There are so many ways people enjoy their trips in Ghana. There’s nothing more fun than a road trip to the Central Region of Ghana’s, Cape coast. Mostly when self-driving through the national highway or with a well plan trip with a tour agency. You will get the chance to stop at your own interest to explore some other places before getting there.
If you are in Ghana or now planning a trip to Ghana and you searching for an unforgettable adventure travel experience, a road trip to the Central Region will not disappoint. The region is visually captivating in a way you’ve not seen elsewhere.
There are so many places you would love to see on your way and there are so many places you would love to experience before getting to Cape Coast.
Renting a car and self-driving in Ghana on the Central Region national highway will expose you to a new way of life and some beautiful landscape for your social media posts.
If you’re lucky, you may even get some fresh from farm food items that you don’t normally get in Accra.
This is a great adventure to see other tourist sites in the region and also get to see some luxury resorts and beaches on your way to Cape Coast. That feeling alone brings joy to you. However, you must try this and experience this region for yourself to understand that feeling.
If you have plans or if you are planning a road trip to Cape Coast, then this piece is for you. In this travel guide, I will help you get the most out of a self-drive or road trip with a tour agency to the Central Region. Learn how to prepare, where to stay, and the best things to do or see.
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Ghana Travel Restrictions 2021
Ghana is open to most travellers again. I mean travellers from all over the world. However, you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines. They are all good for our safety.
Read the ultimate travel guide to Ghana to help you plan your trip.
Cape Coast Road Travel Map
How to use the map: The road is a straight road and it’s very easy to drive without using the map. But in case you want to have stops on the ways and also check out some of the resorts and beaches on the road, it’s best you use the map or simply ask locals for direction. Ghanaians are always happy to give you direction especially when you greet them.
Cape Coast National Highway Driving Guide
Well, it’s not far driving from Accra (which most people start from Accra) and you can take about 4 hours to get to Cape Coast if you don’t have stops on the way.
While you could technically drive the whole thing for just 5 hours, the reality is it will take you at least a day or two (sleeping or camping) with stops on along the way.
The landscape on the way is unbelievable, and you will find yourself constantly pulling over for photos. And also there are fine beaches and resorts that you will make you stop and explore a little.
Looking back at my first self-driving trip to Cape Coast, I wish I had more time to explore the beautiful landscape and the locals selling on the highway.
Whiles 4 hours is possible, you will be moving non-stop, and will probably miss few fun experiences. Especially when its Sunday and the locals are not selling at the highway sides.
Renting A Car Or Tour Agency
Trust me, the best way is to rent a car and self-drive to Cape Coast. And the best site to book your rental car is with Discover cars. It’s an international brand so they search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price.
Another best option is to check out Wop3car.com for your local car rental deals in Ghana. They also have cool and affordable deals.
There are buses and minibuses that take the same route, but self-driving is the better way to go in my opinion. You can stop anywhere you want, for as long as you want, giving you complete freedom.
Tour Agency
It can also be fun if you travel with a tours agency. Some agencies have a very nice tour package that will also allow you to explore other places. But one disadvantage is, they are always in a hurry.
If the group know each other, paying extra cash to the tour agency can also help explore places and have all the fun.
But it’s fun and best with self-driving to the place.
Planning Cape Coast Road trip
Where to start from
Most travellers and tour agencies start their Cape Coast drive from Accra, the capital of Ghana. Others also start to explore the Ashanti Region before they visit Cape Coast. There is another route there you can use and it’s best to use the map and same time ask locals for direction. Most roads in Ghana are straight roads and unless you want to see other places which are out of the national highway (N1). But I recommend you have other stops during your trip, Ghana has amazing landscapes to offer
Gas Stations
Gas is pretty expensive to us locals. I might not get the right figures for you because gas prices always change in Ghana, but I can give you an estimate on what you should expect.
There are so many Gas station brands in Ghana and everyone has their selling price. With the Popular stations, you will get it at $1.30 USD per litre, which I know is not expensive to international tourists.
Fill up whenever you can especially when using the Kumasi road. But at the same time don’t worry, some gas stations work all night and all day.
What Should You See?
Mrpocu.com made this complete guide to help you enjoy a lifetime experience road trip. So I will give you all the detail you need to know to make your Cape Coast trip a memorable one.
I’d recommend picking a few highlights and loosely planning your journey around them. And also I recommend you start your trip at Accra so you experience some great stops on your way.
Below you will find some amazing places you can stop for camping, resort and beach experience before you get to Cape Coast. There are few places where you will have to go out of the straight route and take another route if you really want to enjoy this experience.
My Cape Coast Road Itinerary
1.Winneba Beach
Winnebe is a short 40min trip if there is no traffic on the road. When it comes to tourist destinations, I think Winneba is underrated. There are many fine beaches where you can have a stop and explore.
