Day Trips & Excursions: Accra

Historic Castles & Canopy Walks

Kakum National Park & Cape Coast/Elmina Castles lie approximately a 2-3 hour drive west of Accra. A full day, typically 10-12 hours, fully experiences both destinations. Many travelers choose an overnight trip for more relaxed time at each location.

Organized tours or private cars offer direct travel. Public transport to Cape Coast with local onward transport is also available.

Suggested Itinerary

Begin with Elmina Castle, the first European fort in sub-Saharan Africa.
Proceed to Cape Coast Castle, another major slave castle.
Conclude at Kakum National Park, where the canopy walkway offers an unique perspective.
An overnight stay allows more time at each location.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Journeys

Discover serene beaches, riverine landscapes, and nearby cultural experiences.

Aburi Botanical Gardens & Boti Falls

Aburi is approximately a 1-hour drive north of Accra. Boti Falls is another 1-1.5 hours further inland. A half to full day is typical for this trip.

Highlights

Explore the tranquil Aburi Botanical Gardens.
Visit Boti Falls, impressive during the rainy season.
Consider adding Umbrella Rock and Three-Headed Palm Tree.

Shai Hills Resource Reserve

Approximately a 1-hour drive north of Accra, this is one of the closest wildlife reserves. A half day allows for adequate exploration.

Activities

Wildlife viewing: baboons, zebras, various antelopes.
Rock climbing and hiking on rocky outcrops.
Explore small caves within the reserve.

Coastal Retreats & Cross-Border Journeys

Coastal Destinations

Prampram Beach: Quieter beach east of Accra, popular for getaways (~1 hr).
Ada Foah: Volta River meets Atlantic (~2 hrs east), great for boat cruises, jet skiing, kayaking.
Bojo Beach: Secluded option closer to Accra, accessible by short boat ride.
Private car or taxi is recommended for these coastal areas.

Togoville Togo

Historic town in neighboring Togo known for voodoo traditions.
Approximately a 3-4 hour drive east of Accra, with border formalities.
Requires a valid Togo visa in advance.
Careful planning for border procedures.

Multi-Day Extension Overview

Central Region (Cape Coast & Elmina):2-day, 1-night trip for relaxed exploration.
Ashanti Region (Kumasi):4-5 hour drive or short flight; 2-3 days recommended.
Volta Region (Ho, Wli Falls):3-5 hour drive; 2-3 days for natural attractions.
Paga & Nzulezo:Too far for day trips; suited for multi-day extensions.

Central Region attractions:Elmina Castle, Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park.
Ashanti Region attractions:Manhyia Palace Museum, Kejetia Market, craft villages.
Volta Region attractions:Wli Falls, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary.
Recommended travel:Private car with a driver for flexibility.

Travel Insight

When visiting the slave castles, a local guide's narratives deepen the experience. Explore GetYourGuide's day trip options for convenience.

Regional Highlights

Experience Ghana's diverse heritage and natural beauty beyond the capital.

Shai Hills Reserve

A close wildlife reserve offering hiking and animal spotting, including baboons and zebras.

Ada Foah Estuary

Where the Volta River meets the ocean, perfect for boat cruises and water sports.

Aburi Gardens

Tranquil botanical gardens, a refreshing escape from the city.

Central Region Exploration

A 2-day, 1-night trip to the Central Region allows more relaxed time to explore significant historical sites.

Sites

Elmina Castle, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cape Coast Castle, a major slave castle.
Kakum National Park for the canopy walkway.

Ashanti Kingdom Immersion

Kumasi, the historical seat of the powerful Ashanti Kingdom, offers a rich cultural dive over 2-3 days.

Cultural Deep Dive

Manhyia Palace Museum.
Kejetia Market, West Africa's largest open-air market.
Craft villages like Adanwomase (kente) and Ntonso (Adinkra).

Estimated Travel Times from Accra

Kakum/Cape Coast:2-3 hours

Aburi Gardens:1 hour

Shai Hills:1 hour

Prampram Beach:1 hour

Ada Foah:2 hours

Togoville (Togo):3-4 hours (+ border time)

Planning Tip

Organized tours offer convenience, especially for complex routes.
A private car with a driver offers flexibility and comfort for multi-day trips.
Allow time for border formalities when traveling to neighboring countries.
Day trips from Accra often mean early starts.
Public transport options are available for budget-conscious travelers.

Further Regional Journeys

Extend your trip to explore more of Ghana's diverse regions and cultural richness.

Volta Region Natural Wonders

Located east of Accra, the Volta Region boasts lush, mountainous landscapes and Ghana's highest waterfall.

Explore the Region

Hike to Wli Falls, a spectacular natural wonder.
Visit Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary for Mona monkey interaction.
Discover other natural attractions in the region.

Kumasi Craft Villages

Around Kumasi, visit traditional craft villages to see artisans creating renowned Ghanaian art forms.

Artisan Experiences

Adanwomase for Kente weaving.
Ntonso for Adinkra fabric printing.
Observe local artisans at work.

Ghana's Poignant Past

Two UNESCO World Heritage sites offer profound historical reflection on the transatlantic slave trade.

Castles to Visit

Elmina Castle, the first European fort in sub-Saharan Africa.
Cape Coast Castle, a major slave castle.
Assin Manso Slave River, a historical site of remembrance.

Accra Vicinity Day Trips

Explore nature and wildlife experiences close to the capital for a refreshing break.

Nearby Attractions

Aburi Botanical Gardens for tranquil beauty.
Boti Falls for impressive twin waterfalls.
Shai Hills Resource Reserve for wildlife and hiking.

Benefits of Longer Stays

Extended trips unveil more of Ghana's diverse offerings, providing a comprehensive travel narrative.

Exploration

More relaxed exploration of major sites like castles and national parks.

Cultural Immersion

Opportunities to visit craft villages and engage with local communities.

Varied Landscapes

Experience mountains, rivers, and unique coastal areas.

Planning Insight

Paga Crocodile Pond and Nzulezo Stilt Village are too far for day trips from Accra. They suit multi-day extensions or separate journeys.

Day Trips & Excursions