Travel and Top 10 tourist sites in Ghana

Are you the adventurous type that loves exploring the earth's most beautiful places of nature? You might want to travel to Africa and visit Ghana. Here, we explore the top 10 tourist sites in Ghana.

When people want to go on vacations, they search for places to visit in London or the top places to visit in Paris.

Beautiful sites are not restricted to the Western world. Africa, too is blessed. You won't believe beautiful places exist in African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, etc.

Ghana is considered one of Africa's biggest assets. The country has recorded massive developments over the years and enjoys a stable democracy.

Ghana has beautiful lands, rich culture and heritage, sunny beaches, bustling beaches and wildlife resorts. These and more make the country an amazing place to travel to for vacations or holidays.

Even though it is a small country, this West African country has attracted many immigrants and tourists. Since the transportation system in the country is fast and easy, tourists enjoy travelling around the country.

Ghana is divided into 14 regions; however, each region is blessed with beautiful sites and sightseeing and adventures.

Accra, the major city of Ghana

Accra is Ghana's capital, major city and hub. With over 2 million people residing there, Accra is the largest city in Ghana.

Your visit to Ghana will be incomplete if you do not visit Accra. Accra radiates comfort and friendliness. Whether you are travelling for business, for fun, solo or with family, Accra has something pleasant for everyone.

Among the spectacular spots, you wouldn't want to miss in Accra is the surrounding beaches such as the Labadi beach, the National Theatre, the National Museum, Independence Square and the Kwame Nkrumah memorial.

When next you visit Ghana, you might want to check out its capital city, Accra. With that said, let's look at the top 10 places you can visit as a tourist in Ghana.

Top 10 tourist sites in Ghana

At every turn in Ghana, you will find friendly people, delicious food, great music and fun spots. Check out the top places to visit in Ghana.

• Kakum National Park
• Labadi Beach
• Cape Coast
• Elmina Castle
• Lake Bosomtwe
• Wli Waterfalls
• Lakeside Marina Park
• The Manhyia Palace
• Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum
• Kumasi Zoological Gardens

1. Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Ghana. The park is located along the coast of southern Ghana (Central Region of Ghana).

It has a large area of land that spans up to 145 square meters. At Kakum National Park, you will find many endangered animals such as elephants and antelopes.

The canopy walk in the park is suspended about 30 metres high and gives a feeling of adventure, especially for people that love heights. From there, you get a view of the trees and the surrounding nature.

2. Labadi Beach

Accra's coastline has lots of popular beaches, thus, offering great places for fun and relaxation. One of such beaches is Labadi Beach, also known as La Pleasure Beach.

Labadi Beach is one of the busiest beaches located on Ghana's coast. The Beach is maintained by La Palm Royal Beach Hotel and Labadi Beach Hotel. Both have done well in maintaining this beach.

It is not unusual to find a crowd at the Beach during the weekends. Ghanaians love relaxation and fun, and because Labadi Beach is one of the top 10 tourist sites in Ghana, it attracts both Ghanaians and visitors.

Some of the activities you can partake in on the beach is playing games, dancing to music from loudspeakers and horseback riding.

If you would rather have quiet time at the beach, then the best time to visit Labadi Beach is during the weekdays.

3. Cape Coast

Cape Coast was once called Cabo Corso by the Portuguese. It is a former European colonial capital. Some years ago, the town represented the largest slave-trading centre in West Africa.

Slaves were bought in this town, locked within the castles before they are loaded into vessels going to the Western world. No, doubt, Cape Coast is amongst the culturally significant places in Africa.

The present-day Cape Coast is a fishing town with ancient colonial buildings lining the streets. With its artsy vibe, Cape Coast forms a perfect spot for strolls.

You can set up your base at Cape Coast while you tour other places like the Kakum National Park, Elmina and Anomabu.

4. Elmina Castle

Just like the Cape Coast, the Elmina Castle holds a historical memory. The Elmina Castle is the first slave trading post set up by the Europeans in Africa.

The Portuguese built the castle in the 15th century. It served as the route for Brazilian and Caribbean slave traders and was under British and Dutch control.

