Ghana

Travel Ghana on your gap year. Ideas for gap year travel to Ghana.

Ghana gap year - Gap year programmes in Ghana

If you want to experience African culture and wildlife then Ghana, on the west coast of Africa, is a fantastic gap year destination. With the majority of gap year travellers choosing to head to the east or south of the continent, in bypassing Ghana they're missing out on one of Africa's best-kept secrets. Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa and its people are renowned for their friendliness. There is also plenty of fantastic wildlife to see in Ghana, as well as some excellent beaches. There are also numerous highly rewarding volunteer projects you can get involved with in Ghana.

Ghana's largest city, and home to Ghana's international airport, is Accra. Ghana's capital is situated on the coast and, unlike some major cities in other African countries, it's a friendly place well worth exploring and spending some time in (rather than just being somewhere you get out of as soon as you arrive). When you're in Accra make sure you visit some of its bustling markets, which are the best in Ghana. The central Makola Market specialises in Ghana's batiks and beads, while to the west of Accra is Kaneshie Market which specialises in food and spices.

If you want to work on a volunteer project while you're in Ghana there are opportunities in Accra, as well as many other regions of Ghana. Real Gap's ‘Community Volunteer Projects Ghana' programme provides essential support to disadvantaged people and communities in Ghana. The emphasis with the programme is very much on the exchange of knowledge and cultural ideas between the volunteers and the local people. Before volunteers begin their placement there is a six-day orientation in Accra, which includes seminars on Ghana and its culture. Real Gap's volunteer programme in Ghana is extremely rewarding and is an ideal way to contribute to the welfare of Ghana whilst simultaneously getting to know the country better than the average tourist.

One of the major reasons many travellers visit Ghana on their gap year is the lure of seeing its unique wildlife. A place you shouldn't miss when you're in Ghana is Kakum National Park. This area of Ghanaian rainforest is home to gravely endangered forest elephants, colobus monkeys, an incredible 600 species of butterfly and over 300 species of bird. The highlight of a visit to Kakum is walking along the thirty-metre high suspended canopy walkway, which enables some amazing views of the forest.

Ghana is also a great place to surf. The Atlantic Ocean provides some excellent waves, and there is a thriving surf scene in Ghana. Away from the beach Ghana's fascinating coastline is also home to some beautiful fishing villages and historic old slave-trading forts.



Ghana gap year - Gap year programmes in Ghana


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