Arrived in Accra just before seven pm and had already
arranged the first couple of nights accommodation in case I arrived late. Immigration was easy
and quick which is always nice after a long day of flying. It was the first time I
have had fingerprint scan and face scan.
The Accra Airport is pretty basic but I do remember being pleasantly surprised
by the air-conditioning in the immigration hall.
My driver was waiting for me but we did have to wait another
half hour for another person that never showed. The ride in from the airport took about 20 minutes and the
city was shockingly quiet. As it turns
out it often takes up to 1-½ hours to get to the hotel but I arrived on Easter and
most of the city was shut down.
Afia Beach Hotel ($85 a night) -guidebook from 2010 listed it as starting at $65…oh, how
things have changed. The Ghanaian
Cedi has devalued over the past couple years and there has been an oil shortage
both of which have increased prices throughout the country. The rooms are
self-contained bungalows along the beach and quite fancy for this backpaker.
All have en suite, ac, fan, TV (nothing but CNN worth watching), a fridge
and a good breakfast included.
They also have a lovely veranda with table and chairs.
I discovered the beachfront sitting area on second day. Wow, could spend hours if not days
chilling down there. It is
situated just below the bungalows right on the beach. You can even feel the spray of the ocean while you sip your drink. They serve meals and drinks down at the beach front
and a couple days later I would do just that.
There is a nice slightly overpriced restaurant and bar as
well. I am traveling in the very
off-season for this area but still quite a few people there. Seems to be the return spot of quite a
few business people and non-profit employees on their first few days in
country.
Afia Beach Hotel is centrally located within walking
distance of Independent Circle (in next post), Makola Market (in next post) and
a number of banks in including (Barclays).
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