Ghana itineraries: 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks

Pick the length first, then the route. Each row below is a full plan with nights already allocated; the notes column is what makes it work.

All three routes start and end at Accra, Ghana's entry point, unless you fly home from Cotonou on the 14-day version.

Two nights in Accra is enough for Jamestown, Makola market and the Nkrumah memorial if you keep moving. Walk Jamestown with a local guide in the morning and do Makola before noon, when the market is at its best.

Then take the coast road west to Cape Coast for three nights. That gives you Cape Coast Castle in the morning and Elmina Castle after lunch on separate days, plus a half-day at Kakum for the canopy walk. Elmina is about 15 minutes from Cape Coast, so one base covers both.

Finish with two nights in Kumasi: Manhyia Palace Museum, Kejetia market and a kente village such as Bonwire. Fly Kumasi–Accra at the end rather than driving 5–6 hours back. If Akwasidae, the Asante festival held every six weeks, falls in your window, build the Kumasi days around it.

The 10-day version keeps the 7-day spine and adds three nights at Mole National Park, Ghana's main savanna park and the place for walking safaris with elephants. The best window is January to April, when the dry season concentrates wildlife around water.

Getting there is the decision. Fly Accra–Tamale, then transfer to Mole, or fly Kumasi–Tamale if you are coming straight from Asante country. The alternative is a long day's drive from Kumasi; it is doable but eats a full day in each direction. Fly Tamale–Accra at the end.

Three nights at Mole is the right amount: one to arrive and settle, one full day of walking and driving, and one buffer for the flight schedule.

With two weeks, run the 10-day route without Mole and turn east instead. After Kumasi, go to the Volta Region for two nights around Ho: Wli falls, the Tafi Atome monkey sanctuary and Mount Afadja. June to October is better for the falls; November to February is better for hiking.

From Ho, cross into Togo for two nights in Lomé, then continue to Ouidah for two and Cotonou for one, flying home from Cotonou. This is a one-way trip, so check that your airline ticket allows it.

The border crossing is the part that needs preparation: Togo and Benin e-visas in advance, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate, which Ghana requires on entry and which the onward countries will also ask for.

Drive only in daylight. Road times in Ghana run long, so leave early and plan to be at your accommodation before dark. For the long legs, flying beats driving: Kumasi–Accra and Kumasi–Tamale are the two routes where a flight saves most of a day.

Pack for heat and humidity on the coast and cooler nights in the north, especially around Mole and Bolgatanga. Carry cash in cedis; cards work in Accra hotels and larger restaurants but not at market stalls or park gates. Tipping is expected for guides and drivers.

Book castle tours and Mole accommodation ahead in the November–March and January–April peaks. Outside those windows, expect rain on the coast and heat in the north.