🐾 Traveling to Ghana with Pets
Pet-Friendly Ghana
Ghana is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly in urban areas and beach destinations. Dogs are common companions in Accra and coastal regions, with many hotels, restaurants, and beaches accommodating well-behaved animals, making it a growing pet-friendly destination in West Africa.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Import Permit
Dogs, cats, and other pets require an import permit from Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) Veterinary Services, applied for at least 14 days before travel.
Include microchip identification, rabies vaccination, and a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination must be current and administered at least 30 days before entry.
Vaccination must be valid for the entire stay; boosters may be required if over a year old.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip number must match all documentation; bring scanner confirmation if traveling from non-compliant countries.
Non-EU/International Countries
Pets from outside require a health certificate from an official veterinarian and possible rabies titer test.
A 40-day quarantine may apply for high-risk countries; contact Ghana embassy for specifics.
Restricted Breeds
No nationwide breed bans, but aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls may face restrictions at airports or in urban areas.
Always leash and muzzle if required by local authorities or transport providers.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and rodents need separate permits; check with MoFA for exotic species.
CITES permits required for endangered animals; additional health checks for primates or reptiles.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Ghana on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Accra & Cape Coast): Many mid-range hotels welcome pets for GHS 50-150/night, offering bowls and nearby green spaces. Chains like Kempinski and Labadi Beach Hotel are reliably pet-friendly.
- Beach Resorts & Lodges (Côte d'Ivoire Border to Volta Region): Coastal accommodations often welcome pets at no extra charge, with direct beach access. Perfect for relaxed holidays with dogs in tropical settings.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and local listings frequently allow pets, especially in Accra. Entire homes offer more freedom for pets to roam and relax.
- Eco-Lodges (National Parks): Lodges near Kakum and Mole National Parks welcome pets and often have wildlife viewing. Ideal for families with children and pets seeking nature experiences.
- Campsites & Beach Camps: Many coastal campsites are pet-friendly, with designated areas and nearby trails. Sites in Ada Foah are popular with pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end resorts like Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra offer pet services including grooming and walking for discerning travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
National Park Trails
Ghana's parks like Kakum and Mole offer pet-friendly trails for leashed dogs.
Keep dogs leashed near wildlife and check park rules at entrances.
Beaches & Coastline
Many beaches in Labadi and Busua have areas for dogs to swim and play.
Check local signage for restrictions; avoid crowded tourist sections.
Cities & Parks
Accra's Independence Square and Labadi Beach Park welcome leashed dogs; outdoor eateries allow pets.
Kumasi's parks permit dogs on leash; most outdoor markets welcome well-behaved pets.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Ghanaian café culture in Accra extends to pets; water bowls are common outside.
Many spots allow dogs at outdoor tables; ask staff before entering.
City Walking Tours
Most outdoor walking tours in Accra and Cape Coast welcome leashed dogs at no extra charge.
Historic sites are pet-friendly; avoid indoor museums with pets.
Boat Trips & Canopy Walks
Many boat tours on Volta Lake allow dogs in carriers; fees typically GHS 20-50.
Check with operators; some require advance booking for pets during peak seasons.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Domestic Buses (STC & VIP): Small dogs travel free in carriers; larger dogs need tickets (GHS 10-20) and must be leashed. Allowed in most coaches except luxury sections.
- Trotros & Urban Transport: Accra and Kumasi shared taxis allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs GHS 5-10 with leash requirement. Avoid peak times.
- Taxis: Ask driver before entering with pets; most accept with notice. Uber and Bolt rides may require pet-friendly selection.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Hertz allow pets with notice and cleaning fee (GHS 100-200). Consider SUVs for larger dogs and road trips.
- Flights to Ghana: Check airline pet policies; Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: British Airways, Delta, and Turkish Airlines accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for GHS 500-1000 each way. Larger dogs in hold with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in Accra (Veterinary Centre) and Kumasi provide urgent care.
Keep travel insurance covering pet emergencies; vet costs range GHS 200-800 for consultations.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Pet shops in Accra stock food, medicine, and accessories from brands like Pedigree.
Pharmacies carry basic pet medications; bring prescriptions for specialized drugs.
Grooming & Day Care
Major cities offer pet grooming and daycare for GHS 100-300 per session or day.
Book ahead in tourist areas; many hotels recommend local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Local services in Accra for pet-sitting during day trips or overnight stays.
Hotels may offer pet-sitting; ask concierge for trusted local providers.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in urban areas, public parks, and protected zones. Beaches may allow off-leash if under control away from crowds.
- Muzzle Requirements: Not widely enforced but recommended for large dogs on public transport. Carry a muzzle for compliance.
- Waste Disposal: Carry poop bags; bins are available in cities but scarce in rural areas. Fines possible for not cleaning up (GHS 50-200).
- Beach & Water Rules: Check beach signage for dog-allowed sections; some ban pets during peak hours. Respect swimmers' space.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets welcome at outdoor tables; ask before indoors. Dogs should remain quiet and on the ground.
- National Parks: Leash pets on trails; restrictions during wildlife seasons. Stay on marked paths to protect ecosystems.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Ghana
Ghana for Families
Ghana is a family adventure with vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, wildlife safaris, and welcoming communities. From historic castles to canopy walks, kids are engaged and parents can relax. Public facilities include family areas, and the tropical vibe suits all ages.
Top Family Attractions
Labadi Beach (Accra)
Vibrant beach with horse rides, drumming shows, and games for all ages.
Entry GHS 10-20; pay for activities. Open daily with food stalls and live music.
