What You Need to Take an Affordable Trip to Ghana to Trace Your Ancestry

1. Plan Your Itinerary
A well-planned itinerary is key to making the most of your trip. My journey started in Lagos, and after navigating through Togo's customs, I arrived in Accra. Although I got there late, I was able to stay with friends for a few nights, which saved me money and provided a local touch. From Accra, I traveled to Cape Coast, where I stayed in an affordable Airbnb. Cape Coast is essential for anyone tracing their roots; don't miss the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, both rich in history. Explore local spots like Asafo posubans and fishing villages to gain deeper insights into Ghanaian culture.

2. Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Finding budget-friendly accommodations is straightforward in Ghana. I stayed at an affordable Airbnb in Cape Coast, which provided comfort without breaking the bank. In Accra, staying with friends was a great way to save on accommodation costs and get local recommendations. Consider booking early to secure the best deals, and look for guesthouses or budget hotels that offer an authentic experience.

3. Use Affordable Transportation
Getting around Ghana can be inexpensive. After my journey through Togo, I traveled from Accra to Cape Coast by tro tro, a shared minivan that’s both economical and a great way to experience local life. While the trip can be slow with many stops, it’s an affordable option. Within cities, walking is a cost-effective way to explore, with taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber available for longer distances.

4. Eat Local and Save Money
Ghanaian cuisine is both delicious and affordable. I enjoyed eating at local eateries and street food vendors, where dishes like jollof rice, waakye, and kenkey were both tasty and budget-friendly. Sampling local food is not only economical but also a great way to experience the culture.

5. Pack the Essentials
To ensure a smooth trip, pack these essentials:

• Travel Insurance: Always a good idea for peace of mind, especially if you're flying from outside Africa 

• A Good Travel Guide: Helps you find affordable options, however for a s, all fee of $3 you can purchase my guide. Which makes this easy for solo travellers to have the best trip without the additional cost of a guide. 

 
• Cash and Mobile Money: While some places accept international cards, cash and mobile money services like MTN Mobile Money are more widely accepted and avoid extra fees.

6. Be Open to Adventure
The journey itself is part of the adventure. Despite the challenges, like dealing with customs or arriving late, the experiences you gain will be worthwhile. Ghana is full of warm, welcoming people and rich culture, so embrace every moment and enjoy the journey.

Tracing your ancestry in Ghana or simply taking an educational trip with a bit of planning, can be done affordably and enjoyably.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve created a detailed travel guide with literally  everything you need.