About
Ghana offers a great range of activities for cyclers, whether you cycle in the Islamic North or the Christian South, people live in harmony and like to give you a glimpse of their life.
Last updated 4 Sept 2020 by Bas IdsingaEdit
People
Like most African countries, Ghanian people are friendly and offer a great hospitality.
Last updated 22 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Routes
Visa
Most African nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, and a few African countries don't need a visa. All other nationalities mut get a visa.
Ghana
Visa exempt
Visa on arrival
Visa required
Source: Wikipedia.
Last updated 14 Mar 2021 by Bas IdsingaEdit
Where to get a visa for Ghana (2)
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1. Embassy for Ghana in Cote d'Ivoire (Abidjan)Ghana, AbidjanIt takes 4 days to get your visa here. There are a few documents required: Copy of passport Copy of previous visas in passport 2x passport photos 2 filled out… 2- 2. Embassy for Ghana in Benin (Cotonou)Ghana, CotonouNo experience yet, please fill in this information when you obtained this visa to help other cyclists. 1
Border crossings (2)
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1. Sampa (Ghana) – Soko (Cote d'Ivoire)To Cote d'IvoireQuite an easy border crossing. The road isn't in the best condition, especially the 4 km between the two border posts that isn't maintained by neither… 2- 2. Ho (Ghana) – Kpalime (Togo)To TogoVery friendly officers on the Ghana side. Very easy border crossing. 1
See and do (3)
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1. Mole National ParkSee & doNext to the stately mountains, a village with traditional tata houses – small mud castels – is still doing business the old way. 2- 2. Volta RegionSee & doFind refreshment under the rumbling Wli waterfall and explore the mountainous region around the Volta reservoir. It’s a beautiful area with plenty of awesome… 1
- 3. CoastlineSee & doExplore the vibrant and historical coastline by visiting Accra, Cape Coast and Busua.
Sleeping
Staying with locals
Not very common, only big cities offer CS hosts.
(Formal) camping
Campings are not widely around, you find them mostly at the entrance of a National Park which you can visit to watch animals.
Formal camping is the way to go through Ghana by bicycle. It's a great way of meeting locals and sleeping in your own comfortable bed. Ask anyone in a village and they will search a spot for you where you can put up your tent, often in a school, or with the chief.
Ho(s)tels
Most cities have accommodation. Room with fan should be around 20 Cedi, with AC a bit more. Expect bucket showers.
Wild camping
Possible, but there are lots of people everywhere, so consider asking permission first.
Last updated 22 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Safety
Generally safe to cycle, be cautious in big cities.
Traffic
The roads are of fair to good quality. The unpaved ones are also often easy to ride. The road from Ho to Hohoe is steep and follows a very bad road. Cycling is almost impossible in some parts. The route to Mole national park is also not good. However, these are the biggest exceptions.
Are you looking for the small roads, then count on a lot of sand roads, sometimes mullet or washboard.
Criminality
Be cautios in big cities.
Corruption
You should be able to cross Ghana without experiencing corruption.
Nature and animals
There are some wild animals around in Ghana, but you don't see close to places where people are.
Bas (2019): "Locals brought me to a pond where they challenged a crocodile, which I was glad I didn't see all by myself. In a national park I saw elephants and some other animals. On the road, however, I didn't spot any dangerous animal, except for a dead snake."
Last updated 22 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Food and drink
Eating on the road at the stalls does not usually cause any problems, although the quality is often poor. For a small amount you can buy rice with sauce and an egg or meat, sometimes some lettuce or vegetables. Very nutritious dishes such as fufu and kenke are also made from cassava. This is served with a spicy sauce and is filling.
Restaurants
Typical dishes are fufu (mashed yam), banku (corn dough), koko (millet porridge), kenkey (fermented corn flour), fried yam, corn on the cob, fruit, coconuts, donuts, pieces of meat or chicken and frozen yogurt.
Drinkable water
- Tap water is not reliable. There are many pumps with good water along the way. Avoid pits as much as possible because of the risk of contamination.
- Bottled water is available but expensive.
- Drinking water is sold in (printed and sealed) plastic bags.
- Water available in unprinted, buttoned bags often contains tap or pump water and sometimes even well water! So be careful.
- You can buy soft drinks at small stalls along the way.
- It is useful to bring a water filter.
- You have to take water with you on long distances (especially in the north).
Last updated 22 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Vaccinations & health
Common diseases
Due to the heat it is wise to drink a lot and start cycling early.
Mandatory vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.
- A DTP and Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended.
- Sometimes a Cholera statement is needed.
- Malaria occurs all year round, keep this in mind. Protective equipment DEET, prophylaxis and the like are available on site.
- Healthcare is at a low level.
Last updated 22 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Blogs
Videos
Other
Spare parts
Cycling is done in Ghana and there are small workshops on the way, but don't count on them having modern Shimano parts. 26 inch tires are available. It is certainly advisable to bring enough spare material and tools with you. The people are very helpful and curious along the way.
Last updated 22 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit