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This is a traditional dance of the Ewe tribe of the Volta Region.Performed by men and women accompanied by drums, rattles and gong-gong, there are …

AGBADZA DANCE

Africa is not like traveling to other countries or continents. It takes more than simply buying a plane ticket, packing your bags and going. It is a process to say the least. The pieces of the puzzle have to slowly come together before you leave for Africa. And now that the world is in the middle of a pandemic, there is even more to consider.

The first challenge is to decide which country you will travel to. Africa, as I have mentioned in prior blogs, is an extremely large continent consisting of 54 countries. All of the countries have something exciting and adventurous to offer. So, depending on what type of experience you are looking for will certainly determine which African country you choose to travel to. And why just go to one country while in Africa? If you have a reentry Visa, you can leave the country traveled to visit another country providing the country has Visa on arrival, and then return. Do your research.

Once dates are chosen, then the next step is to purchase your round-trip flight. Tickets to Africa or specifically to Ghana, can range from $1,100 up and on rare occasions, you can find a flight under $1,100, but it will most certainly have two layovers, and it will be extremely long; some taking up to 24 hours. Obviously, the key is to purchase early.

I will attempt to loosely connect the dots and put the pieces of the puzzle together in regard to traveling to Africa, specifically Ghana, which is known as The Gold Coast, the Gateway to Africa and The Jewel of Africa.

Just as most countries require a Passport for entry into their country, Ghana is no exception. To enter into the Republic of Ghana, you will need a valid Passport and a Visa that will last the duration of your trip. Most people are traveling for vacation purposes. Therefore, a “Travel Visa,” which lasts about 90 days, will be required. The application process will vary depending on if you apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The price of the Visa, as well as the “turnaround time” will vary depending on which office you apply through. Be sure to read and follow the instructions of the application as they are very specific. Even consider calling the office to speak to someone to assure you are clear as to what is needed, as not to slow down the process. Remember, your Visa has to be back in time for your travel date and the time period has to last throughout the duration of your travels.

Something I feel is very important when traveling to a new country is to connect with people on the ground, especially if you are traveling solo or if you plan on staying for any period of time. Ask friends who they know in the country you are traveling to, join Facebook groups and other social media sites in order to connect with other travelers. My experience is that people all over the world are happy to connect and share any information they can. Of course, be wise and cautious when dealing with people you do not personally know. It is best to check with friends and family.

Now it is time to prepare a detailed list or an itinerary in order to map out your trip. Consider a Travel Advisor if you have the extra money to do so. In my case, I was able to barter with a Travel Advisor in Ghana that I met on a WhatsApp group that came highly recommended. Since I have a blog and will be vlogging my trip as well, I was able to barter with my tour guide because he also has a blog and vlog site.

In addition to an itinerary, make a list of items you wish to carry on your trip. Keep in mind the length of time on the trip, what type of excursions or activities you will be participating in on the trip, as well as what the luggage requirements are; how many bag(s) can be checked before the airline will charge the traveler. Most airlines allow at least one bag at 50 pounds, but to be sure always go directly to the airline’s website and read the instructions pertaining to checked luggage and carry-on luggage. Most airlines are very clear and specific when it comes to luggage.

How much money will you need to take or have available? Well of course that will depend on a number of things; what country you are traveling to, the length of time you are staying, are there children traveling with you, are you staying with friends or family once you arrive or will you need to rent lodging via Airbnb or some other rental source. This really depends on the person and the number of individuals traveling. An individual traveling may be able to stay comfortably with family or friends, whereby a family traveling may need more space and privacy, therefore opting to rent space for lodging. Whatever the case, plan this part of your trip carefully and thoroughly. Shop around or even consider a Travel Advisor to assist you with this part of your trip.

Once you land, how will you or your family get around? In the country of Ghana this can be a very minimal fee if you use the public transportation or “tro tros.” Tro tros can range from about 1 to 2 GHS or Ghana Cedis, which one Ghana Cedis fluctuates from day to day, but presently is about $.19. This is great news! There are other means of transportation from Ubers to private vehicles for rental.

The food; omg the food! From what my sources tell me, the food is to die for! Well not literally, but I hear the food in Ghana is spectacular from the fufu, to the ground nut soup to red red to kenkey with tilapia and pepper sauce; I hear travelers love the Ghanaian dishes. The Ghanaian people have a secret oil that is specific to their culture called palm oil. This “palm oil” I hear makes all the difference in the flavor of the food. Oh my, my taste buds are already watering. I have had the opportunity to try African food several times, and if my small taste of food is any indication of what I am in store for, then I can’t wait to get to Ghana. The Ghanaians also have a drink called “palm wine” that I hear is delicious as well. I can’t wait to try it! But what does it cost to eat and eat well while in Ghana? Not surprisingly, the food dishes tend to be a lot less in price compared to the U.S. In addition, it really depends on what part of Ghana you find yourself. Of course, the capital of Ghana being Accra, will be much more expensive than in other parts of Ghana outside of the city.

