Ghana is a beautiful Sub-Saharan African country bordered on the west by Côte d'Ivoire, on the north by Burkina Faso, and on the east by Togo. Tourism is one of Ghana's main exports, along with gold, cocoa, and crude oil. It's not surprising, then, that we have some out-of-this-world tourist attractions. In this article, we will discuss the top five tourist sites in Ghana.

What is Ghana famous for?

Without a doubt, I will say that Ghana is most famous for its cultural heritage and rich natural resources like gold, cocoa, timber, bauxite, manganese and oil,  which flows from the North to the South; East to the West. Our cultural heritage is embedded in our history and expressed in our everyday living; it is evident in our natural environment, our languages and even our built environment.

READ ALSO: Why You Should Own Apartments In Accra Ghana

How many tourist sites are there in Ghana?

Though Ghana is relatively a small country spanning a near 238,535 km² it has a lot of tourist sites and according to research Gate, Ghana currently has about 41 tourist sites

Top 5 tourist sites in Ghana

Pack your bags and come along with me. We are off to explore some of the most incredible tourist sites in Ghana. I am sure that as a tourist you plan on seeing and experiencing as much as possible during your stay here so let's get into the good stuff.

Though picking just five is near impossible as all of them are absolutely breathtaking, we will do our best to share the top 5 tourist sites in Ghana with you.

1. Cape Coast Castle

Originally named "Cabo Cors” by the Portuguese and later changed to “Carolusborg” by the Swedes, this castle is located in the Central region. This was one of forty slave castles built on the Gold Coast by European traders in 1555 and it has transformed from a trading post to a slave castle to a place where native Africans and all Africans in the diaspora can come to have some shreds of contact with their ancestral roots.

How to get to Cape Coast Castle from Accra

Duration by car	2h
Distance	143.9 km
Average price	$13
Frequency	Weekly

Open hours at the Cape Coast Castle

This is one of the many tourist sites in Ghana that open the same time all year round  Monday to Sunday - 09:00 to 16:30.

Where to stay around Cape Coast Castle

• Orange beach resort
• Lemon beach resort
• Elmina beach resort

Admission Rates at the Cape Coast Castle

Visitor Category	Entrance Fee
Ghanaian Adults	GH¢ 2.00
Foreign Children	USD 2.00 or it’s equivalent in Ghana cedis
Foreign Students with ID	USD 4.00 or it’s equivalent in Ghana cedis
Adult Foreigners	USD 7.00 or it’s equivalent in Ghana cedis

Which city is the most beautiful in Ghana?

This is a topic that is definitely up for debate. Every city or town in Ghana has a million and one reasons why they have the most beautiful landscape, and no, Accra is not the most beautiful city in Ghana. The city of Accra has some of the most amazing landscapes, landmarks and tourist sites in Ghana. Check these towns and cities out and we promise you will not be underwhelmed:

10 of the most beautiful towns and cities in Ghana

• Koforidua
• Kwahu
• Cape Coast
• Kumasi
• Akosombo
• Tamale
• Aburi
• Nzulezu
• Elmina
• Cape three points

2. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum

This mausoleum has a large historical significance to the people of Ghana, it is the final resting place of non-other than Ghana’s first President and Africanist Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. The museum premises has on display rare artefacts relating to Ghana’s independence and objects from the various stages of Osagyefo’s life.

Did you know that? The building is meant to represent an upside-down sword, which in Akan culture is a symbol of peace.

How to get to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum

The park is located in the heart of Accra and you can reach there either by taxi, public transport (Trotro/Metro bus) or by requesting a ride-hailing service. The journey from Eden Heights to the memorial park takes just about 37 minutes

Where to stay in Accra

Because the mausoleum is right in the city of Accra both tourists, ex-pats and even nationals can opt for a simple Airbnb but if you end up falling in love with the beautiful city of Accra either in the short or long-term, then check out: Eden Heights luxury apartments in Accra.

Open hours at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum

The historic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum open on weekdays, Mondays to Fridays, from  10:00 to 17:00 and on weekends from 9:00 to 15:00.

Admission Rates at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum

Entrance fees are as follows:

Visitor Category	Entrance Fee (GH¢)
Ghanaian Children	1.00
Ghanaian Teenagers	2.00
Ghanaian Adults	3.00
Non-Ghanaian Children	2.00
Non-Ghanaian Teenagers	5.00
Non-Ghanaian Adults	10.00

What are the major historical locations in Ghana?

The definition of a historical location is basically a place a governmental body and the general public deems and recognizes for its outstanding historical significance.

Ghana has a good number of historical locations. You can find many of them in our built and natural environment. These can be categorized according to their historical relevance, cultural significance, age (oldest) and amongst nature.

