Accra
The capital of Ghana, Accra (pronounced ah-CRA) is a pleasant coastal city of 2 million people. Start your sightseeing at the National Museum, which has a great collection of tribal art and ceremonial items - allow at least two hours. Next to the museum is a good crafts market, with paintings, prints and postcards for sale. If you're in the mood for more craft shopping, stop by the National Cultural Centre, maybe the country's best source for authentic souvenirs.

The city's most popular shopping centre is the Makola Market, a good spot to buy fabric. For more exotic items, seek out the Timber Market in the neighbourhood known as Usher town. This market is known for its fetishes, African talismans and charms said to provide protection from various evil events. (The area where fetishes are sold is hard to find, so ask someone in the market to take you there.)

Black Star Square (also known as Independence Square) includes a memorial to three people who were shot during the struggle for independence.At the W. E. B. Du Bois Centre, you can see the grave of the U.S.-born civil-rights leader, as well as a library devoted to his philosophy of pan-Africanism. The Osu Castle houses the nation's government - be aware that photographing it is illegal. After a hard day of sightseeing, stop by the Osu Night Market for good food and a lively atmosphere. Or catch some music at one of the city's equally lively nightclubs.

If you want to escape the noise and hustle of the city, there are pretty beaches nearby - our favourites are Kokrobite and Tema. Kokrobite, in particular, is charming. Try a pineapple from one of the peddlers on the beach (hold the leaves and eat the peeled fruit like a Popsicle) or, if you have a place to cook, buy one of the succulent local lobsters fresh from the fishing boats. The tiny oceanside village also has some of the country's liveliest drum and dance performances. The dances are held on weekends - sometimes they last an entire day. (Be aware that theft has been a problem on the beach in recent years.)

AburiAburi, 20 mi/35 km north of Accra, has an excellent botanical garden, which can be seen on a day trip. Nearby are Akosombo Dam and the Tafo Cocoa Research Institute. 125 mi/200 km southeast of Kumasi.

Apam
The wonderfully untouched fishing village of Apam lies between Accra and Elmina. Once you get past the fishing area, which may be polluted, you'll find lovely, deserted beaches scattered with shells. Spend a night in the little fortress on the outside of town - its view of the colourful boats and the villagers is memorable. 55 mi/85 km west of Accra.

Boti Falls
A seasonal waterfall in the forest reserve at Huhunya. There is an additional attraction of viewing the wonderful "Umbrella rock".

Cape Coast
We found Cape Coast to be a nice place to relax, lie on the beach and enjoy delicious seafood. It's also a good base for drives along the coast or for visits to nearby Portuguese beach fortresses. In the city itself is the Cape Coast Castle, which has been modified for tourists (it has a gift shop and a restaurant). It's an interesting place to visit and contains the grave of British poet Letitia Elizabeth Landon.

More impressive is St. George's Castle (in Elmina, 10 mi/16 km west of Cape Coast), which was built in the late 15th century. Once used as a base for the slave trade, the forlorn-looking castle lets ou get a feel for the suffering of captured slaves. The guides who lead the tours through the castle are extremely knowledgeable, and their stories, combined with the setting, will send chills down your spine.

Cape Coast hosts a major festival, the Pan African Historic Theatre Festival (also known as Panafest), in odd-numbered years. Music, dance, drums and stage performances celebrate the cause of Pan-Africanism. Cape Coast is also a good base for visiting the lush rain forest of the Kakum Nature Reserve. 75 mi/120 km west of Accra.

Kakum Nature Reserve
This national park is constantly improving. Monkeys, elephants, antelope, leopards, warthogs and water buffalo roam 230 sq mi/600 sq km of protected forest.The Park has a canopy walkway, the only one of its kind in Africa and fascinating herbal plants and trees. While hiking along the Kuntan Trail, we will learn about the various medicinal and practical uses of forest plant species. This tour through nature's pharmacy also passes through some beautiful areas of rainforest.
Although park facilities are still limited, there is a good restaurant at the entrance, where you can spot animals while you dine .Guided walking tours set out in early morning and late afternoon. May-October is probably the best time to see animals in the park. 75 mi/120 km west of Accra.

Kumasi
Kumasi is the capital of the Ashanti region and the "Garden City of West Africa." As you might infer from its nickname, it's a pleasant place to visit - plan to stay for two nights. See the Ghana National Cultural Centre, where artisans demonstrate traditional handicrafts, such as weaving, bronze casting and the making of palm wine. They also manufacture and display royal patterns of kente cloth. (A new pattern is designed for each chief.) On Saturday, the centre organizes traditional drum and dance performances. Across from the centre is the Okomfo Anokye Sword Hilt, a buried sword that marks the spot where the Ashanti's mythical Golden Stool descended from the heavens. If you visit the Manhyia Palace, home of the Ashanti chief, take along a gift - you might be granted a royal audience. Souvenir hunters should head for the Central Market - it's the largest in Ghana, and goods are often cheaper there than in Accra. Kumasi is 125 mi/200 km northwest of Accra.

Lake Volta
The volta estuary is an area of great scenic beauty, with river and ocean beaches, and picnic spots shaded by palm trees. The sand bars are the nesting grounds for sea birds, and endangered species of turtle are still found here. Important wetlands and breeding grounds exists for migratory birds along the Keta-Angaw Lagoon Basin .Created by the damming of the Volta River in 1966, Lake Volta is one of the world's largest man-made lakes. Sometimes called "Volta Lake," it stretches more than 325 mi/525 km and offers fishing and cruises. The dam, near the village of Akosombo, was a monumental project that was fraught with problems but now provides electricity for much of the country. It is 55 mi/90 km northeast of Accra.

Mole National Park
In northwest Ghana, Mole National Park sees relatively few people, which is what makes the wildlife viewing (lions, elephants, impalas, etc.) special. We think the best way to see the park is on one of the guided treks led by park rangers. (Expect to get close to elephants.) The best time to visit Mole is December-March because during the rainy season the vegetation gets thick and animals are hard to spot. While in the area, be sure to see the Larabanga Mosque. It's said to be the oldest building in Ghana and is famous for its distinctive architecture, with projecting wooden posts. 270 mi/435 km northwest of Accra.