Ghana, like every other country on earth, experiences drastic societal changes in December because of its celebratory-packed festivities.
These changes, to some, maybe friendly but to some also, hostile.
From the personal experiences I’ve had in the country, I will let you know some of the things I wish I knew a year ago about December in Ghana.
These tips will prevent you from meeting any unpleasant surprises.
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Let's not underestimate Harmattan
The weather, around this time of the year, is usually totally different from what it is there all year round. It is officially Harmattan Season.
The air is for the most part dry and dusty. You might be aware of it but do not underestimate it! We spend so much time outside and in open spaces during December that I can not stress enough to make sure apply more body lotion and lip balm than usually!
I’ve felt sick multiple times from not drinking enough water because I did not take the season that serious.
The city is PACKED
Well, the month of December in Ghana is cloaked all over by a single festival, Christmas. The festivities peak from November until early the following year. Ghanaians in the cities either opt to spend these few days away from the bustling city or live their best life’s, roaming around in Accra.
A “peaceful Christmas” is what it is frequently dubbed. Tourist sites around this time are usually full.
With outsiders and many people from the Diaspora roaming in to visit the country, it is only normal for the tourist sites to be full at very high prices and for places to be super packed!
Expect long waiting lines and busy restaurants along with at times even slower customer service. This is an excellent practice on how to stay calm and patient at all times.
Planning is key
Careful planning is the everything for a successful and enjoyable December in Ghana, especially when it comes to enjoying the vibrant festivities of Accra.
Having a well-thought-out itinerary allows you to maximize your experience, ensuring that you don’t miss out on the most exciting celebrations and events that Accra has to offer.
From exploring Makola Market to multiple festivals, every moment becomes a cherished memory when approached with intention.
This December in Ghana festivities plan serves as a valuable blueprint, offering a curated guide to the best experiences Accra has in store. (click here)
By using this timetable, you’ll have a good overview on what’s waiting for you in Accra.
Also make sure you pre-book, reserve and pre-order every ticket or reservation you can. That goes from events, to restaurants to hair appointments.
Don’t tell me I didn’t tell you!
Prepare your pockets
We know we stated earlier that the period is characterized by the feeling of joy. Well to be fair, that feeling does not extend to the pocket – prepare yourself to be spending a loooot.
You see, during this period, people want to buy more products for their families with the products themselves in limited quantity. So, more demand less supply.
To balance this, traders increase the price of the goods and so the whole thing becomes a sort of bidding war.
Do you have the most money? It’s all yours amigo!
Sadly enough, vulnerable tourists are usually at the receiving end of this.
So, whenever they are visiting Ghana during this period, they are told to bring their dollars and plenty of it so when they convert to the local currency, they can make their purchases.
For this reason, we carefully selected five premium destinations in Ghana where you can experience your “December in Ghana” without being charged as high as in Accra.
Here they are below:
Premium but affordable "December in Ghana" places to visit outside of Accra
In this section, we have carefully selected five dream destinations for you to see outside of Accra (yes, you are allowed to leave Accra for some days).
Go and explore!
1. The Kankum National Park
This is a canopy walkway that runs through heavily dense rainforests in Cape Coast situated right here in Ghana. This heavenly sanctuary warmly welcomes you to nature in its full splendor. A stay in this community comes with the pleasure of experiencing the coastal life. You can spend a night there at the Hans Cottage hotel.
2. The Afadjato Mountain and
Wli Waterfalls
A walk up the Afadjato mountain, just like other mountains is tedious but at the end of it, you get a very beautiful all round look over the city of Ho.
The Wli waterfalls as well is a chill place to be. People who visit there mostly prefer to take a cold swim in the chilled water or stand under the ever-falling water.
Right after, they take sit under a tree and soak in the sun while sipping on the local delicacy that Palm Wine.
3. Aburi Botanical Garden
Now this place right here is what we call a perfect cut-out of heaven, a replica of God’s genius. The place is a walkway that runs through a piece of land from heaven or a garden as casuals would call it.
The entirety of the Aburi community is what the garden of Eden would have looked like. To enjoy your stay here, there are a few places to reside and have a good view of the city.
4. The Lake Volta
The largest man-made lake on the entire planet is located right here in Ghana and is available for you to tour on the cheap. A dam built across this lake is what supplies electricity to millions and millions of Ghanaians in the country. So, you’re just not visiting a lake, you’re visiting the power source of the country.
Check out our Hidden Gems by the Lake Volta here.
Ghana is undoubtedly a beautiful place and should be the number one place for anyone looking for an exciting place to visit during December.
Remember to read more on the places you want to visit and also reserve hotels rooms and any other thing ahead of your arrival.
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