←Ghana travel guide
Central Region, Ghana
Cape Coast
A coastal town where colonial history meets Atlantic breezes
BeachesHistory & HeritageNature & Outdoors
Cape Coast is the capital of Ghana's Central Region, a compact coastal town whose whitewashed castle rising above the Atlantic is one of the most significant historical sites in sub-Saharan Africa. The town serves as a gateway to Kakum National Park and the nearby fishing town of Elmina.
Check Ghana visa requirements →
Best time to visit
November to March (dry season)
Region
Central Region
Main airport
Accra (ACC)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Cape Coast
Nature
Kakum National Park
Kakum National Park covers 357 square kilometres of intact coastal rainforest roughly 30 kilometres north of Cape Coast, and is best known for its 350-metre canopy walkway, a series of seven suspension bridges suspended up to 40 metres above the forest floor. The park shelters over 250 bird species, forest elephants, and a rich variety of primates. It is one of the few places in West Africa where visitors can experience primary lowland rainforest from above the canopy.
UNESCO World HeritageHistory
Elmina Castle
Built by the Portuguese in 1482, Elmina Castle (officially St George's Castle) is considered the oldest surviving European structure south of the Sahara and forms part of Ghana's UNESCO-listed Forts and Castles designation. Set on a narrow promontory where the Benya Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean, the whitewashed fortress passed through Portuguese, Dutch, and British hands over four centuries of the gold and slave trades. Guided tours take visitors through the castle's dungeon system and the church built over the women's holding yard.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Cape Coast
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Ghana
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Ghana page at Yoogo.
Ghana's currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). Card payments are accepted at larger hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Accra and Kumasi, but cash is essential in smaller towns, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are available in major cities, though it is advisable to carry some cash when travelling outside urban centres.
Ghana is generally considered one of West Africa's more stable and welcoming destinations, with a long record of peaceful democratic governance. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas such as markets and bus stations, particularly in Accra, so standard precautions around valuables are sensible. Check your government's current travel advisory before departure for the most up-to-date guidance.
Shared minibuses known as tro-tros are the most widely used form of intercity transport and connect most towns at low cost, though journey times can be long on unpaved roads. Intercity coaches such as STC and VIP Bus offer a more comfortable option for routes between Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Cape Coast. Ride-hailing apps including Uber and Bolt operate in Accra, while taxis are available throughout the country.
The dry season from November to March is generally the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity and clear skies across most of the country. The harmattan wind blows from the Sahara between December and February, bringing dusty haze in the north. The rainy seasons (April to June and September to October in the south) can make some rural roads impassable but keep the landscape green.
English is Ghana's official language and is widely spoken in cities, schools, businesses, and government, making it straightforward to communicate throughout the country. Akan languages, particularly Twi, are spoken by a large proportion of the population in southern Ghana, while Dagbani, Hausa, and other languages are prevalent in the north. A few words of Twi such as 'Akwaaba' (welcome) are warmly appreciated by local people.
A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required by law for all travellers over nine months of age and must be presented on arrival. Malaria is present throughout the entire country including Accra, so antimalarial medication and insect repellent are strongly recommended regardless of where you plan to travel. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and meningitis vaccinations are also commonly advised; consult a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure.