If you’re looking to explore Africa, Ghana is a great option. The country has plenty of amazing beaches, lots of cultural activities to check out and some very cool cities. It also has a strong government and excellent tourist infrastructure, meaning it’s an easy place to experience all that the continent has to offer – some people even call it “Africa for beginners!”
Situated between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, Ghana is a great place to explore. With its tasty food, vibrant art, and historic colonial sights, it’s not one to be missed! The capital city of Accra is the country’s biggest hub and there are lots of amazing sights out in the countryside too – all easily reached. To get the best of Ghana’s attractions, check out our top places to visit!
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Taste Ghanian Culture
Accra, Ghana’s capital city, is a great place to experience the country’s culture! You can find plenty of classy and fancy bars and restaurants like Skybar25 or Bistro 22. But if you’re looking for an authentic taste of Ghanian cuisine, you should check out Auntie Muni Waakye or Bush Canteen to try dishes like jollof rice or waakye – both are made with tomatoes and flavorful spices.
In the galleries, you can find photos of Ghana’s culture taken by popular photographers such as Kwesi Botchway and Afia Prempeh. You can also find art from African artists like Serge Clottey and Betty Acquah. In the city, you can check out different kinds of African art at places like Gallery 1957 for contemporary pieces, Berj Gallery for older pictures, or the Nubuke Foundation with its rotating visual-art displays.
Explore the Enlightening Community of Tamale, Ghana!
Tamale is the biggest city in northern Ghana. It has a mix of different kinds buildings, ranging from tall and modern skyscrapers to older buildings that have been around for 150 years!
The Tamale Central Mosque is a special place in the middle of town. When people come to pray, it can hold thousands of worshippers! It’s easy to spot because it has a tall green minaret at the top. Inside, you’ll find bright rugs on the floor waiting for visitors to kneel and pray.
Tamale is well-known for its art and handmade crafts. When looking for special gifts or souvenirs, you can visit the National Cultural Centre where there are plenty of jewelry pieces, drums, and woven baskets made from grass, straw and bamboo to explore!
The Larabanga Mosque is an amazing building located 72 miles west of Tamale. It’s believed to have been built in 1421 and people say it is one of the oldest mosques in all of West Africa. The outside walls are tall and white, with curved towers made from mud and reeds. It’s a popular attraction for tourists because you can get great photographs of its iconic architecture.
Unlock Ashanti’s Ancient Culture and Visit Manhyia Palace in Kumasi!
Kumasi is the second biggest city in Ghana, and it’s the home of the Ashanti people. The Ashantis have their own unique culture and language that has been around for hundreds of years. If you want to explore this special background, Manhyia Palace would be a great place to start!
The museum was built in 1925 by the British and dedicated to the Ashanti monarchy and their traditions. It was built for King Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I who had been exiled in the Seychelles for almost 30 years before coming back home. However, he didn’t move into it until the Ashanti paid for it themselves.
The royal family lived in the palace for many years until it was moved to another house. 20 years after that, the palace became a museum with interesting displays and artifacts belonging to the royal family. One of these items is the talking drum, which has special ways of speaking to people from Ashanti.
If you’re visiting Kumasi, time your visit just right to participate in one of their celebrations. The Akwasidae Festival happens every sixth Sunday and it’s a way to honor kings that have passed away while asking for their blessings by saying their names. You can explore the giant trees at Aburi Botanic Gardens while there!
Escape the Capital
Aburi is only about an hour drive away from Accra and it’s full of fresh air, making it a great place to escape the noise of the capital for a day. So why not take your family out for a calming Sunday at Aburi Botanic Gardens? You can stroll between the tall palm trees and snap photos by them. Posing in front of these palms can create really cool memories!
The gardens include lots of varieties of trees from all around the world, like Central America, Mexico, Malaysia, India, and the Caribbean! Plus, there are orchids, rocks gardens and a special park for kids. And in total there’s about 13 hectares (or 32 acres) which remain untouched to help keep the balance of nature. As you explore around the grounds, why not look for something special? Some famous people have left their mark here too- like Queen Elizabeth II who planted a mahogany tree in 1961 and Prince Charles with his silver oak in 1977!
Exploring the Past in Ghana
Located by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Coast was an important place for slave trading in the past. The castle located in this area was a major part of it, and enslaved people were kept inside its walls from 16th to 17th centuries! President Barack Obama even visited it once and noted that it symbolizes humanity’s capacity to do terrible things.
The Elmina Castle in Ghana is on the Unesco World Heritage List and people now visit it on guided tours. Inside the castle is a museum which has drums and pottery from long ago. At the top of Mt Afadjato you can see an amazing view of both Ghana and Togo!
A Hiker’s Paradise
The Volta Region of Ghana is where you can find Mt Afadjato, one of the highest mountains around! It only takes about two-and-a-half hours to hike up and reach its top. Once there, you’ll be able to see amazing views stretching across both Ghana and Togo to the east. Also, while trekking up the mountain, be ready to spot local plants, hippos, tortoises, lizards and butterflies!
The region is also a home to a monkey sanctuary and many different waterfalls. Wli Waterfall is the highest waterfall in West Africa and it divides Ghana from Togo. It takes about 30 minutes of walking to reach the lower part of this powerful waterfall, followed by a longer climb to get up close to its upper falls. You can even jump in the streams located at its bottom to take a refreshing swim while marveling at monkeys among tree branches or bats on cliffs nearby.
If you’re planning to go to the Wli Falls, don’t forget to go to the Tourist Office first and pick up a guide. It’s not allowed for visitors to go up there without a guide.
Discover the Splendor of Southern Ghana’s Ada Foah and Aqua Safari Resort!
Ada Foah is a beautiful place on the coast of southern Ghana. You’ll find long beaches and clear waters with plenty to do! Rent a speedboat for a beach-hopping adventure, or take it slow and explore the palm trees along the waterways in a kayak. Have fun!
Aqua Safari Resort is a great spot for having fun, with waterfalls and ponds you can explore and even peacocks running around the area. Make sure to check out Baffour Falls too – there you will find pelicans and a tortoise that you can feed!