Book cheap flights to Accra

In terms of weather, Ghana is an equatorial country, so the climate, much like the people, is warm and pleasant throughout the year. Hot days, with average temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius, become balmy nights with temperatures lingering in the low-mid 20 degrees Celsius region. Although temperatures generally remain consistent, there are two distinct seasons – the wet season from May to September and the dry season from October to April. The dry season brings sweltering heat, fewer mosquitoes and roads that are easier to navigate, but also sees dusty wind streams of Harmattan lashing the land. The wet season brings invigorating rainfall, less crowds and lower prices, but also means exploring the colourful city is not always possible. During August and September the city bursts open. The rhythmic thump of kpanlogo drums, bountiful food and spirited dancing fill the city streets as the locals celebrate the traditional harvest festival of Homowo. This is an exceptionally exciting and colourful time in Accra.

South African passport holders do require a visa when travelling to Accra, or anywhere else in Ghana. You should leave considerable time for processing. Before leaving on your trip, ensure your passport has three blank pages for entry stamps and has a validity of at least six months.

When travelling to Accra it is highly recommended that you familiarise yourself with the local customs and traditions as there are certain religious and cultural considerations.

Visas for Accra can be organised online.

The Ghana High Commission is situated in Pretoria. 1038 Arcadia St, Hatfield, 0083. Phone: ( 27) 012 342 5847.

Although it is not particularly notorious when it comes to crime, it is a West African city with widespread poverty, so a certain degree of caution is advised.

Keep an eye on your belongings or avoid carrying around bags and wallets as pick-pocketing and purse snatching is common. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night, or in rural areas. Avoid travelling alone in taxis, and try to limit trips to day time hours. Lock the doors and do not stop your vehicle if pedestrians bang on the windows or attempt to cause a minor collision. Rather find the nearest police station and report any incidents. Be wary of unsolicited assistance at the airport and hotels.

Clean water is an issue in Ghana. Proof of yellow fever immunisation is required upon arrival. Recommended vaccinations include typhoid, hepatitis A and B, cholera, meningitis and rabies. Prescription medicine for malaria is also highly recommended. Other routine vaccinations include measles, mumps, rubella, polio, DPT, chickenpox and flu.

Accommodation in Accra ranges from sophisticated 5-star hotels dressed in ornate furnishings and luxurious linens to basic hostels clad in warm wood and trademark African patterns.

High end hotels and guest houses are luxurious and offer a wide selection of facilities and services, but tend to come with a hefty price tag. Meanwhile, lesser known establishments come with more affordable rates, but tend to compromise on service.

Whether you opt for luxury and indulgence along the coast or West African quirk in Osu, accommodation in Accra maintains the same standards when it comes to warm Ghanaian hospitality and easy going service.

Accra is a chaotic city, so travelling around the city can either be an expertly navigated trip from A to B in a comfortable licensed taxi or a perilous journey into obscure villages in a rattling tro-tro.

If you prefer smooth and reliable, intercity buses are comfortable, consistent and safe, and routes are often extensive. Licensed taxis are also safe and reliable, but often require negotiations beforehand as many do not have meters. Most hotels have their own taxi service – but these are generally more expensive.

For a truly unique and exhilarating experience, privately owned tro-tros are dishevelled, often colourful vehicles that chug and bump along the dusty roads, often getting lost along the way. It can be a hair-raising experience, but one that is uniquely Ghanaian and wonderfully unforgettable.

Car rental and motorcycle hire are also options, but not highly recommended. Congestion is a huge issue in the city, while roads are often unnamed and pockmarked with huge pot holes and open gutters, making it difficult to navigate the wild streets of Accra.