Ghana On A Budget
Why Backpack Ghana?
Ghana is one of West Africa’s most welcoming and rewarding destinations and it’s surprisingly backpacker-friendly. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a cultural explorer, or a budget-conscious adventurer, Ghana offers a rare combination of affordability, safety, and soul.
Why Ghana Is the Ultimate Backpacker’s Paradise
1.Ghana Is Friendly And Welcoming
Ask any traveler who’s been here knows this one thing Ghanaians are some of the most hospitable people on the continent. From Accra’s bustling trotro stations to remote village homestays, you’ll be met with smiles, curiosity, and genuine warmth.
2. Ghana is Budget -Friendly
With local meals under $5, long-distance buses costing less than $10, and shared hostels starting at $15–$20 per night, Ghana lets you stretch your money without sacrificing experience. Traveling on $30/day (excluding accommodation) is very doable with the right planning and we’re here to help you do just that.
3. Ghana Has A Culture That Moves You
Ghana isn’t just a place to see it’s a place to feel. You’ll dance at festivals like Chale Wote and PANAFEST, explore colorful markets, and taste dishes like waakye, fufu, and kelewele. From music to murals to moments of reflection at historic slave castles, Ghana will stay with you long after your trip ends.
Ghana Has Stunning Geographical Variety
Few countries offer this kind of geographical variety so easily. Swim and surf in Busua, hike the lush trails of the Volta Region, or walk the famous Kakum Canopy Walkway — all within a day’s journey. Backpackers can explore north, south, east, and west by trotro, bus, or budget car share.
Budget Travel Essentials in Ghana
Backpacking Ghana doesn’t mean cutting corners it means spending smart. Here’s how to make the most of your cedis without missing out on the true Ghana experience.
Realistic Daily Budget: $50–$200/Day
Depending on your travel style, here’s what a typical day might look like
| Expense | Budget Traveler | Comfortable Backpacker |
|---|---|---|
| Street food/local meals | $5–$8 | $8–$12 |
| Local transport (trotro, shared taxis) | $2–$5 | $6–$15 |
| Sightseeing + entry fees | $10–$15 | $20–$50 |
| Accommodation (shared dorms, guesthouses) | $30–$50 | $60–$100 |
| Total per day | $50–$100 | $125–$200 |
🎯 Pro Tip: Traveling with a friend or partner? You’ll often pay less per person when splitting rooms or private taxis — and it’s even easier to plan shared costs and routes using the free Go Ghana Planner app. It helps you map your journey, find budget stays, and calculate expenses before you go.
What’s Cheap in Ghana
Food: Grab a full meal of jollof rice, beans and plantain mostly called Gobe , at a local eatery mainly called check check joint or or kenkey with fried fish , banku with soup or Fufu and soup all for under $6 at a chop bar or roadside vendor.
Transport: Trotros (shared minibuses) are the backbone of budget travel — often just $0.30–$1.50 for short distances, and $5–$15 for intercity routes.
Local SIM/Data: Stay connected with a $1–$2 SIM card and $5 for a few GBs of data.-Note Data In Ghana Can be a bit more expensive
What Costs More
Air-conditioned rooms: Expect to pay $15–$20 more per night if you want AC or ensuite bathrooms.
Entry fees: Some attractions (like Cape Coast Castle or Kakum Park) charge $5–$15 for foreigners — worth it, but good to budget for.
Private transport: Hiring a driver or taking a private taxi across regions can cost $30–$70/day.
Safety + Travel Insurance Tips For BackPackers
Ghana is one of the safest countries in West Africa for solo and female travelers — but common sense goes a long way. Don’t flash valuables, be cautious at night, and trust your gut.
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Look for one that covers medical care, theft, and trip cancellations. World Nomads and SafetyWing are two solid options for backpackers.
Itineraries for Every Backpacker
From laid-back coastal escapes to immersive month-long adventures, Ghana is yours to explore — on your own terms. Whether you have 7 days or 30, we’ve mapped out smart, budget-friendly routes to help you experience the best of Ghana without the overwhelm.
✅ 7-Day Coastal Backpack Trip
Perfect for first-timers. Explore the pulse of Accra, chill at Busua Beach, visit Cape Coast Castle, and end your trip with seafood and sunsets in Axim.
Highlights: Surfing, castles, street food, art murals.✅ 14-Day Culture & Nature Route
From the capital to the Volta Region and Ashanti heartland — this route gives you a deeper taste of Ghana’s soul.
Stops: Accra → Ho → Wli Falls → Kumasi → Cape Coast
Highlights: Traditional drumming, waterfalls, Kente weaving, local food tours.✅ 30-Day All-Ghana Experience
The ultimate backpacker’s dream. Circle Ghana with time to slow down, volunteer, or dive deep into heritage sites and natural parks.
Highlights: Mole National Park safaris, Tamale culture, Lake Bosomtwe, coast-to-coast travel.
Want to customize your route?
Use our free planning tool to build your own itinerary, budget your trip, and save routes as you go — all tailored to backpackers.
