The short version
- A comfortable 7–10 day trip usually lands around $1,400–2,000 per person on the ground, before international flights.
- Flights are the big variable. Book early, and very early for December.
- Set aside about $60 for a single-entry e-Visa, plus your yellow fever vaccine if you don't have one.
- December costs the most. Festival-season packages often run $2,400–3,950 per person before flights.
The question I get most from friends planning their first trip home is "how much should I save?" Most websites dodge it with "contact us for a quote." So here are real ranges, gathered from 2026 tour listings, hotel prices and travel reports, laid out the way I'd plan it for my own family.
Today's exchange rate is about 1 US dollar to 11.6 Ghana cedis. Prices in Ghana move with the cedi, so treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
The big pieces
| Item | Typical 2026 range | My notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight (US to Accra) | Varies a lot | Prices climb sharply from November. For December, book by late summer. Check today's fares. |
| Ghana e-Visa (single entry) | About $60 | Apply online before you fly and allow one to two weeks. Always check the official portal for the current fee. |
| Yellow fever vaccine | Varies by clinic | Required to enter Ghana. Many US clinics stock it, so call around early. |
| Travel medical insurance | Varies by age and trip | US health plans often don't cover you abroad. Get a SafetyWing quote. |
Where you'll sleep (Accra)
| Style | Per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | $40–70 | AC, wifi, breakfast, central Osu location. See prices |
| Mid-range hotel | $90–150 | Pool, restaurant, reliable wifi near the airport or Cantonments. See prices |
| Luxury | $200+ | Five-star comfort. Expect higher prices in December. See prices |
Tours and experiences
| Experience | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Accra city tour (half or full day) | $65–150 |
| Cape Coast + Elmina castles day trip from Accra | $80–200 |
| Castles + Kakum canopy walk combo | from $170 |
| Kumasi cultural tours | from $35 |
| Mole National Park safari | from $89 |
| Private guide for the day | $80–150 |
| Castle entry for foreign visitors | about $6–15 |
Food and getting around
- Local food (waakye, jollof, kenkey and fish at a chop bar) is very affordable. A sit-down restaurant in Osu or Airport City costs closer to what you'd pay at home.
- Ride apps like Uber and Bolt work in Accra and are usually the easiest way to get around the city.
- Intercity trips (Accra to Cape Coast or Kumasi) are cheapest by bus and most comfortable with a private driver, which most tours include.
- Mobile money is everywhere. Carry some cash too, especially for markets and small towns.
Three sample budgets (7–10 days, per person, before flights)
Simple
Around $1,000–1,400. Guesthouses, local food, shared tours and ride apps.
Comfortable
Around $1,400–2,000. Mid-range hotels, guided heritage trail, a few nice dinners.
Festival season
Around $2,400–3,950. December package: hotel, events, transport and guides bundled.
These are planning estimates, not quotes. Your dates, group size and hotel choice change everything, which is exactly what Kofi is good at working out.
Five ways to save
- Travel outside December. November, January and February still have dry weather and much lower prices.
- Book refundable early, then keep watching prices.
- Share a driver for the Cape Coast and Kakum day with friends or family.
- Eat where locals eat. It's cheaper and often tastier.
- Get your vaccines early. Rushed travel-clinic visits cost more, and the yellow fever vaccine isn't stocked everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for 10 days in Ghana?
Most travelers spend about $1,400–2,000 per person on the ground for a comfortable 7–10 day trip, plus international flights. A simpler trip can come in closer to $1,000–1,400, and December trips cost more.
Do Americans need a visa for Ghana?
Yes. US citizens need a visa, which you can apply for online through Ghana's official e-Visa portal. Single entry has been about $60. Check the official site for current fees.
Is December the most expensive time to visit Ghana?
Yes. Flights and hotels surge in December because of festival season and diaspora homecoming. November, January and February are good-weather alternatives that cost less.
Can I use US dollars in Ghana?
Day to day, you'll pay in Ghana cedis. Exchange money at banks or licensed forex bureaus, use cards at bigger hotels and restaurants, and set up mobile money if you're staying a while.
Health costs matter too. My Ghana travel health checklist on our sister site covers the yellow fever card, malaria tablets and what to pack.