cape coast, ghana
Cape Coast Castle, located in Cape Coast, Ghana, is one of the most significant slave forts in West Africa, built by the Swedish in 1653 and later controlled by the Dutch and British. It was a key center in the transatlantic slave trade, where enslaved Africans were held in dark, overcrowded dungeons before passing through the "Door of No Return." Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a museum, offering guided tours that provide a deep and emotional insight into its history. The best time to visit is year-round, with entry fees around $5–$10 per person. The castle is accessible via a 3-hour drive from Accra.
Location: urban
Coordinates: 5.105° N, -1.247° W
Time Zone: UTC ±0
Category: historical_or_cultural
Primary Attractions: fort, museum, colonial_history, volcano
Annual Visitors: 100000
Nearest Airport: kotoka international airport (160 km)
Best Time to Visit: dry_season
Entry Cost: 40 GHS ($7 USD)
Safety Index: 1.94 / 10
Amenities: parking, restrooms, guided_tours, restaurants, hotels
Accessibility: vehicle
Mobile Network: yes