15 Best Things to Do in Ghana for Tourists in their Best Places

Ghana, a country in West Africa, is known to be the safest and friendliest African country. It became the very first African nation to be free from colonial rule. So there is a dark history embedded in the country. Ghana will offer you with both historical sites and various natural wonders.

There are many things to do in Ghana that are perfect for hikers, nature and adventure lovers.

Here you will find golden beaches, Africa's best treetop bridges, and unique wild animals, without much crowds. You will see several festivals full of lively African music and chaos to be entertained.

This article highlights the top spots in Ghana, and what to do in Ghana with local tips, and how to stay connected online for unforgettable memories.

So get to know how Ghana has become a travel-worthy place by mixing adventure, culture, and natural landscapes for attracting local and global tourists.

Cape Coast Castle

The castle is situated 165 km or 3 hr west of the capital, on the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Coast. This was built by the European (slave) traders and is a slave fort. This means, thousands of Africans were traded as slaves from here. They had waited for months in dark rooms called dungeons, and then finally if lucky, could escape through "Door of No Return" to America.

This place now holds a dark and emotional historical moment for Africa. This is the top spot in Ghana as by visiting this castle, travellers remember the history associated with it, pay respect to them, and reflect on it. So out of all things to do in Ghana, visiting here is a must.

You can take a 45min guided tour of the castle. You will then see the dungeons, a church above, and a lighthouse. You can visit here all year round but try to go during cooler and drier seasons in December to April.

You will see crowds always as this famous site was visited by the former US President Barack Obama too. But during weekends you will see more crowds so avoid going that time. Keep sunscreen and water bottles to stay refreshed in this chaotic place under the hot sun.

After his 1997 visit here, Nelson Mandela gave an emotional description about this place, "These dungeons whisper the unimaginable suffering of millions - Ghana's castles teach us never to forget."

During Obama’s 2009 Ghana visit, he said in his speech, “It's a place of anguish, a place of sorrow."

Mole National Park

Located at the northwest of Ghana, this park is famous for getting close to elephants. This is a place for experiencing the safest and easiest Ghana’s wildlife. Not only elephants, but also you will also see baboons, and antelopes. So this is among “Ghana best places” and popular Ghana tourism places for safari rides and adventure lovers.

As safari lovers, out of things to do in Ghana, you can get to enjoy this park a lot. You can walk to the viewpoint to watch elephants, or take safari rides there. To explore the whole park, you can take 3 hour long paid safari rides at game drives. You will also get to see Larabanga Mosque, which is the world's oldest mosque made by mud. If you are Muslim, you can pray inside it.

You will have rough and dusty roads, so take precautions accordingly. Visit here during the winter time as it’s the peak time for elephants, and also cool weather. If you come during summer, you’ll get lesser crowds but it can be quite hot. You can not bring kids below the age of 5 here. Such restrictions are not there in any other Ghana tourist attractions.

Sir David Attenborough on BBC Natural World series commentary on Ghana wildlife said, "Ghana's Mole offers authentic African safari minus Kenya crowds - pure magic watching elephants at the waterhole."

Kakum National Park

This park is actually a rainforest situated 30 km from the central region. This is famous for 7 suspension bridges that are 30 meter high through treetops. From that treetops level, you can see monkeys, birds, and butterflies below. It is quite a thrilling and fun experience. The park is said to be Africa's best rainforest canopy walk. So this is a must see in Ghana.

It is a 30 minute walking trip through those bridges. They will swing but do not worry as it is scary but still safe and one of the most adventurous things to do in Ghana. But this activity requires decent stamina and a strong mentality.

Usually people who are afraid of heights, they skip visiting this park. From top there, you can see hundreds of birds and butterflies flying just around you, which gives a magical feeling. You can also find monkeys hanging on the swings and jumping branches.

Visit here from November to March, because it’s the dry season and so no slippery or muddy pathways. To avoid heavy crowds, try to visit very early in the mornings, and if possible with a tour guide. Wear comfortable shoes and keep necessary things like sun protections, water bottles, insect sprays etc.

Kumasi Central Market

This is a market located at Kumasi city that is 5hr north of the capital, Accra. This market is famous for being the world's largest single market. So shopping or at least visiting and exploring here is one of the must things to do in Ghana. From Ghana’s traditional clothes (Kente) to spices to jewelleries, everything is found here.

You need to bargain a lot in this market; the sellers will definitely ask for high prices trying to scam you. You can buy some Kente as souvenirs or watch and learn a kente weaving demonstration. Here you can experience local culture, authentic life of Ghana people. So must buy their traditional and local foods from local shops.

Try to visit there during weekdays for less crowds. Be prepared to face chaos while bargaining and maze-like alleys. So take a local with you to help you in your smooth shopping experience. If you like to be in chaos, then this place is one of the fun Ghana activities to do.

Wli Waterfalls

This is a 80 meter high fall that is located at the Wli village, in eastern Ghana. This is Ghana’s tallest and most beautiful waterfall. You can see some rare and pretty birds here. This is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for two-hour rainforest hikes and then swimming in the falls. You can also just walk on 4 km long trails. So here also you can do several activities from your ‘things to do in Ghana’ itinerary from this one place only.

