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The city of Cape Coast located in the central region of Ghana, is a living legacy of the era of slave trading and colonialism -- a stunning coastline with a notorious past. Originally the capital of Gold Coast (Ghana's former name) under Portuguese and then British rule, over a three hundred year period several million shackled slaves left the imposing Cape Coast Castle bound by ship for the New World. Today, visitors gaze out at the Ghanaian fisherman unloading their day's catch in the shallow waters beneath the imposing fortified walls of this UNESCO World Heritage listed castle.
The entire stretch of coastline is dotted with some of the oldest examples of European-style architecture outside the continent; close to 60 forts, trading stations and castles lie along Ghana's 300-mile stretch of coast, although several have not survived the ravages of time. Travelers will be captivated by Cape Coast Castle and the 15th-century Elmina Castle and Fort St Jago in the neighboring town of Elmina. Just inland from the coast is Kakum National Park, a visually impressive and easily accessible rainforest with canopy walkways providing panoramic vistas and viewing platforms from which to watch the abundant wildlife including crocodiles, monkeys and exotic birds. Apart from stepping back in time, the area offers exceptional opportunities for safaris, trekking, fishing, canoeing and sailing, plus a chance to experience a more traditional Ghanaian lifestyle, away from the bustle of the capital city Accra.
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Getting There
By Air: North American Airlines (tel. 800/FLY-NAA2; www.flynaa.com) offers non-stop flights from New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport to Accra once per week (each Sunday). NAA also flies from Baltimore to Accra via New York. Delta Airlines (tel. 800/241-4141; www.delta.com) flies non-stop from New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport to Accra four times per week.
By Land: Cape Coast is 75 miles southwest of Accra and accessible by bus or taxi from the capital.
Required Documents: U.S. citizens require a tourist visa (and Yellow Fever Vaccination), available from Ghana's Embassy in Washington DC (www.ghana-embassy.org) and Consulate General in New York (www.ghanaconsulatenewyork.org) for $50. Allow 14-days for processing.
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Where to Stay
Bridge House (tel. +233/42-91261; www.coconutgrovehotels.com.gh/BridgeHouse/bridgehouse_index.htm) located directly across from Elmina Castle. Price: Moderate; includes breakfast
Biriwa Beach Hotel (tel. +233/244-446277; www.hotelbiriwabeach.com) is located in the tiny fishing village of Biriwa. Price: Inexpensive; includes breakfast.
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