Kakum National Park (Central Region)
Canopy walkway and rainforest trails with monkeys, birds, and nature exhibits.
Tickets GHS 40-60 adults, GHS 20-30 kids; full-day family eco-adventure.
Cape Coast Castle (Central Region)
Historic slave castle with guided tours, dungeons, and ocean views kids find fascinating.
Entry GHS 20-40; family-friendly audio guides available.
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum (Accra)
Interactive history museum with gardens, statues, and educational exhibits.
Tickets GHS 10-20 adults, GHS 5 kids; great for school-age children.
Aburi Botanical Gardens (Eastern Region)
Lush gardens with picnic areas, treehouses, and plant exhibits.
Tickets GHS 10-20; relaxing day out near Accra with playgrounds.
Mole National Park (Northern Region)
Safari drives, elephant spotting, and walking trails across savanna.
Family tours GHS 100-200; suitable for kids 5+ with guides.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Ghana on Viator. From beach horse rides to cultural tours, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Accra & Kumasi): Hotels like Golden Tulip offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for GHS 800-1500/night. Amenities include cribs, kids' pools, and play areas.
- Beach Family Resorts (Central Region): All-inclusive resorts with childcare, kids' clubs, and family suites. Properties like Oasis Beach Resort cater to families with programs.
- Eco-Lodges (National Parks): Nature lodges near Kakum welcome families with animal interactions and outdoor play. Prices GHS 400-800/night with meals.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering rentals ideal for families with kitchens. Space for kids and flexibility for meals.
- Budget Guesthouses: Affordable family rooms in guesthouses like those in Cape Coast for GHS 300-600/night. Clean with kitchen access.
- Heritage Hotels: Stay in historic properties like Ridge Royal Hotel for cultural family experience. Kids love the architecture and gardens.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Accra with Kids
Labadi Beach, National Museum, Jamestown lighthouse tours, and Osu street food adventures.
Horse rides and ice cream at beach vendors make Accra fun for children.
Cape Coast with Kids
Castle tours, Kakum canopy walk, Elmina fishing village, and beach picnics.
Drumming workshops and boat rides keep families entertained.
Kumasi with Kids
Manhyia Palace museum, Kejetia market, Bobo Forest monkey spotting, and craft villages.
Adanwomase kente weaving demos and cultural festivals for family fun.
Volta Region (Eastern Ghana)
Wli Waterfalls hikes, Tafi Atome monkey sanctuary, mountain climbs, and lake swims.
Easy trails and picnic spots suitable for young children.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Buses: Children under 5 travel free; ages 5-12 get 50% discount with parent. Family seating available on STC buses with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Accra and Kumasi offer shared taxi passes for families (GHS 20-40/day). Taxis are stroller-accessible.
- Car Rentals: Book child seats (GHS 50-100/day) in advance; required for kids under 12. 4x4s offer space for family gear on rough roads.
- Stroller-Friendly: Urban areas improving with ramps; beaches and parks accessible. Most attractions provide space for strollers.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Restaurants offer child portions of jollof rice, fried yam, or chicken for GHS 20-50. High chairs available in tourist spots.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Chop bars and beach eateries welcome families with casual vibes. Accra's Oxford Street has diverse options.
- Self-Catering: Markets like Makola stock baby food, diapers, and fresh produce. Supermarkets offer imported goods.
- Snacks & Treats: Street vendors sell fan ice, plantain chips, and fruits; great for kids between meals.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Available in malls, hotels, and major attractions with facilities.
- Pharmacies: Stock baby formula, diapers, and medications. Staff assist with recommendations.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange sitters for GHS 100-200/hour. Local agencies in Accra.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in cities; emergencies at hospitals. Travel insurance recommended.
♿ Accessibility in Ghana
Accessible Travel
Ghana is improving accessibility with efforts in urban areas, wheelchair-friendly transport in cities, and inclusive attractions. Tourism boards provide info for planning accessible trips, though rural areas may have challenges.
Transportation Accessibility
- Buses: STC buses offer some wheelchair spaces and ramps in major routes. Book assistance ahead; staff help at terminals.
- City Transport: Taxis and trotros in Accra accommodate folding wheelchairs; apps like Uber provide accessible options.
- Taxis: Wheelchair taxis available in Accra; book via phone. Standard taxis fit manual chairs.
- Airports: Kotoka International Airport provides assistance, accessible toilets, and priority boarding.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Sites: Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum offers wheelchair access and guides. Ramps at major castles.
- Historic Sites: Cape Coast Castle has partial access; some paths challenging due to terrain.
- Nature & Parks: Kakum canopy has ground-level alternatives; beaches with accessible paths in Labadi.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers and wide doors.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (December-March) for beaches and outdoor activities; avoid wet season (April-October) rains.
Harmattan (December-February) offers mild weather, fewer crowds in coastal areas.
Budget Tips
Family attractions offer group discounts; Accra City Tour includes transport savings.
Picnics at beaches and self-catering save money for picky eaters.
Language
English is official; Twi and Ga spoken locally. English widely used in tourist areas.
Ghanaians are friendly; basic greetings appreciated with children and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Light clothes for tropical heat, rain gear for wet season, insect repellent, and sun protection.
Pet owners: bring food (may be limited), leash, waste bags, and vet records.
Useful Apps
Google Maps for navigation, Bolt for rides, and local pet care directories.
MTN or Vodafone apps for mobile data and transport updates.
Health & Safety
Ghana is generally safe; drink bottled water. Pharmacies provide advice.
Emergency: dial 112 or 191 for police/medical. Travel insurance essential.