BOOK CHEAP FLIGHTS TO ACCRA
Accra is the capital city of Ghana and is considered as the largest city in Ghana and one of the largest in Africa. The city covers an area of 225.67km2 and has an estimated urban population of more than 20 million. For long, Accra has been known as a historical city and is one of the first ancient cities that were discovered by the Europeans. The city’s streets are known to be ever-bustling and characterized by the typical West African heat caused by the many activities carried out in the city. As the most populous and most advanced city in Ghana, Accra has numerous tourist attractions which have made it one of the top tourist destinations in Ghana. The innumerable tourists’ attractions in Accra and the city’s cultural and historical heritage are among the reasons travelers seek cheap flights to Accra. Everyone wants to experience this fantastic city.
What you need to know about Accra
Accra is a city with deep historical and cultural heritage dating back to tens of centuries behind. The populous city has 12 local government districts which include 11 municipal districts and the Accra Metropolitan District. Though all the 12 local governments are part of the Accra city, the heart of the city refers to the Accra Metropolitan city. Accra’s west border is the intersection of the Lafa stream and Mallam junction, and the northern border is the Great Hall of the University of Ghana. It’s bordered on the east by the Nautical College and the south by the Gulf of Guinea.
Accra is considered the heartbeat of the nation’s economic and administrative sector. The city has been designated as a “Gamma level world city” indicating a growing level of international influence and connectedness.
Tourism wise, Accra is a place where gleaming skyscrapers, glittering waters, and modernity merge with dusty roads and ancient traditions to give a perfect blend of uniqueness. A walk along the streets of Accra will expose you to many places, activities, and excellent atmosphere that’ll have you always coming back for more. The coastal parts of the city are piled with idle fishing boats decorated with traditional symbols. These boats which are a significant part of the fishing business are highly valued and protected by the fishermen. If you’re lucky, you may come across the local fishermen singing local songs while they cast their nets. These songs are believed to have the power to evoke certain types of fishes and make their quest successful.
All around the city of Accra, you will experience the pulsating beat and bustling nature of a typical African city. A walk through the fascinating markets and you’ll be exposed to traditional medicines and other crafts and products made by local artisans. Underneath all the modernity of the city, Accra offers you an encounter with deep-rooted African traditions, beautiful languages, and deep cultural heritage.
Some of the tourist attractions in Accra include the colorful Makola market, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the 17th century Jamestown, the Bojo Beach, the Osu Castle, and many others.
Accra is home to the Kotoka International Airport, which is a 20 minutes drive from the center of the city. At the moment, there are cheap flights to Accra, and these affordable flights are only available for a limited period. Leverage this affordability window to visit one of the prides of Africa.
Reasons why you should visit Accra
Delicious Ghanaian Meals
Have you heard of the Ghana jollof rice? Ghana offers you the most delicious meals in Africa with different exotic local and international ingredients. From cocoyam leaves to periwinkles fused deliciously with aromatic spices to create a taste that’ll blow your mind. Walk into any restaurant, and you’ll experience delicately spiced cuisines with authentic flavors.
Mind Relaxing Beaches
As a West African beach country, Ghana has one of the best coasts in Africa. A little away from the city’s center and you’ll find the Rastafarian paradise of Kokrobite beach. There is also the Bojo beach which offers you a great feeling of its warm sands and refreshing air.
Cultural Tours
You only get this in a few places in the world. Accra has a rich cultural heritage which they’re proud to showcase. You’ll experience the soul of the city as you learn different things about the country’s traditional medicine and voodoo ceremonies.
Some Landmarks in Accra
The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and memorial park is a historical site located in downtown Accra and is dedicated to the prominent Ghanaian leader, Kwame Nkrumah. The complex houses the bodies of Kwame Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah and meant to represent peace. The mausoleum is covered with Italian marble from top to bottom with a black star at its apex to symbolize unity. The interior has marble flooring, and a mini mastaba looking marble grave marker surrounded by river washed rocks. A skylight placed at the top of the mausoleum illuminates the tombs. The complex is surrounded by water which the Ghanaian people consider as a symbol of life.
The Makola Market
The Makola Market is a renowned market place and shopping district located in the heart of Accra. The market offers you a wide array of products sold in the market and the surrounding streets. The market which is dominated by women traders, provides products ranging from car parts to land snails, fresh produce, manufactured and imported foods, clothes, tools, medicines, shoes, pots, pans and anything you can imagine. If you’re a lover of locally made jewelry and antiques, this market is your destination.
The Osu Castle
The Osu Castle which is also known as Fort Christiansborg or the Castle is a castle located in Osu, Accra which is on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf of Guinea. Denmark-Norway built the first substantial fort on the site in the 1660s. However, the castle has changed hands between different countries from then till now and is finally owned by post-independence Ghana. The castle serves as the seat of the Government of Ghana.
Best Time to Visit Accra
Accra is a rainforest city and is also an equatorial city. Because of these, the city’s climate is warm and pleasant most times of the year. There are hot days with high temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius though the nights are usually balmy nights with temperatures of about 20 degrees Celsius. The city experiences two seasons – the wet season and the dry season. The wet season occurs from May to September while the dry season is from October to April. The wet season in Accra is characterized by heavy rainfalls, fewer crowds, lower prices, and low chances of exploring the city. The dry season, on the other hand, comes with intense sun and dry air, fewer mosquitoes, and easy to navigate roads. Crowd increases and the prices of things go high because that’s when tourists fill the city. Many traditional celebrations occur between August and September. This is an excellent time to visit Ghana if you wish to experience rhythmic drums, abundant food, and spirited dancing of the locals.
What you should know before you Visit Accra
Accra is averagely safe and secure; however, a certain degree of caution is advised. Keep an eye on your belongings and stay vigilant at all times while in the city. This is to avoid being a victim of pickpockets and purse snatching thieves. Avoid walking alone in the city and any form of public display of wealth. Be wary of unsolicited assistance at the airport and avoid traveling alone in taxis unless it’s a trusted pre-booked taxi.
Before you enter the city, ensure you’re up to date with all your vaccinations because proof of yellow fever immunization and some other immunizations are required upon arrival. Some recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, meningitis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, DPT, flu, and chickenpox. We also recommend you get prescription medicines for malaria.
There are many affordable places to stay in Accra. You can get luxurious 5-star hotels as well as basic low budget hotels. Depending on your budget, you can make your selection and get settled-in. Accra is crowded, so you need to have experience moving around in the city for you to move fast. You can either travel on a pre-booked taxi or the rattling tro-tro that’s popular in the city. There are also buses, car rentals, and motorcycle options. However, we recommend you have a local with you for easy navigation through the city.
Ensure you have everything you need to have a good time in Accra before you book your cheap flight to the city. Compare the prices of airlines to Accra and book your cheap flights online with Travel Beta.
