Top 10 Must-See Attractions of Ghana
Ghana is a magical place full of history, culture, scenery, wildlife and some of the friendliest people on earth. While it is difficult to name just the most important destinations, these are the top 10 attractions in Ghana by volume of requests.
Accra
Accra is the capital and largest city in Ghana with the population of over four million in the metropolitan area. Accra provides a wide range of accommodation and other tourist facilities and services for both business and holiday tourists. Accra is a city full of character, has a warm feel, is extremely friendly and is very safe.
Spend some time visiting historic sites, markets, galleries, our pulsing nightlife, and some really fun beaches.
Beaches
Ghana faces the Atlantic Ocean and is blessed with some of the world's most untouched beaches, pristine clarity in the water and beautiful white sands. While there are many beach resorts along the coast in all budget ranges, many beaches are not developed and are mainly used for fishing by the local people.
There are 4 regions in Ghana which are located along the Gulf of Guinea. Exquisite and beautiful beaches can be found in all of these regions: Volta Region, Greater Accra, Central Region and Western Region.
History of Our Diaspora
The first Europeans to arrive at the ancient Gold Coast were the Portuguese in 1471. They encountered a variety of African kingdoms, some with substantial deposits of gold. Eventually the trade in natural resources was supplanted by the trade in human cargo.
Ghana has the greatest concentration of colonial-era forts of any country in Africa. These are found most prominently in the Central Region and the Western region, and to a lesser extent in the Greater Accra Region and the Volta Region. Certainly the most visited are Cape Coast castle and Elmina castle.
The slave routes of northern Ghana were a key supply source for slaves sent to markets in the south. Among these historic slave routes in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions are relics and important sites of the slave trade. Slave holding and camp sites, water troughs, rivers where captured slaves were allowed to drink and bath, as well as walled villages and caves for protection can all be found in these regions.
Kakum National Park
Located just north of Cape Coast, Kakum National Park is a 375km² national park consisting of undisturbed coastal forest and is also home to an amazing rainforest canopy walkway. This canopy walkway consists of six tree platforms and 7 suspension bridges that reach the height of 27 meters (88 feet) above the forest floor.
It is always good to visit the walkway early in the morning before the crowds arrive and queues form, but the trails are far less frequented.
Scenic & Natural Beauty
Come and see with your own eyes the scenic beauty which Ghana is blessed. Exceptional hiking can be found at the Tanoboase Sacred Grove, to the summit of Ghana's tallest peak at Mount Afadjato, or the remote cliff dwellings and rock petroglyphs at the Gambaga Escarpment. Less strenuous options include lush forest hikes, our most-visited waterfalls, or any of our National Parks.
Whether it be sahelian savannah, virgin forests, unique sandstone erosions, picturesque villages, or lagoons, lakes and rivers - Ghana has an abundance of scenic adventures for you to experience.
Wildlife & Birding
While Ghana is not on par with the great safari destinations of southern and eastern Africa, Ghana does have its share of offerings. Our 16 National Parks, resource reserves and protected areas cover a vast and varied habitat from wetland lagoons, broad leaved woodland and, as you venture northwards, the sahelian savannah plains. This supports a wide range of birds, butterflies, and wildlife.
Ashanti Kingdom
The Ashanti Region, "Land of the Golden Stool", is the cultural heartbeat of Ghana and rich in history and tradition.
Kumasi, Ghana's second largest city, is the regional capital of the Ashanti region. Features of the city include the West Africa's largest outdoor market, Kejetia Market, the National Cultural Centre, the Okomfo Anokye Sword, and the museum at the home of the Ashanti King, Manhiya Palace, dating from 1925.
In the nearby surrounding area are numerous traditional craft villages, historic sites and shrines, bird and butterfly sanctuaries, and Lake Bosumtwi, Africa's largest meteorite impact lake.
Volta Lake & Volta Region
Bordering on Togo, the Volta region is an area of extraordinary scenic beauty. The rolling hills and valleys, rocky outcrops overlooking Lake Volta, and lagoons, rivers and numerous waterfalls make for one of nature’s most attractive gifts to Ghana. The dam at Akosombo has created Volta Lake, the largest man-made lake on earth, which provides much of Ghana's electric power. And let's not forget that Volta Region beaches along the Volta River and at the coast are extraordinary!
The People
World-famous for our hospitality and friendliness, Ghana is a place with a multitude of religions, languages, cultures and tribes all peacefully celebrating music, dancing and socializing together. Leave no doubt in your mind – the number one attraction of Ghana is her people. They are amongst the friendliest in Africa, so prepare yourself for a warm, sociable welcome!
Charitable Giving
One thing that you can easily do is to pack a few extra items to give away while on your journey. Our special philanthropic tour moments are among the memories that our guests find most rewarding. Bring gifts to Ghana to distribute, or purchase supplies locally, injecting money into the local economy. While on tour, we can arrange for you to make your contribution to a reputable school, clinic, orphanage, or hospital. Just receiving pencils and paper is a huge event, and you will always remember the outpouring you witness.