One last tip and maybe the most important, don’t forget to allocate funds for souvenirs. Ghana has some of the largest markets and you will be able to find almost anything at their markets from clothing items to art pieces to spices to jewelry to unique African items that are specific to Ghana. So, leave some room in your luggage because you will certainly need it.

So now that you are prepared, start the packing process because Africa awaits your arrival! As the Ghanaians say, “Akwabba!” You are welcome!!! ❤️🖤💚

Until next time … may our ancestors be with us. Let the journey begin!

Demetra “Afua” Driskell

***African Proverb: “If you want to know the end, look at the beginning.”

Photos and illustrations by @detravelingfotografa

I am Demetra Graham Driskell, an African woman born and raised in the United States of America. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and I have worked in the field of Social Services for over twenty years. I am a Mother of three young adults, a Grandmother of two precious Granddaughters and now a Blogger. It is my dream and goal to bring my story of my personal journey to the continent of Africa, raw and uncut to those in the diaspora that have eyes to see, ears to hear and a mind to absorb the truth about this massive continent. Innately I know this story must be documented from beginning to end. And so, as I like to say, the journey begins.

Africa and Safari go hand-in-hand; this entire continent is a dream for nature and wildlife fanatics worldwide. Every Safari destination has its own special virtues; North Mole is best known for the quality of its accommodation, peaceful and carefully managed private reserves, and its diversity of landscape and ecosystems. Mole lies in the north of…
— Read on detravelingfotografa.wordpress.com/2019/03/20/walking-with-the-elepants-from-ghana-mole-national-park/

Roughly nine months into the coronavirus pandemic, most African countries have fared significantly better than other parts of the world.
— Read on www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/africa-has-held-worst-coronavirus-researchers-are-working-figure-out-n1241026

www.youtube.com/watch

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So if you were not aware, the Ghanaian President closed the borders of Ghana months ago due to COVID-19. His main concern of course was to protect the people of Ghana. It was determined that the first cases of the Coronavirus was brought to the country by travelers coming into the country. President Nana Akufo-Addo reacted quickly in response to the pandemic by closing the borders to all international flights.

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As of September 1, 2020, President Akufo-Addo announced during his 16th address to the nation, that the country is prepared to receive international visitors. He advised that this decision has been communicated to international airlines across the world. The President and his staff did an excellent job in communicating very clearly to the diaspora and others that are thinking of traveling to Ghana within in the upcoming months, the requirements in entering the country.

So specifically, what is required in order to enter the country? President Akufo-Addo and his staff have stated the following in order to enter the country.

Each passenger will undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test at the airport terminal. The cost of this test is $150 that will be absorbed by all passengers. All travelers will receive the results in approximately 30 minutes and if the results are negative, travelers will be free to leave the airport and go about their “lawful” activities. All travelers will be advised to continue to observe COVID-19 safety precautions during their stay in the country.

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As you may be aware, Ghana is considered to be the “gateway” to Africa. The country hosts thousands and into the millions of visitors, travelers and diasporans yearly. It has been reported that three to five thousand diasporans have repatriated back to the country and that number continues to grow. Ghana has done an excellent job of reaching out and welcoming diasporans and other guests to the country. As they say in their universal language Twi, “Akawaaba” which means you are welcome!

So, is the extra cost a bummer? Of course it it! It is not a cheap venture to travel to Africa. After getting your passport, purchasing your ticket, getting the yellow fever immunization shot, obtaining your Visa, budgeting your lodging, food, transportation, excursion fees, tour guides, tipping individuals, souvenirs that come in the form of authentic African clothing, prints, spices, jewelry, etc. one can assume travelers are out of several thousands of dollars. However, what other choice do we have? And keep in mind, this is a once in a lifetime trip.

So here is the good news. The President is not requiring any quarantine at the expense of travelers providing the results are negative. Travelers are only delayed an additional 30 minutes in order to get the results of their tests. Considering other countries protocol during this pandemic, a 30 minute delay is welcomed. Some countries in Africa are requiring a quarantine time of 24 hours up to two weeks for some countries. I’ll take the 30 minutes!

