If you’re planning to spend your summer in Ghana, you’re in for a treat. This West African paradise has everything you need for an unforgettable summer experience.
From amazing places to cool off to vibrant cultural events, Ghana is a destination that shouldn’t be missed. Here are the best summer activities that will make your trip to Ghana one for the books.
Located in Accra, the Deon Recreational Centre is a perfect spot to relax and cool off.
The centre boasts multiple swimming pools catering to different age groups and preferences. Whether you’re looking to swim laps or simply lounge by the pool with a cool drink, you’ll find a spot that suits your needs.
For fitness enthusiasts, Deon Recreational Centre offers well-equipped gym facilities. You can maintain your workout routine or even join a fitness class while enjoying your time at the centre. There are also courts for sports like tennis and basketball for those looking to engage in some friendly competition.
The centre offers both membership options and day passes. Membership provides regular access to the facilities and can be a great option for those planning to visit frequently over the summer. Day passes are perfect for tourists or those looking to enjoy the centre’s amenities on a one-time basis.
CONTACT:
Location:
Lashibi 19 Junction
Phone:
(+233) 055 298 2257
Labadi Beach (or La Pleasure Beach) is a beautiful stretch of sand located in the suburb of Labadi in Accra. It’s the most popular beach in Ghana, featuring a spacious shoreline lined with coconut trees and offering plenty of activities for visitors.
Labadi Beach is dotted with numerous bars where you can sip on cool beers or try potent locally brewed spirits like Akpeteshi or Shocker. These strong drinks are popular with local beachgoers.
The food at Labadi Beach is mostly street food, but it’s delicious and affordable. You can try local favourites like charcoal-grilled tilapia, spicy kebabs, and jollof rice. If you prefer more familiar dishes, stalls sell continental foods like french fries, burgers, and salads.
When it gets dark, and the sea becomes unsafe for swimming, the beach turns into a party spot. There are live bands, reggae artists, and DJs playing music around bonfires. The parties go on late into the night, making Labadi Beach a fun place any day of the week.
Labadi Beach is very busy on Fridays and Saturdays, but if you visit on a weekday, it’s quieter and perfect for relaxing or reading. For a small fee, you can also go horseback riding along the water.
Not too far are other favourite beaches including Bojo Beach.
CONTACT:
Location:
Labadi Accra
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Kakum National Park is one of Africa’s top tourist attractions and is just 29km from Cape Coast. With its vast rainforest and stunning scenery, it attracts over 200,000 visitors yearly because this is the longest canopy walk in West Africa.
Kakum is home to over 400 bird species. Popular birds include the white-throated bee-eater, yellow-billed kite, African hobby, and long-tailed nightjar. Bird watchers often use the canopy walkway and field trails to spot these birds. Remember to bring binoculars or a telescope for the best views. Platforms on the canopy walkway can hold up to 10 people, offering great vantage points.
Hiking is a popular activity at Kakum, with a 30 km (18.7 mile) trail from Pedu junction to the rainforest. The park has many rare and endangered species, including forest elephants, leopards, bonobos, large forest antelopes, monkeys, buffaloes, duikers, and red river hogs. Additionally, you can see about 500 species of butterflies. The trail is lined with medicinal trees and other unique flora.
The park’s welcome centre includes a restaurant, rainforest lodge, picnic area, camping area, and wildlife education centre. If you want to explore local cuisine outside the park, visit Castle Beach Restaurant nearby, which offers a variety of local and European dishes.
For a small fee of about $15, you can camp in the park. The fee includes a tent, mattress pad, and bedsheets, and also covers hiking costs if you’re doing both. Camping under the stars in Kakum is a memorable experience, and you might even spot some wildlife.
Kakum National Park is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of Ghana’s rainforest.
CONTACT:
Location:
Kakum National Park, R82
Phone:
(+233) 020 042 0831
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When you step into the Ghana National Theater, you’re in for a treat. There’s music playing, people dancing, and colourful costumes everywhere.
The Ghana National Theater offers a diverse lineup of performances weekly, ranging from traditional Ghanaian plays to contemporary theatre productions, musical concerts, and dance performances.
You’d have to keep an eye on the theatre’s schedule to catch a show that piques your interest, though. There are captivating performances of traditional folklore, soul-stirring music concerts, or mesmerising dance routines that showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Next door to the theatre is the National Theater Art Gallery, where you can admire a diverse collection of contemporary Ghanaian artwork. Take a stroll through the gallery to appreciate the talents of local artists and get a glimpse into Ghana’s thriving art scene. Who knows? You might even find a piece to take home as a souvenir!
