: $1,500 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $125 per person, per day
- Transportation: $300 total
- Total Cost: $6,000
Ghana is a nice mix, because its culture and vistas are very different from those of a European or North American nation, but it will feel familiar to Westerners because of the dominance of English.
Plus, it’s very safe, the food is delicious, and you can find delightful accommodations on a budget.
The main expenditures on a Ghana trip will be the flights and your larger activities, such as a safari or a canopy walk. If you want these breathtaking experiences, you’ll have to pay for them. Luckily, by knowing where to save, you can do that!
Ghana Trip Cost: Average by Item
ACCRA, GHANA -JAN 9,2014: Development of city infrastructure in Africa. Construction, building frame, scaffolding, new shopping mall. Economic growth in West Africa. Urban sprawl Construction industry/Nataly Reinch/Shutterstock
While it’s impossible to quantify a trip in such a way that matches everyone’s needs, we can give you a basic average to work with. That way, your online searches will become more targeted and you will have a better bead on how much to pay for something – and when an “offer” is likely a scam. Read on to learn more.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodations are a great sector in which to save money for a Ghana trip, especially as you’ll need to spend a lot to get there. Once inside the country, though, you can find a comfortable stay at a 3-star hotel for around $75.
This will include breakfast, a pool, AC, and an onsite restaurant in many places. For a more luxurious experience, you’ll spend about $125 or $150, which is very reasonable for a resort vibe.
On average, plan to spend about $100 per night for accommodations.
Flight Costs
Flights to Ghana are not cheap. A direct round-trip ticket from New York City to Accra will run you about $1,500.
From Los Angeles to Ghana is roughly the same price, though you can find cheaper fares if you’re willing to accept connecting flights and put up with a much longer travel day because of it. Either way, plan to spend about a day in transit.
You can reduce your ticket price if you book at least 3 weeks in advance and travel outside of the high-season window, from November to January.
Note when you are buying your tickets that there are visa requirements for entering Ghana. You must have 6 months left on your passport to enter the country, and you must have a visa.
According to the Embassy of Ghana, your visa can take one of two forms:
- Single entry, which costs $60 for the regular processing time (15-20 business days) or $100 for expedited processing time (7 days), or
- Multiple entry, which costs $100 for regular and $200 for expedited
Some visitors to Ghana want to check out neighboring countries, such as the Ivory Coast, on a day trip, then return to Ghana. For that, you’ll need a multiple entry visa.
Before entering the country, you will also need proof that you’ve been vaccinated for yellow fever at least ten days prior to departing your country.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
Accra, Ghana, August 22, 2009: traditional textile market in Accra, Ghana/EiZivile/Shutterstock
No need to plan a large food or drink budget for Ghana. You can eat a lovely fish dinner at a nice restaurant in the capital city of Accra, located on the beautiful coastline, for about $15 including a drink.
Street food and groceries are even less expensive, so you shouldn’t plan to spend more than $50 per person, per day, tops.
The country offers plenty of free activities, from lying on the beach to walking its beautiful parks. Accra was built in medieval times on the site of several villages, and has some interesting architecture as a result.
You can enjoy a walking tour of its streets for free as well. Although most people imagine Kenya or Tanzania when they think of safari, Ghana is also a good place to go.
Destinations such as Kakum, Mole, and Bui National Parks (among others) offer excellent wildlife viewing, and with a tour guide on your shoulder, you’ll get the best possible experience.
For about $500 per group, you can take a day trip to Mole National Park for a game drive and canoe ride. If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider an overnight excursion.
A two-day safari will start around $800 per person, but you can often customize them to include cultural and beach destinations as well as the more typical wildlife-based activities.
Keep in mind that if you do an overnight safari, the prices are high, but you won’t need to pay food or lodging for the duration of your safari stay. All told, if you factor in a cheap food and drink budget, plus a more expensive activities budget, you should be fine in Ghana on $125 a day.
Transportation Costs
Taxis in Ghana only cost about $1.75 per mile, making them an extremely affordable way to get around. When you find a taxi driver you like, don’t forget to get their number!
Not all cabs are reliable, and a good driver is worth their weight in gold.
Many will be willing to ferry you around the entire time, so you’ll spend fewer hours figuring things out and forge a relationship with someone who can recommend restaurants and sightseeing destinations, then take you right there.
Ghana’s State Transportation Corporation, the public transport system, is trustworthy both in the city of Accra and around it. The fares are quite reasonable, the buses and other services arrive on schedule, and it is safe.
