- I spent my 40th birthday in Ghana with nine of my closest friends — we spent about $35,000 total.
- We stayed at a five-star hotel in Accra and saw sites in the Cape Coast and the Volta Region.
- We organized the trip with a tour company. It was incredible, and I felt connected to my roots.
I've traveled to over 30 countries all over the world, so I knew I wanted to take an epic trip for my 40th birthday.
It was important for me to feel rooted in and connected to my heritage as I entered a new decade, so I chose to visit Ghana in West Africa with nine of my closest friends.
I've spent considerable amounts of time in southern and eastern Africa but only visited Ghana once in 2017. My time there left a considerable impact on me, so I wanted to celebrate my milestone birthday there with friends.
Between the vaccinations, flight, hotel, planned activities, food, and drinks, we each paid about $3,500 for the trip. It was money well spent.
Ghana offered a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making it the perfect place to celebrate my birthday.
Here's what our experience was like.
We researched Ghana's entry requirements ahead of time
It's always worth checking the latest entry requirements and health advisories before traveling to Ghana.
When we visited, we needed a valid passport and a visa. It was easy to request a visa on the Embassy of Ghana's website. Most of us received our passports from the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC, in about two weeks.
We also made sure to get travel insurance and any necessary vaccinations.
We stayed in Accra and organized the trip with the help of a Ghana-based tour company
Since we only had about five full days to spend in Ghana, we worked with Awuni Tours Ghana to curate an itinerary based on our interests.
The guides made sure we didn't have to worry about a single aspect of our trip. They knew the ins and outs of the city and provided our transportation to each activity, too.
I highly recommend working with them or another local Ghana-based tour company, but be sure to read reviews first.
We visited many sites in Accra, Cape Coast, and the Volta Region
We stayed at the Kempinski Hotel in Ghana's capital, Accra, for a week. It's centrally located and is one of few five-star hotels in Accra.
When we weren't on our daily excursions, the Kempinski's pool and spa were the perfect respite. Getting the hotel breakfast, which we could add on to our stay, was also a great way to start each day.
While in Accra, we visited iconic landmarks such as Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Makola Market, and the W.E.B. DuBois Centre. We also enjoyed the city's vibrant nightlife.
On a different day, we drove three hours to the Cape Coast region and visited the Cape Coast Castle.
This was once a trading post from which thousands of enslaved Africans set off for their forced journey across the Atlantic Ocean. There, we were able to go through the "Door of No Return," which they would've passed through to be led onto ships. It was a moving experience that's not to be missed.
We also received traditional Ghanaian names from a local tribal chief who welcomed us "home" as descendants of Africa.
While in the Volta Region, we took a 30-minute boat ride at the Royal Senchi Resort and then had the most delicious lunch at the hotel restaurant. It was about two hours away from Accra, but worth the drive to see another region in Ghana.
We ate and drank well throughout the trip
We tried to strike the perfect balance between trying new Ghanaian dishes and enjoying other foods from around the world.
We ate traditional dishes such as jollof rice (a dish made with tomatoes, chiles, and spices), banku (fermented dough balls), and kelewele (spicy fried plantains). We even took a cooking class with a local chef to learn how to make traditional dishes.
For lunch, we went to local eateries like Chez Clarisse and Buka. For dinner, we stopped at several more upscale restaurants, like Shogun and Bella Afrik.
This was the best way for me to spend my 40th birthday
Celebrating my 40th in Ghana was not just about the destination; it was about creating lasting memories filled with adventure, culture, and relaxation.
With its welcoming people, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Ghana offered an unforgettable experience that made my milestone birthday truly special.
