7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Accra, Ghana

  • Day 1: Aburi Botanical Gardens and Sacred Python Temple
    1 hour (13 mi) from Accra city center

    Start your trip by visiting the Aburi Botanical Gardens, a lush oasis in the middle of the forest. Take a relaxing walk amongst the trees while admiring the wide variety of plant species. Then, head towards the Sacred Python Temple in Ada Foah, where you can observe the local customs and culture by witnessing a python worship ceremony.

  • Day 2: Kakum National Park and Canopy Walk
    2 hours (80 mi) from Aburi Botanical Gardens

    Experience the thrill of walking on a Canopy Walk in the middle of the Kakum National Park. The Canopy Walk is suspended 100 feet above the forest, providing a unique perspective of the wildlife below. The park has a variety of animals, including elephants, antelopes, and over 200 species of birds.

  • Day 3: Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle
    3 hours (88 mi) from Kakum National Park

    Visit the Cape Coast Castle and the Elmina Castle, two of the most well-known and best-preserved castles built during the time of the transatlantic slave trade. Both castles are hauntingly beautiful and provide a sobering reminder of the history of the slave trade in Africa.

  • Day 4: Wli Waterfalls and Tafi Monkey Sanctuary
    2 hours (80 mi) from Elmina Castle

    Take a refreshing dip in the Wli Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in Ghana. Then, head to the nearby Tafi Monkey Sanctuary, where you can interact with over 600 troops of Mona monkeys.

  • Day 5: Holy Trinity Cathedral and Independence Square
    3 hours (107 mi) from Tafi Monkey Sanctuary

    Experience the religious and political history of Accra by visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Ghana. Then, head over to the Independence Square, a large public square that played a pivotal role in the country's independence from Britain.

  • Day 6: Labadi Beach and Artists Alliance Gallery
    15 minutes (5 mi) from Holy Trinity Cathedral

    Spend a leisurely day at Labadi Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Accra. Then, head over to the Artists Alliance Gallery to browse and shop for handmade African art crafted by local artisans.

  • Day 7: James Town and Osu Castle
    20 minutes (4 mi) from Artists Alliance Gallery

    End your trip by experiencing Accra's rich history by exploring the James Town historic district, located in the oldest part of the city. Visit the Osu Castle, a former slave trade fort and the seat of government for the first president of Ghana after independence, to learn about the colonial and modern history of the country.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Aburi Botanical Gardens (2 hours, GHC 10)
  • Sacred Python Temple (1-2 hours, donations accepted)
  • Kakum National Park and Canopy Walk (2-3 hours, GHC 40)
  • Cape Coast Castle (1-2 hours, GHC 40)
  • Elmina Castle (1-2 hours, GHC 40)
  • Wli Waterfalls (2-3 hours, GHC 25)
  • Tafi Monkey Sanctuary (1-2 hours, GHC 30)
  • Holy Trinity Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Independence Square (1-2 hours, free)
  • Labadi Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Artists Alliance Gallery (1-2 hours, free)
  • James Town (1-2 hours, free)
  • Osu Castle (1-2 hours, GHC 40)
  • Total Estimated Costs: GHC 305 ($52 USD)

Transportation

The best way to get around Accra and the surrounding areas is by car. Taxis and rental cars are available, but it's recommended to hire a private driver for the duration of your trip to maximize your time and ensure your safety. A private driver will cost between GHC 300-400 ($50-$70 USD) a day. Gas prices are very reasonable in Ghana, averaging around GHC 5 ($1 USD) per liter.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the Volta Region to visit the Tagbo Falls or take a cruise on the Volta River. If you have less time, consider skipping the Tafi Monkey Sanctuary and spending more time exploring Accra.

Airports

The Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is the main airport in Accra, located 6 miles (10 km) from the city center. It's a modern airport with plenty of amenities, including duty-free shops and restaurants. Taxis and buses are readily available from the airport to the city center for around GHC 30-40 ($5-$7 USD).

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