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Ever gave it a thought, about which African nation would be the best place to start your Saharan escapade?. Well, the answer to that question is the West African country of Ghana. The name ‘Ghana’ translates to “Warrior King” and at one time was also known as the “Golden Coast” due to its massive gold reserves. Besides, 2019 saw Ghana become the largest producer of Gold in Africa beating South Africa for the first time. The country also boasts of rich history and diverse ethnic cultures. Which is visible in the delectable cuisine and local street food found in the country. We have compiled a list of Ghana tourist attractions that you simply can not miss when in Ghana, West Africa.
10 Ghana Tourist Attractions That You Cannot Miss
1. The Tomb Of Kwame Nkrumah
Ghana was the first African country to gain independence from foreign colonial rule. In 1957, under the leadership of the Kwame Nkrumah, the country became the first self-governing African nation. The Pan African flag that we witness across so many African nations was the major source of inspiration from the red, yellow, black and green colours of the Ghanian flag.
Location: Accra, Ghana
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: $ 1.70 (Per Adult)
Best Dining options: Bistro 22, Simret, Mamma Mia
2. Boti Falls
It is one of the most beautiful and highly visited natural wonders in Eastern Ghana. The folklore behind the popularity of the falls is that the falls were hidden by the dense forest of Huhunya that surrounds the falls until a white catholic priest made the discovery of the falls. The falls constitute two waterfalls, the upper falls and the lower falls. The larger fall is taken to be the male and the smaller fall is taken to be the female.
Location: Koforidua, Ghana
Contact number: +233-302770161
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: $ 3.50 (Per Adult)
Best Dining options: Linda Dor, Chris Cafe, Bar 205
3. Lake Volta
The lake is in the Volta Region of Ghana and is home to several natural landscapes like mountains, waterfalls and lakes. Despite this, it is a region with the least amount of footfall. Lake Volta is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world with a surface area of 8,502 km². The lake came into existence after the construction of the Akosombo Dam in 1965 which also is the main source of power for the country in the form of hydroelectricity.
Location: Volta, Ghana
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: $ 2.70 (Per Adult)
Best Dining options: Volta Hotel Akosombo, Afrikiko River Front Resort, The Royal Senchi Resort
4. Aburi Botanical Gardens
Due to its location on the tropical belt, Africa enjoys a warmer climate which is favourable to the flora found in the region. One such location is the Aburi Botanical Gardens which is one of the most attractive destinations in Ghana. The gardens were open to the public back in 1890 and cover over 160 acres of land. Out of which, 157 acres are under the law and the remaining three acres have been allocated for basic infrastructure.
Location: Aburi, Ghana
Contact number: +233 – 030 2764337
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: $ 1.50 (Per Adult)
Best Dining options: Royal Garden Restaurant, Rita’s Kitchen, Peace Corner Restaurant and Bar
5. Mole National Park
The Mole National Park was one of the first wildlife reserves that were preserved by Ghana to save the flora and fauna of the region. The National Park is located in the northern part of Ghana and is one of the most popular bird-watching areas in the country. The park is spread over 4,840 Km² making it one of the best locations to wander off in the arms of mother nature.
Location: Larabanga, Ghana
Contact number: +233 – 24 431 6777
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: $ 5 (Per Adult)
Best Dining options: Zaina Lodge
6. Labadi Beach
The coastline of Ghana is home to several white sandy beaches, but the most popular one has to be Labadi Beach. The beach is popular with tourists and locals and is known as La Pleasure Beach. If you prefer quiet time at the beach, the best time to visit Labadi would be the weekdays. But, if you like loud music in the background visit the beach on weekends and have fun.
Location: Accra, Ghana
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: $ 2.30 (Per Adult)
Best Dining options: The Ghanian Village, Rehab Beach Club, The Akwaaba Restaurant
7. Larabanga Mosque
Built in 1421, Larabanga Mosque is one of the oldest structures still standing strong in Ghana. The mosque is an ancient Sudanese style structure made of mud and sticks. According to popular folklore, a weary traveller was passing by and dreamt of the Mosque. On waking up he discovered the foundation of the mosque already built and carried on the construction from that point on.
Location: Larabanga, Ghana
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: $ 0.17 (Per Adult)
Best Dining options: Savannah Lodge, Belgha Bar and Hostel
8. Okomfo Anokye Sword Site
One of the most intriguing sites representing the influence of the Ashanti tribe in the formulation of Ghana lies in this site. The site is home to a sword of a popular Ashanti priest, who was responsible for the expansion of the Ashanti empire. The priest stuck his sword in the ground and announced that no one would be able to pull it out. After several attempts, even to this day the sword remains majestically impaled in the ground.
Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Contact number: +233 – 27 747 3288
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Part of the tour packages
Best Dining options: Ike’s Cafe and Grill Ghana, Vic Baboo’s Cafe, Moti Mahal Restaurant
9. The Manhyia Palace
Ghana is ground zero for several traditional communities which are responsible for shaping the country. The influence is so great that local people still believe in the importance of the role a chief plays in the development of the land. The Ashanti Region has the maximum number of chiefs, but the most important one among them is the Asantehene of Asanteman. And Manhyia Palace is the chief’s humble abode.
Location: Kumasi, Ghana
Contact number: +233 – 55 218 2129
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: $ 5 (Per Adult)
Best Dining options: Noble House, Ike’s Cafe and Grill Ghana, Vic Baboo’s Cafe
10. Cape Coast Castle
The castle is one of the prominent structures located in central Ghana. The castle was built back in 1555 by the Portuguese to help with the trade between the two countries. But, later started using the castle for the trade of Ghanian slaves. The castle has a door known as the “Door of no return”. Stories have it, that the colonial masters sent the slaves from the castle to the ship through this door. And the slaves who went through it has never returned alive.
Location: Cape Coast, Ghana
Contact number: +233 – 57 710 1707
Best time to visit: October to March
Entry Fee: $ 7 (Per Adult)
Best Dining options: Orange Beach Bar, Baobab House, Emperor Ital Joint
Also Explore: 21 Exotic Things To Do In West Africa
