Travel Advice

 

Traveling in Ghana:- General

The Kingdom of Ghana, formally known as the Gold Coast was one of the first African countries to be colonised and in 1957 became the first to gain independence.  The coastline is dominated by colonial Slave Forts and Castles.  A reminder of its dark recent history.

 

Ghana’s population is extremely diverse and at least 75 different dialects are spoken.  It is steeped in history and traditions.  There are many tribes in Ghana, Ewe, Fanti, Ga, Lobi and the renowned Ashanti, to mention but a few.  They have all developed unique practices and traditions over the centuries, which distinguishes them from each other.

 

With the stunning palm lined deserted beaches, the wild beauty of the Southern Guinea Tropical Rainforests moving Northwards to the Sahelian Savannah plains Ghana’s landscape is difficult to beat, couple this with the enormous cultural diversity, traveling in and around Ghana is a pleasure to behold.

 

Hotel Accommodation:

For all of our Birdwatching, and the majority of our Wildlife and Cultural tours luxury hotel accommodation will be the norm.  These will consist of air-conditioned, en-suite double rooms, International standard restaurants, swimming pools and many more facilities where available.

 

Guest Houses and Homestays:

Some, not all of our Eco, Wildlife and Cultural tours in more remote areas use local guesthouses or homestays.  These will all be comfortable, clean but basic accommodation.  Staying in these types of accommodation will bring us into closer contact with the locals and sometimes we will be accommodated in family homes.

Camping:

Some, not all of our Eco, Wildlife and Cultural tours in extremely remote areas will be camping.  This will not be for the duration of your tour but only for a couple of days  where accommodation is not available.  Camping is on a shared basis and single supplements will apply where individual tents are requested.  All meals are cooked by our experienced guides and will be a mixture of Western and Ghanaian cuisine and eaten around an open fire for a memorable evening.

 

Leader and Guides:

All our tours are accompanied by, a local and Western leader, in addition to the local guides who will make every effort to make your holiday enjoyable and rewarding.

 

Weather and Climate:

Ghana has a typical tropical climate, which is due to its proximity to the Equator.  Daytime temperatures average around 30º C throughout the year.  Evening temperatures are humid in the South but drop more noticeably in the dry North.  Due to its Equatorial location, Ghana’s seasonal changes are different to those of the North America and Europe.  Temperatures are reasonably consistent throughout the year.  Ghana has a rainy season, which is almost exclusively during the months from June to September, peaking in July.  In early December, the Harmattan Winds blow dusts from the North East during the dry season.  This will have little effect on most tourists.

 

Equipment and Clothing:

You will receive this information upon confirmation of your booking.

 

Insurance:

Your must insure that you have adequate personal insurance cover for your trip.  It is a compulsory requirement for all our trips in Ghana/Burkina Faso and it is your responsibility to take out a suitable policy.  You will not officially join the group until evidence of your insurance has been provided to the trip leader or Ashanti African Tours.  This must include personal accident, medical expenses and repatriation to the UK.  For tours in remote areas, this must include provision for helicopter rescue.  We also recommend that your policy covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.  Please note that free insurance cover offered by some credit cards does not cover repatriation expenses.  STA travel is inexpensive and has a good reputation, tel 0870 1 60 60 70, alternatively visit their website www.statravel.co.uk

 

Visas:

All nationalities, except Ghanaians need a visa for Ghana.  British Citizens can download a visa form from www.ghana-com.co.uk.  You will need 4 passport size quality photos and can send your passport via recorded delivery.  This will take approximately 2 weeks to process.  Alternatively you can go direct to Ghana High Commission, 104 Highgate Hill, London, N6 5HE, nearest tube Archway Station.

 

All tour participants will need a single entry visa, which are valid for 3 months from date of issue.  We advise you apply for your visa at least 4 weeks prior to departure.  The current fee is £30 (subject to change)

For USA residents, visit www.ghana-embassy.org for up to date visa information

 

Tipping:

All guides fees are paid by Ashanti African Tours and we make it a company policy to tip all guides, Wildlife and Cultural.  It is therefore down to the client’s own discretion if they want to tip any guides.

 

Spending Money:

You should allow for the following:-

• Snacks, soft and alcoholic drinks
• If Burkina Faso is included in tour, allow additional £30 for single entry visa
• Shopping and personal items

Immunisations and Vaccinations:

You will need to consult your doctor 6-8 weeks prior to departure.  You can visit www.traveldoctor.co.uk for extensive information on foreign travel to exotic locations

 

Below is a guideline only:

• Polio
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Meningitis
• Yellow Fever (you must carry this certificate with your documents)
• Malaria tablets (consult your Chemist)

Responsible Travel:

Ghana’s environment is fragile, we are strongly committed to positive impact tourism, wherever possible, we try to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on local cultures and the environment.  There are a number of ways to minimise your impact on local cultures and the environment in Ghana.  Please refer to the section on responsible travel for further information.

 

United Kingdom Embassy In Ghana:

1 Osu Link

Accra

Ghana

Tel: +233 221665

Fax: +233 221745