Ghana is a country in West Africa, about 1068 miles (1719 km) from Nigeria. Its capital is Accra, a prosperous trading hub that acts as the commercial and educational center of the county. The official language used in Ghana is English, so fret not about language barriers if you’re planning to visit. Did you know that Ghana is the first black African country to achieve independence from colonial rule? As such, it has also become one of the leading countries in Africa. Cape Coast Castle, Black Star Square, and Aburi Botanical Garden are some of the highly frequented areas in Ghana. If you’re planning a visit there, read on to learn about the best things to do in Ghana.
1. Behold the wondrous architectural design of Larabanga Ancient Mosque
The Larabanga Ancient Mosque is deemed the oldest of its kind in Ghana. The structure comes with an interesting story of how it was created by a man named Ayuba. An Islamic merchant, he dreamt that someone instructed him to build the mosque. And upon waking up from the dream, the building’s foundation showed up mysteriously. He continued the construction until he finished what is now renowned as the “Mecca of West Africa.”
A tour around this mosque in the humble town of Larabanga is perfect if you’re a lover of architecture and culture. Built with mud and stick, the mosque reflects the vibrant Sudanese artistry. This sacred spot, which only allows Muslims inside the structure, is also where locals gather for prayers, worship, and pilgrimage.
Larabanga Ancient Mosque
Address: 34 Sawla-Damongo Rd, Larabanga, Ghana
Website: Larabanga Ancient Mosque
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
2. Swim across the pristine waters of Bojo Beach
If you’re a child of the ocean, Bojo Beach is an enchanting spot you wouldn’t want to miss. A quick getaway to this tiny beach on the edge of Ghana’s capital offers you a chance to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy its quaint atmosphere. To reach the actual beach, you have to ride a canoe and pass by the Densu River.
Upon setting your feet on its soft white sands, you can see umbrellas and plastic chairs that can be rented by visitors. Amenities such as rental beach equipment, toilet and changing rooms, a bar, and rescue service are also available for your convenience. And with nearby hotel accommodations, you can also stay overnight and do other exhilarating activities such as water skiing and beach volleyball the next day.
Bojo Beach
Address: Accra, Ghana
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
Price: Free entry for kids; 20 GHS (1.55 USD) for children; and 25 GHS (1.94 USD) for adults
3. Revisit the country's history at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum
A visit to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum brings you on a trip around the national history of Ghana. The mausoleum holds the remains of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the country’s first president, and his wife. Designed by Don Arthur, the structure is molded like a sword pointed upside down since it expresses peace in the Akan culture.
This resting place also houses a museum that contains artifacts and exhibits depicting the events from the past leading up to what built Ghana that the world knows to date. With an area of 5.3 acres (2.14 hectares), this memorial park also gives you a chance to walk around and appreciate the scenic views of the area.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum
Address: GQVV+9M8, Accra, Ghana
Website: Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 3pm
Price: 2 GHS (0.16 USD) for non-Ghanaian children; 5 GHS (0.39 USD) for non-Ghanaian teenagers; and 10 GHS (0.78 USD) for non-Ghanaian adults
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4. Reconnect with nature at Legon Botanical Gardens
Owned by the University of Ghana, Legon Botanical Gardens is a notable recreational spot in Accra that brings tourists on a nature-friendly adventure. Perfect for families, the children’s playground in the garden is where parents and kids can play and have fun. If you want something challenging, dare to traverse its high rope course, a challenge course with 52 obstacles.
For an added thrill, its canopy walkway invites you to a nerve-wracking walk along its aerial path that is 588 feet (179.22 meters) long. You can also enjoy cycling, fishing, bird watching, and canoeing on the premises of this botanical garden.
Legon Botanical Gardens
Address: Agbogba Junction, Atomic Haatso Main Road, Accra, Ghana
Website: Legon Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 6pm
Price: 20 GHS (1.55 USD)
5. Hike Mount Afadja in the Volta Region
Mount Afadja, or simply Afadjato, is a mountain in Ghana. As the highest mountain in the West African country, Mount Afadja stands at an elevation of 885 meters (2,904 ft). Work up a sweat and hike to the top to be rewarded by jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Volta Region. You will find yourself near the villages of Gbledi and Liati Wote. Liati Wote features the beautiful Tagbo Falls that you don’t want to leave without visiting. The butterflies will be there to welcome you if you’re dropping by from October to March.
Mount Afadja
Address: Hohoe Municipal District, Volta Region, Ghana
Website: Mount Afadja
6. Take a tour to Boti Falls (from USD 130.0)
Also commonly known as Boti Waterfalls, the twin waterfall is located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The tour by Viator offers you a comfortable pick-up and drop-off from Accra, Ghana. You can also choose to be picked up straight from Kotoka Airport if you would like to start your tour right away after landing. Do check the seasons before your trip so you will be greeted by the best waterfall views and not dried up lakes.
