9 Adventures in Ghana That Will Blow Your Mind
With its laidback vibes, colorful culture, and beautiful beaches, Ghana has become a top destination for travelers from around the world. But beyond the sunny shores, this West African country has even more adventures waiting to be uncovered, from ziplining over lush forests to hiking dramatic mountain peaks.
Whether you call Ghana home or are visiting on vacation, go beyond the usual hotspots and make your trip unforgettable with these 9 adventures that will blow your mind.
Coastal Adventures
1. Relax at Treasure Island Resort in Adda Foah
Located on the southeastern coast where the Volta River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Adda Foah offers a tranquil seaside getaway. The area features privately-owned riverfront houses, many available on Airbnb, along with all-inclusive beach resorts like Treasure Island Resort.
Known for its extensive amenities, Treasure Island has waterslides, swimming pools, restaurants, sports facilities, and more to keep you entertained. Spend lazy days sunbathing on the resort’s golden beach or sipping cocktails by the pool.
At night, enjoy local dishes like jollof rice and grilled fish before you drift off to sleep to the sound of crashing waves.
2. Tour the Slave History in Elmina
About a two-hour drive west of Accra, the coastal town of Elmina is a sobering reminder of Ghana’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. Portuguese traders constructed Elmina Castle in 1482 as a trading post for goods like gold and ivory. It later became a holding dungeon for enslaved Africans before they were shipped abroad.
A tour through the imposing stone fortress teaches about the brutal history of colonialism. Visitors can see the dank, cramped rooms where hundreds of slaves were once chained and held. While a devastating experience, visiting Elmina Castle is a moving and unforgettable way to honor the victims of the slave trade.
3. Enjoy Dodi Island on Lake Volta
For a peaceful island getaway, head to Dodi Island on Lake Volta, Ghana’s largest reservoir. Located just 3 miles (5km) offshore, the tropical island can be reached via the Dodi Princess cruise. Spend your cruise swaying to local music while indulging in a buffet lunch.
Once on Dodi Island, swap the sound of beating drums for the rhythm of waves gently lapping the powdery shoreline. Go for a swim or nap in a hammock under the shade of palm trees. Dodi Island offers the perfect escape from the mainland into your own aquatic paradise.
4. Visit the Beautiful Beaches of Keta
Dotting Ghana’s eastern coastline near the Togolese border, Keta is renowned for having some of the country’s most stunning beaches. With soft golden sand, swaying palms, and gentle surf, destinations like Paradise Beach at Sreckwa offer ideal spots to sink your toes into the sand.
Keta’s beaches are lined with excellent hotels and eco-lodges like the Aborigines Beach Resort. Visitors can fill their days beach-hopping, swimming in the salty waves, and enjoying oceanfront dining and cocktails at beach shacks. For the ultimate relaxed Ghanaian beach vacation, look no further than Keta.
Nature Escapes
5. Hike Ancient Trees at Aburi Botanical Gardens
Just an hour’s drive from Accra, Aburi Botanical Gardens offers the chance to step into a peaceful natural oasis. Strolling along winding trails, you’ll be dwarfed by towering trees like mahoganies, ebony, and African teaks that have lived for hundreds of years. Many were saplings when the gardens were established in 1890.
Beyond ancient flora, Aburi’s fields and forest offer excellent bird watching, especially for migrants like herons and kingfishers. Don’t miss the breathtaking aerial view of Accra and the Atlantic from atop Aburi’s lookout hill. Rent a bike and cycle the gardens’ paths or join a guided nature walk to learn about the incredible biodiversity.
6. Spot Wildlife at Shai Hills Resource Reserve
In the Greater Accra region, Shai Hills Resource Reserve protects over 40sq km of forests, savannah, and mountain ridges. The scenic reserve features hiking trails to search for wildlife like antelopes, monkeys, birds, and butterflies. Go on an organized camping adventure to fully experience Shai Hills’ natural beauty.
