If you want to get acquainted with Africa, traveling to Ghana with kids is a perfect choice. It is a diverse country with many interesting activities and culture for kids, such as visiting Kakum National Park with the canopy walk or Mole National Park for a safari. There are also beautiful beaches and several waterfalls where kids can have hours of fun. Older kids interested in the history of slavery can visit Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle.
Ghana with kids
#1 Mole National Park
From Accra it is an hour flight to Tamale airport. Through the hotel we had arranged for a cab driver who took us to the hotel in 3 hours, right in the middle of Mole National Park. There are a number of different providers where you can book safaris. Through the cab driver we booked the safari at the end of the afternoon.
When we booked our hotel, we asked if they could recommend a cab driver. With him we agreed in advance on the schedule and cost. On Mole National Park’ s website you can see the different options, for example also a safari on foot or an overnight stay in the middle of the park.
We thought our kids were too young for that. We booked a morning safari along with the hotel room at Zaina Lodge. The jeep was a lot more comfortable, we saw the sun rise and were given drinks and delicious cookies along the way. During the safari there are always rangers riding along in the jeep with guns, which looks very impressive for the kids.
Because the park has an area of 4577 km² and is a protected area, the animals have a lot of space and you are less likely to see many animals. During the first safari we were really lucky to see elephants. In total there are 90 different species of mammals and many birds, among which we saw water buffalo, monkeys, eight different antelopes and warthogs.
We were glad we had booked two safaris, because during the second one we saw completely different animals again and, for example, no elephant.
#2 Larabanga Mosque, canoe trip through the jungle and visit to Mognori village
From the airport in Tamale, as mentioned above, we had a travel time of 3 hours. Fortunately, we had enough time to make several stops along the way. Our first stop was at the Larabanga Mosque, the oldest mosque in Ghana. It is also called the “Mecca of West Africa.” It is only possible to look inside; you are not actually allowed inside.
We were there during Ramadan and therefore it was very quiet. Many men were sleeping. Otherwise, it can be very crowded and people often ask for money for tours or begging, for example. Our driver had paid for our tour, so we didn’t have to negotiate that.
Then we drove on to the jungle, where we went on a canoe trip. This is also fun for the kids, to have a stop during the car ride. The water is very calm and we were met by two residents of the village of Mognori Village. They took care of the canoe trip. We walked a short distance through the jungle to the water. Important to bring anti-mosquito spray.
Because the water does not flow hard, there are many insects. The kids, if they want, can also help paddle. You go the same route there and back, but you hear and see different birds each time. There are no crocodiles to be seen here.
Our last stop was in Mognori Village, a village where they still really live very primitively and make shea butter, among other things. They showed us how they make the shea butter and we could also buy very cheap jars here. We were also given a tour of the village and were able to climb a small ladder onto a house, from where we had a view of the village. We also saw cute baby goats and they showed us how they make their own medicine.
#3 Cape Coast
We drove on from Accra to Kumasi and then on to Cape Coast. This way we did a round trip with overnight stays. From Accra it is about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive. There are many options for staying overnight in Cape Coast with kids; we chose a hotel whose rooms were beachfront.
Lovely for the kids to play in the sand for a while longer. Further on, a whole group of boys were playing soccer on the beach and later they dove into the sea for a while before it got dark.
The currents are very strong though and we didn’t dare let the kids swim. In the morning we had a beautiful sunrise at the beach and looked out on Cape Coast Castle. The area around it was shabby and neglected though. You can see the contradictions everywhere.
When the kids are older and have learned about slavery beforehand, there is great value in visiting Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle. They are only a 20-minute drive from each other.
Because the Dutch played a big role in slavery, it feels very strange to walk around there and see all those spaces where you know so many people died there or were transported to plantations. But for awareness, I thought we should go there and bring the kids into this.
#4 Accra
The capital of Ghana is Accra and there is plenty to do there with kids as well. Besides the busy city, Accra is located on the beach and there are several beachfront restaurants and hotels that are fun to visit with kids.
We had a very good time at the Labadi Beach Hotel. You can go here without having booked a room and just order something to drink or eat. There is a large pool where the kids can swim. It is adjacent to the beach, where you can also go horseback riding or relax on the beach beds. In the sea you can swim.
At the Independence Arch (Black Star Square) you can see the big black star of the Ghanaian flag on top. We were able to go all the way up via stairs. The arch stands in the middle of a large rotunda-like open space and was completed in 1961. Parades and national events are often held here. In addition to the beautiful view, you can also take great photos downstairs.
