Welcome to Ghana!

Stretching inwards from the coastline is a narrow strip of grassy plain, which widens as it stretches eastwards. The west and south are covered by thick rainforests. The rainforests in Ghana are being turned into nature parks such as the National Park at Kakum, which is very popular among eco-tourists. There are many Ghana tours visiting the national parks, contributing to the continued success of the new nature parks.

Compared to the other African nations, Ghana's game reserves and national parks are quite small. However, many animals such as antelopes, elephants, monkeys, lions, and a huge variety of birds and butterflies can be spotted here. Lagoons and sandy palm-lined beaches dot the coastline. The lagoons are equipped with facilities for water sports, and the beaches are the perfect place to relax under the warm African sun. Most of Ghana's beaches are located in the capital city of Accra, where you will find many Ghana hotels to choose from. There are a number of tours in Ghana that incorporate the beautiful beaches, the relics that dot the coast line, and the teeming city centre.

Traces of Ghana's rich history are still visible across the country. For example, remains of 42 European castles and forts can be seen, the Cape Coast and the Elmina Castles being prime examples of some of the many Ghana tourist attractions on offer. UNESCO has declared the castles as World Heritage Monuments. These were also the sites of wars between the Ghanaians and the British.

There are many great cultural events in Ghana, and one way to tell that a celebration is underway is by catch a glimpse of the chiefs and queen mothers riding on luxuriously gilded palanquins amidst pomp and ceremony. Events in Ghana are colourful and lively, and a great experience to complement your holiday in Ghana.

Shopping in Ghana is great fun for those who love to bargain. While you will not come across many western style malls in Ghana, the traditional open markets in Ghana provide a glimpse of the sights, sounds and smells of an African market.

The ancient Ghana Empire flourished in western Sudan till the eleventh century. It is from this empire that Ghana derived its name. Ghana was known as the Gold Coast till it gained independence from British colonial rule on 6 March 1957. It was the first black African colony that gained independence. The first Europeans to reach Ghana were the Portuguese, followed by many others in later years. The castles that dot the coast line bear witness to the fact that Europeans traded in gold, ivory, and slaves for over four centuries.

Located on West Africa's southern coast, Ghana is bordered by Burkina Fasso on the north and northwest, Togo on the east, Ivory Coast on the west, and the Atlantic Ocean on the south. Check out Ghana map for the location of the many great things to see and do in Ghana along with the location of the many great places to stay in Ghana.

Ghana's coastline is made up of a sandy foreshore backed by a coastal plain. On the west, the forest stretches up to the sea. The forest stretches north from the western edge and then extends eastwards for around 170 miles into Ashanti. Steep ridges and thickly wooded hills break the monotony of the forests. The undulating savannah lies to the north of the forest belt and through it flows the rivers, White Volta and the Black Volta. The two rivers join and flow southwards through the hills. Mount Afadjato, at about 2900 feet (880 metres), is Ghana's highest point. It is situated in a hill range on the eastern border. Ankobra and Pra are the other perennial rivers flowing through Ghana's sandy landscape. The other rivers usually end in salty lagoons. Ghana does not have any natural harbours.

The second largest producer of cocoa, Ghana's economy is greatly affected by the cocoa export market. In June 2007, large offshore oil reserves were discovered in Ghana. It is still too early for the resulting economic boost since oil will flow after a few years only.

Ghana's climate is typically tropical. It is hot and humid, more so in the north. Of the four distinct seasons, two are rainy seasons. One occurs from March to July, and the other from September to October. The first season experiences heavier showers. The other months are usually dry although a little rain is common all through the year.