Top Budget Hostels in Accra
| Name | Location | Highlights | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somewhere Nice | Kokomlemle | Artsy, female-friendly, pool, communal kitchen. Great vibe for solo travelers. | Dorm beds from $15 Private rooms from $60 |
| Wanderlust Ghana Hostel | Osu | Cozy, community vibe, near nightlife and public transport. | ~$20 – $40 |
Go Ghana Recommended: Local Favorites in Accra 🇬🇭
| Name | Location | Highlights | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JCL Guest Lodge | Teshie-Nungua Estate | Quiet area, basic but clean, ideal for backpackers on a budget | $20 – $40 |
| The Mars Guesthouse | Manet Road, Teshie | Friendly staff, local food nearby, close to trotro and taxis | $20 – $50 |
| RK Italian Bay Hotel | Accra (Beachfront) | Upscale budget, ocean views, good for short digital nomad stays | $40 – $120 |
| Blue Green Guesthouse | Baatsona, Spintex | Natural vibe, laid-back, access to transport routes | $20 – $50 |
Want the Full List of Backpacker-Friendly Hostels & Trusted Drivers?
We’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to. Download our **Free Ghana Budget Travel Guide** (PDF): - Region-by-region hostel picks with prices - Trusted local drivers & contact numbers - Female-friendly tips & booking links Stop relying on outdated info or guessing your way through Ghana.
Ghana on a Budget Blog Series
Real Advice from Real Travelers — Curated by Go Ghana
Ghana is not just for big spenders. Backpackers, digital nomads, and solo travelers are discovering how to experience Ghana’s best culture, food, festivals, and coastlines all on a modest budget.
We’ve created a special blog series based on:
Real stories from Reddit
Questions from first-time travelers
Firsthand insights from the Go Ghana team
This series is your budget-friendly blueprint to navigating Ghana without stress or surprise expenses.
Featured Blog Post
Backpacking Ghana as a Solo Female Traveler: $30/Day Travel Tips + Itinerary
(Inspired by a real question from a 25-year-old traveler from Zimbabwe)
Planning to backpack Ghana as a solo woman with a $30 daily budget (excluding accommodation)? This post breaks down:
Where to go for culture, nature, and safety
Budget itinerary ideas for 7, 14, and 30 days
Best female-friendly hostels and guesthouses
Safety tips for solo female backpackers
Where to find mapping projects to join (for students, volunteers, and digital nomads)
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Read More👉 Ready to Build Your Backpacking Itinerary?
Use our free Go Ghana Travel Planner to map out your route, save money, and get personalized tips based on your travel style.
Local Transport Guide
Master Ghana’s Local Transport System Like a Pro
Whether you’re catching a tro-tro in Accra or traveling from Kumasi to Mole, navigating transport in Ghana doesn’t have to be confusing. Here’s your quick-start guide to moving safely and cheaply across the country.
Tro-Tros (Minibuses) — The Real Ghanaian Way
Cost: $2–₵5 per trip depending on distance
Where to Find Them: Lorry stations like Circle, Tema Station, Kasoa and Kaneshie
How to Use: Ask locals or mates for your destination — they’ll point you to the right bus.
👉 Pro Tip: Always ask the “mate” the price before boarding.
👉 Pro Tip: Some People May Try to Take Adavantage because you are a foreigner so stay smart and vigilant
Shared Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Shared Taxis: Cheaper than private just flag and ask if they’re going your direction.
Bolt / Yango / Uber: Available in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi. Bolt is often cheapest.
Estimated Cost: $15–$30 for in-city rides
Intercity Travel (STC & VIP Buses)
STC Ghana: Reliable, comfortable, runs between all major cities.
VIP Jeoun: Slightly cheaper, also very common.
Popular Routes:
Accra → Kumasi: $10–$15
Accra → Cape Coast: $80–$10
Accra → Tamale: $25+
👉 Tip: Book a day early at the terminal or use STC online if available.
Want a Hassle-Free, Private Ride?
Skip the stress and book one of our vetted local drivers — polite, punctual, and fairly priced for city and cross-country trips.
Must-Have Apps
| App | Use Case | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Tro-tro routes (with landmarks) | Nationwide |
| Bolt, Yango and Shaxi | Affordable private rides | Cities |
| Go Ghana | Itenary creation and budgeting | Web + App |
| STC Ghana | Book At Bus Terminal | No App Yet |
Planning a Multi-City Trip?
Let the Go Ghana Trip Planner handle the logistics.
Map your trip → Get suggested transport → Save to phone
Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Ghana
Safety First:
Ghana is one of the safest countries in West Africa, but always stay alert — especially in crowded areas or at night. Trust your instincts.
Hostel Etiquette:
Book hostels with good reviews. Use lockers for valuables, and don’t be afraid to request female-only dorms or private rooms if you need more comfort.
Female-Friendly Tours:
Prefer traveling with a guide or in small groups? We offer curated, female-only tour options with trusted guides for extra peace of mind.
Connect & Share Stories:
You don’t have to explore alone. Join our Backpacking Ghana Facebook group to meet fellow female travelers, expats, and digital nomads.
Join Our Backpacking Ghana Facebook Community
Traveling solo or on a budget? Don’t do it alone. Connect with over 1,000+ travelers exploring Ghana just like you. Ask questions, share tips, find meetups, or team up for your next adventure.