Outdoor Nature Tour to Boti Falls in Ghana
Duration: 9 to 12 hours
7. Visit the preserved dungeons of Cape Coast Castle
Cape Coast Castle is a famous historical landmark in Cape Coast, Ghana. Built by European traders, construction started in 1610, but it was only opened in 1653. It is commonly known to many as a “slave castle”, a place that aided in the development of the slave trade. The preserved dungeons were living spaces of about a thousand slaves. See for yourself while you’re there, and imagine the uncanny experiences of those slaves who had to live through that dreadful period.
Cape Coast Castle
Address: Victoria Rd, Cape Coast, Ghana
Website: Cape Coast Castle
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 7 USD
8. Buy souvenirs at different Accra markets (from USD 120.0)
Bargaining is an art, some people say. Learn how to bargain like a local from your professional guide in the walking tours of Makola and Salaga markets. On your trip to the Accra markets, you will spot medicinal plants and herbs, handcrafted beads, Kente clothing, and souvenirs from around the country. You will get the chance to see roots, leaves, and dried plants used in traditional medicine and voodoo ceremonies in Ghana. The walking tour will take about 3 hours with a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
The Accra Markets Experience
Duration: 3 to 5 minutes
9. Cross the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park
Established in 1992, Kakum National Park protects the rainforest, which is home to animals like forest elephants, bongo antelopes, and the Diana monkeys. You will also catch sight of butterflies and birds like the African grey parrots and hornbills. Cross the canopy walkway if you want to take in treetop views of the forest.
Kakum National Park
Address: R82, Ghana
Website: Kakum National Park
Opening hours: 6am - 4pm (daily)
Price: From 5 USD (canopy walk)
10. Experience the magical world of voodoo in Kumasi
Voodoo, also known as Vodun in the Fon and Ewe languages, means spirit. Do you want to experience the magical world of the spirits? If you answered yes, take on a six-hour tour from Kumasi to discover the rituals and rites tagged to the practice. You will get a chance to meet a voodoo priest to get an interesting overview of the religion and its history. You can even choose to engage in a personal consultation with the priest if you’d like.
Voodoo Experience in Kumasi
Tour no longer available
11. Learn about the slave trade at Ussher Fort Museum in Accra
Ussher Fort Museum is a museum in Accra that was opened in 2007. It is a joint development by Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, the European Union, and UNESCO. You will learn about the history of the slave trade in Ghana, through the displays of wall paintings and articles from back in those days. There are also images of those who were against the slave trade and worked hard to put an end to it.
Ussher Fort Museum
Address: 33 Prof.Atta Mills High St, Accra, Ghana
Website: Ussher Fort Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 2 USD (Foreigners)
12. Experience the nightlife like a local in Kumasi (from USD 55.0)
Hit the dance floor on a five-hour nightlife tour in Kumasi’s most happening bars, pubs, and nightclubs. You will be led by a professional guide as you visit the different venues. Ready your ears to hear catchy rap and reggae music, including a live show. Your tour will end in the heart of the city. Before you book, please note that the minimum age to participate is 17 years, and ID checks may be required.
Kumasi Knight Life Crawl
Duration: 4 hours
13. Sample cuisines from the Fulani tribe (from USD 133.0)
The Fulani tribe is a group of people who are found throughout West Africa. They are also one of the largest ethnic groups in the Sahel and West Africa. They are distinguished by their ornate jewelry, beautiful women, and nomadic dining tradition. In this three-hour tour, you will get to experience cuisines the Fulani way, led by Fatmata Binta, a chef of Fulani descent living in Accra. Vegan options are available so make known your preferences at the time of booking.
Fulani Dinner or Lunch On A Mat
Duration: 3 hours
14. Go on a safari in Mole National Park
Mole National Park is a wildlife refuge in Ghana. Spanning an area of 4,840 km² (484000 ha), the national park is home to elephants, leopards, and various rare birds. In a four-day tour with a professional guide, you will visit the park’s main attractions. Five safaris have been selected after much thought, to optimize your viewing opportunities within four days. The price you pay will include accommodation, flights, and transportation.
4-Day Wildlife Safari in Mole National Park from Accra
Duration: 4 days
Experience Ghana the local way
From the history-rich preserved dungeons of Cape Coast Castle to the art of bargaining at different Accra Markets, experience Ghana like how a local would. If you’re up for such experiences, you’ve got to see for yourself the magical world of voodoo in Kumasi and learn about the dark history of the West African slave trade at Ussher Fort Museum in Accra. Let’s not forget to also enjoy the nightlife like a local in Kumasi and fill our tummies with Fulani dining. Do it the local way!
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