Ultimate 2 Week Ghana Itinerary: Best Route for First-Timers

2 Week Ghana Itinerary + Best Route for First-Timers

Ghana is one of those countries that feels like it contains multiple trips in one.

Within just a couple of weeks, you can go from the chaotic energy of Accra’s markets and nightlife, to peaceful waterfalls in the Volta Region, to historic slave forts along the coast, and even into safari territory in the north if you extend your route.

The heat, traffic, and intensity of the cities can feel overwhelming at first. But the longer you spend here, the more the rhythm starts to make sense, the more amazing people you meet, and the more rewarding it becomes!

This 2 week Ghana itinerary is designed for travellers who want to see the best of the country without rushing from place to place. It combines a mix of cities, beaches, culture, history, nature, and adventure: the full spectrum of what makes Ghana such a great travel destination in West Africa.

Whether you’re arriving for the first time or continuing an overland journey through the region, this realistic itinerary will help you plan a trip that works to your schedule.

Ghana Itinerary in Short

• Day 1-4: Accra (3 nights)
• Day 4-6: Wli / Volta Region (2 nights)
• Day 6-9: Cape Coast (3 nights)
• Day 9-11: Busua (2 nights)
• Day 12-14: Mole National Park (2 nights)

How to use this 2 week Ghana Itinerary: This itinerary compiles what I think is the best 2 weeks in Ghana for first-timers. It begins in Accra, as this is where the main international airport is based. However, you can re-shuffle the stops if you’re crossing overland from Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso.

2 Week Ghana Itinerary in Full

How long to spend in Ghana

Ghana is a country that works surprisingly well for different trip lengths, but I think somewhere between 10 days to 2 weeks is the perfect amount of time for a first visit.

With two weeks, you can comfortably follow a full overland route without feeling rushed. It gives you enough time to experience Accra’s chaos, slow down in the Volta Region, explore the historic coast around Cape Coast and Elmina, and still add a beach or nature stop on the western side of the country.

If you only have 7–10 days, you’ll need to be more selective. Most travellers in this timeframe tend to focus on Accra, Cape Coast, and either the Volta Region or a nearby beach destination. It’s still a great trip, but you’ll miss some of the slower, more varied parts of the country.

For me, Ghana felt like a country where the experience improves the longer you stay. Distances, traffic, and travel days can be tiring at times, so having a bit of flexibility makes a big difference.

When to visit Ghana

Ghana has a tropical climate, so you can visit year-round, but the experience varies depending on the season.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to March. During these months, you should get more consistent sunshine, lower humidity, and easier travel conditions. Roads are more manageable, beaches are better, and it’s generally more comfortable for moving around the country.

December to February is the busiest time of year, but there’s a reason for that!

From April to June and September to October, Ghana experiences its rainy seasons. Rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts rather than constant downpours, so you just have to be prepared.

There are minor variations in weather as you move around Ghana. The north generally gets hotter and drier, especially outside the rainy periods than Cape Coast and Accra.

2 Week Ghana Itinerary Map

Here’s a map covering all of the best places to see in Ghana, that make up this itinerary:

How to get to Ghana

For most international travellers, the easiest way to reach Ghana is by flying into Accra International Airport, the country’s main gateway.

Accra airport is one of the largest airports in West Africa, and therefore has regular connections to other West African cities, as well as several European cities. Keep an eye out for deals on flights, as they can sometimes be on the pricey side…

If you’re already travelling in West Africa, overland travel is common. Shared taxis, buses, and private transport connect Ghana with neighbouring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Border practicalities can change frequently, so always check current conditions before travelling.

Whichever option you choose, make sure to check the VISA requirements before you go. As a British citizen, I required a VISA (most nations require some element of in-person application)… I filled out a form online, then went to the embassy in Abidjan which took a few days. They also need proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.

Day 1-4: Accra

Start your trip in Accra, Ghana’s capital and main international entry point. It’s a busy, fast-moving city that can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s also one of the best introductions to West Africa – full of markets, history, coastal neighbourhoods, and some of the country’s best food and nightlife.

Most travellers use Accra as a soft landing point before heading west or north, but it’s worth giving it at least a couple of days to properly explore.

Key highlights here include Jamestown’s coastal streets and lighthouse, the chaotic energy of Makola Market, the historic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and evenings in Osu, where most of the city’s food and nightlife scene is based.

You’ll also find beaches nearby, including Labadi, plus plenty of cafés and rooftop bars if you want a slower start to the trip.

Day 4-6: Volta Region (Wli)

From the energy of Accra, head east into the Volta Region, one of the most scenic and relaxed parts of Ghana. Here the landscape starts to change. The traffic fades, the landscape gets greener, and the pace of travel slows right down.

Most travellers base themselves around Hohoe or Wli village, using it as a gateway to explore waterfalls, forest trails, and surrounding hills near the Togo border. It’s a completely different side of Ghana and a welcome contrast after the capital.

The main highlight here is Wli Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in Ghana, but this whole step is mainly about the feeling of being surrounded by nature. There are other hikes in the area, caves as well as Lake Volta near as well.

Day 6-9: Cape Coast & Elmina

Next, head west along Ghana’s coast to Cape Coast and Elmina, two of the most historically significant places in the country. This is where Ghana’s coastline opens up into a mix of colonial history, fishing towns, beaches, and Atlantic views.

