The Most Unique Things To Do In Kumasi

Kumasi is one of Ghana’s major cities, and it is located in the heart of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom. From nature and wildlife to tribal history and local food, here are some one-of-a-kind sites that tourists shouldn’t miss while visiting this historic nation.

1. Visit Manhyia Palace Museum

Building, Museum

1024px-Manhyia_Palace_Museum,_Kumasi,_Ghana

Delve into the Ashanti Kingdom’s history in this airy museum that Otumfo Opoku Ware II opened in 1995 to mark the silver jubilee of his reign. The building itself dates back to 1925, and it was built during the colonial era as a palace for Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I to commemorate his return to his native lands after many years of exile in the Seychelles. There is much to discover in this comprehensive space: life-sized effigies depicting past rulers, the origin story of the tribe centres on Okomfo Anokye, and his famous sword site as well as a multitude of gold work for which the Ashanti people are famous.

2. Explore Kejetia Market

Market

This mammoth market spans a head spinning 11,000 stalls and runs the gamut from kente, foodstuffs, sandals, batik, bracelets, beads, and second-hand clothing among other things. Not really on the tourist trail, it’s a great way to see a slice of everyday Kumasi life. It can be a huge and disorienting place, so a guide is a must for those wanting to look around. Contact the Ghana Tourist Authority for more details.

3. Delve into The National Culture Centre

Art Gallery, Library, Market, Museum

Located a short distance from Kejetia Market, this popular space holds the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum of Ashanti history, library, bookstore, exhibition hall, and the popular eatery Kentish Kitchen that serves delicious and locally made foods such as fufu and jollof. Works by local craftsman are also available to purchase with some very talented painters and wood workers selling their wares.

5. Explore Bobiri Forest Reserve

Forest

This butterfly sanctuary, the only one located in West Africa, holds 400 species of butterfly. The site features an arboretum, forest hiking trails, and lodging as well as guiding. A rare eco-tourism site, it is an undisturbed rainforest well off the beaten track. With lush tree species that provide a cool canopy cover, this reserve is ideal for nature lovers seeking a world away from the noisy city.

Bobiri Forest Reserve, Off Kumasi Accra Road, Kubease, Ashanti Region, Ghana

African Painted Lady butterfly | © Paul Johnson/Flickr

6. Visit Lake Bosomtwe

The only natural lake in Ghana is, in fact, the site of an ancient impact crater from a meteor speculated to be over 1 million years old. About 10.5 km (6.5 miles) in diameter, it is viewed as a sacred lake by the Ashanti people and a legend is told about the souls of the dead making their way here to say goodbye. A gorgeous and peaceful spot, enjoy the fishing, canoeing, swimming, or just enjoying the gorgeous site while having a bite to eat.

Lake Bosomtwe

Lake Bosomtwe crater | © Erik Cleves Kristensen/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.