At the museum Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, you will learn about the history of Ghana. Outside are statues in a large pond and fortunately trees, because it can be very hot when you have to wait for the tour to begin. Kwame Nkrumah was president from 1957 to 1966 and made many changes. For small kids, the museum is less interesting.
#5 Wli Falls
There are many different waterfalls in Ghana. We chose to go to the Wli Falls. The falls are near the border with Togo and we combined this with our trip through the Volta area, where there are also many fun activities for kids. We even took a step into French-speaking Togo, but it’s not very easy. You have to pass three customs buildings.
Then we drove on to the falls. We could park the car and paid to go to the falls. We also had to indicate where we were from and saw that there were other Dutch people there at that time – we were not used to that at all.
It was about 30 to 45 minutes of walking through the forest, along all the streams. Despite the trees, it was very hot and we couldn’t wait to cool off in the water.
Around the waterfall flew a lot of bats, which was a very beautiful sight and gave a lot of noise. The stones felt hard on your feet: tip to bring water shoes. We walked all the way to the waterfall. Besides the hard stones, the jets of water falling down were also very powerful. But it was quite a victory for everyone to stand under the waterfall anyway.
Tips Ghana with kids
Family-friendly restaurant
Sandbox:
In Accra we went with the kids to the restaurant Sandbox, a beach club. At the end of the afternoon there is a DJ who plays all kinds of songs and creates a very nice atmosphere. There is also a swimming pool you can use, so bring swimwear and towels!
There are many shaded areas where you can sit on benches, or lie down on the sunbeds, and there are also nice corners where you can eat quietly. This is all outdoors, but there is also an indoor restaurant. The restaurant is called Makosa, and there are also real African dishes on the menu.
The beach club features more Western dishes on the menu, such as various finger foods, including fries with your choice of sauce, nachos, mini-hamburgers and various types of fish.
They are located on the beach, where you can also take a walk and have a nice view while eating. We ourselves went in the afternoon and unfortunately we were not able to see the sunset, but this is possible. It is all very luxurious, but next to it you see old buildings and the poverty of Ghana. This contrast is very special in Ghana.
On Mondays, they are closed. Otherwise, they are open for lunch from noon: Tuesday through Thursday until 11 p.m. and Friday through Sunday until even later. If you want a spot by the pool, it is important to book in advance. Prices are high compared to local restaurants and more akin to Western prices. You can park there for free and Sandbox is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Accra, at 4th Otswestreet South.
Gazebo View Restaurant & Playground:
While waiting for food, kids can have a great time in the playground next to the restaurant. There are real attractions like at the fairground, but for slightly younger kids. There is also a miniature golf course that can be used.
There is often live music and entertainment here which is fun for everyone and gives a nice atmosphere. Since the temperature is often very high, they have created plenty of shaded areas. You can go there in the afternoon, but it also goes on late into the evening. The murals make it a unique location, just a little different from other restaurants. Kids can enjoy running back and forth.
You can order local specialties, such as jollof rice and various types of fish, as well as international dishes such as grilled chicken, pizzas, pastas, burgers, fries and salads.
The restaurant is open every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just to have a drink, from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. They are located on the Osekere Road in Accra. Prices range from 75 to 180 cedis for a main course, equivalent to 6 to 14 euros. Every day there is also a dish as we know the daily snack, for 55 cedis (about 4 euros).
Best travel time Ghana
To travel to Ghana, the best travel time is during the dry season. The humidity is lower then. This season runs from November through March. We ourselves went to Ghana in March; it was still very hot, but dry.
It can still be a lot warmer in the north than in the south. We started in Accra and there it was 32 degrees; a few days later we flew north and it was 42 degrees. The months of July and August are more popular and therefore can be busier with tourists.
Transportation in Ghana
Since we were visiting relatives, we traveled a lot by car to all destinations. Around Accra, traffic is heavy all day and you are often stuck in traffic jams. To travel from Accra to the north, we booked a flight through Africa World Airlines Limited. There are many flights a day from north to south and vice versa.
For short trips, you can use minibuses called tro-tros. The rides are very cheap, but you are in the van with many people at once and it is very basic. There are also larger buses that are often used for trips between cities. Cabs are also available; however, it is important to agree on a price in advance. You see rail lines, but they are not used for passenger transportation.
About the author: Dylan, Aidan, Zoë, Jord and Madelief love to travel and have family all over the world that they love to visit. They love discovering new cultures and always enjoy getting in touch with the locals. During the vacations, they provide variety by going into nature or visiting a town. But there are always rest days by the water – be it the sea or a swimming pool – where (especially) the kids can enjoy themselves for hours. In this way, vacations will be a success for everyone!