The castles are designed so that the Europeans' luxury accommodations are located on the top, while dungeons that held the slaves (about 200 slaves per cell) are found below.

The Elmina Coast offers a nice spot to ponder about Africa and its history. African historical writers would love it here.

The castle, which is part of the national museum system, has been designated "UNESCO World Heritage Monument".

5. Lake Bosomtwe

If you have been to Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana, it won't be hard to locate Lake Bosomtwe as it is only about 32km from Kumasi.

The lake, which runs nearly 90 metres deep, has been created by the collision of a large meteorite with Earth.

The crater lake gets the attention of visitors and the locals as well, as it is seen as a sacred sight place for the people of the Ashanti kingdom.

According to Folklore, the spirits of the dead first come to Lake Bosomtwe to say goodbye to the Twi god before departing.

This lake, surrounded by trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, is one of the top 10 tourist sites in Ghana. It is an excellent destination for the weekend if you are seeking a relaxing water spot.

6. Wli Waterfalls

Waterfalls offer the serenity needed to relax and have a great time alone or with a loved one. Wli waterfalls in Ghana offers such serenity.

This waterfall is one of the top 10 tourist sites in Ghana. It is located in Volta, one of the regions of Ghana and is just about five hours journey from the capital city of Accra.

Wli Waterfalls is also known as Agumatsa Fall and is the highest waterfall located in Ghana and West Africa.

You can spice up your tour by going hiking with your friends at the top of the falls. However, ensure you go along with a guide.

You will find at the top of the falls the 'shrine of the lesser gods'. This shrine is believed to have been brought by the village ancestors coming from Togo.

7. Lakeside Marina Park

There are different recreational parks in Ghana, located particularly in Accra. The Lakeside Marina Park is one such park.

This recreational park is one of the top 10 tourist sites in Ghana. It was established in 2003.

The atmosphere here is relaxing, and the fact that the facilities are properly maintained, visitors have kept streaming into the park.

If you want to go on a tour with your family, the Lakeside Marina Park is a place to be The park features different kinds of games and play-sets for children such as slides and swings.

Also, you can engage in water activities like boating and canoeing at the recreational park for adults and couples.

8. The Manhyia Palace

Are you a tourist interested in culture and traditions? Don't miss out on visiting the traditional communities in Ghana, particularly the popular Ashanti Region.

The Ashanti Region boasts of several chiefs, and the good thing about this region is that they still accord much respect to their chiefs. Also, the chiefs play important roles in the nation's growth.

Among the Ashanti Region's prestigious chieftains is the Asantehene of Asanteman, who resides in the Manhyia Palace.

Needless to say, when you visit the Manhyia palace, you will see in full the unique cultures of the Ashanti Region. This is also an opportunity for you to meet with and interact with the prominent chief.

9. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum

You must have heard of Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He is one of the most notable African leaders famous worldwide.

Kwame Nkrumah led Ghana to attain independence from the hands of its colonial masters (the British) on March 6th, 1957.

In 1992, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park got dedicated to Dr Kwame Nkrumah after his death to celebrate his life and what he did for the good of Ghanaians.

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum are some of the top 10 tourist sites to visit in Ghana. It is located in Accra and serves the final resting place of Dr Kwame Nkrumah and his wife.

If you want to find out more about the history of Ghana's independence while having a fun tour, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park should be among the top list of places you should visit. It is also home to some rare artefacts that are related to Ghana independence.

10. Kumasi Zoological Gardens

Kumasi is another busy and beautiful city in Accra. It is, in fact, the second-largest city in Ghana, second after Accra. It is located in the Ashanti Region as well.

The Kumasi Zoological Gardens is one of the top 10 places to tour in Ghana. The zoo was established in 1951 and took up as much as 1.5 square kilometres of land.

You will find the Kumasi Zoological Gardens between the Kumasi Centre for National Culture and the old Kumasi racecourse.

This zoo is the best place to explore if you want to see or study some African animals while in Kumasi, as it was created as a conservation centre for endangered wildlife animals.

The animals you will find in this zoo include baboons, lions, camels and different bird types like eagles, parrots and ostriches.