Ghana is a gateway to African travel. First-time visitors to the country will discover friendly locals willing to help tourists find their feet, and such kindness comes in very handy since Ghana is not well known for organized tours. Get out and explore: savannas, forests, springs, cave systems, mountains, estuaries, wildlife parks, and nature reserves make up the varied geography; forts, castles, and ports line the 560-km (350-mile) coast; and cities offer a hopping nightlife and one of west Africa’s largest public markets.