The Most Unique Experiences In Ghana

The West African country of Ghana has much to offer visitors, from fantastic food, beaches, wonderful wildlife and a fascinating history. Here is our round-up of the most unique experiences you can have while you’re there.

Drink Ghanaian cocktails

Akpeteshie is a Ghanaian staple, a particularly potent form of gin or rum that is brewed locally and usually taken at a roadside joint in straight shots in different herbal forms, said to be beneficial to different parts of the body. If it’s your first time, you may think it’s a bit strong for you, but there is an alternative! At Republic Bar and Grill, they make delicious cocktails from these in-house brews mixed with gorgeous tropical flavours such as fresh coconut, hibiscus, ginger and pineapple. Freshly tapped palm wine from local trees is also available. Expect the drinks to be strong though, so go slow!

1. Climb Mount Afadjato

Forest

The highest mountain in West Africa sits atop lush forest and multiple levels of waterfall teeming with fruit bats. It is no easy hike to the top, or doing ‘the loop’ as it is called. Expect a minimum of four hours for the more agile and up to six for those slightly slower. Take good hiking shoes and be prepared for varied terrain: from slipping slopes to clambering around tree roots and overgrown passes. A guide is a must, as is plenty of water, energy and a good camera to capture all the lushness along the way, including the upper part of Wli Falls which, if accessed early in the morning, is secluded and magical.

2. Visit the caves at Shai Hills

Natural Feature, Park

A small savannah reserve located on the edge of the city is well-known for its wildlife: antelope, deer, rare bird species and the numerous baboons that line the roadside and interact with tourists (and sometimes steal their belongings). Further inland and requiring a gentle hike is the eerie cave system used by the Shai people until the end of the 19th century and is well worth a look: strange tunnels, overhanging rock areas, massive blocks of stone and high lookout precipices were used as defences for the Shai against other warring tribes, as well as the English colonists.