Free Time
Volunteer with Children in Ghana

Participating with GVI not only allows you to work on programs assisting disadvantaged communities or endangered ecosystems but it also offers wonderful opportunities to travel in the local area in your down time or further afield either before or after your program. Below is some information on trips and travel options in Ghana.

Optional Side Trips

• Elmina Castle: Sprung from the humble beginnings of a small fishing town it became the Dutch headquarters in West Africa. Built in 1482 the castle is architecturally beautiful. Entrance is between US$4-6 plus an additional charge for cameras.
• Cape Coast Castle: The world heritage site offers striking views over Ghana’s coastline whilst reminding visitors of the harsh realities of the slave trade. It is best to hire a guide when you arrive at the castle as the knowledge they provide on the tour id invaluable for those wishing to understand fully what they are looking at and its significance in Ghana’s history. Entrance will be between US$6-10 plus an additional charge for cameras.
• Hans Cottage Botel: Visitors to the Hans Cottage Botel can choose to stay for a few nights or just make a day trip from Cape Coast to see this scenic lake, home to Ghana’s crocodiles.
• Kakum National Park: The best way to reach this beautiful part of Ghana is by trotro from Cape Coast which should take approximately an hour. Kakum is most famously known for its variety of vegetation which has been fiercely protected. In order to fund the conservation of the vegetation and wildlife which exist within the park tourists can pay US$10-12 to complete the canopy walk which takes you to the upper heights of the park offering breathtaking views.

Further Travelling Opportunities

You can spend your weekends as you wish, either relaxing on a local beach or taking trips to other parts of the country. We would certainly recommend a few days / weeks either side of your project to explore the country properly. Tropical landscapes of coastal plains with dramatic backdrops of forested hills, cascading waterfalls and bird sanctuaries characterize this country. Options for further exploration include visiting Mole National Park, the castles at Cape Coast and Elmina, the nightlife of Accra, and some of the community projects such as the stilt village at Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary.