How Much Does a Trip to Ghana Cost- A Complete Budget Breakdown
Hey fellow travelers! So you finally decided it’s time to take that vacation to Ghana, but reality starts to set in. Is Ghana expensive, and how much would it cost to travel there? The cost of vacationing in Ghana greatly depends on your travel style and what you enjoy doing. After receiving countless requests about trip costs, I will be breaking down exactly how much you need to budget for your Ghana adventure.
What are the Costs involved in Planning a Trip to Ghana
Before you start dreaming about jollof rice and experiencing the warm hospitality, let's talk about the crucial prep work for your trip to Ghana. Having guided over 1,000 visitors through their planning, I know exactly what paperwork and preparations you'll need to handle before boarding that flight. Trust me - getting these basics sorted early will make your Ghana experience so much smoother.
Think of this as your pre-travel checklist: visa requirements (yes, you probably need one), those important vaccinations that'll keep you healthy, and travel insurance that'll have your back if anything unexpected happens. Let's go ahead and break down exactly what you need and what it'll cost you.
Budgeting for Visa Costs to Ghana
A tourist visa will cost around $60- $100 depending on your nationality. If you are from the USA, you will probably pay around $100 for a single-entry visa. Many countries require a visa to travel to Ghana. Members of ECOWAS States are allowed to stay in Ghana for up to 90 days without a visa.
Pro tip: Apply at least four weeks before your trip. Some embassies offer e-visas now, making the process much smoother. Check out the countries that don’t need a visa to Ghana.
2. Budgeting for your Travel Insurance to Ghana
Don't skip this! Get comprehensive travel insurance which will cost around $60- $100 for a standard plan. I recommend World Nomads or SafetyWing for solid coverage. I've seen everything from lost luggage to medical emergencies, and trust me, you'll want that safety net. For a typical 2-week trip to Ghana, you're looking at around $60- $100 for basic coverage (think medical and trip cancellation), while comprehensive plans offering things like adventure sports coverage and higher medical limits will cost around $100- $250.
I always advise my readers and guests to opt for policies that include medical evacuation coverage, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and personal liability. Ghana's medical facilities can vary in quality, and having the option for evacuation to South Africa or Europe for serious medical issues is crucial. Remember to read the terms and conditions of the policy carefully and make sure to keep your insurer's emergency contact numbers saved offline.
3. Budgeting for your Flight to Ghana
Airfare will probably be your largest single cost. There’s no getting around it, especially if you are flying from America, Europe, or Asia, your flight will be expensive. Flight costs vary significantly depending on your departure point, the airline you fly and the season.
Average Cost of Flights to Ghana
US East Coast: $1,000-1,400
US West Coast: $1,100-1,600
UK: £800-1,300
Europe: €800-1,400
Asia: $1,500- $2,000
Book your flights during shoulder season for the best deals. I've seen lucky guests snag flights from New York for as low as $650! Expect to pay more for the ticket if you travel during peak seasons like December and January. Again, please note that the prices quoted above greatly depend on the airline you fly and when you decide to visit.
4. Budgeting for your Accommodation Costs to Ghana
Ghana offers everything from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels. The cost of accommodations in Ghana depends on the location and comfort level of the hotel. In Accra's upscale areas like Airport Residential or Cantonments, expect to pay $250- $350 per night for luxury hotels, while mid-range options in areas like Osu or East Legon range from $150- $200. Outside the capital, prices become much more budget-friendly and you can get beautiful beachfront rooms in Cape Coast for $70- $100 and comfortable guesthouses in Kumasi for $40- $60.
For digital nomads or longer stays, I will recommend monthly Airbnb rentals, which typically cost $600- $1,000 in Accra's decent neighborhoods, often including utilities, security, and sometimes even a weekly cleaning service. Some Airbnb rentals can also be a budget-friendly option for tourists who are in the country for a short visit.
Read More about some of the Best Business Hotels in Accra
Budget Options:
Hostels in Accra: $20- $35/night
Guesthouses: $25- $40/night
Local homestays: $20- $30/night
Mid-range Options:
3-star hotels: $60- $100/night
Airbnb apartments: $40- $80/night
Beach resorts in Kokrobite: $70- $120/night
Luxury Options:
4-star hotels in Accra: $150- $250/night
5- star Luxury Hotels in Accra: $300- $400/night
5. Budgeting for Local Transportation in Ghana
There are various transportation options for getting around in Ghana. If you are going to be mostly within the city, Uber and Bolt are going to be your best option. For intercity travel, I recommend domestic flights or using intercity buses like STC or VIP buses. There is also the option of hiring a private car hire with a driver with a fixed rental charge per day. This option is most suitable for groups or if you're planning to visit multiple sites that are not accessible by Uber and Bolt. If you want to experience living like a local, then you can also try “trotros” (local minibuses) which are the most budget-friendly option, though they require patience and a sense of adventure since they operate without fixed schedules but cover virtually every route imaginable.
