The African continent is home to incredible countries, boasting a wide range of cultures and landscapes, from desert dunes to mountains and jungles. 

However, few venture beyond Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco, the pyramids of Egypt or the safaris of South Africa. 

In reality, many African countries are just as beautiful and have the added benefit of far fewer crowds. 

Ghana, a West African country, is one such destination, home to an incredible 341 miles of white-sand beaches along its Atlantic coastline.

Among Ghana’s best beaches are Ladi, a local favourite with golden sands, lively music, and a bustling atmosphere, and Kokrobite Beach, a tranquil escape that offers breathtaking sunsets. 

The country is also home to several incredible castles and heritage sites that were important in the transatlantic slave trade, which are key for those wanting to learn more about this complex and devastating era. 

For example, Cape Coast Castle, a former Portuguese trading post, served as the last stop before enslaved Africans boarded ships for the Americas. Its museum offers guided tours and exhibitions about the slave trade and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

Tourists all have the opportunity to explore bustling markets like Makola Market, where you can buy clothing, food, or, for those who enjoy getting out into nature, see exotic animals and birds in national parks like Kakum, Bia, and Mole. 

You can also visit Ghana’s incredible waterfalls, such as Kintampo Waterfalls and Tagbo Falls, the largest waterfall in West Africa, or explore the Bosumtwi Crater, a meteorite impact crater almost completely filled by Lake Bosumtwi. It is one of the best-preserved impact craters in the world.

Michael Edwards, managing director of Explore Worldwide said: “Ghana is a really captivating and underrated destination, so vibrant and rich in culture, and so warm and welcoming. 

“There are very few operators currently selling Ghana, but it’s a country with huge potential.”

In September, top airline Virgin Atlantic announced that it would return to Ghana for the first time since 2013, with daily flights to Kotoka International Airport in the nation’s capital, Accra, from May 2025.

“Launching on May 1, 2025, the daily service will operate on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft boasting the airline’s Upper Class, Premium and Economy Delight, Classic and Light cabins, as well as an onboard bar,” the airline said in its statement. 

To enter Ghana, your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive and a visa is required, completed through an online application form on the Ghana High Commission website. You also must have a certificate to prove you have had a yellow fever vaccination. You can bring in up to a maximum Ghanaian cedi equivalent of $10,000 or £8,213, according to the Foreign Office’s travel advice.

Wild Frontiers managing director, Clare Tobin said: “With new direct daily flights to Accra with Virgin launching in May 2025, Ghana is poised to welcome more international visitors. 

“This culturally proud nation offers unforgettable experiences with ample opportunities to meet and mingle with local Ghanaians, learn about transatlantic slave history at Cape Coast Castle, meet a chief in Elmina or watch the Ashanti monarchy during the Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi.”