Travelling. Mpraeso, Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Accra

Tro-tro to Kumasia, probably change in Nkawkaw. STC (probably also other bus companies, or tro-tro) to Takoradi. Then tro-tro to Cape Coast from where you can take the STC or the comfortable a/c Ford Express to Accra.

Have you both been completely stationary in Mpraeso since you seem to know nothing about transport in Ghana? For accomodation RTFF and/or use a guide book like Lonely Planet or Bradt - this will also tell you that Green Turtle Lodge is not in Takoradi ;-)

Get a Ford Fast Car ... all the way to Takoradi, far easier, STC is rubbish these days!

Green Turtle is over an hour from Takoradi, if you want to surf or fight a current, it's ideal but if you want to swimin safety I suggest www.ezilebay.com - far more relaxed & no rip current to deal with

Enjoy!

Kira

Definitely agree with Kira, avoid the STC if you can.. Green Turtle is still recommended by loads of people, and booking is a good idea as it's very popular (especially with students and volunteers).

If you have time come by Stumble Inn - we're just by Elmina, and there's lots to do around the area!

Hope you have a good trip..

Is there Ford Express service between Kumasi and Takoradi ? That seems to be the route the volunteers plan to go.

For Cape Coast I can recommend the Sammo Guest House. It's very cheap and and has been a favorite for volunteers/backpackers for a long time. They have a rooftop restaurant which is pretty cool even if they don't have everything on the menu. I have stayed there on 6 or 7 trips, and I'm not even on a tight budget! Bring your own towels and soap....

Also, if you choose Busua beach near Takoradi, I can recommend the Dadson's in terms of a solid structure at a good price. There are cheaper places right on the beach but they don't look too appealing to me from the outside--but everyone has their own standard based upon their budget.

www.busuainn.com is a little more than Dadson's but has the added advantage of being on the beach with an excellent restaurant!

Taharqa - have you been down to Ezile yet?!?

Kira

I am going to Ghana on the 30th August so I am not actually there and have never been, hence my cluelessness. I am aware the questions I am asking might be stupid but I have no idea so thought it was better to ask.

Where do you get these Ford fast cars from? Do you book them or is it like an on the day thing?

Approx how much do you think it will cost for the travelling to each of these places? We just have no idea as to how much things might cost so it's making it quite difficult.

Thanks so much for your help, its very appreciated.

Ford fast cars leave from their own depots, in Cape Coast & Takoradi they are easy to find after asking around a bit

Not sure about their depot in Accra as I was dropped off in the middle of an industrial estate.

They go when they are fulll, great drivers, air con & a good/fast service

Kira

If you want to get the Ford 'fast car' from Accra to Takoradi or Cape Coast then you should go to Kaneshie station and look for the Ford vans parked along side the main road. No reservations, they just go as they fill up, which shouldn't take long if you leave in the morning.

I think from Accra to Takoradi in the fast car should be around 10-11 cedis. Accra--Cape Coast is 7-8 cedis. If you really are on a budget then you can take a tro-tro for less and just deal with the discomfort. I've done Accra to both Cape Coast and Takoradi in tro-tros and survived and I'm 6'2"!

Kira--yes, Busua Inn is a very nice hotel and the management is very friendly and helpful, but the poster was looking for the cheapest option and it's not a budget hotel....

Ezile Bay: I was there like three years ago....it was still under construction so I'm sure I wouldn't recognize it today-- yes the beach is among the safest in Ghana for swimming. I don't know current prices...