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Heading To Ghana? Here are Some Tips and Things to Do When You Get There
Whether it’s your fi rst time in Ghana, or you’re a returning traveler looking for something new to do, here are our tips for things to do when in this beautiful African country.
Do Your Homework
Heading to Accra? It’s best to do some homework before your big trip. Accra is a busy city, similar to NYC and can get quite loud and crowded. It’s also hot — very hot. Make sure to prepare yourself for the hustle of the city!
There is always something to do, so be prepared to not get much sleep and to always be on the go. Locals usually hit up fi ve or six spots during their nights out.
How To Cool Off From The Intense Heat
The heat of the city can get unbearable but the pool at La Villa Boutique Hotel is the perfect way to cool down. After swimming or relaxing, you can indulge in a delicious Italian meal at the hotel.
If you want to chill by the beach, make plans to head to Busua Beach in the Western Region. You can get a quick 45-minute fl ight from Accra or embark on a six-hour road trip.
Another place to cool off is in Takoradi, a town fi lled with beaches and hotels. You can also drive to Aburi and check out the Hillburi hotel, overlooking the city of Accra.
An insider’s tip: head to Dixcove, along the western region of the country to spot dolphins!
Where To Eat
A great breakfast can be found at the luxury boutique hotel, Villa Monticello located in the Airport Residential Area.
For local food, head to Bush Canteen located in East Legon.
Serving up traditional foods like fufu is Dimaensa restaurant, located in the Abelenkpe district.
Gold Coast Restaurant is another great spot for traditional food. Be sure to head there on Friday nights for live music.
Royal Senchi Restaurant has exceptional meals as well as a pool to relax by.
Street vendors are the best choice when wanting to try dishes such as fried yams, plantains, white fi sh stew, and chicken fi llets.
Zion Thai is perfect to get your Asian food fi x while some of the best sushi is located at the upscale Santoku.
Where To Drink And Party
Enjoy drinks with friends at a street pub named Republic and afterward head to Front/Back, a speakeasy that appears as a container from the exterior.
Sky Bar 25 is where you’ll find the “who’s who” of Accra as well as a wonderful view of the city.
Ace Tantra is a known nightclub and afterward, you can head straight to the BurgerBoyz, which is opened until 5 am to feed hungry people after the club.
On Friday nights there is a party called Serallio, in an open-air atmosphere with dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
Purple Pub is a great place to drink and enjoy chill vibes and a dope group of people.
Where To Get Your Arts And Culture Fix
The art scene in Ghana is on the rise. Jamestown is perfect for graffi ti and it’s annual Chale Wote Festival, a visual arts event taking place every August.
BBnZ Live is a great place to meet and network with the young creatives and entrepreneurs of Ghana.
Another great spot is Elle Lokko, a place where artists sell their work and a hub for local fashion and culture.
Osu has lots of shops, restaurants and is a true
Experience the Beauty of Ghana, According to Bozoma Saint John
Palace.
She was honored to be sitting in the presence of black excellence and the next generation of changemakers at the Jubilee House, the
presidential palace and residence of President
Nana Akufo-Addo. Bozoma also met with
The Year of the Return (2019) is Ghana’s campaign, declared by
President Nana Addo Dankwa
Akufo-Addo, encouraging African descendants to come home to the Motherland. Involved in the campaign are celebs like Boris Kodjoe, Gabby Sidibe, Jidenna, Steve Harvey and Bozoma Saint John. Recently, Saint John documented her trip home to Ghana, sharing local hotspots, partying with Kofi Siriboe, and dining with royalty in fashionable threads.
Check out Bozoma experiencing the beauty of Ghana below.
Visit the Independence Square.
Also known as Black Star Square, this monumental area is located in Accra and was commissioned for construction in 1957, the same year Ghana gained its independence. The Black Star Gate, the second-largest independence square in the world, symbolizes the essence of the people in Ghana. Normally empty, this huge square open to the public and now hosts special celebrations such as military parades, concerts, occasional fashion shows, and national festivals. It is also known as a memorial of the Unknown Solider.
Gather Amongst Royalty at the Presidential Polish’d Nail & Beauty Bar
Ghanaian basketball executive Pops MensahBonsu, who plans to establish a professional basketball league in Ghana under the African Basketball League and music exec and label owner Tunde Balogun, helping to advance black industry executives. see page 40
representation of being young and free in Ghana. Christie Brown is a great shop to pop into for designer Ghanaian items.
