🇬🇭map Ghana [Activities]

Outdoor Activities

Ghana invites you outdoors year-round, with landscapes that range from rainforest to savanna to palm-fringed coast. In the south, Kakum National Park is famous for its canopy walkway suspended above thick tropical forest—go early to catch birds and cooler air. For hiking, the Volta Region delivers: Mt. Afadja (often called Afadjato) is a popular climb, and nearby Wli Waterfalls offers lush trails and a dramatic cascade, especially full after the rains. If wildlife is your thing, head north to Mole National Park, where early morning game drives often spot elephants, antelope, and baboons against a classic West African savanna backdrop.

Water lovers can mix beach time with adventure. Busua and nearby Cape Three Points are relaxed surf spots with friendly breaks for beginners and board rentals on the sand. Closer to Accra, Labadi and Kokrobite offer lively seaside scenes, while Bojo Beach delivers a quieter stretch of sand reached by a short lagoon crossing. For kayaking and paddleboarding, the Volta River near Ada Foah is serene, with sandbars and mangroves that feel a world away from the city.

Urban Entertainment

Accra’s energy is contagious, and nights often start in Osu along “Oxford Street,” where you’ll find rooftop lounges, live DJs, and open-air bars serving local brews and cocktails with Ghanaian twists. For something artsy, Jamestown’s historic lanes host pop-up performances, and during festival season the walls become canvases for striking murals. Live music blends highlife, Afrobeats, and gospel—look out for regular sets in intimate venues around Osu, Labone, and East Legon.

By day, dip into culture at the National Museum of Ghana, then stroll the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum, a refreshed space honoring Ghana’s independence story. Contemporary art lovers can browse independent galleries around Accra and Tema, while shoppers will enjoy Arts Centre crafts or the boutiques clustered in Accra’s newer malls. When you need a breather, Aburi Botanical Gardens—set on a breezy ridge above the city—makes a peaceful half-day escape with lawns perfect for picnics.

Sports and Recreation

Football is the national passion, and catching a league match or a national team screening in a sports bar is a spirited way to plug into local life. In Accra and Kumasi, you’ll find modern gyms, yoga studios, and group fitness classes—drop-in passes are common. Runners gather for early morning jogs along the Accra Mall–Airport loop or the University of Ghana campus, and weekend cycling groups often ride out toward Aburi for hill training and cooler air.

For something more adventurous, try surf lessons at Busua, or join a guided mountain-bike ride in the Shai Hills area. Golfers can book tee times at courses in Accra, Tema, and Kumasi, and tennis courts are available at several clubs and hotels. If you’re new in town, expat and local social leagues for football, basketball, and ultimate frisbee are friendly entry points to meet people while staying active.

Cultural Experiences

Ghana’s coastal forts—especially Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle—are powerful places to learn about the trans-Atlantic slave trade; guided tours are thoughtful and often deeply moving. In Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom, the Manhyia Palace Museum interprets royal history, while the bustling Kejetia Market gives a sensory hit of everyday life, from kente cloth to spices. Back in Accra, the Ga community’s Jamestown offers layered colonial and local history amid lighthouse views and photo-friendly alleyways.

Festivals are a highlight. Homowo in Accra, Akwasidae in Kumasi (held at the Manhyia Palace according to the Ashanti calendar), and Panafest on the coast showcase drumming, dance, and pageantry that make you feel part of the crowd. Hands-on travelers can try kente weaving workshops around Bonwire near Kumasi, learn batik dyeing in Accra or Cape Coast, or join a drumming class that ends in an exuberant jam session.

Beach and Coastal Activities

Ghana’s 500-plus kilometers of coastline come with personalities to match. Labadi Beach near Accra is lively with riders on horseback and weekend drumming circles, while Kokrobite brings a laid-back backpacker vibe and sunset music. Westward, Busua’s crescent bay is perfect for swimming and surfing, with simple cafés serving fresh seafood. For solitude and nature, Cape Three Points feels remote and wild, and Axim’s beaches are scenic without the crowds.

Water sports run the gamut from surfing and bodyboarding to boating on calm lagoons. Ada Foah, where the Volta River meets the Atlantic, is great for boat trips to sandbars and birdwatching in the mangroves. Always swim where locals do, watch for strong currents, and keep an eye on changing conditions during the rainy seasons. Weekdays are calmer; weekends bring more music and pop-up food stalls.

Family-Friendly Activities

Families will find plenty to do beyond the beach. Aburi Botanical Gardens is a hit with kids thanks to wide lawns, towering trees, and easy paths. In Accra, the refurbished Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has fountains and shaded areas, and the National Museum’s exhibits appeal to curious teens. For gentle wildlife, try Shai Hills Resource Reserve for a short safari-style drive among antelope and baboons, or a butterfly-filled morning along forest trails in the Eastern Region.

At the coast, Busua and Bojo offer gentle waves and space to play, while Ada’s river setting is ideal for safe boat rides with life jackets provided. Hands-on craft sessions—like bead-making in Krobo country or batik workshops—keep younger travelers engaged and go home-worthy. Many hotels offer day passes to pools, which can be a lifesaver during hotter months.

Day Trips and Excursions

From Accra, popular day trips include Cape Coast and Elmina for the castles and ocean views—many travelers pair the visit with Kakum’s canopy walkway for a full, varied day. Closer to the city, Shai Hills mixes light hiking with caves and wildlife, while Aburi adds gardens and village craft stops. If you have a weekend, head to the Volta Region for Wli Waterfalls and Mt. Afadja, or to Kumasi for Ashanti heritage and markets.

Multi-day journeys open up Ghana’s north and far west. Mole National Park rewards early mornings with elephant sightings, and nearby Larabanga Mosque is one of West Africa’s most photographed Sudano-Sahelian structures. Along the western coast, slow travel reveals stilt village life at Nzulezo and unspoiled beaches near Akwidaa and Cape Three Points. Independent travel is straightforward by car, but organized tours can simplify logistics and add context at historical sites.

Practical Information

Ghana is warm year-round. The main rains typically arrive from April to June, with a shorter wet spell around September to November; expect greener landscapes and fuller waterfalls but plan for muddy trails and occasional travel delays. The dry season from December to March brings the Harmattan, a dusty, cooler wind that softens sunsets but can reduce visibility—great for beach days and northern safaris. For popular activities like Kakum’s canopy walkway or castle tours, you can usually pay on arrival, though long weekends benefit from early starts or advance arrangements with guides.

Activity costs vary: beach day passes and museum entries are usually modest, while guided safaris, surf lessons, or private boat trips cost more. Dress casually but respectfully, especially at religious and memorial sites, and always ask before photographing people. In cities, use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps; for longer trips, reputable drivers or tour operators are worth the convenience. Most attractions are accessible with standard mobility, though some hikes, canopy walkways, and castle dungeons involve steps or uneven ground—calling ahead can help you plan the best route.

Amara
Amara is a business strategist and cultural liaison originally from Nairobi, Kenya, with over 12 years of experience in African markets and international corporate development across the continent. Having worked for major multinational corporations and regional organizations including the African Development Bank and East African Community, Amara has extensive experience facilitating the relocation of international talent to Kenya, South Africa, and other key African markets, as well as helping African professionals navigate assignments abroad.