last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Ghana
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Location Map of Ghana
Ghana
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Ghana has two sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Traditional Ashanti Buildings (1980)
This is the traditional architecture of the Ashanti people (and the former kingdom), primarily found in the northeast of Kumasi.
This is the traditional architecture of the Ashanti people (and the former kingdom), primarily found in the northeast of Kumasi.
Forts and Castles of Volta, Accra, and the Central and Western Regions (1979)
This is the UNESCO designation for a collection of around thirty fortresses built along the coast by colonial powers during the transatlantic slave trade era. They are located in Accra, Apam, Axim, Cape Coast, Dixcove, Elmina, Sekondi, Shama, and other spots along the coastline.
This is the UNESCO designation for a collection of around thirty fortresses built along the coast by colonial powers during the transatlantic slave trade era. They are located in Accra, Apam, Axim, Cape Coast, Dixcove, Elmina, Sekondi, Shama, and other spots along the coastline.
The Coast
Accra
The capital and largest city of the country, Accra features lively markets, a few old districts and remnants of the colonial era, and beaches.
The capital and largest city of the country, Accra features lively markets, a few old districts and remnants of the colonial era, and beaches.
Ada Foah
The town is home to beautiful beaches a few kilometers east of Accra, just before the Volta Estuary.
The town is home to beautiful beaches a few kilometers east of Accra, just before the Volta Estuary.
Axim
On the coast, heading towards Côte d'Ivoire, the town is home to one of the UNESCO-listed colonial fortresses and charming buildings from the British era.
On the coast, heading towards Côte d'Ivoire, the town is home to one of the UNESCO-listed colonial fortresses and charming buildings from the British era.
Cape Coast
On the Gulf of Guinea, this large city, once a departure point for enslaved people, is home to one of the main fortresses (along with others) classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On the Gulf of Guinea, this large city, once a departure point for enslaved people, is home to one of the main fortresses (along with others) classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Elmina
This fishing town near Cape Coast is home to one of the country’s main colonial fortresses (and the first established in Ghana), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This fishing town near Cape Coast is home to one of the country’s main colonial fortresses (and the first established in Ghana), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Forts and Castles of Volta, Accra, and the Central and Western Regions
This is the UNESCO designation for a collection of around thirty fortresses built along the coast by colonial powers during the transatlantic slave trade era. They are located in Accra, Apam, Axim, Cape Coast, Dixcove, Elmina, Sekondi, Shama, and other spots along the coastline.
This is the UNESCO designation for a collection of around thirty fortresses built along the coast by colonial powers during the transatlantic slave trade era. They are located in Accra, Apam, Axim, Cape Coast, Dixcove, Elmina, Sekondi, Shama, and other spots along the coastline.
Nzulezo
A lakeside village built on the edge of a lake, accessible only after a canoe ride through the mangroves.
A lakeside village built on the edge of a lake, accessible only after a canoe ride through the mangroves.
Sekondi-Takoradi
It’s the third-largest city in Ghana. Its appeal is limited to a few nearby beaches.
It’s the third-largest city in Ghana. Its appeal is limited to a few nearby beaches.
Natural Heritage
Volta Estuary
East of the capital, this is a region of mangroves and small islands that is home to monkeys, birds, and crocodiles. On the outskirts of the estuary, the village of Ada Foah has one of the country's most beautiful beaches.
East of the capital, this is a region of mangroves and small islands that is home to monkeys, birds, and crocodiles. On the outskirts of the estuary, the village of Ada Foah has one of the country's most beautiful beaches.
Kakum National Park
This small forest park, close to the coast and Cape Coast, is home to a diverse wildlife (elephants, birds, butterflies...). It is famous for its suspension bridges and exploring the natural environment from the canopy.
This small forest park, close to the coast and Cape Coast, is home to a diverse wildlife (elephants, birds, butterflies...). It is famous for its suspension bridges and exploring the natural environment from the canopy.
Ankasa Conservation Area
This forest park, known for its waterfalls and rivers, is located on the border with Côte d'Ivoire. You can see monkeys and elephants among other wildlife here.
