This past Christmas/New Year’s break I had the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime. I finally touched down on the Motherland, the continent of Africa. Not only did I get to visit the continent of Africa, but I visited West Africa which is likely the area my descendants were taken from when being enslaved. Though I want to discover more of the continent, I’m glad that this is where my journey began. December is a busy, high tourist time of year for Ghana. Not only that, but Ghana has a Beyond the Year of Return initiative that is attracting tons of tourist throughout the year. The initiative has done very well and sparked many people going to develop land and gain dual citizenship. I’ll talk more about that in a future blog post, but today I want to just give you an overview of what I did during my time in Ghana so you can have a sample itinerary if you’re planning a trip of your own. My main goal with going on this trip was to reconnect with my roots and attend Afrochella. It’s important to note that moving forward the festival is rebranded as AfroFuture Fest.
Day 1:
Travel to DC. From DC travel to Ghana. There is a 6 hour time difference between Dallas and Accra, Ghana. (you will likely have to have a layover somewhere during this journey)
Day 2:
Arrival at the airport in Accra and shuttle to hotel (I’ll get into accommodations in a future blog post)
Check into hotel and relax
Mani/Pedi appointment
Hang out for the evening at Sandbox Beach Club.
Day 3
Breakfast
Meet with local seamstress to take measurements and order outfits
Hair Braiding appointment
Exchange money at Accra Mall ($10 Ghana Cedi per $1 USD at that time and no additional fee for exchanging money)
Dinner at Jerk Soul (beautiful view of the mountains)
Little Havana All White Party in the Hills (the night I learned about partying until 6 in the morning)
Day 4
I was very tired from partying until 6am, so I stayed in the bed most of this day. Luckily this was one of the free days. Later that evening I had night of random unplanned sight seeing through the city and through a big tourist area Osu. You’ll find the big I heart Accra letters in Osu. While riding around I stopped at Moka’s Resto Cafe, CastilloGhana, and Breakfast Breakfast.
Day 5
Afrochella (Daytime events and Nighttime concerts) Now known as Afro Future Fest
Day 6
Ancestral Wall
Afrochella evening concerts
Day 7
Lunch at East End Bistrogh (sorry but it was not good so I’m not providing a link)
Attended an Art Exhibition
Day 8
Brunch at Rose Garden
New Year’s Night Out party sponsored by Michael Blackson
Day 9
Cape Coast Region Name Change Ceremony
Check into beach resort
Day 10
Elmina Slave Castle/Dungeon
Return to resort-Dance lessons and bon fire
Day 11
Return to Accra
Souvenir shopping and relax
Depart from Accra
After leaving Ghana (insert sad not ready to leave face) I took a journey through Dubai, Milan and NYC. I’ll definitely have to tell you about my day layovers in those destinations on my way back to Dallas. I hope that this helps to give you an idea of how you can plan for your own trip itinerary to Accra, Ghana. I will have more information coming about how the experience was for me emotionally, what I learned about myself and my culture through the trip, and what my favorite experiences were. I will say that I wish I had applied for a multi entry Visa instead of a single entry Visa. If you even remotely think you’ll want to return in the next few years, just apply for the multi entry Visa. See my previous trip on preparing to go to Ghana. Feel free to DM me on IG at @brandisfoodiediary if you have any questions or email me at brandisfoodiediary@gmail.com if there is something you want me to be sure to expound on in my upcoming articles about the trip.