A Journey to Ghana: Experience a Mirror of All Africa

Ghana is often overlooked as a travel destination in Africa. Undoubtedly a mistake, as this West African nation boasts intriguing sights, cultures, and breathtaking nature-savannas, rainforests, mountains, and beaches.

Akwaaba - in Ghana, this means not just 'hello' but 'welcome'. It represents the joy of life and hospitality found here. 'Welcome home, you're finally here, my sister' - these were the words and a warm embrace I received from my 70-year-old host mom, Mama Mina, when I arrived in Accra in August 2018, to work as a volunteer.

Her heartfelt example was followed by many more people-colleagues, tour guides, even strangers on the street. Indeed, I've rarely felt as welcome in any place as I have in Ghana.

What impressed me even more-and what makes this West African country one of my top travel destinations: The country is essentially a microcosm of all of Africa. Its expansive landscapes, cultural diversity, and ethnic variety mirror the entire continent within Ghana's 92,100 square miles.

On one side, there's the chaos in the big cities, especially Accra. The capital of Ghana with two million residents serves as the country's economic hub. It's loud here, and you'll encounter poverty, thousands of tin shacks, traffic chaos, crowded markets, open drainage systems, and lots of trash burning openly on the streets.

Nevertheless, Accra is also exciting, and there's never a dull moment with the shopping malls, markets, bars, museums, and theaters.

Then there's the other side, the tranquility found in the diverse nature: In the south by the sea, the landscape is lush and fertile, offering secluded beaches and rainforests. In Kakum National Park, you can experience it uniquely from 130 feet high on West Africa's only canopy walkway.

In central Ghana, you will find idyllic lakes, mountains, and the highest waterfall in West Africa, which you reach after several hours of hiking. In the north near the border with Burkina Faso, the landscape is drier, where you can experience the savannah and go on safari in Mole National Park to observe elephants, monkeys, antelopes, and other wildlife.

The cultures you'll encounter in Ghana are as diverse as the country's nature. Over a hundred tribes in Ghana, each with its own languages-from Fante to Ga to Twi-and cultural roots. In northern Ghana, you can visit the Larabanga Mosque, one of the oldest of its kind in Africa.

In the Ashanti region, you can learn more about the rich heritage of the kingdom and what makes the colorful Kente fabrics so special. Each pattern holds a meaning, symbolizes an event, or a concept. Moreover, on the coast, you'll encounter impressive and sobering remnants of colonial history, including the 'Door of No Return' at Elmina Castle, through which thousands of Africans were sent into slavery.

To truly explore the country, take your time. You'll need it not just to see everything. The country isn't as tourist-oriented as other African nations-you'll need a knack for improvisation, initiative, and patience. Honestly, traveling there isn't always easy.

However, if you don't require perfectly planned, luxurious vacations like I don't, Ghana will captivate you with its variety and intensity, revealing a world where the chaos of big cities meets breathtaking, diverse nature and wildlife.