A gem on the Gold Coast of West Africa, Ghana has a bit little bit of every little thing. In between the busy, bustling cities of Accra and Kumasi are sleepy villages, browsing scorching spots, rainforest hikes, historic websites, and greater than a justifiable share of tradition, color, and delicacies. This nation is ripe for exploring, and these unmissable issues to do in Ghana are the proper place to begin your journey.
Hit the paths in Ankasa Conservation Space
Certainly one of Ghana’s attractive nationwide parks, the Ankasa Conservation Space is residence to a various group of animals, reptiles, and birds. That’s partly all the way down to the three rivers that move by way of the park, turning it right into a wealthy, biodiverse surroundings full of rapids and waterfalls. The easiest way to discover the park is on certainly one of its many mountaineering trails, which you’ll be able to tackle alone or with a information. For a sooner, adrenaline-fuelled expertise, take a mountain bike on a number of the specifically constructed trails that zig-zag by way of the panorama.
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See the treetops in Kakum Nationwide Park
Positioned within the Central Area of Ghana, Kakum Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most biodiverse areas of the nation. On this protected rainforest, preserve an eye fixed out for monkeys, leopards, and forest elephants in the event you’re fortunate, plus extra birds, amphibians, and bugs than you’ve ever seen earlier than. At 375 sq km (145 sq mi), this nationwide park has no scarcity of floor to cowl. For a singular view of this huge forest, head to the Kakum Cover Walkway, a sequence of rope bridges suspended excessive within the timber. Certainly one of Ghana’s hottest vacationer points of interest, the walkway takes you some 40m (130 ft) above floor for an epic chicken’s-eye view and a low-impact strategy to take pleasure in this protected surroundings.
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Store till you drop in Makola Market
Accra, the capital of Ghana, is the nation’s beating coronary heart. It is a vigorous, pulsating metropolis that has all of West African life on show, and nowhere is that extra the case than Makola Market. It’s Accra’s largest open-air market and is awash with scents, sounds, and hustle and bustle. For a glimpse into what life is like on this vibrant metropolis, look no additional. Customers can get every little thing they want right here, from meals and homewares to spices and sweetness providers. As one of many high issues to do in Ghana, the market is crowded and busy just about all day, so put aside a great chunk of your day to dive in and take advantage of it. Guided excursions can take you to the perfect spots and photograph ops.
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Perceive historical past at Cape Coast Citadel
Certainly one of about 40 industrial forts constructed by Europeans alongside West Africa’s Gold Coast, Cape Coast Citadel presents a glimpse into Ghana’s troubled previous. Often known as slave castles, forts like Cape Coast Citadel had been used within the transatlantic slave commerce within the seventeenth and 18th centuries. As of late, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and the museum homes a rising assortment of artwork, cultural artifacts, and pottery. Take a guided tour of the citadel to discover its position within the commerce of gold and enslaved folks, but additionally as the location of the arrival of Christianity within the area and the nation’s first formal training system.
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Be a part of the celebrations at Manhyia Palace
For a vibrant style of Ghana’s wealthy historical past, there’s nowhere higher than the Ashanti Area. The traditional Ashanti Empire dates again centuries and as soon as comprised a lot of Ghana, in addition to components of the Ivory Coast and Togo. The cultural heritage of the empire nonetheless exists at the moment, with the Ashanti king sitting in Manhyia Palace. In the event you head there on the proper time, you may catch a moderately particular cultural celebration. Each sixth Sunday, folks from throughout the area flock to the palace for the Akwasidae Pageant, a celebration of the Ashanti king. Native chiefs pay homage to the king, wearing conventional Ashanti apparel, by way of music, dancing, and joyous celebration. In case your timing doesn’t fairly match up, concern not. The museum at Manhyia Palace presents an enchanting perception into this a part of Ghana’s historical past, and it is open year-round.
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Stroll on the wild facet in Mole Nationwide Park
Mole Nationwide Park encompasses deep forest, excessive savanna plains, and exquisite rivers and waterfalls. You possibly can anticipate to see loads of animals on any journey into the park, Ghana’s largest wildlife refuge. Patas and vervet monkeys are frequent, together with antelope, baboons, warthogs, and a few 300 species of birds. You would possibly even spot some elephants — a number of the final remaining in West Africa. Safaris and guided excursions into the park will be accomplished by automotive or on foot, providing you with loads of choices for exploring. Journeys usually take solely a few hours, making Mole an ideal addition to any whistle-stop tour of Ghana.
Be taught on the Nationwide Museum of Ghana
In the event you’re in search of issues to do in Accra, look no additional than a go to to Ghana’s Nationwide Museum, the place the nation’s wealthy historical past is on show. A treasure trove of archaeology, historical past, and nice artwork, the museum homes displays and artifacts from throughout Africa. The museum is within the centre of Accra, however as soon as inside, you’re transported again by way of time, taking in vibrant clothes, gold jewelry, tribal regalia, and Ghanaian devices. As you’re taken past the borders of Ghana, you’ll discover wood Zulu figures, jewelry from South Africa, bronze heads from Nigeria, and Senfu masks from the Ivory Coast. All come collectively to create a shocking view of Africa’s cultural panorama.
