Getting back to Africa! Ghana! Rekindling that wanderlust!
How to get that ‘travel mojo’ back!
- Imagine all the delicious food you are missing out on! The mouthwatering fresh, exotic fruits- mangoes, jack fruit, coconut, custard apples, honey limes, watermelon- usually straight from the local farm. For your health and general well being, the cleansing and rejuvenating effect of eating tropical fresh fruits cannot be over-stressed. Not to mention all the delicious meals, with flavours and rich seasonings that excite your palette and awaken the senses…
2. Follow the fragrances! Oh the scents of the tropics! Have you ever been woken by the orange jasmine in bloom? It’s silken white blossoms adorn this evergreen tropical plant with an almost nectar like fragrance! If we could eat them we would reach the heavens 🙂 But we cannot. Just breathe in deeply and dream.
3. Listen out for the sounds: in Africa, you are in the heart of the natural kingdom, where man and his environment live still largely in harmony. Where in the world (nowhere) can you get a sense of perfect isolation, more than in a whole entire continent with a smaller population than a whole entire country…Africa has 1.2 billion inhabitants which is less than India (10 x smaller than Africa) with its ‘boasy’ population of 1.3 billion. That leaves a lot of space: land, mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, plains- stretching into the 10,000s KM as far as your eyes can see, and beyond- for you to enjoy if you take the beaten track! Renew your spirit of wonder! It’s time.
4. I just love the flair of the place! Its so cool!
Remember: you’re cool! Africa is where flair and style began. The perfumes, the fabrics, the adornment, the arts, culture and love for beauty and entertainment. It’s redefining itself now, in pockets, then in waves! Accra has felt the tsunami and is birthing a new tribe- Afropolitan, Afrochella, Afropulse, Afrowhateveryoufeellikebaby…the latest flows rhythmically with the neo and into an unfamiliar scene, that everyone wants to be a part of. The happenings are relentless and, most importantly, beautiful.
How can you deprive yourself any longer?
Unleash the wanderlust flow! Get back to Africa!
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5 Cool Things About Ghana
Ghana has something for everyone, without even trying!
Visit Cool Ghana and
Discover
the Soul of West Africa!
- 1) Ghanaians generally have a relaxed and friendly attitude towards strangers of any background. It’s possible to blend in and feel that you’re just another part of the colourful scene. There’s no pointing, staring, hassling or hustling of visitors to this vibrant country- especially and ironically, in the Capital city of Accra, and major cities of Kumasi or Takoradi. Like in the cosmopolitan cities of London, Toronto or New York, everyone belongs.
- 2) In Ghana, ‘nightlife’ can be created anywhere! It’s non-stop, simple fun, and almost anyone can start a ‘night club’ or local ‘night spot’, for beers, kebabs and that ‘hangout’ energy that some Western night club owners would pay for handsomely, and still struggle to capture. A few plastic tables, chairs, drinks and loud music, very loud- and you’ve got your ambiance: that cool vibe seems to come naturally in Ghana.
- 3) In Ghana the portions are BIG! The love of food will seduce you and lead your midriff astray in no time! No-one nibbles, or pecks at food, unless hospitalized, and generous, hunger busting portions of Jollof, Wakye or Fufu are expected, whether from commercial sellers or in private homes. The invitation: “Yen didi” (Let’s eat) whenever someone sits to eat in your presence is not an idle statement- most portions could very easily be shared by at least 2 people!
- 4) Get ready to ‘rock and roll’ on the roads of Ghana’s towns and cities! Driving in Ghana is an art, a sport, a dance! Every driver executes their work with flair, as they navigate each stage of the performance- joining the chorus of vehicles and expertly circling the human traffic. Your journey, whether by private car, trotro, taxi, Uber, train or even on foot will leave you wanting an encore!
- 5) Ghanaians never seem to say “No!” They always try to be helpful and positive, with a real ‘Can do’ attitude, which often extends to the “I can do” version. This is great! Very reassuring and comforting, and totally cool, as you can then always count on at least one person to help you with EVERYTHING! Transferable skills win the day in Ghana every time, leaving ‘No’ as just another unnecessary barrier to a life long friendship.
- FOR MORE COOL FACTS ABOUT GHANA- WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO!
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7 Fun Places to visit in and around Accra- for all the Family!
Ghana, of all the beautiful regions of West Africa, is the place to visit.
