10 Best Things to See and Do in Ghana -
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Come by and experience the warmth, hospitality and excitement that Ghana has to offer with its bustling festivals, colorful markets, lush rainforests and amazing wildlife. Learn about amazing people and a culture that has a long and rich history of ancient kingdoms and traditions. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Accra’s open-air street markets as you visit stalls selling local handcrafted crafts, aromatic spices, and delicious West African dishes. Join us on a trip to the Gold Coast as we explore Ghana. Here are 10 of the best things to see and do in Ghana.
1. Shop in Accra’s bustling street markets
Accra is a vibrant and exciting city full of life and action and nothing beats the controlled chaos of open-air bazaars like the Makola and Salaga markets. Sharpen your negotiating skills as you haggle over great deals on fresh produce, handcrafted beads, kente fabrics and souvenirs from across West Africa. You will also see some interesting stalls selling roots and dried plants used in traditional medicine and in voodoo ceremonies.
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Learn more about these markets and how they are part of their culture on this walking tour.
2. Enjoy the sun, sand and surf on Ghana’s fabulous beaches
Ghana has some of the best beaches in West Africa. Just hop on the coastal road about 20 miles south of Accra and you will find beautiful miles of pristine sandy beach lined with coconut trees. Stop at Langma Beach and take a dip in the ocean before heading to Big Milly’s Backyard for dinner. This restaurant is known all over the coast for its fantastic seafood such as lobster and barracuda. Everything is super fresh and is caught right on your doorstep every day. You can have a cold local Star Beer while listening to the rhythm of lively Afrobeat music.
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3. Take home a famous Kente scarf
The streets of Accra are full of people wearing bright and colorful fabrics synonymous with the Ashanti of West Africa. The familiar fabric is called Kente fabric and these traditional designs and colors once represented the reputation and status of the Ashanti, but are now widely used in local shops and markets. Kente has a rich history and every color has a meaning. The gold-colored kente was originally reserved for the nobility, as the color represented royalty and wealth. You can watch kente being made at Bonwire in Kumasi and you can have it made into a variety of garments. Don’t you wanna wait You can buy ready-made, Kente-inspired clothing at high-end stores like Woodin in Accra.
4. Cook a traditional Ghanaian meal with a local family
Get to know the locals and learn about daily village life during a cooking class and local market tour. If food is your thing, this is a great activity to start your time in Accra. You can bargain with local shopkeepers if you choose the fresh ingredients yourself. Then, join a local family who will show you how to make legendary West African dishes like fufu, banku with tilapia, and jollof. Then you can enjoy the work of your job by having the family eat the dishes. You can even take the recipe home with you to enjoy the flavors of Ghana over and over again.
5. Explore Accra’s jazz cafes and nightclubs
Accra at night is lively and has lots of lively and hip clubs playing live music or DJs playing a wide variety of music from Afropop to European and American hip hop, pop and jazz. For breathtaking views of the city, head to Sky Bar 25. This luxurious rooftop restaurant is located on top of the Alto Tower, the tallest building in West Africa. Besides the view, the food and ambience are amazing. For a more lively time, visit the Republic Bar and Grill. This bar is arty and hosts live musicians who make your evening worthwhile as you dance the night away.
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6. Take a safari to Mole National Park
If you drive to the northwest corner of Ghana, you’ll find Mile National Park, the largest protected sanctuary in the country. The wildlife is among the best in West Africa and you can spot antelopes, buffalo monkey buffalo and over 250 species of birds. If you’re lucky, you might come across leopards and elephants along the way. If you book a stay in one of the chalets at the Mole Motel, you can book a walking safari or opt for a game drive with an experienced guide. Experience the local culture by visiting the Mognori Cultural Village and learning about daily life in one of the most remote areas of Ghana.
7. See the king in Kumasi
A trip to Kumasi in the south of the country is a must when visiting Ghana. It is the official capital of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom and its second largest city. Kumasi is the heart of West African artisan culture and the Ashanti are famous for gold jewelry and charms, Kente fabric and the legendary carved wooden stool. Wooden chairs are sacred and symbolic for the Ashanti and were once used by ancient rulers. It was also believed that the chairs contained the souls of the owner and were passed down from father to son. Be sure to visit the Manhyia Palace Museum and see the current King of the Ashanti. It appears every 42 days.
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8. Take a canopy walk in Kakum National Park
If you are looking for a fantastic day trip from Accra then get lost in Kakum National Park. This is a tropical oasis in the heart of Ghana. Kakum is the most visited park in the country and covers around 150 square kilometers of lush tropical rainforest. The highlight of the visit is the approx. 300 m long Baldachinweg, one of only two on the continent. Book a tour and let an experienced guide lead you on a nature experience that you will never forget. You will be amazed at the diverse selection of rare birds, monkeys, endangered antelopes and Ghana’s elusive forest elephants.
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9. Experience castles on the Cape Coast
Travel back in time and experience the scarred history of West Africa as you explore the slave fortresses along Ghana’s Cape Coast. The coast is dotted with many old castles and fortresses that were used during the slave trade. These fortresses marked the beginning of a dangerous journey for countless Africans when they disappeared behind the “door of no return” across the Atlantic — never to return. Cape Coast Castle and Elmira Castle are the two main stops of the nearly 40 castles and fortresses along the coast. They are both well preserved and offer excellent tours of the castles and grounds.
10. Visit the Wli waterfalls and climb Mount Afadjato
In the eastern part of Ghana, on the border with Togo, you will find the highest mountains in all of Ghana. Deep in the tropical rainforests of the Hohoe District are the Wli waterfalls, where you will feel like you are in another world. Hike through the bush to get to the lower falls, then hike up the mountainside for a look at the upper falls. Make sure you have your camera ready as wildlife is abundant and you can see lots of colorful butterflies and birds. The sky is full of fruit bats and the trees reflect the reputation of playful primates. Also, visit the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary to see community ecotourism efforts. Stay overnight in Hohoe and hike fresh to the summit of Mount Afadjato, Ghana’s highest peak at nearly 3,000 feet above sea level.
Tours and activities
James Stewart
Professional writer
Jim is a retired travel writer and lecturer in African Studies. A self-described lifelong trekker, his career as a US Air Force officer gave him the opportunity to experience amazing and exotic destinations in Europe, Asia and Africa. He’s at home with a good Wilbur Smith book, or there’s a story to tell anywhere … [Read full bio]
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