This forest park, known for its waterfalls and rivers, is located on the border with Côte d'Ivoire. You can see monkeys and elephants among other wildlife here.
The Interior
Traditional Ashanti Buildings
This is the traditional architecture of the Ashanti people (and the former kingdom), primarily found in the northeast of Kumasi.
This is the traditional architecture of the Ashanti people (and the former kingdom), primarily found in the northeast of Kumasi.
Bolgatanga
A town near the Burkina Faso border. Its surroundings are the most interesting, with traditional villages featuring painted houses.
A town near the Burkina Faso border. Its surroundings are the most interesting, with traditional villages featuring painted houses.
Ho
This is a town in eastern Ghana whose main attraction is the organised hikes up nearby Mount Adaklu.
This is a town in eastern Ghana whose main attraction is the organised hikes up nearby Mount Adaklu.
Kumasi
The second-largest city in the country, located in the centre, Kumasi is also the "capital" of the Ashanti people, whose traditional surrounding habitat is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city features several museums, an old British fort, and one of West Africa’s most important markets. The Owabi Forest Reserve and its birdlife are also nearby.
The second-largest city in the country, located in the centre, Kumasi is also the "capital" of the Ashanti people, whose traditional surrounding habitat is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city features several museums, an old British fort, and one of West Africa’s most important markets. The Owabi Forest Reserve and its birdlife are also nearby.
Larabanga
This town in central Ghana is home to a stunning mosque with traditional Sudanese architecture, the oldest in the country.
This town in central Ghana is home to a stunning mosque with traditional Sudanese architecture, the oldest in the country.
Tamale
The largest urban area in the north is actually made up of several merged villages. It’s a major transport hub.
The largest urban area in the north is actually made up of several merged villages. It’s a major transport hub.
Wa
A major city in the far northwest on the route from Kumasi to Burkina Faso. It features some old quarters, a museum, and nearby hippos at the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary.
A major city in the far northwest on the route from Kumasi to Burkina Faso. It features some old quarters, a museum, and nearby hippos at the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary.
Natural Heritage
Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
North of Kumasi, the site is home to several hundred monkeys. It is one of the region’s main attractions.
North of Kumasi, the site is home to several hundred monkeys. It is one of the region’s main attractions.
Lake Volta
One of the largest lakes in West Africa. You can explore it by boat, discover the various waterfalls downstream, or visit the Akosombo Dam. Additionally, the Digya National Park, which borders the lake, is known for its birds and elephants.
One of the largest lakes in West Africa. You can explore it by boat, discover the various waterfalls downstream, or visit the Akosombo Dam. Additionally, the Digya National Park, which borders the lake, is known for its birds and elephants.
Lake Bosumtwi Crater
This lake, not far from Kumasi, is a popular local destination for fishing and boat trips.
This lake, not far from Kumasi, is a popular local destination for fishing and boat trips.
Mount Afadjato
On the border with Togo, this is Ghana's highest peak at 885 m. It can be explored on a hike, along with several nearby waterfalls. Another nearby mountain, Adaklu, offers similar opportunities.
On the border with Togo, this is Ghana's highest peak at 885 m. It can be explored on a hike, along with several nearby waterfalls. Another nearby mountain, Adaklu, offers similar opportunities.
Bui National Park
In the west of the country, on the Ivorian border, this is a park known for being home to numerous hippopotamuses, monkeys, and birds.
In the west of the country, on the Ivorian border, this is a park known for being home to numerous hippopotamuses, monkeys, and birds.
Mole National Park
This large park, west of Tamale, is the most visited in the country. Visitors come for the elephants, monkeys, antelopes, and a few other animal species. The Gbele Reserve, another park, is nearby.
This large park, west of Tamale, is the most visited in the country. Visitors come for the elephants, monkeys, antelopes, and a few other animal species. The Gbele Reserve, another park, is nearby.
