Routes · Africa

Amsterdam to Ghana: Accra, Cape Coast and Kumasi

Amsterdam → Accra → Cape Coast → Kumasi

Ghana heritage Best season (general guide): Nov–Mar

Ghana is one of West Africa's easiest countries to travel in, and this route links the capital, the coast and the Asante heartland. It spends six nights in the country. From Amsterdam you'll fly to Accra. You will need proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter.

Accra's Jamestown district has a lighthouse and fishing boats. The Kwame Nkrumah memorial honours the country's first president, and Makola market is a busy introduction to the city. Chop bars serve fufu and jollof rice, and kelewele is spicy fried plantain sold on the street.

West along the coast, Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle were centres of the Atlantic slave trade, and guided tours explain their history. UNESCO lists them among Ghana's forts and castles. The Kakum canopy walkway crosses the rainforest high above the ground.

Kumasi is the Asante capital. Kejetia is one of the largest markets in West Africa, and the Manhyia Palace Museum explains the history of the Asante kings. Bonwire, a village nearby, is known for kente weaving, and Ntonso for adinkra cloth.

November to March is the dry season, though the harmattan can bring haze.

Getting around: the coast road from Accra to Cape Coast and the inland road to Kumasi are long, busy drives, so a private driver arranged through your hotel is the most relaxed option. Start early to avoid the heat and the traffic leaving the capital.

At the castles, guided tours visit the dungeons and the 'door of no return', and many visitors find them deeply moving, so leave the rest of that afternoon unplanned. In Kumasi, a local guide helps in the vast market, where it is easy to lose your bearings, and can arrange a visit to the weaving villages with fair prices for the cloth.

Partner links may earn LarkTours a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, availability and terms are set by each partner.