Top Attractions in Ghana: Castles, Parks & Waterfalls

Accra

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

A memorial park dedicated to Ghana's first president and a key figure in Africa's independence movements.

History

Built on the site of the old Polo Grounds, where Kwame Nkrumah declared Ghana's independence on 6 March 1957. It houses his mausoleum and a museum.

Why it matters

A symbol of Ghana's independence and pan-African unity. Nkrumah's vision of African liberation still inspires movements across the continent.

Opening hours

Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Entry (guide price)

GHS 100 for non-Ghanaian adults (official rate; check before you go)

Allow

1–2 hours

Visit early morning for cooler air and better photos
Combine with nearby Independence Square
Allow time for the museum as well as the grounds

Part of our Accra in a day itinerary

Cape Coast · Central Region

Cape Coast Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant slave-trade fortresses in West Africa.

History

First built by Swedish traders in 1653 and later expanded by the British, it was a major hub of the transatlantic slave trade until the early 19th century.

Why it matters

A powerful reminder of the slave trade's brutal history. The Door of No Return marks the final exit for millions of enslaved Africans.

Opening hours

Daily, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Entry (guide price)

GHS 80 for non-Ghanaian adults (GMMB rate; confirm at the gate)

Allow

2–3 hours

Take the guided tour for the full history
It is emotionally intense: give yourself time
Photography is restricted in places
Visit Elmina Castle the same day

Read our Cape Coast & Elmina guide

Elmina · Central Region

Elmina Castle

The oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa, and a major slave-trade fortress.

History

Built by the Portuguese in 1482 as São Jorge da Mina. It began as a gold trading post and later became central to the slave trade.

Why it matters

Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its double role in the gold and slave trades shows the economics behind European colonisation.

Opening hours

Daily, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Entry (guide price)

GHS 80 for non-Ghanaian adults (GMMB rate; confirm at the gate)

Allow

2 hours

Hire a local guide for deeper history
Walk through the busy fishing harbour afterwards
Bring water and wear comfortable shoes
Pair it with Cape Coast Castle

Read our Cape Coast & Elmina guide

Central Region

Kakum National Park

Home to the famous canopy walkway, suspended up to 40 metres above the rainforest floor.

History

Protected as a forest reserve from the 1930s and made a national park in 1992. The canopy walkway opened in 1995 and stretches 350 metres across seven bridges.

Why it matters

One of only a handful of canopy walkways in Africa, and an important conservation area for forest elephants, primates and hundreds of bird species.

Opening hours

Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (canopy walk 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM)

Entry (guide price)

Park entry plus a canopy-walk fee; check current rates at the gate

Allow

2–3 hours

Go early for wildlife and cooler air
Wear closed shoes with good grip
Not for those with a severe fear of heights
Ask about guided night walks

Read our Kakum guide

Savannah Region

Mole National Park

Ghana's largest wildlife refuge, famous for elephant sightings and walking safaris.

History

First protected in 1958, it covers more than 4,500 square kilometres of savannah and is named after the Mole River that runs through it.

Why it matters

A vital refuge for elephants, antelope, baboons and hundreds of bird species, and one of the best places in West Africa to see wildlife.

Opening hours

Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entry (guide price)

Park entry plus safari fees; check current rates at the park

Best time

November – April

Book walking safaris with armed rangers
Morning safaris (6 AM) see the most wildlife
Stay at Zaina Lodge or Mole Motel for waterhole views
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens

Read our Mole guide

Volta Region

Wli Waterfalls

Ghana's best-known waterfall, reached by a forest trail in the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary.

History

Wli (pronounced 'Vlee') means 'to climb up' in Ewe. The falls have drawn visitors for centuries and became a protected area in the 1970s.

Why it matters

Sacred to the local Ewe people and home to large colonies of fruit bats. The sanctuary also protects rare butterflies and primates.

Opening hours

Daily, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entry (guide price)

GHS 60 for non-Ghanaian adults to the lower falls (community rate; upper falls cost more)

Allow

Half a day (lower falls) to a full day

Lower falls: an easy 30–45 minute hike
Upper falls: a challenging 3–4 hours
Bring swimwear for the plunge pool
Local guides are mandatory
Most water flows May to October
Combine with Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary

Part of our 7-day Volta itinerary

Opening hours and entry prices are guide figures for international visitors and can change. Check locally or ask us before you go.

Top attractions in Ghana

Six places to see

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

History

Why it matters

Cape Coast Castle

History

Why it matters

Elmina Castle

History

Why it matters

Kakum National Park

History

Why it matters

Mole National Park

History

Why it matters

Wli Waterfalls

History

Why it matters

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