Best Day Trips from Accra: 7 Places Worth Visiting

Best Day Trips from Accra: 7 Places Worth Visiting

Accra is a great base for exploring much more of Ghana.

Within a few hours of the capital, you can visit historic towns, nature reserves, mountains, beaches, gardens and some of Ghana's most important cultural attractions.

Whether you live in Accra or you are visiting Ghana for the first time, these are some of the best places to consider for a day trip.

> Travel note: Journey times are approximate and can change significantly depending on your starting point in Accra, traffic, weather and road conditions.

1. Aburi

If you want a quick escape from the heat and movement of Accra, Aburi is one of the easiest options.

Located in the hills of the Eastern Region, Aburi is best known for the Aburi Botanical Gardens and the cooler atmosphere of the Akuapem Ridge.

The gardens feature tropical plants, large trees and the famous avenue of royal palms.

Why visit Aburi?

• Aburi Botanical Gardens
• Cooler mountain weather
• Scenic views
• Restaurants and cafés around the Aburi area
• Easy access from Accra
• Suitable for couples, families and small groups

Approximate travel time from Accra

Allow around 1 to 1½ hours depending on traffic and your starting point.

Yello Tip

Leave Accra early on weekends, especially if you plan to continue through the Aburi–Akropong area.

2. Shai Hills Resource Reserve

For wildlife, hiking and scenery without travelling too far from Accra, Shai Hills is an excellent option.

The reserve is approximately 50 km from Accra and combines open savannah, rocky hills, caves and wildlife. Visitors may see animals such as baboons and antelope as well as numerous bird species.

It is one of the closest major nature attractions to Accra.

Why visit Shai Hills?

• Wildlife viewing
• Hiking
• Rock formations and caves
• Photography
• Nature and outdoor activities

Approximate travel time from Accra

Around 1 to 1½ hours, depending on traffic.

Yello Tip

Wear comfortable walking shoes, carry drinking water and confirm current opening hours and tour arrangements before travelling.

3. Akosombo

Akosombo is a good choice if you want beautiful scenery, water and a slower pace.

The town is closely associated with the Akosombo Dam and Lake Volta and is surrounded by hills and impressive views.

Depending on your plans, a trip can include lunch overlooking the water, a boat cruise or simply spending time around one of the area's riverside properties.

Why visit Akosombo?

• Lake Volta scenery
• Boat cruises
• Riverside restaurants and resorts
• Akosombo Dam area
• Relaxing atmosphere

Approximate travel time from Accra

Allow around 2 to 2½ hours each way depending on traffic and your route.

Yello Tip

If you are planning a boat cruise or visiting a particular resort, book directly with the operator before leaving Accra.

4. Ada Foah

Ada is where the Volta River meets the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the most interesting waterside destinations within reach of Accra.

The area is popular for beaches, boat rides, river activities and relaxing weekend getaways.

You can still enjoy Ada as a day trip if you leave Accra early.

Why visit Ada?

• Volta River estuary
• Beaches
• Boat trips
• Water activities
• Resorts and restaurants
• Relaxing scenery

Approximate travel time from Accra

Approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and your exact destination in Ada.

Yello Tip

If your main activity involves a resort, island or boat ride, confirm access and boat arrangements before travelling.

5. Cape Coast

Cape Coast is one of Ghana's most important historic destinations and can be visited as a long day trip from Accra.

Its best-known attraction is Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site connected to the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

A visit can also include exploring the town, enjoying the coastline or continuing towards Elmina if time permits.

Why visit Cape Coast?

• Cape Coast Castle
• Ghanaian history and heritage
• Coastal scenery
• Restaurants and local food
• Access to nearby Elmina and Kakum

Approximate travel time from Accra

Allow roughly 3 to 4 hours each way depending on traffic.

Yello Tip

For a day trip, leave Accra very early. Trying to visit Cape Coast Castle, Elmina and Kakum all in one day can feel rushed, so choose your priorities before travelling.

6. Kakum National Park

If adventure and nature are your priority, Kakum National Park is one of Ghana's most popular attractions.

The park is famous for its rainforest and canopy walkway suspended above the forest floor.

Kakum is around a four-hour drive from Accra, so this is one of the longer day trips on this list.

Why visit Kakum?

• Canopy walkway
• Tropical rainforest
• Guided nature walks
• Birdwatching
• Outdoor adventure

Approximate travel time from Accra

Around 4 hours each way.

Yello Tip

Start very early. Comfortable footwear is important because reaching the canopy walkway involves walking through the forest.

If you want a more relaxed trip, consider staying overnight in Cape Coast or Elmina rather than returning to Accra the same evening.

7. Prampram and the Eastern Accra Coast

If you mainly want a relaxed drive, food and time by the sea, the coastal communities east of Accra can make an easy day out.

Prampram and surrounding areas offer a quieter alternative to central Accra and can work well for couples, families or groups looking for a simple weekend escape.

Why go?

• Beachfront locations
• Resorts and restaurants
• Shorter journey than many out-of-town destinations
• Good option for a relaxed afternoon

Approximate travel time from Accra

Usually around 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic and your exact destination.

Which Day Trip Should You Choose?

The right destination depends on the kind of experience you want.

• For a short and easy escape: Aburi
• For wildlife and hiking: Shai Hills
• For water and mountain scenery: Akosombo
• For beaches and river activities: Ada
• For history and culture: Cape Coast
• For rainforest and adventure: Kakum
• For a relaxed coastal outing: Prampram

# Self-Drive or Chauffeured?

Both can work well for day trips from Accra.

Choose self-drive if:

• You prefer travelling at your own pace
• You are comfortable driving in Ghana
• You want flexibility to make additional stops
• You already know your route

Choose a chauffeured vehicle if:

• You would rather relax during the journey
• You are unfamiliar with Ghana's roads
• You are travelling with a family or group
• You plan to return to Accra after a long day
• You do not want to worry about parking or navigation

For longer destinations such as Cape Coast and Kakum, having a driver can also make the return journey more comfortable after a full day of activities.

# Choosing the Right Vehicle

Your ideal vehicle will depend on the number of passengers, luggage and destination.

For one to four travellers, a sedan may be suitable for many established routes.

An SUV can provide additional space and comfort, particularly for longer journeys.

Larger families and groups may prefer a 7-seater, van or bus.

Always consider current road conditions before choosing your vehicle.

# Planning Your Trip

Before leaving Accra:

1. Check the latest opening hours for the attraction you intend to visit. 2. Confirm any entrance fees, reservations or guided-tour requirements directly with the attraction. 3. Check the weather forecast. 4. Carry drinking water and anything you may need during the journey. 5. Allow extra travel time for Accra traffic. 6. Avoid planning your return too tightly. 7. For longer journeys, leave early enough to avoid unnecessary night driving.

# Need a Vehicle for Your Day Trip?

Yello Automotive provides self-drive rentals, chauffeured vehicles and private tour transportation from Accra.

Whether you are planning a quick trip to Aburi or Shai Hills, a relaxing day in Akosombo or Ada, or a longer journey to Cape Coast and Kakum, you can choose a vehicle based on your group size and travel plans.

Explore our available vehicles or request a chauffeured trip to start planning your journey.

*Travel information can change. Attraction opening hours, entrance fees, road conditions and activity availability should be confirmed directly with the relevant attraction or operator before travelling.*