Ghana is generally considered safe for travelers. However, as with any foreign country, it is important to be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas. It is also advisable to take precautions when using ATMs or carrying valuables, and to avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night.

Option: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (https://step.state.gov/step/) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

The official Ghana currency is the Ghanaian cedi, with a symbol GH₵ and a code GHS. Expect to see banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 GH₵. Cash is definitely the best option for you, whenever possible.

You’ll be able to exchange dollars for Cedi at the hotel – usually better rates are offered for larger bills. Only newly issued USD are accepted. Yet, your best bet for a good rate may be cash withdrawal from ATMs. You can freely use a Visa and MasterCard in Ghana. American Express and Discover cards are rarely, if ever, accepted. Research the fees you may need to pay for using your credit card, as they can mount up. Use that opportunity to notify your bank of your travel plans, so they don’t cut you off for fear of fraud.

Bargaining and tipping are both expected. Outside of more formal establishments and supermarkets, you’ll often be offered goods for a price 30-50% higher than the seller actually expects to earn. So feel free to work on driving prices down, though within reason and good taste. Negotiation is the Ghanaian way! For services rendered well, such as excellent service at a restaurant or hotel, tips are encouraged.

All travelers aged 18 years and over are required to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the point of embarkation and upon arrival into Ghana. The Ghana Health Service defines a fully vaccinated person as someone who has taken the full dose of vaccines approved and registered by the Food and Drugs Authority of Ghana. This is one dose of Johnson and Johnson, or two doses of AstraZeneca (Covishield), Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Sputnik V. You will need to present your vaccination certificate before boarding and on arrival. Expect this certificate to be checked multiple times before leaving the airport, including on leaving the plane, at the health counter, at immigration, and on leaving the airport. You may choose to carry a hard copy of your certificate with you if you are unsure you will have access to the electronic version during your journey. There is no pre-travel or on arrival testing requirement if you are fully vaccinated.

If you’re a non-resident and you are not fully vaccinated you will not be granted entry into Ghana. Ground staff at your departure airport will not allow you to travel. Please visit; https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ghana.html for more information

A COVID19 vaccination certificate is required to enter Ghana, non-resident without a COVID19 vaccination are not allowed to enter. You must have been double vaccinated. Similarly you are required to have a yellow fever vaccination card to enter.

Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Trip insurance is therefore recommended. You can purchase travel insurance on your own.

• G1G insurance (Sorted Chale Recommended)
• https://www.travelexinsurance.com
• https://www.travelguard.com
• https://www.insuremytrip.com

Sleeping arrangements at Mahogany Hotel consists only of Single Occupancy

Ghana has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F) throughout the year. The rainy season is from April to October, while the dry season is from November to March. It is recommended to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, as well as rain gear for the rainy season. Good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and Mosquito repellant are also recommended.

In December, Ghana has an active party season, so bring your best clothes for the road! Yes, dress to impress.

Tourist Sites: Coming Soon - Details and Pricing to be provided by The Sorted Chale Team

1. Kakum National Park
2. Cape Coast Castle
3. Labadi Beach
4. JamesTown Lighthouse
5. Kumasi Cultural Centre
6. Aburi Botanical Gardens
7. Wli Falls
8. Independence Square
9. Arts Center Market
10. Shai Hills Resource Reserve

Restaurants:

Bars and Clubs:

1. Republic Bar & Grill
2. Frontback Accra
3. Alley Bar
4. Mood Bar
5. Bloom Bar
6. Twist NightClub
7. Sandbox
8. Kruna Lounge
9. Club Onyx
10. Area Bar

All flights to Accra, Ghana are via Kotoka International Airport (ACC). The total flight time from SFO is ~18h duration, 1+ stops / from ORD is ~14h duration.

As the Itinerary of events start on Friday, July 28, your international flight should depart the US on July 27, 2023 and arrive in Accra on July 28, 2023. Your departure flight can be anytime on Friday, August 4th at your leisure. Please keep in mind that hotel Check-in time: 3 pm - Check-out time: 12 noon and we will do our best to work with hotels to request early/late checkouts as needed.

Please note that the Time zone in Ghana is (GMT): 8 hours ahead of PST, 6 hours ahead of CST.

If available Roommate Matching will be offered. If you want to be matched, please select “Yes I want to be matched with a room buddy” on the reservation form. Also, please note roommate matching does not take place until after 75% of the cost of the package is paid.

Yes, you can extend your stay either before the trip or after the trip, please indicate on our registration form your check-in and check-out date and we will provide you with further details on payments and bookings. Please note that group round trip airport transport will be provided on Friday, July 28th and Friday, August 4th. If the duration of your stay is outside of these dates, you should plan for your airport transfer accordingly. Transportation is available through each hotel.

Yes, you can upgrade your accommodation at the Kempinski an additional cost, the room assigned to this package is the Superior Room. To upgrade you will have to pay as listed below per night:

• Deluxe Room Double occupancy $400
• Executive Room Double occupancy $485
• Junior Suite Double occupancy $700
• Executive Suite Double occupancy $990
• Executive Corner Suite Double occupancy $1,150

Bringing along $300 dollars, cash on hand, is a good place to start. Before you leave for Ghana, notify your bank of your travel plans, so they don’t cut you off for fear of fraud. Research the fees you may need to pay for using your credit card to make payments, as they can mount up.

Yes! Sorted Chale has a scholarship fund which we give out to children who have the passion to further their education but due to financial constraints, they are faced with the possibility of dropping out.