Unmissable Attractions in Ghana
Located in West Africa, Ghana is an impressive mix of natural beauty, history and culture. From baboons and elephants to pristine beaches, lush mountains, traditional art and ancient looms, there is a lot that should not to be missed. Here are 20 attractions in Ghana to add to your must-see list.
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Baboons at Shai Hills
Unique, cheeky and laid back, these monkeys congregate in families and aren’t afraid to get close to this savanna reservation at the edge of the city.
Traditional Kente weavers in the Ashanti Region
Watch traditional weavers at work with their ancient tools and pick up some of the most popular fabric in Africa in its original form – in a multitude of colour combinations.
Wli Waterfalls
The largest waterfall not only in Ghana but also West Africa, Wli Waterfalls teems with fruit bats in the middle of a lush, ancient forest.
Akosombo Dam
The world’s largest man-made lake, Lago Volta’s meandering tributaries are interspersed with small islands and lovely hotels and restaurants designed for peace and relaxation.
Jamestown street art
Unique, riotous and arresting, Jamestown is a popular neigbourhood in the city of Accra, known for its colourful street art. It merges old architecture with new attitudes and has all the boldness of young Ghanaians.
White Sands Resort
This exclusive beach resort is peaceful, secluded and offers the best of Ghana coastal life. A true retreat.
Elephant herds at Mole
A gorgeous sight to behold: elephant families feeding at watering holes in the vast Mole National Park in the Northern Region, that also boasts hippos and buffaloes.
Mount Afadja
The highest mountain in West Africa offers spectacular views into both Ghana and Togo from its summit, which is accessed through dense forest and a four-hour climb, passing three levels of waterfall along the way.
Escape 3 Points Ecolodge
A stunning and secluded eco resort on the southernmost tip of Ghana, complete with sea turtle sanctuary, locally sourced food, and a pristine beach, with nearby hiking and surfing options also available.
Elmina Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited former-slave forts in West Africa, this sombre place tells the harrowing history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Fort Gross Friedrichsburg
A hidden gem of history, this German-built European country-style manor sits high on a cliff in Princes Town, overlooking one the of most secluded beaches in the whole country.
Centre of National Culture in Accra
Overlooking a large stretch of sea and covering much-exhaustive space, this sprawling market is a one-stop shop for arts, crafts, clothing and all manner of gifts, with many artisans producing wood-working products on site.
Canopy Walk at Kakum
One of the only two canopy walks on the entire African continent is located at the Kakum National Park. Brave the swinging bridge to see different species of monkey, look down at the deer, and marvel at the various beautiful and rare birds that fly overhead.
Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
Located in the temperate Brong-Ahafo Region, this conservation forest teems with monkey and bird life, providing a haven for species that are sadly threatened with extinction all over West Africa. The monkeys are considered sacred and the village is charged with protecting these special animals.
Ada Foah
Situated where the Atlantic ocean meets the Volta River – and filled with palm-lined beaches, estuaries, islands, and a wetland lagoon that harbours many important bird species – this popular weekend spot has resorts to suit every taste and budget. Here you’ll also find a boat-filled lake and a surrounding village with 19th-century remnants, including the ruins of Danish-built Fort Kongenstein.
Makola Market
The most lively and jam-packed part of Accra sprawls some distance, and Makola market is a resource for everything – from local food products and household items, to crafts and music. Built in a part of the old city that still has colonial architecture towering overhead, a major draw is the wide variety of fabrics on offer.
Live Music at The Republic
The Republic is an Accra staple, known for its Wednesday-night live music sessions, regular DJ sets and excellent drinks menu, including akpeteshie (local rum or gin) and mixed cocktails. Set in the middle of Osu, its indoor and outdoor pub vibe only adds to the ambience.
Weekends at Kokrobite
A lively and popular fishing community comprising a handful of guest houses, resorts and restaurants, Kokrobite is known for its surf culture and regular weekend live music nights, which include highlife at Dizzy Lizzie‘s on the beach, bands from Burkina Faso, and a lively reggae party at Big Milly’s Backyard.
Events at Alliance Française Accra
A multi-faceted space that includes the wonderful outdoor Nicolino Restaurant, this French-run establishment is known for its investment in the arts – with its outdoor theatre, music amphitheatre, and numerous art and photography exhibitions that take place throughout the year in a lovely compound decorated with interesting sculptures and murals.
Nzulezu Stilt Village
Built on Lake Tadane, just west of Takoradi and only accessible by canoe, traversing the rainforest along the way, this magical traditional village – whose inhabitants believe their homes on water protect them from certain ills – was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is unlike anywhere else in the whole of Ghana.