You can do some hiking and trekking on the mountains of the rainforest and get to see good viewpoints, and obviously some animals like monkeys and birds. If you do not want hiking, then just walking through the trails will give you a glimpse of the animals. You can also swim in the cold pool or a fall or have a mini picnic under falls. This is why this place is kept in travellers’ Ghana bucket list destinations.

It is ideal to visit here during November to March because the falls have full flow at that time and the paths are dry for smooth and easy hiking or walking. It’s good if you take a guided tour. Bring necessary hiking and water gears as per your desired activity.

Busua Beach

Busua Beach is situated on the west coast. This is famous for its iconic golden sand, and for being a surf spot. Beginners can join surf schools here and already skilled ones display their performance in surfing. So it is one of the cool things to do in Ghana. Besides these, you can have a relaxing time under palm trees, and by drinking juices or other sorts of drinks from beach bars. You can also play reggae or any beach sports.

People usually visit here for taking paid surf lessons. Travellers also like to chill and enjoy the environment by camping, playing beach volleyball, and organizing bonfire nights. This place’s vibe will give hundreds of opportunities to enjoy for the party lovers. As this place offers so many things, this should definitely be in your Ghana travel guide.

People come here Best time: year-round but it’s more crowded in December to April as these are sunny times. You are expected to pay a good amount here by the hotels and inns beside the beach, but you will get cheap beers at night.

Aburi Botanical Gardens

This is a garden that is situated in the eastern region, 1hr north Accra. It is a 1890 British colonial park built on a hill. It is known as the oldest botanical garden in tropical Africa. So you will get to see 300+ tree species, monkeys, and flower tunnels. This is an ideal spot for passing some good quality time with your family and kids, and taking them here can be considered as one of the romantic things to do in Ghana.

The best activity to do here is having picnics under mango trees with your family or mates. You can also feed something to the cotton monkeys. This activity is very well enjoyed by the kids. You can have a walk in the orchid house, and buy flowering plants for your home. On Sundays, you will find brass bands playing.

Rainy seasons like from May to September are when most flowers bloom. That is why you will see crowds here this time. Wear lightweight and bright coloured clothes. Take lots of photographs in such a beautiful garden around flowers and animals. Pack necessary rain wear and other essentials. So if you are looking for “Ghana what to see”, then do come here.

Nzulezo Village

Nzulezo lake village is situated in the Western region. It was built completely on stilts (wooden poles). So the people here too live on top of those poles. Around 400 villagers are there. This is famous for being one of the 3 water villages in the world. Even churches and schools are built on the water. So visiting this village is one of the interesting things to do in Ghana.

To explore the village, you need to go canoeing. So take a paid 1hr canoe tour and see the wonders and lifestyles of the local people there. You will also see fishing demonstrations, and can eat fresh fish from the lake.

It is situated in a remote area, so going there is quite a tiring journey by taxi and then boat. But once you reach there, it will be worth it. That is why it is not popular among Ghana tourism places but still highly recommended to visit.

The best time to visit here is during the dry season. Do not worry, the lake will not dry up! Visit in the morning if you want to see and chat with school going kids.

Labadi Accra main beach

It is a beach located in the greater Accra region. This beach is mainly popular for horse rides, and having beach bars, and Sunday jazz. So basically this is a cultural and social hub of the capital and the country. For party lovers, this beach will entertain you among other things to do in Ghana.

You can enjoy paid ridings on horseback, especially during sunsets or sunrise. This is a little adventurous activity and kids love it. You will also get to enjoy live band performances throughout the nights. So overall the vibe here is not serene but rather lively and chaotic. You will go there just to live the moment.

Best time to get the full experience is during the evenings and weekends. But expect lots of crowds that time. So be careful of the pickpockets. But still do not skip this lively place as part of your “Ghana activities to do” itinerary.

Other things to do in Ghana

Ghana is known for arranging several festivals about yam, their traditional cloth, and other cultural reasons. So you can check for the upcoming events, and visit there as per your choice. You will get a fresh and energetic vibe from the festivals, by blending with the locals.

In many places, you will get random music and dance festivals too. Try to join there for more entertainment. They might not be in popular Ghana tourist spots, but certainly the places will give you some good times. After you are completing visiting other top spots in Ghana, if you have extra time on hand, then do other activities. All these will be in your memories.

Stay Connected During Your Ghana Adventure

Because you will be travelling in many parks of the country, getting mobile networks can get a bit interrupted. But, with our SimCorner's eSIM or regular SIM cards, you do not need to worry about it. We will ensure you with constant, high speed smooth and reliable data everywhere in the country.

Land in the country, get activation with our eSIM using an initial internet connection, and then get busy with the things to do in Ghana. Such an easy and fast process you can not find from other services. You will have to pay many charges too. But you can get our eSIM for free, and no paying of other charges too like roaming.

SimCorner’s data will notify you of the festivals, peak flower and animals seasons, give you local travel tips, translator apps, maps for finding paths when you get lost inside the markets etc. You can instantly share your pictures to your mates through our relatable data connection.

So no need to be afraid of getting isolated. We are always with you to give you the best Ghana experiences in the top spots in Ghana.