Republic of Ghana: attractions, photo

The Republic of Ghana in Africa attracted tourists from time immemorial. Wild savanna fauna, mangroves, lagoons and sand dunes defied bold travelers. But ordinary tourists who prefer a comfortable beach vacation, alternating with distant excursions from the extreme, discovered Ghana relatively recently. In this article, we will give a brief outline of this African country. Is it possible to relax there European? Is a visa required? Where to stay and what to see? In which season is it preferable to visit Ghana? Are there organized tours to this state? These and other nuances of travel we will analyze in our article.

Where is the Republic of Ghana?

This state gained independence in 1957. Located in West Africa. From the south it is washed by the Gulf of Guinea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. The neighbors of the country are Cote d'Ivoire (in the west), Burkina Faso (in the north) and Togo (in the east).

The way of tourists from Moscow to Ghana is long. There are no direct flights to the main airport of the country "Kotok International" in Accra. Therefore, you have to fly with a transfer. The intersection of connecting flights depends on the chosen carrier company. It could be Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Istanbul or Dubai. The Republic of Ghana is located around the famous Greenwich Meridian. Therefore, she lives according to the time of Great Britain. The only difference is that the country does not switch to summer time. And why? Ghana is located at the fifth degree of northern latitude. Therefore, the light day there is twelve o'clock all year round.

When to go to Ghana?

The state, given its geographical coordinates, lies in the zone of action of the subequatorial climate. South of the country covers the jungle with mangroves. In this part of Ghana, the climate is close to equatorial. In the central and northern regions of the country, savannas with light forests predominate. The climate, close to equatorial, causes two seasons a year - arid and "wet".

If you are interested in beach holidays, then the Republic of Ghana is more attractive in winter. The warmest month is March. The temperature reaches +32 degrees in the shade. But in Ghana it's hot all year round. In the coldest month, August, the thermometer does not fall below the mark of +23 degrees. The heat is simply knocked down by continuous cloudiness and stormy precipitation. In November and throughout the winter in Ghana, a strong north wind is blowing, called the Harman. It brings drought and dust. But in the coastal areas the trade winds are almost not felt.

Tours in Ghana

The road to this exotic country is just "probed" by domestic operators. Usually Ghana is visited in one package with Togo and Benin. Tourists are shown African exoticism, they are involved in voodoo ceremonies, they are given a chance to participate in safari in savannahs. But the Republic of Ghana, whose photos of natural attractions fascinate with its beauty, begins to collect and its own adherents. In 2010, tourism in the country's economy took the third position after the export of gold and cocoa beans.

At this time there is a very interesting eight-day tour from Moscow. Within its framework, travelers will visit the capital of Accra, the cities of Kumasi and Oboasi, ride along the Volta River, descend into golden mines, and visit the "Aquasidai" festival. And, of course, a voucher is provided for a beach holiday on the Atlantic coast in Aksim, not far from the ancient fort. Tours are quite expensive (about 1500 euros per person). Travelers need to get vaccinated against yellow fever. The opening of the visa is undertaken by the travel agency.

History

It is not correct to think that before the arrival of Europeans in the territory of modern Ghana, there was no civilization. In the thirteenth century there even existed city-states. One of the largest was Begho. And in the seventeenth century a federation (state association of tribes) Ashanti was formed. The Portuguese first landed on the "Gold Coast" - as they called the local region - in 1482. They built the fortresses of Elmina, Shama, Aksim and others. Gold mining and the slave trade attracted to Ghana and other colonizers - Sweden, the Netherlands, Prussia. In the end, the United Kingdom superseded competitors, enlisting the support of coastal phantom tribes.

But recognition of the protectorate of England did not accept Ashanti. They steadfastly resisted the advance of the British into the interior of the continent, but were brutally suppressed by force of arms. The Republic of Ghana gained independence in March 1957. First, she took as a model of the state structure of the USSR. But the authoritarian style of government and centralized management of the economy caused discontent among the local population. Since 1990, the government has taken a course toward democratic transformation.

Natural places of interest in Ghana

The equatorial jungle, the green savannah sea and the cleanest water area of the Atlantic are the main wealth of the country. In Ghana, there are several reserves in which species of animals and plants that have been completely destroyed in other places are preserved. Tourists are happy to visit the botanical garden of Aburi, which is thirty kilometers from the capital of Ghana, the city of Accra. It was defeated in 1890. In the Kakum National Park, elephants, leopards, many species of birds, snakes, insects, and plants have found shelter.

The Shai Hill Reserve is also located near Accra. In it you can see the inhabitants of the savannah. These are all kinds of antelope, baboons, huge lizards. The most brave tourists are taken to a cave full of different kinds of bats. And this is not all the natural attractions of Ghana. You can also mention the waterfall of Quintampo, the Mole National Park, the wonderful Volta river.

Republic of Ghana: attractions of culture and history

It must be said that the patriarchal way of life of the local population is exotic for tourists. It is not for nothing that foreigners are taken to small villages where they can observe the shamanistic rites and even the strange funeral processions of Ashanti.

On the Atlantic coast are perfectly preserved ancient castles, erected by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century. One of them, Elmina, according to legend, was founded by Christopher Columbus himself and his associate Bartolomeu Dias. Later, the castle was rebuilt and expanded many times by the Dutch and the British. Now Elmina is included in the honorable list of the cultural heritage of mankind, compiled by UNESCO. Portuguese fort Aksim proudly rises on top of the cliff. This is the second oldest building of the Portuguese (after Elmina). Tourists are also attracted to the mosque in Larabang, the original village of Paga, the museum of the royal court in Manhy.

Accra

The capital of the Republic of Ghana is the largest city in the country. It is an important economic, cultural center and port. Accra is located in the south of Ghana, on the coast. Even before the arrival of the Europeans, there was a settlement of the tribe called ha. The British built Fort Asher near it, and the Danes - Christianborg (now Castle Osoo). Between these two fortresses began to rapidly develop the city with its trading quarters and slave markets.

In 1877, Accra became the capital of a British colony. With the attainment of independence, the city received a new impetus to development. The colonial pomposity of the mansions and government offices was added to the naive Stalinist empire. The main square of the country copies the Moscow Red. Accra is one of the richest cities in Africa with high living standards.

What to try in Ghana

The cuisine of this country is quite exotic. The menu is dominated by soups with broth from meat or fish with the addition of vegetables, herbs and starch. Ingredients of national dishes in the south of the country are seafood. Dessert is usually served fresh fruit. Bananas fried with pepper and ginger are also popular.

Arab sweets here have their own national specifics. The Republic of Ghana is famous for its palm wine. And beer here is brewed from millet or corn. From non-alcoholic beverages, residents use cocoa, the export of which is the backbone of the country's economy. But on a visit you will also be served tea, coffee, seasoned with spices, juices from exotic fruits.

What to bring from Ghana

By African standards it is quite an expensive country. But the prices here are still lower than in Europe. Lunch in a cafe (without alcohol) will cost you ten dollars. From souvenirs you can and you need to carry everything that the Republic of Ghana is rich in.

Accra is an excellent shopping center. In stores, prices are fixed, but in small shops you can bargain. All travelers are advised to visit the capital market of Makola. Here you can buy national instruments, African masks, batik, homespun clothes with embroidery, figurines made of black or mahogany, glassware, souvenir knives and spears, medicinal shamanic drugs. Tourists recommend also taking spices, the cost of which starts from one dollar per kilogram, as well as cocoa ($ 3.5). In addition, as a souvenir you can buy soap coal-black color.