Prior to traveling, passengers are advised to complete a mandatory Port Health Declaration Form using the portal https://www.ghs-hdf.org/hdf/ before arriving at Kotoka International Airport. When travelers enter the site, they have the option of completing the form in English or French. In classic Ghanaian language, the Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service/Port Health Unit asks travelers to “Kindly Fill This Form.” The form is fairly straight forward and simple. Half way down the form it asks for the last countries visited in the last 14 days starting from the last country. It goes on to ask the purpose of your visit, your Passport Number, the Airline you are traveling, flight number, seat number, the person(s) you are visiting in Ghana and that person(s) phone number, etc.

Some may have their views and opinions about all the protocols that have been put in place and we are all entitled to our opinions. However, what we have to keep in mind is “are we really going to let a little discomfort and money keep us from experiencing this great continent?” For those of us that have received “the calling” to come home, we have no choice but to follow protocol, pay the extra money that may not have been budgeted into your trip and enter, because following through and entering the “gateway” to Africa just might change you life forever!

Until next time … may our Ancestors be with us.

Demetra

~The worlds of the elders do not lock all the doors; they leave the right door open. Zambian proverb

I am Demetra Graham Driskell, an African woman born and raised in the United States of America. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and I have worked in the field of Social Services for over twenty years. I am a Mother of three young adults, a Grandmother of two precious Granddaughters and now a Blogger. It is my dream and goal to bring my story of my personal journey to the continent of Africa, raw and uncut to those in the diaspora that have eyes to see, ears to hear and a mind to absorb the truth about this massive continent. Innately, I know this story must be told; it must be documented from beginning to end. And so, as I like to say, the journey begins.

So, as we find ourselves in the middle of a pandemic, I asked myself should I postpone my trip? Is the Ghanaian government going to open the borders back up? If so, when? If when, what are the restrictions going to be traveling from the United States to Ghana? So many questions … so many uncertainties.

To give you a few facts, I come from a state that is in the top three states in the country that are considered “hot spots.” I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Florida; the “Sunshine State.” Presently, in the state of Florida there are over 5,800 new cases and 276 deaths related to COVID-19 just today. It is fair to say that the coronavirus is not under control in the state of Florida and it definitely is not under control in the United States. The U.S. has surpassed over 500,000 cases of COVID-19, which is devastating and quite embarrassing. Even more embarrassing, is the fact that the U.S. leads the world in COVID-19 cases, which poses a huge problem for travelers wanting to venture outside of the United States.

Most countries around the world, understandably so, are placing strict restrictions on travelers from the United States. The country of Ghana has not opened their borders to any country as of yet, and presumably when they do open their borders, they will most certainly place restrictions on those of us in the diaspora traveling from the U.S.

However, this small little hiccup will not stop me or others that have hopes of stepping foot on the Motherland in the year of 2020. My travel plans still stand and those I speak to are conceding to the fact that they may have to alter their plans, but they will not change their plans. Those of us in the diaspora that are determined to travel to the continent of Africa will get there understanding the journey may be a little rocky. However, my Mother always said to me anything worth having doesn’t come easy. And so, this journey will be no different. There is a reason the world was plagued with this “pandemic” at this time in the history of the world. There is a reason this pandemic has slowed the world down, changed people’s perspective, sat us all down for a period of time, and frankly stopped us in our tracks. We have had to change the way we do things, think about things and go about our daily lives. We have had to think more about family relationships, communicating more effectively with others and just communicate more. This has changed us and some for the better and others say forever. I am one that believes nothing happens by chance; all things happen for a reason and this pandemic is no different.

As you may be aware, Africa has done a fantastic job keeping the COVID-19 numbers low in comparison to other countries and continents. There are many countries in Africa that have opened their boarders back up, are in the process of reopening or are still locked down. It has been reported that Ghana will reopen soon; sometime in September 2020 to international travel. Africa’s tourism was on the rise prior to the pandemic and many believe it will positively grow as expats continue to consider repatriating back to the continent.

So for those of us in the diaspora that have hopes and dreams of traveling to the continent of Africa I say to you, keep your eye on the prize. As I stated, this is merely a hiccup in the road. It happened for a reason. Learn from it, take the time to reflect and prepare for your journey that is ahead.

I will see you on the continent …

Until next time … may our ancestors be with us.

Demetra “Afua” Driskell

I am Demetra Graham Driskell, an African woman born and raised in the United States of America. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and I have worked in the field of Social Services for over twenty years. I am a Mother of three young adults, a Grandmother of two precious Granddaughters and now a Blogger. It is my dream and goal to bring my story of my personal journey to the continent of Africa, raw and uncut to those in the diaspora that have eyes to see, ears to hear and a mind to absorb the truth about this massive continent. Innately I know this story must be documented from beginning to end. And so, as I like to say, the journey begins.