10 Don't-Miss Things To Do in Ghana

There’s almost no better way to get to know Ghana than by sampling its delicious cuisine. Take a stroll through Nima Market—the largest in the capital city of Accra—to sample some street food and see how the fragrant ingredients are used. Then, make and taste some classic Ghanaian dishes and beverages such as bissap and pito (a refreshing fermented sorghum drink) with the help of a local beverage maker. Finish off with a tour of a gin distillery, where you’ll learn to craft tasty cocktails.

A roughly 3-hour drive from Accra, Kwahu Atibie is a popular destination for paragliding. Sail the skies with the help of a seasoned pilot, taking in unforgettable views of the Akwapim-Togo mountains. Even if you’re not a thrillseeker, you can still enjoy the area’s stunning scenery and cultural performances by the Kwahu people with your feet firmly on the ground.

Insider tip: The Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival happens every year during the first week of April. Make sure to get there early to snag a prime viewing spot.

One of the best ways to experience Ghana’s natural beauty is to climb high up into the forest canopy on a walkway. Kakum National Park—which you can visit on a wider day trip and is arguably the best of the bunch—covers an area of 145 square miles (345 square kilometers) with suspended walkways 102 feet (31 meters) off the ground, totaling 1,148 feet (350 meters) in length. Other popular canopy walkways include: Bunso Eco Park; Kintampo Falls, also great to visit as part of a multi-day Ghana tour; Ote Falls; Legon Botanical gardens; and the Peninsula Resort.

Insider tip: Head to Legon Botanical Gardens and Bunso Eco Park, and you'll find they offer obstacle courses to add a little challenge to your adventure.

Whether you're interested in kayaking, jet skiing, abseiling, or simply relaxing on a lakefront, Ghana offers a variety of water-based activities. Take a private and relaxing boat cruise on Volta Lake, Africa’s largest manmade lake, during which you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. Or experience Ghana’s wildlife on a safari outing at Shai Hills National Park, just a 2-hour drive from Accra.

Insider tip: Go on an early hike at the Akwamu Gorge, then take a refreshing swim right after.

Ghana is a great destination for sports. Just 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Accra, located at Big Milly’s Backyard resort in Kokrobite, Mr. Brights Surf School offers surfing lessons for travelers who want to experience the waves. Or, visit Busua Beach in the western region where locals love to take to the water. If wheels are more your thing, head to Freedom Skate Park in East Legon. There, you can learn some new board tricks and also experience Ghana’s booming alternative music scene.

Accra is world renowned for its bustling daytime vibe and vibrant nightlife. By day, hit Oxford Street to shop for art pieces or take drumming lessons at the Arts Center, then visit Makola Market, where literally everyone in Accra shops for everything from traditional fabric to groceries. Most of the traders are friendly and will be happy to chat. If you’re in search of a culinary adventure, visit Osu Night Market, Dawadawa, The Mix, or Buka.

By night, pay a visit to Accra's after-hours scene (and maybe dance some salsa or kizomba) at Afrikiko, Republic, Alley Bar, Purple Pub, or Frontback.

Insider tip: Nightlife in Accra really gets going after midnight and can last well into the morning.

The highest waterfall in West Africa at about 262 feet (80 meters), Wli Waterfall (also known as Agumatsa Waterfall) is a roughly 4-hour drive from Accra. Learn about the history and culture of the local people, then enjoy a relaxing hike to the falls with one of the friendly local guides. Although it’s a top attraction all year long, you should visit the falls between April and October for the best experience.

Ghana’s rich past is preserved in the forts and castles along the coast. Visit the museum at Cape Coast Castle to learn about the country’s history, culture, and slave trade. A guided tour of the castle takes you to the dungeons and the “door of no return,’’ through which Gold Coast slaves were transported. About a 20-minute drive from there, Elmina Castle is home to a huge fishing market and harbor and offers picturesque views of the beach and sea.

In Kumasi, the capital city of the Ashanti Region, you’ll find Kejetia Market, West Africa’s largest single open-air market. Take a tour of the market for help navigating its 10,000 vendors, and look for jewelry, kente cloth, wood carvings, and much more—you’ll sometimes even find gold. When in Kumasi, visit the Manhyia Palace where the Ashanti King lives, then make your way to Ike’s Café and Grill to enjoy fufu and other popular local dishes.

Experience the natural beauty of Ghana's savannah landscape on an unforgettable safari tour in Mole, during which an expert guide will lead you on an adventure to encounter big-game wildlife. Immerse yourself in the local culture at Sognaayilli culture village before heading to Mole National Park, Ghana's largest wildlife reserve. With early morning walks, thrilling Jeep rides, and serene canoe trips, you'll have ample opportunities to see baboons, elephants, and warthogs in their natural habitat.