Do you like to combine travel and leisure? Are your weekdays spent in Accra, but you’re looking for weekend getaway tips, news, and information on the most exciting two- to three-day getaways outside of Ghana’s capital? Then this thread is exactly what you’re looking for.
Manhyia Palace Museum
Historic objects on display at the Manhyia Palace Museum include rare artifacts dating back to the peak of early Ashanti civilization. The layout, design, and atmosphere are reminiscent of the most important West African kingship period. During the Adae or Akwasidae celebrations, which take place every 42 days, Kumasi attracts visitors from all walks of life. The Asantehene receives visitors and meets his sub chiefs during the celebration. Lifelike wax figures of previous Ashanti kings appear to be a solid shrine preserved in honor of Prempeh I, who returned from exile in Seychelles after a quarter-century absence.
Aqua Safari
Ada is a year-round melting pot of rich culture and colorful celebrations, boasting authentic stories from the past. Aqua Safari is one of the best places to visit outside of Accra for a fusion of thrilling and luxurious experiences. The layout of the Aqua Safari structure’s well-positioned masterpieces offers an intimate connection to the raw landscape, integrating wildlife all the way to the crocodile island and beach where whales can sometimes be seen. Aqua Safari’s water activities are exciting for different age groups and their restaurant is one for the family and friends, whether you want a calm or vibrant stay.
Tamale
Mole is the 1,872mile2 (4,849km2) ‘eye’ of Ghana’s second largest and third most populous city. Tamale is one of West Africa’s fastest growing cities, with prominent links between the agricultural and commercial communities. The stalls at the Center for National Culture are adorned with handcrafted instruments and artifacts, and they come alive with music and dance performances, especially on weekends. The Sudanese-styled Larabanga Mosque depicts life in the 1400s. All of the above, as well as the local kraal buildings with conical straw roofs east of Tamale, should be seen in a single weekend.
Cape Coast/Elmina
The popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites of fortified buildings of Portuguese, British, Danish, Swedish, and Dutch colonial engagements along the Ghanaian coast are here in Cape Coast and Elmina. The drive from Cape Coast to Elmina takes about a half hour, with daily highs of 86°F (30°C) and nighttime lows of 80.6°F (27°C). Regular fishing is organized along the beach, and inland is the stunning forest reserve landscape of Kakum National Park. Another thing to do before the week starts is to go to the International Stingless Bee Center.
Volta
The region with the most Ewe inhabitants is a weekend treasure, with an abundance of waterfalls and lush green farmers’ paradises fusing into mountains that form boulders near the Volta river. This is the place to go if you enjoy hiking or ecotourism.
Ada
Ada is one of the best weekend getaways from Accra, with beautiful beach resorts, exciting cuisine, and plenty to see and do. Ada, where the Volta River embraces the warm Atlantic Ocean and palm-lined beaches frame a portrait of estuary islands, offers a hundred reasons to change up your routine and spice up those Saturdays and Sundays. Marine turtles lay their eggs on the seafront, which is close to the Songor Lagoon, a bird habitat, and wetland area. If you enjoy history, take a stroll to the 18th-century Danish Fort Kongenstein. Ada is the only place in Ghana where an ancient Presbyterian Church sits next to a 19th-century missionary cemetery.
Kumasi
Kumasi is Ghana’s belly button, and its heart is the open-air Kejetia Market, which is teeming with stalls, food joints, and petty trade chatter all over Adum. A trotro ride from here will take you to Bonwire, the largest kente village. Every weekend, the National Cultural Center hosts inviting craft and performance workshops, as well as dance functions. The way the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum is curated to give you a time-travel experience to Ashanti civilization of the past few centuries is what makes it a starter for the appeal of Manhyia kingdom.
Paga
Paga, a small town north of Bolgatanga, is populated by people with the biggest hearts in the Upper East region. The town was founded in 1400 by a young man named Naveh, who was saved by a crocodile while on a hunting expedition, and it now boasts sacred crocodile ponds where visitors can interact with live, friendly crocodiles.
Oasis Beach Resort
Oasis is where you can sink your toes into the sands of Cape Coast’s beachfront and listen to live music blasting from the colonial Ghanaian coastal center’s state-of-the-art restaurant serving international cuisine with a cocktail bar. Their nightclub will keep you spinning, especially during their memorable weekend parties. Their huts provide shade for backpackers, and the energetic drummers, dancers, and acrobats contribute to the lively atmosphere.
Kukuo Pottery Village
Kukuo, Tamale’s densely populated artsy district, is located in the Northern Region’s capital. Ghana’s pottery industry is an important part of the artifact market, and as such, this Kukuo tourist attraction is noteworthy. For decades, the local Kukuo women have made their mark as pioneers and craftswomen pushing the trade.
Wli Waterfalls
West Africa’s largest waterfall also has an incredible landscape, with a lush, wildlife-filled forest that glows green all year. The path to the falls is well-kept and clean, with trash cans located at strategic points. Wli Falls is located in the Agumatsa Sanctuary, which is home to 220 bird and 400 butterfly species. Public transportation from Accra to Hohoe costs approximately 30GHC (approximately $7 USD), whereas a bus from Hohoe to Wli from the lorry terminus costs only 5GHC ($1 USD). You’re in for an unforgettable experience with an entry fee of 60GHc ($13 USD) for tourists and a tour guide fee of about 20GHc ($5 USD).