Shai Hills also has an enchanting system of caves that you can explore with a guide. Climb to the top of the reserve’s highest point for panoramic views over the forests and plains. Whether you go hiking, camping, or caving, Shai Hills is the perfect playground for wildlife and scenic views.
7. Adventure in Kwahu
In eastern Ghana, the small town of Kwahu offers thrill-seekers a range of high-adrenaline activities. Get your heart pumping with paragliding flights over the area’s lush forests and patchwork farms. You’ll get an eagle’s eye perspective as you gently glide over the vibrant landscape.
Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Embark on Kwahu’s exhilarating zipline course as you soar from platform to platform. The town also has a network of canopy walkways that take you high up into the forest’s upper reaches for birdwatching. Whether up in the air or exploring the treetops, Kwahu is an adventure hub.
Mountain Highs
8. Hike Ghana’s Highest Mountain, Mount Afadjato
If you’re eager for a more challenging trek, head north to hike Mount Afadjato, Ghana’s highest peak. Situated near the Togolese border in the Volta Region, its 2903 feet (885m) summit offers breathtaking panoramas over the rainforest-covered mountains rolling to the horizon.
Several hiking trails lead to the top ranging from relaxed to steep and strenuous. Along the way, you might spot colobus monkeys playing in the treetops or colorful birds like the yellow-throated longclaw. Reaching Mount Afadjato’s cloud-covered peak is an adventurous way to experience Ghana’s most spectacular natural vistas.
9. Take in Views from Cape Coast
Last on our list of top Ghana adventures brings us back to the coast at Cape Coast. This lively port city serves as the capital of the Central Region. While here, you can visit Cape Coast Castle, another former slave-holding site turned museum.
But the city also provides access to hiking trails along its undulating hills. Climb to one of Cape Coast’s easily accessible peaks and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the city, Atlantic coastline, and surrounding rainforest. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your incredible journey across Ghana.
Key Takeaways
- From coastal resorts to mountain peaks, Ghana offers far more than just beaches for adventure travel.
- Learn about Ghana’s complex history and pay respects to the victims of slavery by visiting historical sites like Elmina and Cape Coast castles.
- Experience Ghana’s wealth of wildlife and ecosystems at national parks and reserves like Shai Hills and Mount Afadjato.
- Try thrilling activities like canopy walks, ziplines, and paragliding, or just relax on Dodi Island.
- Get off the usual tourist trail and visit lesser-known destinations like Aburi, Kwahu, and Keta.
No matter your interests, with jungle treks, mountain climbs, cultural experiences, and adrenaline-pumping adventures, Ghana promises exciting new discoveries around every corner.
Conclusion
With its wealth of adventures beyond just sunny beaches, Ghana promises exciting new discoveries at every turn. Immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to towering mountains. Which of these incredible Ghanaian adventures will you add to your bucket list? Let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best time of year to visit Ghana?
A. The best time to visit Ghana is generally during the drier months from September to March. Temperatures are cooler and rainfall is lower, making travel easier. The busiest tourist season is December to April.
Q. Do I need any vaccinations to visit Ghana?
A. It’s recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and also get inoculated against hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever. Malaria medication is advised in all areas of Ghana.
Q. Is Ghana safe for tourists?
A. Ghana is one of the most stable and safe countries to visit in West Africa. However, tourists should still exercise common sense in personal safety just as when traveling anywhere unfamiliar. Avoid walking alone or flaunting valuables.
Q. What languages are spoken in Ghana?
A. English is Ghana’s official language and is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas. Local Ghanaian languages include Twi, Mole-Dagbane, Ewe, and Ga. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can help you connect with locals.
Q. How do I get around Ghana?
A. Buses and ‘bush taxis’ offer connections between most towns and cities. For shorter distances, minibusses called ‘tro-tros’ are very affordable. Renting a car is also an option for those who can navigate Ghana’s roads.
