What To Expect On A Cape Coast Tour: 9 Things You Need to Know

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There is so much to love about Ghana. From its lush green landscape, to the hospitable people and their rich culture, this country has it all.Readers who have been keeping tabs on our content lately will know that we have been covering some lesser-known destinations in West Africa recently. One such location is the Cape Coast – an area known for being a central trading point during the slave trade and home to many old buildings as a result of its historical significance. If you’re excited about visiting Ghana but aren’t sure where exactly the Cape Coast is (it’s located in Central Region), keep reading to find out what you need to know before going there on your next vacation.

What Is The Best Time of Year to Visit Cape Coast?

The best time to visit Cape Coast is between December and February. This is the dry season and also the best time to visit Ghana’s coastal regions. The rainy seasons runs from March to May and August to October, while the Atlantic Ocean may experience a good deal of swells between June and August. If you’re visiting during the Christmas season (i.e. December), make sure to include a visit to the Cape Coast Christmas Festival on your itinerary. This is a three-day event that takes place every year at the Cape Coast Beach Resort and marks the start of the Christmas season in Ghana. It’s a great time to visit the area if you’re interested in experiencing Ghanaian culture.

Where Is The Cape Coast Located?

The Cape Coast is located in Ghana’s Central Region and is located approximately 415 kilometers from Ghana’s capital, Accra.

10 Things To Know Before Visiting The Cape Coast

There Are Several Places of Interest in the Cape Coast – Cape Coast Castle (also known as Fort Coeur d’or), Cape Coast beach and The Slave Route are the places of interest you’ll visit on a Cape Coast tour. Cape Coast Castle is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved castles in Ghana. It was built in 1626 by the Swedes as a trade outpost and also served as a military base. Cape Coast Beach is a white sandy beach that was ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine. The Slave Route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a route used by traders to transport slaves from West Africa and the Caribbean to the Americas and the Indian Ocean islands. Cape Coast is More Than the Slave Route – You can’t just visit the Cape Coast for the Slave Route. There are many other places of interest in the area which you shouldn’t miss out on. The Cape Coast is a Central Ghanaian City – The Cape Coast is a city that is located in central Ghana. It is about 5 hours away from Accra by car. The Weather in Cape Coast is Tropical – The weather in Cape Coast is like that of most tropical regions: it’s warm and humid all year round, but it’s significantly warmer and drier from December to February. There’s a Great Nightlife in Cape Coast – The nightlife in Cape Coast is vibrant and lively. There are several hotels and bars in the area that put on weekly events and parties. Cape Coast is Affordable – The prices of goods and services in Cape Coast are very affordable. You can find hotels in Cape Coast for GH¢150 – GH¢300 per night. You Can Do a Lot of Activities in Cape Coast – There are several outdoor activities you can do in Cape Coast such as hiking, swimming, golfing and scuba diving.

6 Must-See Places in the Cape Coast

Cape Coast Castle – This was built by the Swedes in the 17th century as a trade outpost and also served as a military base. The Slave Route – The Slave Route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a route used by traders to transport slaves from West Africa and the Caribbean to the Americas and the Indian Ocean islands. Cape Coast Beach – Cape Coast Beach is a white sandy beach that was ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine. The Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam – The Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam is the world’s largest earth-filled dam. The Fante Traditional Area – The Fante Traditional Area is where traditional Fante customs and ceremonies are kept alive.

3 Day Tours in and around Cape Coast

If you’re looking for a more in-depth Cape Coast tour, you can book a tour that includes a visit to Elmina and the surrounding areas. Elmina, just like the Cape Coast, was a major trading center during the slave trade. In fact, Elmina was the first place in Ghana where Europeans settled and traded in slaves. Another tour you can do around the Cape Coast is the Kakum National Park tour. This is a rainforest park that’s home to many rare species of flora and fauna, such as the red colobus monkey and the pygmy parrot. You can combine this tour with a visit to the Samorini Dam, which has been ranked as the best dam in Africa by the UN Water Council.

2 Things to Be Aware of While Visiting the Cape Coast

Exercise Caution While Climbing the Castle – Climbing the Cape Coast Castle is prohibited, as it has become very dangerous in recent years. Be Aware of Scams – Cape Coast is notorious for its scams and pickpockets.

Final Words

The Cape Coast is an excellent place to visit in Ghana. You can experience the country’s rich culture, explore the castles and forts built by Europeans and see the rare species of flora and fauna that are only found in the rainforest. You can also visit the Elmina Castle, which is just a couple of kilometers away from the Cape Coast. If you want to visit a lesser-known destination in West Africa, book a flight to Cape Coast as soon as possible!