They are:

• Jamestown lighthouse
• Paga Nania
• Salaga Slave Market
• Independence Square
• Forts, castles and colonial-era churches
• Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Park
• Larabanga Mosque
•  Gwollu Slave Defense Wall
• Asante Traditional Buildings

3. Aburi Botanical Garden

For those staying in the bustling city of Accra with a need to get away from the city, this is an opportunity for them to visit unarguably one of the most biodiverse tourist sites in Ghana.

Aburi is located on the Akwapim-Togo range and as Ghana’s most visited tourist site, the garden undoubtedly plays a very large ecological importance and has a great impact on Ghana's biodiversity allowing a lot of flora and fauna species to call this place a safe haven. The cool mountainous weather of Aburi makes it a destination for people who love the cool side of life, when at the garden you can even hire a bike to explore the garden.

How to get to the Aburi Botanical gardens

Aburi is on the outskirts of Accra so for those visiting Accra with a desire to be in nature but in need of somewhere fairly close to the city, the Aburi Gardens is perfect for you. It’s just about 35-45 minutes away from the city of Accra. This makes it a perfect destination for families, you and your squad and even solo travellers. It is so close to Accra you can simply travel by Bolt or Uber there and back in a day. 

Where to stay around Aburi Gardens

• Highlander hotel
• Cactus creek hotel
• Mac-P guest house
• Peduase valley resort

Open hours at the Aburi Botanical Gardens

Here are the opening hours for the Aburi Botanical Gardens

• Monday 8:30 –17:00
• Tuesday  8:30 –17:00
• Wednesday  8:30 –17:00
• Thursday  8:30 –17:00
• Friday  8:30 –17:00
• Saturday  8:30 –17:00
• Sunday Closed

Admission Rates at the Aburi Botanical Gardens

Once you get to the gardens you will have to pay an entrance fee. After payment, you’ll be assigned a guide to help you navigate; the guide will educate you about the various plants, their origin, and their properties.

Rates:

• Ghanaian adult is GH¢ 5.00
•  Foreign adult is GH¢ 10.00

What is the most visited place by tourists in Ghana?

The answer is Kakum National Park.

Why is it the most visited you ask? Well, not all tourist sites in Ghana have over 126,000 people visiting every year. In 2019, this reserve located in the Central Region of the country was the most visited attraction site that year.

How to travel from Eden Heights to Kakum National Park

Eden Heights is located in heart of West Accra Ghana; the journey from this amazing community to a tourist site like Kakum takes about 2 hr 6 min (116.0 km) via the Accra- Cape Coast Road the cheapest way to get to Cape Coast from West Hills mall is by bus which costs around $ 6.00 - $12.00

READ ALSO: Real Estate Tips In Ghana

4. Mole National Park

For this beauty, you would have to travel quite the distance because the park is located in the Savannah region of Ghana with its entrance through the nearby town of Larabanga. The park is currently home to over 93 mammal species( from huge Elephants to cute green vervet monkeys), 33 known species of reptiles, 344 listed bird species and an abundance of flora. The park is however considered a primary African preserve for antelope species and has sightings of hyenas, lions and leopards which used to be more common in the park. While at Mole National Park, we also recommend visiting the ancient mud-and-stick mosque at Larabanga Mosque.

How to get to the Mole National Park

Honestly, the distance from a major city like Accra to the Savannah Region is a long one with a distance of about 690 km. You will probably spend over 10 hours on the road. You can either travel by a connecting bus service from Accra to Tamale or by plane from the Kotoka International Airport to the Tamale International Airport and then board or rent a car at your destination. You could also use a travel and tour company or rent a car and make a road trip of the whole journey.

Where to stay around the Savannah Region

The Savannah Region has a good number of lodges, hotels and motels to offer tourists visiting its amazing landmarks. Like the:

• Zaina Lodge
• Mole Motel
• Jeyads Lodge
• Mash Lodge Tamale

Open hours at the Mole National Park

The best period to visit the park is during the dry season (mid-December through mid-April) During this season you will generally see forms of flora and fauna out in the open doing what they do best, like herds of elephants grazing and bathing in the early morning or in the evening a couple of hours before the sun sets

Admission Rates at the Mole National Park

Visitor Category	Nationals (¢)	Non-Nationals (¢)
Adults	15.00	30.00
Tertiary Students	7.00	15.00
Second Cycle Students	5.00	15.00
Children/Pupils	2.00	7.00

What language do they speak in Ghana?

Ghana is multilingual with a population of over 25 million and though English is our official language, we have over 46 local languages originating from 6 major ethnic groups each with different dialects. Ethnic languages are Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagaare, and Dagbani.

Are there safaris in Ghana?

