From lush rainforests and centuries-old cultural traditions to coastal forts steeped in history and artisanal crafts, Ghana is one of West Africa’s most exciting travel destinations.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking to uncover something new, Ghana offers a deeply engaging travel adventure that will stay with you forever. It’s a place where you can hike to the country’s tallest waterfall in the morning, witness a colourful naming ceremony in the afternoon and end the day canoeing through a stilt village or spotting monkeys in the forest canopy.
Not sure where to start? Wondering what makes Ghana truly special beyond the usual tourist highlights? Ashanti African Tours has been guiding travellers through the heart of Ghana for years, and we’ve gathered 10 of our most unmissable experiences to help inspire your itinerary.
1. Canoeing on the Volta River
The Volta River, Ghana’s largest waterway, stretches over 1,500 kilometers, flowing from the highlands of Burkina Faso through Lake Volta – one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. Its calm, meandering waters make it ideal for peaceful canoe excursions, offering a unique vantage point to observe kingfishers, herons, African fish eagles and even rare migratory birds along the shoreline.
Beyond wildlife, the river is a lifeline for local communities. Watch fishermen cast their nets using age-old techniques or glimpse farmers tending to riverside crops.
For a deeper experience, pair your canoe tour with a visit to stilt villages like Torgorme or a stop at Wli Waterfalls. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, a Volta River canoe ride offers an authentic glimpse into rural Ghana.
2. Hike to Wli Waterfalls
Nestled in the lush landscapes of the Volta Region, Wli Waterfalls stands as Ghana’s tallest waterfall and arguably one of its most breathtaking natural wonders.
The trail to the falls begins in the village of Wli and leads through a protected forest reserve, home to diverse wildlife, including fruit bats and rare bird species. The hike to the Lower Falls takes about 45 minutes to an hour on a well-marked, moderate path. A more strenuous 2-3 hour trek leads to the Upper Falls, offering panoramic views of the surrounding highlands.
The area holds cultural significance for the local communities, and the falls are part of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, recognised for its ecological diversity. Nearby, the Wli Todzi mountain village offers homestays for those interested in traditional Ewe culture.
3. Visit Nzulezo Stilt Village
Perched above the calm waters of Lake Tadane in Ghana’s Western Region, Nzulezo is one of the few remaining stilt villages in Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee is home to the Ahanta-Nzema people, whose ancestors are said to have migrated from Mali’s ancient Wagadu Empire (associated with the legendary Ghana Empire) and built the village centuries ago to escape warfare.
Entirely constructed from raffia wood and supported by stilts, Nzulezo is a living testament to human adaptability and ingenuity. A guided canoe ride through the lake’s waters is the only way to access the village – a journey that reveals not only stunning natural beauty but also a lifestyle that has remained largely untouched by modern development.
Visitors are welcomed with warm hospitality and offered the chance to observe daily life up close: children paddling to school, fishing canoes heading out at dawn and elders sharing stories. It’s a powerful reminder of how tradition and sustainability can coexist and an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to explore Ghana off the beaten track.
4. Take Part in a Traditional Naming Ceremony
One of the most personal and memorable cultural experiences you can have in Ghana is taking part in a traditional naming ceremony. Rooted in centuries-old customs, these ceremonies go far beyond simply receiving a new name; they are a heartfelt symbol of welcome, connection and identity.
In many Ghanaian communities, a name is not just a label, it carries deep spiritual meaning and reflects the circumstances of a person’s birth, their family lineage or even the day of the week they were born. During the ceremony, visitors are formally introduced to the community and presented with an Akan name based on these traditions. You’ll learn the meaning behind your name, how it connects to Ghanaian heritage and the values it represents.
The ceremony is often accompanied by drumming, dancing and blessings from elders, making it a rich, sensory experience.
5. Try Kente Weaving in Bonwire
No visit to Ghana is complete without experiencing the artistry and cultural heritage of Kente cloth! Bonwire, the historic birthplace of this iconic textile, is located in the Ashanti Region and has been the heart of Kente weaving for centuries, preserving techniques and traditions passed down through generations.
