Tourism in Ghana has over the years increased and grown rapidly. Today, many from far and near are trooping in and out of the country to enjoy Ghana’s tourist sites and have had the time of their lives during their stay. Without doubt, mother Ghana prides herself with some of the most beautiful gems, sceneries and tourist sites on the African continent and we will tell you about a few you should put on your to-do/to visit list in Ghana!😌
Here are the top 10 destinations you should visit when in Ghana!
1.Cape-Coast Castle
The Cape Coast Castle is one of the prominent commercial forts for the slave trade in Ghana, previously known as the Gold Coast. Situated in the Central Region, the Cape Coast Castle is open to tourists to share the dark story of the slave trade in Ghana. A tour guide takes all visitors through the sad story of our ancestors who suffered the ordeal of being kept in dungeons, raped and sold. The story of how Ghana has come from the slave trade to independence is a story that can leave you in tears.
Seeing is believing! A must-visit.
2.Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
This memorial park is located in downtown Accra, the capital of Ghana. This park contains a mausoleum that houses the mortal remains of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the country’s first President and wife. Kwame Nkrumah is Ghana’s first president and one of its founding fathers. The Mausoleum is surrounded by water which is a symbol of life. This park was formerly known as the polo grounds where Kwame Nkrumah stood and announced Ghana’s independence. “Ghana is free forever” This park today is known as the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
PS : The memorial park covers a total of 5.3 acres and contains two prominent edifices; the subterranean museum and the mausoleum, which provides the front to the bronze statue of Nkrumah.
3. Aburi Botanical Gardens
The Aburi botanical garden is 30 Km North of Accra on the Akuapem hills at 1200 feet elevation. Aburi Botanical Garden is an open place relieving climate plus a lushly scenic setting that allows tourists to visit and allows tourists to see and enjoy a mixture of indigenous and exotic trees of global importance and medicinal properties.
It is also an excellent place for picnic activities.
Tourists pay an entry fee that helps in the overall maintenance of the site.
Some attractions of Aburi Botanic Gardens:
- The Bush House,
- The Rock Garden,
- The Pergola or Lover’s lane,
- The Ficus tree,
- The retired helicopter
- School of horticulture.
- The bush house
4.Boti Falls
Boti Falls is located just 17km northeast of Koforidua, the eastern regional capital. There are two falls at Boti: The upper falls and the lower falls. These are the main features of the Boti Falls (what has widely been talked about is the lower falls). To get to this beautiful ‘mating’ ceremony, visitors will have to descend over 70 steps. The steps offer a timely exercise for people who have not had a workout in a long time, and the plunge pool formed at the base of the falls should provide a refreshing cooling down effect for those who want to take a bath.
Side Attractions
- Umbrella rock
- Three–head palm tree
5.Paga Crocodile Pond
Paga Pond is a sacred pond in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Due to the friendliness of the reptiles, this place has become very popular amongst tourists in—the northern part of Ghana. The pond is filled with healthy and well-fed West African Reptiles in Accra. The crocodiles are equally respected by the villagers, who believe that these animals carry the soul of every native of the village. Some of these crocodiles are about 80 years or more.
6.Manhyia Palace
The Manhyia Palace is the seat of the Asantehene of Asanteman. It is located in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region. The palace is now a museum commemorating their leaders and communicating the riches of their history and culture. It is a relatively small museum.
Attractions
- Royal regalia
- Photographs
- Medals
- Royal Furniture
- Drums
- Palanquins
- Sculpture of Past Kings
7.Kakum National Park
The Kakum National park is one of Ghana’s most visited tourist sites with an exciting 7 suspension bridge popularly known as the canopy walk in the central region of Ghana. This canopy walk is suspended up to 27 meters above the forest. The park houses trees that are over 300 years old. This park was opened for tourism to support ecotourism in Ghana. Visitors can use the opportunity to go up to the canopy walk to hike, enjoy palm wine, fufu, kebabs and do much more. The canopy walk is not for the faint hearted, if you’re afraid of heights you can take a pass. However, if you love challenges, paragliding and the like, this is an almost similar exercise that will give you the same thrill. It’s very safe and there are tour guides with you throughout!
8.Lake Bosumtwi
Lake Bosumtwi is the only natural lake in Ashanti and Ghana. It is situated within an ancient impact crater about 10.5 kilometres in diameter. It is about 30 km southeast of Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti and is a popular recreational area. There are about 30 villages near crater lake Lake Bosumtwi, with a combined population of about 70,000 Ashanti people. The Ashanti consider Bosumtwi a sacred lake. According to traditional belief, the souls of the dead come here to bid farewell to the god Asase Ya. Because of this, it is considered permissible to fish in the lake only from wooden planks. Among the fish species in the lake is the endemic cichlid Hemichromis frempongi, and the near-endemic cichlids’ Tilapia busumana and T. discolour.
9.Mole Park
The Mole National Park is Ghana’s first, largest and most prestigious protected area. It covers an area of 4,577 km2 of a relatively undisturbed Guinea savannah in the northern part of Ghana.
Mole is rich in biodiversity and home to some 742 vascular plant species, over 90 mammal species, elephants including five primate species, of which species of conservation and tourist interest include Elephant, Buffalo, Kob, Western Hartebeest, Roan Antelope, Defassa Waterbuck, Oribi, Bohor Reedbuck and Red-flanked Duiker. Rare and endangered species include the Yellow-backed Duiker, Black and White Colobus Monkey, Leopard and Lion. The Park is also home to 334 bird species, 33 reptiles, nine amphibian species, and some 120 butterfly species.
NB : A tour guide takes visitors or tourists on safari in a vehicle throughout the park, and it’s a sight to see!
10.Akatekyi Crocodile Pond
If you enjoy animals, especially crocodiles, you must visit the Akatekyi Crocodile Pond in the Western area. The fetish priest, also known as a traditional spiritual leader, entices the crocodiles from the water with a live foul. Visitors are advised to bring schnapps with them for libation.
In the community, crocodiles are revered and considered sacred by the locals. They are also an integral element of the community. This pond lies around 30 kilometres west of Takoradi.
If the trip to the Paga Crocodile Park may be tiresome for you then this should give you the same experience of seeing these reptiles.
Visited any of these places? leave a comment and let us know how it went!
Also, do you need a place to stay during your visit to Ghana? Contact us now, we’ll give you a full experience with the best and unique homes and apartments just for you.
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