In Western Africa - flanked by the Ivory Coast to the west, Burkina Faso to the north and Togo to the east - lies Ghana. The waves of the Gulf of Guinea breaking on its southern coastline, Ghana covers 148 square miles and has a population of 27 million people. Book one of or flights to Ghana and explore this fascinating land.
Fabulous falls
For Ghana's highest waterfall, head to the Volta Region. From top to bottom the magnificent Wli Falls measures nearly 500 metres. Nearby is Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, home to antelopes, monkeys and fruit bats. The twin waterfalls of Boti Falls, Manya Krobo, endlessly cascade down to the pool below. The falls - designated 'male' and 'female' - come from two different rivers and popular legend has it that when they coalesce, a rainbow forms, indicating that they are mating.
Powerful lake
About 20 miles west of Wli Falls is Lake Volta in Akosombo, whose dam is the source of much of the country's electrical power. Covering some 3,275 square miles, Lake Volta is one of the world's largest man-made reservoirs. It also provides a route from the coast to Ghana's northern savannah. Anglers will thrill at the opportunity to pit their wits against Volta perch, African tiger fish and Nile tilapia, just some of the fish that inhabit the lake.
Stilt Village
Some 55 miles west of Takoradi in south-west Ghana, lies the village of Nzulezu which is home to approximately 500 people. Here the inhabitants have adapted to their surroundings by living on the water. Every home is made from timber, consisting entirely of stilts, platforms and walkways which raise the occupants above the waters of Amansuri Lake.
Slave castles
Strongholds were constructed in 1482 along 311 miles of coast between Keta in the east and Beyin in the West. And for 300 years they were used as fortified trading posts dealing in oil, or 'black gold', and slaves. Travel to Cape Coast and Elmina where many of these castles remain as a grim memento of a time when Ghanaian men and women were forced to bid farewell to their homeland.
Markets
For a taste of traditional Ghanaian life, visit the markets of Makola and Madina. The day starts early as traders get ready their wares. Food is prepared early for the pop-up 'snack shacks' that serve fish and kenkey, a popular dumpling in this part of the world. The markets sell hand-made products as well as manufactured and imported food, medicines, kitchenware, tools, clothes and shoes.
Eating and drinking
Simret in Accra serves Ethiopian cuisine with a menu that caters for both vegetarians and vegans. For delicious Ghanaian cuisine try Azmera in Accra. The buffet-style menu gives you the opportunity to try a range of different food in this classy eatery. Moti Mahal in Kumasi is the place for Indian food, a choice of vegetarian dishes and an extensive wine list. There's also a good selection of Chinese cuisine, including shredded fish with green onions.