This stretch of the itinerary is slower than Accra and more reflective than the Volta Region. It’s less about hiking or markets, and more about understanding Ghana’s past while enjoying the coastal atmosphere. It’s also got a surprising vegetarian/vegan scene!

The main reason people come here is to visit the famous slave forts, but the towns themselves are also worth exploring – especially the fishing harbours, local beaches, and laid-back evening vibe.

Day 9-11: Busua

From Cape Coast, continue west towards Busua, one of Ghana’s most relaxed coastal areas and a favourite stop for backpackers looking to chill out and socialise.

This part of the itinerary is all about switching off, making it a great finale if you’re doing a 10 day Ghana trip.

After the history of Cape Coast and the intensity of Accra, Busua feels much more laid-back. It has beautiful long sandy beaches, surf schools, small guesthouses, and a strong sense of “do nothing” travel.

It’s not a big town, and that’s exactly the appeal. Most days revolve around the beach, food, surfing, and watching the Atlantic roll in. I’ve scheduled two nights here, but don’t blame me if you get stuck longer!

Day 12-14: Mole National Park

If you have extra time, it’s well worth continuing north to experience a completely different side of Ghana. Once again, the landscape shifts dramatically! From coastal towns and rainforest in the south, to wide open savannah, scattered villages, and national park wildlife.

The main highlight is Mole National Park, Ghana’s largest wildlife reserve and one of the best places in West Africa to see elephants in the wild. Unlike safari parks in East or Southern Africa, Mole feels far more relaxed and less commercial, with animals often wandering relatively close to the main areas.

This part of the Ghana itinerary is more remote and requires longer travel days, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the country and is well worth the journey!

2 Week Ghana Budget

Is Ghana expensive?

At this point, you’re probably wondering -” is Ghana expensive?”

Just know that I spent a total of just over ~£600 in 2 weeks in Ghana (based on conversion rates at the time). This doesn’t include my travel into Ghana, nor my travel insurance or VISA (80,000 CFA for a next-day VISA), since I track these elsewhere.

This is an average spend of ~£42 per day in Ghana, which isn’t the cheapest, but it’s by no means the most expensive in West Africa!

Of this, accommodation made up one third of the total spend, food/restaurants made up another third, meanwhile activities, (public) transport, laundry and other miscellaneous spending made up the final third.

• Food: Averaged around £5, but this was a combination of £7 restaurant meals with cheaper street food meals for £1-3.
• Transport: Costs ranged from a couple of pounds for short-distance taxis through to ~£17 for the bus connecting Tamale and Accra. Most tro-tros were less than £5.
• SIM: 10GB of data cost me 100 cedis (£6.70).

Ghana Budget takeaways

• Accommodation costs vary: Rural areas such as the Volta region are cheap, whilst Accra and Mole accommodations will cost you more.
• Street food is the best value: Ghana was my favourite country in West Africa for food! Street vendors can offer some of the best food going (Jollof, chicken, plantain) for as little as 5 cedis! But sometimes, you’ll want a restaurant with A/C!
• Activities are cheap but add up: Walking around cities and small entrance fees for natural attractions make Ghana cheap on the activities front. Even the Mole safari is one of the cheapest in the world!
• Transport options for every budget: You can go cheap with tro-tros and overnight buses, or you can splash out with car rentals or internal flights.
• Taxi apps make negotiation easier: I was so grateful for apps like Uber and Bolt which made finding a taxi for a reasonable price so much easier!

How to get around Ghana

Travelling around Ghana was pretty simple and easy to understand.

Each of the main cities in this Ghana itinerary have at least one bus terminal. Head over to the terminal to book any tickets in advance.

For larger buses and coaches there are also online bookings available. STC (which is government funded, and therefore cheapest) and VIP are the two most popular options. Buses are largely pretty comfortable and usually air-conditioned.

There are also shared taxis (bush-taxis), but I recommend sticking with the larger buses as they’re cheap and more comfortable.

Lastly private drivers or self-driving offer the most flexibility. Hiring a car in Accra can work out relatively cheap – just make sure you know what roads you’re driving on first… Private drivers will be more expensive, but could be worth doing if you want some local knowledge.

Travel Tips for Ghana

Ghana is one of the most accessible and fun countries I visited in West Africa, but it helps to arrive with realistic expectations.

• Carry enough cash: Cash is essential in Ghana (at least outside of Accra). Use ATMs in bigger cities when possible and keep smaller notes for taxis, food, and markets.
• Be flexible with plans: Transport schedules, opening hours, and travel times can change without much notice. Patience goes a long way here.
• Start early: The heat and humidity builds quickly. Sightseeing, market visits, and longer journeys are usually better in the morning.
• Expect checkpoints: Police checkpoints are common the further north you go (particularly around Tamale, en route to Mole National Park). This is normal. Keep your passport (and some photocopies) handy, and stay polite and patient.
• Ask locally: Some of the best experiences in Ghana are found through conversations rather than online research… Always be open-minded and keep an ear out for music events, cultural performances, local food spots, and transport advice.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my ultimate 2 week Ghana itinerary. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to my Homepage to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out my About page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy travelling!