What budget for activities and outings Ghana?
Unfortunately, there is no culture pass in Ghana. But generally speaking, you won't be spending huge sums to visit the country's main tourist sites. On average, allow between GHC 10 and 40 per adult to visit forts and museums.
Water sports. As the bar is quite strong in Ghana, it's best to take maximum precautions, both when boating and surfing. The safest spots are on the west coast, which is very indented, with numerous capes framing calm waters. Recommended beaches include, from west to east: Axim, Busua, the coastline between Sekondi and Takoradi, then between Elmina and Cape Coast, and between Biriwa and Winneba. Then comes Accra's favorite beach, Fetteh, followed by Accra's beaches: Riviera Beach and Labadi Beach for folklore. Then there's Acapulco Club (16 km east of Accra), Paradise Beach (30 km from Accra), Prampram (50 km away), Ada and Keta.
Swimming pools can be found in most of the country's major hotels and in the following towns: Teshi, Tema, Takoradi, Akosombo, Kumasi, Mole and Bolgatanga. Swimming has been practiced nationwide since 1971. There are sailing clubs in the Accra region and in Sekondi-Takoradi. Please note that swimming in rivers is not recommended due to bilharzia. The same applies to lakes Volta and Bosumtwi.
Sport fishing is practiced by individual tourists at the mouth of the Volta.
Land sports. As in all former British colonies, Ghana has no shortage of golf courses and tennis courts. Fine golf courses have been laid out in Accra (Achimota and Sakumo), near the port of Tema, as well as in Kumasi, Akwatia, Obuasi (Ashanti region), Tafo (Eastern region) and Takoradi (Western region).
There's also foot-safari, a hiking sport that has become a speciality in Ghana, particularly at Mole National Park. In many other African countries, safaris are conducted in a vehicle, usually a 4x4. In Ghana, it is possible to do so on foot, as the animal populations are never very far from the base or departure camp. The guides at Mole Park rightly explain that it is in Ghana that you can get closer to the elephants than anywhere else. All it takes is a few hours' walk to come face to face with the largest of the mammals.
Horseback riding is also very popular in Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi and the Shaï Hills reserve.
Sometimes you'll have to negotiate prices. Here's a tip: divide the advertised price by two, then increase it little by little until you reach an agreement with the merchant.
Tip: for "conscious" souvenir shopping, i.e. ensuring that the money you spend goes into a fair trade circuit, we recommend the Baobab Guesthouse boutique in Cape Coast. As well as offering original items at fair prices, the NGO behind the store ensures that the money generated by these sales has been injected into projects for the professional integration of children who have dropped out of school. To a lesser extent, Global Mama's boutiques (Accra and Cape Coast) are also "fair trade" addresses, but prices are considerably higher.
What budget to eat Ghana?
You can eat well and at any price in Ghana. For 3 to 5 € on average, you can eat rice and chicken (or fish if there is one on the menu) in the typical roadside maquis. As soon as you go to the more upscale restaurants, especially in the capital, the bill can quickly go up one floor, that is to say around 10 to 20 €, to reach 40-50 € in the most chic addresses.
Depending on where you go, a beer will cost between €1 and €2, and a cocktail can range from €3/4 to €10, or even more in some of the more upscale bars.
What is the budget for accommodation Ghana?
Ghana has a relatively good hotel infrastructure, especially in the major cities and on the coast. On the other hand, prices are quite high (US$15 for something basic outside the cities, but often US$60 in town and quickly US$70-150 in Accra), for more than average quality, not to say poor. Hot water is often lacking, cleanliness leaves much to be desired, bad breakfast... In today's fiercely competitive hotel industry, some establishments will have to raise their game quickly, or risk disappearing one after the other.
There is a wide choice of small family-run establishments, more motel than bed & breakfast, medium-sized hotels, boutique hotels and luxury hotels run by international groups. On the coast, there are a large number of beach resorts, like small vacation villages or bungalows near the beach. Here again, quality varies greatly, but some establishments are quite decent. Don't be surprised to find gigantic four-poster beds; they're not designed for a rugby team, but bed space is a basic criterion of comfort for Ghanaians!
Travel budget Ghana and cost of living
The cost of living in Ghana is relatively high, especially given the low incomes of the population. Food bought in the markets will be much cheaper than restaurant or hotel services. You should be aware that prices for foreigners and Ghanaians are not the same. You have to accept paying more, even if you have to be careful not to pay "too much".
A cab ride in town will cost from €2 to €5/7, a tro-tro ride from 50 cents to €1.50.
A handful of bananas at a market will cost 25 centimes, a pineapple 1 €.
A drink in a bar should cost €1 or €2, a basic meal around €5.
Nights in a hotel will rarely cost less than €15/20; in Accra, it will often be from €50/60.
Budget. For a day trip, plan on a low budget: €35 to €70. Medium budget: €90 (add €100 for car rental). Big budget: €300 (with car and driver).
Banks and currency exchange. Euros, like CFA francs, can be easily exchanged in banks, Forex bureaux (exchange offices) found everywhere in major cities and at border crossings, as well as in major hotels. Dollars are even easier to exchange. Exchange only at official Forex bureaux and major hotels; never exchange outside official places. And always count the amount of money before leaving the office.
Credit cards. Visa credit cards are accepted in ATMs, department stores and hotels. But be careful! Master Card and other cards are rarely accepted. In mid-range hotels, euros are rarely available. There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you can bring into Ghana, as long as you declare it on arrival. Keep your receipts for inspection on leaving the country.
If you have a bank card (Visa, etc.), there's no need to bring large sums in cash. If your card is not accepted by the merchant, simply go to an ATM. Simply take care to subscribe to an international option for your CB with your bank to avoid commissions.
In the event of loss or theft of your card abroad, your bank will offer you appropriate solutions to ensure that you can continue your stay in peace. Before you leave, make a note of the assistance number on the back of your bank card or available on the Internet. This service is available 24/7. In the event of a stop payment, this is immediately confirmed as soon as you can provide your bank card number.
