Are you ready to discover Ghana beyond Accra? If you’ve visited Accra’s busy streets, iconic landmarks, and urban attractions, it’s time to take a journey outside the capital. Ghana has plenty of incredible destinations from the coast to the savannah, offering travelers beautiful landscapes, cultural immersion, thrilling wildlife, and historical experiences that are simply unforgettable.
Introduction
In this post, we’re sharing the top 15 tourist attractions outside of Accra, ideal for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. So, whether you’re planning a road trip, a guided tour, or even a solo exploration, these sites are well worth adding to your list!
1) Cape Coast Castle – Cape Coast
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cape Coast Castle is a significant historical landmark. Built by Swedish traders in 1653, it later became a crucial point for the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Tour the infamous “Door of No Return” and explore dungeons and halls that hold centuries of stories, making this a deeply moving experience.
2) Elmina Castle – Elmina
Just a few kilometers from Cape Coast, Elmina Castle is another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest European buildings in Africa. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it too played a significant role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The castle offers guided tours that delve into the harrowing history of the region while providing breathtaking views of the Gulf of Guinea.
3) Kakum National Park – Near Cape Coast
If you love nature and adventure, Kakum National Park is a must-see. Its star attraction is the Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge system stretching over 1,000 feet and 130 feet high through lush tropical forest. Spot colorful birds, butterflies, and even some wildlife like forest elephants, all while experiencing an adrenaline rush.
4) Mole National Park – Northern Region
For the wildlife enthusiast, Mole National Park offers Ghana’s best safari experience. Home to elephants, antelope, monkeys, and more, visitors can embark on guided walking safaris and jeep tours. Mole is especially known for its elephant sightings, offering one of the most up-close-and-personal safari experiences in West Africa.
5) Lake Bosomtwe – Ashanti Region
Formed in a meteorite impact crater, Lake Bosomtwe is Ghana’s only natural lake. Surrounded by stunning hills and lush vegetation, it’s a beautiful spot for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. The Ashanti people consider the lake sacred, adding a layer of cultural richness to your visit.
6) Nzulezo Stilt Village – Western Region
Nzulezo, a village built entirely on stilts above Lake Tadane, is one of Ghana’s most unique attractions. Visitors can take a canoe ride to reach this floating village, where they’ll find a resilient community that has adapted to life on the water. Nzulezo is an ideal place to explore traditional Ghanaian living in harmony with nature.
7) Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary – Volta Region
For animal lovers, the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary offers a chance to get up close with Mona monkeys in their natural habitat. The sanctuary, a result of local conservation efforts, offers visitors the opportunity to interact with these playful monkeys, who are protected and revered by the community.
8) Wli Waterfalls – Volta Region
Wli Waterfalls, Ghana’s highest waterfall, is a magnificent sight to behold. Nestled in the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, the waterfall is fed by the Wli River and cascades over 80 meters down to a lush valley below. A hike to the falls offers stunning views and a refreshing plunge in the natural pool below.
9) Mount Afadja (Mount Afadjato) – Volta Region
Standing at 885 meters, Mount Afadja is Ghana’s highest peak. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore the unique flora and fauna of the region.
10) Paga Crocodile Pond – Upper East Region
The Paga Crocodile Pond offers an unusual and thrilling experience. These crocodiles are treated as sacred, and surprisingly, they live in harmony with humans. Visitors can interact with the reptiles under the guidance of local handlers, creating unforgettable photo opportunities!
11) Kintampo Waterfalls – Bono East Region
Kintampo Waterfalls, located on the Pumpum River, is a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation. The main waterfall plunges down a three-tier rock face, creating an ethereal experience for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. The surrounding picnic area makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed day trip.
12) Larabanga Mosque – Northern Region
Known as Ghana’s oldest mosque, the Larabanga Mosque is a remarkable structure with Sudano-Sahelian architecture dating back to the 15th century. The mosque holds significant historical and cultural value and is a revered pilgrimage site for Ghanaian Muslims. Visitors can learn about its history and see its distinctive architecture up close.
13) Amedzofe – Volta Region
Amedzofe is the highest human settlement in Ghana, perched on the hills of the Volta Region. The area offers breathtaking views, cool mountain air, and several hiking trails. With nearby waterfalls and eco-tourism opportunities, Amedzofe is a perfect getaway for those seeking serenity and natural beauty.
14) Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary – Bono East Region
Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary offers a unique blend of wildlife conservation and local culture. Here, visitors can observe two species of monkeys—the Mona and Black-and-White Colobus monkeys—in a community that reveres them. The sanctuary has become a model for community-based eco-tourism and conservation efforts.
15) Shai Hills Resource Reserve – Greater Accra Region (Near Accra)
Although close to Accra, Shai Hills is technically outside the city and offers an exciting escape into nature. It’s a great destination for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife spotting, with baboons, antelope, and over 150 species of birds. You’ll also find fascinating caves and the remnants of ancient settlements.
Tips for Exploring Ghana Beyond Accra
1) Plan Your Route – Many of these sites are spread across the country, so it’s helpful to plan an itinerary that groups nearby attractions.
2) Travel by Road – Renting a car or joining a tour can offer more flexibility than relying on public transport, which can be limited in rural areas.
3) Respect Local Customs – Remember that some of these sites are sacred, and respecting local customs, like dressing modestly at religious sites, is essential.
4) Book Guides – Many sites have knowledgeable guides who can enrich your experience with history, insights, and even assist with local language translations.
5) Bring Essentials – Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and water, especially when visiting the parks and reserves.
The Final Thoughts
Ghana offers so much more beyond the bustling city of Accra. Whether it’s exploring ancient castles, hiking mountains, or marveling at breathtaking waterfalls, each attraction gives visitors a deeper understanding of the country’s heritage, culture, and natural beauty.
This list covers just a glimpse of Ghana’s vast travel landscape, but each destination promises an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready to explore Ghana’s incredible attractions outside Accra!