Don’t plan to drive in Ghana, as there are several factors working against this. For one, you’ll need an International Driver’s permit or a foreign license, which is a pain.
For another, the roads are poorly maintained and many drivers are aggressive. Add in poor street lighting and you’ve got a recipe for accidents. The best bet is to hire a local driver and stay off the streets at night.
Overall, you should expect to pay about $300 to get around Ghana for a week, which is roughly commensurate with most other nations. If you skip taxis, you can lower this to about $250.
Things to Consider
Linda Hughes Photography/Shutterstock
Now that we’ve discussed basics, here are a few more things to keep in mind:
- Don’t skip the national parks! Ghana is known for the sweeping beauty of its parks, and as it is such as safe country, it’s a fabulous place to go hiking and wildlife-watching.
- Petty crime happens most frequently in crowded or remote areas. Watch out for pickpocketing or purse-snatching at busy markets or beaches. Beware of muggings at more remote ones. Typically, you don’t need to worry about violent crime, but you should still take precautions with your belongings, leave expensive jewelry at home, and keep your phone and money tucked away.
- Beware of airport scams. Locals may pose as your hired drivers or as vetted airport personnel, then try to extort you for money. Look for badges and identification before getting into a car, and note that a professional will never ask you for money while standing in or near an airport. Don’t hand your bags to anyone without checking their ID.
- Don’t buy diamonds. They’re typically either fake or “blood diamonds,” which are obtained in extremely unethical ways. Although they may be cheaper than through verified sellers, you’re either being scammed or participating in a broken and violent system.
- LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise caution in Ghana. The Ghanese crime laws cover many same-sex acts and can even lead to jail time. If you are traveling with a partner of the same sex, if you are trans, or if you otherwise don’t fit the stereotypical heterosexual, cis profile, take care in public.
Frequently Asked Questions
ACCRA,GHANA/MAY 1,2018: The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum/Truba7113/Shutterstock
Is Ghana safe?
Yes, Ghana is very safe. It has a stable democracy and no insurgency (as in many other countries in Africa). Although petty crime is a problem everywhere, it is no worse here than many American cities, and has a lower murder rate to boot.
If you plan to go out at night, always use a taxi service. Don’t walk or take public transportation unless you are in a large group. Remember that, sadly, members of the LGBTQ+ are not as safe as everyone else.
Also, says the US Department of State, “U.S. citizens traveling in Ghana should exercise caution while visiting border areas, in particular the northern border, and be sure to stay abreast of any or Security Alerts affecting those areas.
Due to security concerns over criminal activity in remote areas, travel of U.S. government personnel to the northern and northwestern border is currently limited.” Take your cue from them and steer clear of such areas.
When should I visit Ghana?
You should visit Ghana in the (Northern Hemisphere) winter months. Humidity is lower between October and April than at other times of year. And while Ghana is very equatorial, making it quite warm year-round, it is also cooler than at other times.
There are several fun festivals going on in Ghana in winter. It has a Christian population, so Christmas is a big celebration. New Year’s Eve is also fun, as is Afro Future Fest, which is a celebration of all things Black and beautiful.
What are the best things to see in Ghana?
A trip to Ghana should involve lots of outdoor activities. Check out its range of gorgeous national parks, its several stunning castles, and its golden sandy beaches for starters. Consider a safari in one of its preserves for the ultimate African experience.
Is Ghana expensive?
Ghana is not inexpensive, but it can make for an affordable trip if you’re careful. However, expect to pay rates for lodging, transportation, and activities that are comparable to a trip through Eastern Europe.
Should I plan to drive in Ghana?
No, don’t plan to drive in Ghana. It is difficult to obtain the appropriate licenses and, although insurgency is low, other aspects of traveling by road are dangerous.
So, What Is the Average Cost for a Ghana Trip?
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $100 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $1,500 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $125 per person, per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $300 total |
| 💲 Total Cost | $6,000 |
The average cost of a one-week trip to Ghana is around $6,000 for two people, but you can definitely cut those costs down by using traditional cost-saving measures such as booking cheap hotels, getting flights with more connections, and eating affordably.
You can also travel outside the high season and make friends with a cabbie to give you the inside deets on the area if you want to save extra.
Whatever you do, don’t miss a trip to Africa’s “Golden Child” … she’s well worth the expense, the travel time, and the anticipation. So, with so much to see and do, what are you waiting for — book your trip to Ghana today!