It’s a good place to start a long road adventure because the beaches are one of the best places in the Central region for camping. I recommend camping at least one or two days on your way before heading to Cape Coast.
You would love to try some of the local foods they sell in the traffic. Don’t be scared they are very nice and healthy.
2.Blue Diamond Beach Resort
For about four years now, Central Region has been hosting some of the best resorts hotels in the country and Blue Diamond Beach Resort is one of the best trending resorts in Ghana. You might love to stop by and enjoy some of their best local and international cuisines.
If you are not on a tight budget, then you can spend the night there in one of their luxury suits. I was travelling on a budget so I couldn’t afford a place. But I could check their rooms and they have an amazing setup you would love. It’s best to check their website for room prices before getting there.
3.Rippels Lodge
When I first read about Rippels Lodge I was dying to see the place. One destination you really shouldn’t skip during your road trip is the Lodge. Here most people love to visit and get those cool instagrammable pictures for their social media feeds.
The lodge is the next perfect stop for couples looking to have the best travel experience during their road trip to Cape Coast. Stop by and thank me later.
4.The Mankesim stop
The best part about a road trip to Cape Coast is that stop when you get to Mankesim to buy some of their traffic foods. It has been something I have been enjoying since childhood. That means an expert is recommending for you to try (does anyone find that funny lol).
Be more careful what you buy if you have allergies. It is best to ask the sellers what they are made of.
Other Stops When heading to Cape from Mankesim.
There are so many beaches, resorts, and lodges on your way from Mankesim to cape coast. Beaches central region if full of fine beaches and safe towns. You may love to check them out on Google or check billboards whiles driving to see if there are other stops you would love to explore.
The list are the best places on the way I explore and I enjoy and that is why I recommend you to try. They are must-visit locations for travellers visiting Cape Coast. All these places are beautiful and a place for amazing photo opportunities if you love taking landscape pictures.
Cape Coast Arrival
Even though the adventure starts when your car started moving but getting to Cape Coast is where the real adventure starts. Cape Coast is one of the best and most visited places in Ghana. It has its way of attracting tourists and each year thousands of international tourists visit the city to explore some of the top attractions.
Well, it is a place you can’t resist when you hear the name and some of its top attractions. I couldn’t say no when my travel partner told me we should visit the city again for the third time. And that is why I decided to come up with an epic way of visiting the city.
There are plenty of things to do when you get to Cape Coast, and before you start to explore you need a place to settle. Here are some of the best options when choosing accommodation at Cape Coast.
Best Accommodation at Cape Coast.
1.Beach camping
Maybe you like my type of travel where you travel on a budget and always seeking adventure. The best accommodation for budget travellers is to go camping at some of Cape Coast fine beaches. Whiles not technically a local, it is best to ask locals some of the best and safe beaches for your camping. If you travelling alone I don’t recommend camping as an accommodation option.
2.Lemon Beach Resort
Luxurious accommodation is another option if you are not on a very tight budget. I enjoy luxury and the flex that come with it. The best treatment and nice instagrammable shots for that social media post. The lemon beach resort is one of the best resorts in Cape Coast and all of Central Region.
The lemon beach resort is not really a 5-star hotel but serves you with all the treats you can get in a 5-star stay. Check their official website for more details or prices.
3.Hotel Loreto
Budget hotels and guest houses are the best accommodation when road tripping to Cape Coast. It is the best way to save more and enjoy other places. Hotel Loreto is one budget hotel for your trip. It is also located close to one of the top tourist sites in the city. Though it is budget-friendly it features free wifi and an outdoor pool.
There are other budget accommodations you would love to weigh your options around. Best to check some Online Travel Agencies and compare prices.
4.AirBnB in Cape Coast
As we all know how affordable Airbnb can be. There are accommodations in Cape Coast available on Airbnb. Check them out and get some of the affordable offers. It is another best way to explore the city and you can also cook your own meal when you book Airbnb.
Tourist Sites In Cape Coast – Places To See
The trip won’t be a complete one if you don’t explore some of the top tourist sites in the city. Cape Coast has so many sites to offer and history to learn. Before getting there, I made my list of places I would love to visit. It was a full fun trip after seeing some of their top tourist sites.
If you are still planning and looking for some of the best places to see when in Cape Coast, Check out my post on places to see in Cape Coast
7 Top Places To Visit in Cape Coast.
Tips For Driving The N1 Cape Coast Road
How Long Does It Take
Two-three days is cool if you will be making those stops and camping. I recommend you follow my guide so you can enjoy this adventure and make more memories.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to Visit Cape Coast depends on what you’re after. The city is a tourist destination, so it’s fun and active all year round. June and July may not be the best time because of the rainy season.
Stay safe Out There
I recommend you check your google weather app and know if it is safe to travel. Ask locals about the road condition and all the important things that can help you stay safe. Don’t depend so much on google map. If possible get travel insurance.