Recommended
Cape Coast
★★★ On the Gulf of Guinea, this large city, once a departure point for enslaved people, is home to one of the main fortresses (along with…
Elmina
★★★ This fishing town near Cape Coast is home to one of the country’s main colonial fortresses (and the first established in Ghana), a…
Forts and Castles of Volta, Accra, and the Central and Western Regions
★★★ This is the UNESCO designation for a collection of around thirty fortresses built along the coast by colonial powers during the…
Kakum National Park
★★★ This small forest park, close to the coast and Cape Coast, is home to a diverse wildlife (elephants, birds, butterflies...). It is famous…
Mole National Park
★★★ This large park, west of Tamale, is the most visited in the country. Visitors come for the elephants, monkeys, antelopes, and a few other…
Worth a look / Other
Axim
★★ On the coast, heading towards Côte d'Ivoire, the town is home to one of the UNESCO-listed colonial fortresses and charming buildings from…
Traditional Ashanti Buildings
★★ This is the traditional architecture of the Ashanti people (and the former kingdom), primarily found in the northeast of Kumasi.
Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
★★ North of Kumasi, the site is home to several hundred monkeys. It is one of the region’s main attractions.
Busua
★★ This small coastal town boasts one of Ghana’s most beautiful beaches.
Kintampo Falls
★★ These are beautiful waterfalls in the western part of Ghana.
Volta Estuary
★★ East of the capital, this is a region of mangroves and small islands that is home to monkeys, birds, and crocodiles. On the outskirts of…
Kumasi
★★ The second-largest city in the country, located in the centre, Kumasi is also the "capital" of the Ashanti people, whose traditional…
Lake Volta
★★ One of the largest lakes in West Africa. You can explore it by boat, discover the various waterfalls downstream, or visit the Akosombo Dam…
Nzulezo
★★ A lakeside village built on the edge of a lake, accessible only after a canoe ride through the mangroves.
Paga
★★ At the Burkinabe border, the village is known for its sacred crocodile pond.
Bui National Park
★★ In the west of the country, on the Ivorian border, this is a park known for being home to numerous hippopotamuses, monkeys, and birds.
Ankasa Conservation Area
★★ This forest park, known for its waterfalls and rivers, is located on the border with Côte d'Ivoire. You can see monkeys and elephants among…
Accra
★ The capital and largest city of the country, Accra features lively markets, a few old districts and remnants of the colonial era, and…
Ada Foah
★ The town is home to beautiful beaches a few kilometers east of Accra, just before the Volta Estuary.
Bolgatanga
★ A town near the Burkina Faso border. Its surroundings are the most interesting, with traditional villages featuring painted houses.
Ho (Ghana)
★ This is a town in eastern Ghana whose main attraction is the organised hikes up nearby Mount Adaklu.
Lake Bosumtwi Crater
★ This lake, not far from Kumasi, is a popular local destination for fishing and boat trips.
Larabanga
★ This town in central Ghana is home to a stunning mosque with traditional Sudanese architecture, the oldest in the country.
Mount Afadjato
★ On the border with Togo, this is Ghana's highest peak at 885 m. It can be explored on a hike, along with several nearby waterfalls. Another…
Sekondi-Takoradi
★ It’s the third-largest city in Ghana. Its appeal is limited to a few nearby beaches.
Sunyani
★ A large city in western Ghana with a few interesting buildings.
Tamale
★ The largest urban area in the north is actually made up of several merged villages. It’s a major transport hub.
Wa (Ghana)
★ A major city in the far northwest on the route from Kumasi to Burkina Faso. It features some old quarters, a museum, and nearby hippos at…
- Accra
- Ada Foah
- Axim
- Busua
- Cape Coast
- Forts and Castles of Volta, Accra, and the Central and Western Regions
- Nzulezo
- Sekondi-Takoradi
- Ankasa Conservation Area
- Volta Estuary
- Kakum National Park
- Bolgatanga
- Kumasi
- Larabanga
- Paga
- Sunyani
- Tamale
- Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
- Bui National Park
- Lake Volta
- Lake Bosumtwi Crater
- Mole National Park
- Mount Afadjato
- Traditional Ashanti Buildings
- Ho (Ghana)
- Wa (Ghana)
- Kintampo Falls
- Elmina