Omanye House is an art gallery showcasing works by artists from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Togo. It also has a bar overlooking the ocean in the back.
Makola Market is perfect for shopping with locals and taking in the culture of Ghanaians. It’s also a great place to purchase souvenirs.
The Shop sells work from 400 artists and creatives in Ghana. There are also performances and a cafe in this space and it’s opened 12 hours a day.
Legon Botanical Garden is perfect to get your nature fix while the National Theatre off ers cultural productions.
To fi nd out more about Ghanaian culture and news, check out the Sincerely Accra podcast. Writer: Kelsey Marie https://travelnoire.com/ghana-tips-things-to-do Image credits: thesoleadventurer.com
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10 Of The Best Luxury Hotels in West Africa
West Africa is rich in art, food, and culture, and when combined with its welcoming atmosphere, off ers a vacation that is unmatched from the rest of the continent. Be sure to provide your one-of-a-kind experience with luxury. Here are some of the best luxurious hotel accommodations in West Africa.
Ibis Lomé Centre – Lome, Togo
Facing the Atlantic ocean, the Ibis Lomé Centre Hotel is located in the city center, in between the National Assembly and the Residence of the French Embassy.
Movenpick Ambassador Hotel – Accra, Ghana
Set in Accra’s vibrant business district, Movenpick Ambassador Hotel is a stylish hotel that will provide a relaxing atmosphere and convenience.
One thing you will love about your stay is the more than 2,500 pieces of Ghanaian art used to decorate this stunning hotel.
Eko Hotel And Suites – Lagos, Nigeria
Located in the heart of Victoria Island, Eko Hotel and Suites offers guests a perfect blend of relaxation, activities, and African tradition delicately infused to meet the highest international standards, according to the company’s website.
NOOM Hotel Conakry – Kaloum, Guinea
Staff at NOOM Hotel Conakry staff prides itself
Beauty of Ghana - from page 39
Savor the best Ghanaian Jollof and Chocolate.
Bozoma was “shooketh” after she fell in love with the Ghanian Jollof, made with quinoa at a catered dinner. It was prepared by entrepreneur Femi Adetola of Madame Butterfl y, an Asianfusion restaurant in Accra. She also enjoyed chocolate from the best chocolate makers in Ghana, Bioko Treats.
Get Pampered and Polished at Polish’d Nail & Beauty Bar.
Bozoma spent her self-care Sunday getting in a quick workout, followed by some pampering at Polish’d Nail & Beauty Bar for a pedicure.
Learn Adowa Dance.
This was her fi rst return to Akwamu after being crowned as the Odupomma (Queen) of Akwamu, accompanied by activist Colin Kapernick. The pair celebrated Queen Mother’s 55-year reign, amongst family and friends performing Adowa dance, created for people to express themselves using their hands and feet in costume. Writer: Rachel George https://travelnoire.com/experience-ghanabozoma-saint-john
on being a place that combines business and pleasure.
Inside the luxury hotel, guests will fi nd African art and contemporary design, an Afro-fusion restaurant, and an infi nity pool that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
The Royal Senchi Hotel – Akosombo, Ghana
Situated about 90 minutes away from the capital city Accra, The Royal Senchi offers
spectacular views of the Volta River. Le Wafou – Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire
From the scenery to the stunning African architecture, food, and more, you will fall in love with Le Wafou in Abidjan.
Sheraton Lagos Hotel – Lagos, Nigeria
The Sheraton Lagos Hotel is where you will fi nd a hotel that offers guests houses, suites, private bathrooms, shops-on-site, a tennis court and a fi tness center.
Tang Palace – Accra, Ghana
Feel like royalty during your stay at The Tang Palace Hotel in Accra. The hotel has nine diff erent room types that guests can choose from that are all beautifully furnished.
Hotel Hilton – Yaoundé, Cameroon
Located in the heart Yaounde, Hotel Hilton is in close proximity to the National Museum, the zoo, and the National Craft Market.l
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City – Accra, Ghana
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City is the only fi vestar luxury hotel in Accra. Conveniently located downtown, the property has more than 200 luxury rooms, including 24 suites, and a spa.
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Lagos, Nigeria Restaurants: Best Local Cuisine
Lagos is one of the most populated cities in the world and is a melting pot of culture, therefore, it is also one of the mega locations in Africa for fi ne food. No matter what type of food you are craving, you can fi nd it in Lagos.
