Natural beauty, vibrant cities and traditional culture all come together to make Ghana in west Africa one of the most intriguing destinations in the world.

It is the diversity of attractions that makes Ghana one of the most fascinating holiday destinations in Africa. Get a rather intense introduction to the country by flying into Accra, the capital city and home to some of the most important cultural institutions. During your Ghana getaway, make sure you visit the National Museum, to learn about Ghana’s history through the museum’s artefacts and exhibits.

For more of Ghana’s history explore further along the Atlantic coast, where the UNESCO World Heritage-inscribed castles and forts of the European colonial era are a reminder of some of the more troubled periods in Ghana’s history. Find a local guide who will help bring the stories to life.

The castles and forts of the Western Coast are also close to some of Ghana’s nicest beach resorts. And at towns like Elmina or Cape Coast, you can combine the relaxation of a beach holiday with the experience of life in still-working fishing communities.

Head inland to hike or bike through the natural beauty of Ghana and you can discover traditional culture in the Ashanti region at the same time. The capital of Ashanti, Kumasi, has a number of important sites of the Ashanti culture. Look out for the Manhyia Palace Museum, the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and the Centre for National Culture.

There is also a number of craft villages around Kumasi, where you can get a real sense of traditional methods of manufacture. Join a tour to Ntonso to see Adinkra cloth printing close up.

Make time in your holiday to Ghana to see the Mole, Kakum and Digya National Parks as well as the Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary and the Aburi Botanical Gardens. Another must-see is a visit to Lake Volta, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Boat trips take you out on to the lake, or you can take to the hiking trails that follow the lake shore through the forests and rolling hills.

When you combine Ghana’s attractions with one of the warmest of welcomes in Africa, you’ll wish your holiday could last longer.