We say: “Visit Ghana Now!”
Ghana is about to burst through the barrier into the ‘Middle-income lifestyle’ bracket, and share will all the other elite nations of the world culture-reflective leisure activities that all the family can enjoy.
Accra, as the capital city, offers much choice in fun things to do in and around its ever-expanding borders:
7. Visit a church, or even a Mosque. Yes. Friday, Saturday or Sunday, spend the day with a warm, family oriented community. Join in the celebrations or discussions. There’s refreshments for body and soul; and interesting people to meet which could lead to invitations to other gatherings, and an introduction to culture, society and values. The new mosque at Kanda is an experience, so follow protocols and visit. Mega churches, are dotted around: The Fountain Gate Chapel in Pokuase, Action Chapel International on Spintex Road, and any number of smaller churches found around the city, are great places to start.
6. Bojo Beach! Yes, this counts as is just on the outskirts, or even just inside Accra! You should know that Accra is on the coast, but not all beaches are good for a family day out. This is why Bojo beach is so special: it is a few minutes into Aplaku/Kokrobite: you park, then take a ferry boat ride to the little island beach. So cool! Different. When you arrive, it’s well maintained and clean, and they love your feedback, so please speak to the ‘guardians’ and let them know your comments. Lots of activities, or just kick back.
5. Mmofra Place: Love love love this space! So tranquil, a garden, kiddies park, with ecological learning activities, benches, place to picnic and trees to breathe…This is a gem and is perfect for a chilled afternoon.
4. Achimota Mall aka Achimota Retail Centre: not just for shopping…This mall is the most family ‘easy’- its compact, but impactful- with gyms, restaurants, hairdressers, kids play ground, kids hair salon, 7-D cinema, and outdoor music shows during holidays, and some weekends. There’s always something! The kids can wander, shop, eat and watch; and if you hang out long enough, the music will start!
3. Lizzy’s Sports Centre! Great great great for footballing kids, and Swimmers! They have numerous astro-turf pitches, coaches, scouts; and a BIG POOL, for lessons and just splashing. The swimming coaches are excellent, do your research, try a couple, but with the right one you will transform into a dolphin after a session of lessons!
2. LEGON BOTANICAL GARDENS: This is an absolute must! The playground is ‘off the hook’! with trampolines, conopy walks, climbing frames, and more. Plus, it’s a haven for nature-lovers, and the closest we have to a picnic park in Accra. Go there NOW!
1. Your area…Just get up and walk out of your gates…Turn left or right and keep wandering. Explore the area, stray into another area, get lost! Ask a few questions (you know Ghanaians are ultra-hospitable and ready to help), find a spot or little shop to sit and have a drink, or take a coconut by the roadside. Window shop, pick up a few ‘light to carry items’, buy some fresh oranges to suck, try to remember which road you last took…ask more questions, have a local chop bar lunch, sit for a while, watch, breathe life, then keep going… you will retrace your steps eventually, exhilarated and sweaty, smiling at your adventures; or just get an Uber back!
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How to Enjoy Ghana
Want to get the best out of your trip to Ghana?
As the plane approaches Kotoka International Airport- should you start to prepare yourself then? As you think of all the places you want to visit when you finally change your $s into the local currency? Why not give yourself a ‘head start’ and get in tune long before you set off!
- 1. First thing you can do to get the most out of your experience is to do some research and find out about the country before your journey! Not only by looking on Google and watching YouTube videos, but by speaking to others who have visited.
- 2. Be clear on why you are planning to visit Ghana- just for beach fun, to do heritage research, to look for business opportunities, to meet friends, even to find a spouse? Be honest with yourself.
- 3. Prepare your taste buds so that you can enjoy the traditional meals- by eating natural foods, drinking Cerassie to cleanse your taste buds, and avoiding sugary foods.
- 4. Challenge your ideas about Africa in general, and decide to embrace the culture as you find it, and not to make constant comparisons with Western countries.
- 5. Pack smart! Travel light, with essentials and leave space in your luggage so that you can make the most of the many shopping opportunities.
- 6. Remember: people are generally the same everywhere. So do not have unrealistic expectations of the people.
- 7. Have a budget plan. Take enough cash, activate your cards as backup, but do not spend more than you can afford.
- 8. You cannot see the whole country in one short trip, so make a plan straight away to come back!
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