Villa Medici
Villa Medici is one of the top places in Lagos for European culinary infl uences and is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. The menu has a French infl uence, including frogs’ legs and escargots for les hors d’oeurve. There are also fi ne wines to accompany your meal. The Jazzhole
The Jazzhole is a great place to dine while escaping the buzz of the city but this is much more than a cafe. This is also an iconic record shop, and bookshop. The Jazzhole off ers almost forty varieties of tea, served in individual tin teapots plus you can get fresh sandwiches. While dining you can listen to live jazz and soul performances.
The Yellow Chilli
The Yellow Chilli features traditional African dishes with a modern twist is one of Lagos’ newest restaurants, The Yellow Chilli menu off ers exciting several options such as Isi-Ewu, and a yam pottage special with beef and snail. You can also get continental plates. The Yello Chilli combines the very best of local and international gastronomy. With several dining options, you are sure to fi nd something you like at The Yellow Chilli.
Bottle’s Restaurant
If you are in the mood for some Mexican food Bottle’s Restaurant tops the list in Lagos. Bottle’s is known for their fajitas and frozen margaritas, Although the food is great the fun doesn’t stop there. You will also love the atmosphere of Old Mexico. With great food and the Mexican theme, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip to Mexico.
Eko Sky Restaurant and Lounge
If you are looking to take a break from the busy streets of Lagos, the Sky Restaurant and Lounge is a good place to check out. They off er fantastic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, along with great food. When you dine at the Sky Restaurant and Lounge you will have a menu selection that includes food from Nigerian, Asian, European and North American. To complement your dinner they off er an array of fi ne wines. The great food and relaxing atmosphere should be this restaurant a the top of your places to try while visiting Nigeria.
Bungalow Restaurant
If you are looking for something comfortable but modern, you can’t beat the Bungalow Restaurant. They have been serving some of the best food in Lagos since 2004. The Bungalow’s menu includes everything from pizzas to burgers, and crepes, as well as fajitas. If you want some music with your meal, they feature live jazz music every Thursday. This is where you go when you love local food but are getting homesick for a good old-fashioned pizza. https://travelnoire.com/lagos-nigeria-restaurants-bestlocal-cuisine
Best Things To Do In Lagos, Nigeria
When visiting Lagos you won’t lack in things to do. This exciting and culturally diverse city off ers something from everyone. From exotic sights to delightful food and cultural activities, there is always something to do.
New Afrika Shrine
Though the original shrine was burnt down, this replacement is operated by Fela’s children is one of the best places to visit in the area. While visiting you will have access to snacks, wine, and ice cream.
Terra Kulture
If you are near Bar Beach, you might want to visit this arts center. The Terra Kulture Center is housed in a building with a high bamboo roof that also houses a traditional restaurant considered to be one of the best places to eat in Lagos. There are a number of great dishes to choose from such as the catfi sh with pounded yam, as well as spicy soup. In addition to an art gallery, a bookshop. There is also a theater.
Quintessence
Located in the gated Parkview estate is one of the most quaint shops in Lagos. Quintessence sells artworks and crafts, clothes and antique carvings and artifacts. If you want colorful clothes as a reminder of your vacation, this is the place to go. They carry a variety of clothes so you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Freedom Park
At one time this park was the Old Broad Street Prison and an instrument of oppression. Recently, it was converted to a cultural center and venue for events and concerts, as well as a museum. There is also a food court and a market here. The history buff will also want to see the old prison structures that are still standing.
Nike Art Gallery
This gallery is operated by one of Nigeria’s most important artists, Nike Okundaye. Here you’ll fi nd contemporary as well as traditional Nigerian arts. The beautiful soul of Nike is evident throughout the gallery. It isn’t unusual for her to drop in so if you’ll lucky you’ll even get to meet this famous artist.
Lekki Market
Lekki Market offers a rich variety of crafts from both Nigeria and West Africa. If you are searching for aff ordable gifts, this is an awesome place to shop. In addition to crafts, they sell fabric and clothes.
Motherlan’
This outdoor venue is owned by popular maskwearing musician Lagbaja. This is a great place
FUNTOPIA
to listen to some local musicians if you are looking to pass an hour or two.
Funtopia Water Park
Funtopia Water Park is a fantastic place to check out if you are looking for fun things to do in Lagos. This family park features both indoor and outdoor entertainment with a wide range of activities. The park boasts three giant water slides as well as three interconnecting pools, an arcade and computer center for games. You will also fi nd a billiards center and table tennis, plus much more. https://travelnoire.com/best-things-lagos-nigeria Image credit: legit.ng