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Stroll round Black Star Sq.
Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Accra’s Osu district, Black Star Sq. is without doubt one of the largest public squares on this planet. Additionally known as Independence Sq., it was inbuilt 1961 to commemorate Ghana’s independence from the British. As a result of Ghana was the primary colonized African nation to achieve independence, the sq. stands as an emblem of unity, self-reliance, and inspiration. When it’s not internet hosting tens of 1000’s of individuals — as many as half one million when former U.S. President Clinton visited in 1998 — it’s price exploring for an perception into Ghana’s values towards a shocking Atlantic backdrop.
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Absorb Larabanga Mosque
Constructed within the conventional Sudanese architectural type, Larabanga Mosque is an enchanting construction and one of many oldest mosques in West Africa. It’s believed to have been inbuilt 1421 and has undergone a number of restorations as worshippers battle to maintain this vital historic and spiritual website upright.
However it’s nonetheless standing, some 700 years after a Muslim dealer was instructed to construct it in a dream — so the legend goes. Whereas non-Muslims aren’t permitted to enter the mosque, the distinctive type of white pyramidal towers pierced with darkish wood buttresses makes it price a glance. With the city of Larabanga simply 8km (5 mi) from Mole Nationwide Park, a cease on the “Mecca of West Africa” is a no brainer.
Trip a ship to Bojo Seaside
Pristine white sand, crystal clear waters, and a peaceable, chilled-out vibe… on Bojo Seaside, you’d be forgiven for pondering you had been one million miles from the noisy streets of Accra. However this little slice of heaven is only a 30-minute drive from the Ghanaian capital, making it the proper spot for a relaxed day journey. Positioned between the Densu River and the Atlantic Ocean, Bojo Seaside will be accessed solely by boat. When you’ve paid the doorway charge, you’re rowed throughout the Densu to the serenity of this distinctive seashore spot, the place you’ll discover deck chairs, a few quiet bars and eating places, and loads of solar. If a day journey isn’t sufficient, the Bojo Seaside Resort on the mainland has loads of lodging choices.
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Go for a dip within the Wli Waterfalls
Want to chill down? The gorgeous Wli Waterfalls (pronounced “vlee”) is the place to go. These gorgeous falls are identified regionally as Agumatsa Waterfalls and are simply one of many high issues to do in Ghana. Get your strolling boots on, pack your bathing swimsuit, and take the scenic path by way of Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary to the tallest waterfall in West Africa. Wli Waterfalls contains decrease falls and higher falls. The decrease falls are the favored selection, a couple of 40-minute flat stroll from the Wli Customer Centre. In the event you’re feeling adventurous, embark on the steep three- to four-hour hike to the higher falls. It isn’t for the faint-hearted, however you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views over the encompassing space.
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Be taught to surf on Busua Seaside
Often called the browsing capital of the nation, Busua is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in Ghana, and this lengthy stretch of white sand, turquoise waters, and waves is ideal for surfers of all skills. With a few pleasant surf colleges on the seashore and constant waves virtually daily, Busua is ideal for newcomers and intermediates. For the extra superior, it’s a brief paddle to Black Mamba level break and certainly one of Ghana’s greatest waves. Busua Seaside is about 30km (19 mi) west of the town of Takoradi. The small fishing village-turned-surf-spot didn’t have electrical energy or working water till the Nineties, and there’s nonetheless a sleepy, secluded vibe to the place that’s excellent for dwelling the seashore bum life for just a few days.
Get artful on the Kumasi Centre
Kumasi is the second-largest metropolis in Ghana and the capital of the Ashanti Area, an space identified for its craftmanship. Kente fabric weaving, wooden carving, and textile printing are all historic practices on this a part of Ghana, and the Kumasi Centre for Nationwide Tradition showcases all of them because the cultural epicentre of the Ashanti Area. The calm, peaceable grounds of this hub belie the vigorous, vibrant mixture of crafts, music, dance, and artwork happening inside.
It’s an award-winning house the place centuries-old traditions come alive in workshops, occasions, exhibitions, and storytelling. Native artists preserve their traditions alive, craftspeople observe their expertise, and guests can take pleasure in an genuine slice of Ghanaian tradition.
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Discover the Tengzug Shrine and Tongo Hills
Dwelling to massive baobab timber, big boulders, and rock formations you received’t discover anyplace else, the Tongo Hills in northern Ghana pack loads right into a small 20-sq-km (7-sq-mi) space. It makes for a surreal panorama and distinctive mountaineering. However at high of the record must be the Tengzug Shrine, a spiritual website on the high of a rocky hill that is stated to supply guests steering and determination to their issues.
It’s truthful to say a go to to the shrine may not be for everybody. The native Talensis folks require all guests — women and men — to be topless once they enter the shrine, the place the sacrificing of chickens and different birds is commonplace. Resolve whether or not you need to enter, and if that’s the case, await the panoramic view from the highest of the rocks that may be a non secular expertise in itself.