Getting Around Within Cities:
Uber/Bolt: $4- $7 per ride within Accra
Trotro (local minibus): $0.50- $1 per ride
Daily taxi hire: $5- $8
Intercity Travel:
Bus from Accra to Kumasi: $10- $15
Bus from Accra to Cape Coast: $10- $15
Domestic flights: $100- $150 return flights
Private car hire with a driver (daily): $100- $150 (4-wheel drive)
Read more about Local Transportation: How to get around in Ghana
6. Budgeting for Food & Drinks in Ghana
Being a foodie like myself, I always make sure I assign a significant portion of my travel budget to food when I am traveling. I have learned from experience traveling to never underestimate how much food can cost. Food in Ghana in Ghana is reasonably priced depending on where you will be eating and what you will be eating. Seafood dishes are usually the most expensive dishes on the menu in restaurants so if you love seafood, then prepare a reasonable budget for food. Most local Ghanaian dishes are accompanied by meat and chicken which are cheaper compared to Seafood. Exploring street food offers an authentic experience of Ghanaian dishes and offers the most affordable options of food and drinks. You can also try more high-end restaurants or local restaurants which are more popular amongst tourists.
There are also a good number of Vegetarian or Vegan restaurants you can explore if you don’t eat meat or seafood.
Local Food:
Street food (waakye, jollof, banku): $3- $5
Local restaurants: $6- $9 per meal
Fresh fruits: $1- $3 per portion
International Restaurants:
Mid-range restaurants: $7- $15 per meal
High-end restaurants: $30- $50 per meal
Coffee shops: $3- $5 for a coffee
Drinks:
Local beer: $1- $2
Imported beer: $3- $4
Fresh coconut: $1
Water (1.5L): $0.80
7. Budgeting for Tours & Activities in Ghana
Activities and attractions cost around an average of $15 per day. Entrance fees usually don’t cost that much as compared to experiences like chocolate making, naming ceremony experience and batik making experience. Please note that these prices are subject to change and also depend on the currency exchange rate.
Cost of Popular Activities in Ghana:
Kakum National Park canopy walk: $15
Cape Coast Castle tour: $6
Boti Falls visit: $20
Aburi Botanical Gardens: $5
Kwame Nkrumah Museum: $8
Accra food tour: $100
Cultural village tours: $150- $250
Cooking classes: $70
Surfing lessons: $40- $60
8. Additional Costs to Consider
Communication:
Local SIM card: $5
Data package: $15- $30
Shopping:
Traditional cloth (6 yards): $20- $50
Handmade jewelry: $5- $30
Wood carvings: $10- $100 (depending on the size)
Custom-made clothing: $40- $90 (per attire)
Shea Butter: $5
Health & Safety:
Yellow fever vaccination: $150- $200
Malaria pills: $50- $100 for a month
Hand sanitizer and mosquito repellent: $10- $20
9. Money-Saving Tips
Eat local food as they are delicious and incredibly cheap.
Use “trotros” as they're an adventure in themselves and save tons of money.
Visit during the shoulder season for better weather and cheaper prices.
Book accommodations in advance as last-minute bookings in Ghana can be pricey.
Always carry cash (preferably small bills of the local currency)
Download Uber or Bolt as another cheap way to get around in the city
Get an international credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Keep some emergency dollars for unexpected expenses
Stay in budget-friendly hotels and Airbnb accommodations to save money.
Conclusion
Ghana is incredibly welcoming and offers amazing value for money compared to many other destinations. Remember, Ghana can be explored on any budget. I've had guests travel here for a week on $2,500 (budget) and others who spent $8,000+ (luxury). It really depends on your travel style and comfort requirements. Whether you're a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler, you'll find something to suit your needs.
Note: All prices are in USD and based on 2024 rates. Prices may vary due to season, location, and availability.
Have you been to Ghana? What were your expenses like? Drop a comment below, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more Ghana travel tips!
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Download my free travel guide to navigating Accra- Ghana from hotels to stay at, restaurants to try out, how to stay safe when visiting and nightlife recommendations for my fellow night owls who would love to go dancing.
Hello, fellow adventurers! I'm Rashida, your not-so-typical travel guide. Join me for laughs, mishaps, and perhaps a questionable decision or two (because let's face it, those always make for the best stories). Learn More