The Nubuke Foundation in East Legon showcases amazing art exhibitions frequently. From paintings to sculptures to photos, you’ll find all sorts of artistic explorations there. Plus, they feature both well-known artists and up-and-comers, so there’s always something fresh to see.
There’s an artist residency at Nubuke – they provide space, resources, and sometimes even money to support the artists during their stay. It’s a cool opportunity for artists to explore their craft in a different environment and connect with other creative folks. For visitors, it’s like getting a backstage pass to the creative process!
Throughout the year, the Nubuke Foundation hosts a myriad of cultural events, including film screenings, musical performances, literary readings, and workshops. These events serve as platforms for dialogue, celebration, and education, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Ghanaian culture and creativity.
And if you just want to chill, they have beautiful gardens to hang out and relax. It’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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The Chale Wote Street Art Festival is a vibrant and dynamic cultural event that takes place annually in Accra, Ghana. “Chale Wote” translates to “man, let’s go” in Ghana’s Ga language, reflecting the festival’s spirit of invitation and inclusivity.
The festival which happens in Jamestown, a historic neighbourhood in Accra, into a colourful and immersive artistic experience, was first launched in 2011. It has since grown into one of West Africa’s largest street art festivals and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
Chale Wote celebrates various forms of art, including visual arts, graffiti, murals, photography, music, dance, theatre, fashion, and more. Artists from Ghana and beyond come together to showcase their talents, transforming the streets of Jamestown.
One of the festival’s main objectives is to provide a platform for emerging artists, particularly those from marginalized communities, to showcase their work and engage with the public. Through workshops, exhibitions, performances, and interactive installations, Chale Wote fosters cultural exchange, dialogue, and collaboration. Visitors can also indulge in delicious Ghanaian cuisine from local vendors.
Located in Ghana’s Volta Region near the towns of Liati Wote and Gbledi, this peak stands at about 885 meters (2,904 feet) above sea level. It’s a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Mount Afadja is accessible from major cities like Accra, Ho, and Hohoe. From Accra, it’s about a 4-5 hour drive to the base of the mountain. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes and charming villages. This makes the trip as enjoyable as the destination.
The hike up Mount Afadja is moderately challenging and takes about 2-3 hours to reach the summit, depending on your pace. The trail is well-marked and maintained so it’s suitable for both novice and experienced hikers. Along the way, you’ll encounter lush greenery, diverse plant life, and occasional wildlife.
Reaching the summit of Mount Afadja rewards hikers with spectacular panoramic views of the Volta Region and neighbouring Togo. On a clear day, you can see for miles, with rolling hills, valleys, and verdant forests stretching out before you. The cool breeze and tranquil environment provide a perfect setting for rest and reflection.
The area around Mount Afadja is rich in culture. The local communities of Liati Wote and Gbledi are welcoming and offer a glimpse into their way of life. You can learn about the traditions and customs of the Ewe people, taste local foods, and even participate in community activities if your visit coincides with a local festival.
There are nearby attractions like Tagbo Falls, Wli Waterfalls, and Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary you can quickly visit too.
Here are a couple of tips for a great experience:
Mount Gemi, located in the Amedzofe area of the Volta Region, is one of Ghana’s lesser-known but equally captivating natural attractions. Standing at approximately 800 meters (2,624 feet) above sea level, Mount Gemi offers visitors stunning views, a rich cultural experience, and a serene environment ideal for hiking and relaxation.
The hike to the summit of Mount Gemi is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels. It typically takes 1-2 hours to reach the top, depending on your pace. The trail is well-defined and maintained, making it accessible even for novice hikers.
At the summit, you’ll find a large cross placed by German missionaries in the 1930s. The view from the top is breathtaking, with clear vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys.
What to Bring:
Whether you’re hiking, exploring local attractions, or enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Mount Gemi offers a memorable adventure for all.
Ghana experiences a tropical climate with two main seasons – the rainy season and the dry season.
Ghana’s temperature in the summer (June to August) is warm, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). The coastal areas, such as Accra, benefit from cooling sea breezes, making them more comfortable during the hotter months.
No matter the weather, experiencing these places in Ghana is always an exciting one. Take your time to explore and enjoy the beauty that Ghana has to offer. Summer in Ghana is always a worthwhile adventure. Should you be looking for accommodation in Ghana or to buy property in Ghana then you can always talk to our sales team to see what Libi Homes has to offer.