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 COVID19 restrictions for arriving passengers in Ghana have been lifted. Wearing of masks and washing of hands is encouraged but not mandatory.

Travellers are encouraged to adhere to the COVID19 rules of their home country upon return.

Yellow Fever vaccinations are required to enter Ghana. Yellow Fever shots are valid for 10 years once administered. Plan to get the vaccine at least 10 days before your travel since proof of vaccination is not valid until 10 days after getting the vaccine, the time needed to develop immunity to yellow fever virus. You must receive your vaccination no later than December 17th. Please note: Because one of the effects of the vaccination can be lowered immunity, it is suggested you receive your Yellow Fever vaccination 3 months prior to travel.

There are also a number of recommended vaccinations listed on https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ghana. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider to consider what is best for you and your family and do your own research! We also love the idea of ensuring your immune system is at its peak and operating optimally while traveling. Take steps that feel right for you, under your healthcare provider’s guidance, to fortify and strengthen your system in ways you know works best for your body.

We also recommend you take Malaria medicines before arrival to Ghana. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist as to which tablets to take.

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 Alisa Hotel which has the double occupancy and room will be shared with another Chale. Room pairing is done at random based on the same gender unless guests state specifically who they want to share a room with and the stated participant is part of our experience. There is an additional cost for 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). As the itinerary of events starts on Friday, December 27th, your international flight should depart the US on Thursday, December 26th, 2024 and arrive in Accra on December 27th, 2024. Your departure flight can be anytime on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. Please keep in mind that hotel Check-in time: 3 p.m.; 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 or after the trip. Please indicate on our registration form your check-in and check-out dates, follow up with an email 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, December 27th, and Thursday, January 2nd. 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.

Bringing along $500 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.