Yes! We most definitely have safaris in Ghana, safaris are after all synonymous with Africa. In Ghana, most safaris happen on the Shai Hills, the Mole National park, Afadjato and Akosombo just to mention a few. If you ever tour Ghana then you should check these safaris out:

Safaris you can join in Ghana:

• Wildlife Safari Africa
• Aqua Safari Resort
• Easy Track Ghana
• Wildlife Safari Accra

5. Kakum National Park

This next tourist destination will have you feeling like you are in one of the old Indiana Jones movies; quite an experience of a lifetime. You will have to walk on 7 canopy walkway bridges that extend a length of over 330 meters and rest over 30 meters above the forest floor.

Did you know? : This Is one of only 3 locations in Africa with a canopy walkway, which is 350 metres (1,150 ft) long and connects seven tree tops that protect wildlife in Ghana and provide access to the forest.

How to get to the Kakum National Park

Kakum Conservation Area is a wildlife protected area located in the Central Region of the Republic of Ghana, West Africa. It is approximately 35km north of Cape Coast, the regional capital. The total journey from Accra to Kakum will take you about  3 hr 13 min (175.8 km) if you drive on the Accra - Cape Coast road. You can get there by a connecting bus service from Accra to Takoradi or Cape Coast, or by air travel to the Takoradi Airport from Kotoka Airport then it’s a hop skip and a stone’s throw away to the park.

Opening hours at the Kakum National Park

The park opens and closes at the same time each day of the week, but during some holidays like (Christmas), the opening and closing times will change according to the occasion.

• Monday 6:00 –17:00
• Tuesday 6:00 –17:00
• Wednesday 6:00 –17:00
• Thursday 6:00 –17:00
• Friday 6:00 –17:00
• Saturday 6:00 –17:00
• Sunday 6:00 –17:00

Where to stay near Kakum National park

• Has cottage Botel
• Oguaa Apartments & Lodging
• Rainforest lodge
• Eden lodge

How much does it cost to go to Kakum National Park?

Though the park receives some government funding it also makes its money through tourist attraction fees and in addition to a GH¢ 2.00 entrance fee/ utility fee, the prices for other facilities are listed below:

• Canopy walkway:

Adult Ghanaian - GH ¢25.00,

Non-Ghanaian adult - GH¢ 60.00.

Ghanaian Pupil/Child - GH¢ 4.00

Non-Ghanaian pupil/child - GH¢ 30.00

Ghanaian Student (Tertiary) - GH¢ 6.00

Ghanaian Student (Secondary) - GH ¢6.00

Non -Ghanaian (Secondary and Tertiary) - GH¢ 6.00

• Hiking in the Forest:

Adult Ghanaian - GH¢ 20.00,

 Non-Ghanaian adult - GH ¢50.00.

Ghanaian Pupil/Child - GH ¢2.00,

Non-Ghanaian pupil/child - GH ¢15.00

• Birdwatching:

Ghanaian - GH¢ 40.00,

Non-Ghanaian - GH ¢90.00

NB: Students ID cards would be inspected.

What is there to do in Accra at night?

Do you remember how in the movie night at the museum, by some magic, everything comes to life each night? Accra is such a place. There is always so much going on at night that you could literally stay awake till dawn if you are adventurous enough. Check these out:

Nightlife hot spots in Accra

• Bloom bar
• Exhale
• Area bar
• The Basement
• The Garage
• The alley bar
• Mojo bar
• The basement bar

Where to stay in Ghana as a tourist

For first-time visitors and tourists who want to make the most of their trip to see some of the best tourist sites in Ghana, they should know that the country has a good number of motels, hotels, guest houses, apartments, houses for sale and for rent in the country.

There are specific forms of accommodations you will find in parts of the country. Let’s say you travel up North to a rural area, the accommodation is relatively cheap and many locals will not hesitate to host you. As people in Ghana are generally friendly, there is no need to worry; you will be welcomed.

 However, if you want to travel to Accra from November to December, you have to reserve rooms way ahead of time because of the Christmas festivities and other programmes scheduled at the end of the year it becomes virtually impossible it find your ideal lodging.

Eden Heights, Luxury in Accra defined

Eden Heights is not your everyday standard Accra luxury apartment,  it is more than that. It is an illustration of excellence in real estate. Located in the heart of West Accra Ghana, this residential development offers a unique space dedicated to providing residents with comfort and luxury in addition to a world-class sports facility, on-site management office, spacious parking areas, and a  serene environment.

The master-planned development, which is about thirty (30) minutes drive from the Kotoka International Airport and five (5) minutes’ walk from the West Hills Mall will provide residents with convenience, comfort, security, and peace of mind.

Tourism is a complex system that is built up of industry sectors and as travellers continue to seek authentic experiences the research tools will always continue to evolve. I definitely hope that this piece on tourist sites in Ghana has been helpful.

Discover the best real estate listing Accra-Ghana has to offer you and find your ideal apartment from Eden heights, Ghana's top real estate company.

 Visit our  website, and find the apartment of your dreams. We’d be happy to answer any questions and help you find an apartment that works best for you.