Visitors to Bonwire have the rare opportunity to step into the workshops of master weavers and learn the intricate process behind each handwoven strip. Using traditional looms, skilled artisans demonstrate how every thread is meticulously placed to create bold geometric patterns.
As you try your hand at weaving a strip of your own, you’ll gain insight into the meaning behind the cloth, the stories it tells, and its role in ceremonies, leadership and identity across West Africa.
6. Birdwatching in Ankasa Conservation Area
For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike, the Ankasa Conservation Area in southwestern Ghana is a true hidden gem. This lush, tropical rainforest is one of the most biologically rich ecosystems in West Africa.
Ankasa is home to over 260 recorded bird species, making it a paradise for both amateur birders and seasoned ornithologists. The dense canopy and diverse habitats support an incredible array of avian life, including some of the continent’s most elusive species. Highlights include the white-breasted guineafowl, a rare and near-endemic bird, as well as the yellow-bearded greenbul, green turaco, white-tailed alethe and the western nicator.
Walking along forest trails or quietly observing from the edge of its rivers and swamps, visitors can also spot primates, butterflies and flora, adding to the immersive rainforest experience.
7. Explore Cape Coast Castle
Standing on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Coast Castle is one of Ghana’s most important historical landmarks and a moving reminder of the country’s colonial past. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle is one of several forts built along the Gold Coast by European traders, but it became one of the most notorious slave-holding sites during the transatlantic slave trade.
Originally constructed by the Swedish in the 17th century and later expanded by the British, the castle served as a key point where enslaved Africans were imprisoned before being shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas. A visit to Cape Coast Castle offers a powerful journey through this painful chapter of human history.
Tours are led by our knowledgeable guides who share the stories of resilience, survival and the cultural impact the slave trade had on millions of lives.
Today, the castle also serves as a place of remembrance and reconnection for members of the African diaspora seeking to trace their roots and honour their ancestors.
8. Walk the Canopy at Kakum National Park
For a unique perspective on Ghana’s lush tropical rainforest, head to the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park. Suspended 30 metres (about 100 feet) above the forest floor, this series of hanging bridges stretches across seven treetops, offering an incredible view of the verdant canopy below.
Located in Ghana’s Central Region, Kakum is a popular national park and a hotspot for eco-tourism. Spanning over 350 square kilometers, the park is home to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies and mammals. Walking the canopy gives you the chance to see the forest from the perspective of the wildlife that lives in the treetops.
9. Walk with Elephants at Mole National Park
Mole National Park, Ghana’s largest and most celebrated wildlife reserve, offers one of West Africa’s most unique safari experiences: a guided walking safari that brings you closer to wildlife than you ever thought possible, led by expert local guides. The real stars of the show are Mole’s resident elephants, who roam freely in impressive numbers. You may also encounter antelope, warthogs, baboons, buffalo and even a leopard if you’re lucky.
What sets Mole apart from many African parks is the lack of crowds and commercialisation. Here, the experience is intimate and unhurried.
10. Shop at a Local Market
Markets like Kejetia in Kumasi or Makola in Accra are a sensory overload but in the very best way. They offer far more than just shopping – they’re social hubs and living showcases of Ghana’s rich culture and traditions.
Wander through narrow alleys filled with stacks of bright African prints, handwoven kente cloth and handcrafted beads, breathe in the scent of fresh spices and tasty street food and watch skilled artisans at work creating wood carvings.
Whether you’re in search of a colourful headwrap, handmade drum or just want to soak in the energy, shopping at a local market is an enriching and memorable experience.
From cultural immersions and historical explorations to wildlife adventures, birdwatching, hiking, biking, photography, kayaking and more, our experienced tour planners customise each trip to meet your specific interests.
Here at Ashanti African Tours, we put local communities and the environment at the heart of what we do. We’re dedicated to offering ethical travel that prioritises purpose over profit, ensuring that every journey benefits local communities, educates visitors about West Africa’s rich cultural heritage and helps to conserve wildlife habitat.
To find out more about our tours and the areas in which we operate, please visit: www.ashantiafricantours.com
