When the city gets too much, a lot of good places sit within a day’s reach of Accra. Some are a short hop, others a long day out, but all get you back by night. Ten to consider, with a note to check travel times and fees before you set off.
Aburi Botanical Gardens
About an hour north, up into the Akuapem hills, with cool air, old trees and easy walking. It is the simplest escape from the heat and the traffic.
Cape Coast Castle
A historic castle on the coast, central to the story of the slave trade, with guided tours that stay with you. It is a long day from Accra, so leave early.
Kakum National Park
Near Cape Coast, known for a rope canopy walkway high in the rainforest. You can pair it with the castle in one long day if you start early.
Ada Foah
East of the city, where the Volta River meets the sea, good for boat rides, calm water and a slow day by the estuary.
Akosombo
The dam and the edge of the Volta Lake, with boat cruises on the water. It makes a full but doable day trip.
Boti Falls
A waterfall in the Eastern Region, near Koforidua, with a walk down to the pool. It is at its fullest in the rainy season.
Shai Hills Resource Reserve
Close to the city on the Accra-Ada road, with baboons, antelope and caves you can walk to. It is the nearest place to see wildlife without a long drive.
The Krobo bead area
Around Odumase Krobo, known for glass bead making, where you can watch the beads being made and buy at the source.
Prampram
A quiet stretch of coast east of Tema, with fishing beaches and far less crowd than Labadi. Good for a slow, cheap day by the sea.
Koforidua
The Eastern regional town in the hills, cooler than Accra, with a large market known for beads on certain days. A relaxed town day out.
For the far ones, treat it as a full day and leave at dawn, because the road back into Accra on a Sunday evening is its own event.
