Sunyani Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Sunyani, Ghana with our comprehensive travel guide including a list of places to visit, things to do, where to stay, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Sunyani

Sunyani is a city located in the Ashanti-Kwahu region of Ghana, in West Africa. It is renowned for its cultural and historical significance, natural attractions, scenic views, and outdoor adventures. Sunyani is the capital city of the Brong-Ahafo Region, formerly referred to as Bono Akwam. It is approximately 400 kilometers from Accra and can be accessed by road or air travel through the Sunyani Airport.

List of Places to Visit in Sunyani

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sunyani Museum

The Sunyani Museum houses artifacts and historical objects of the Brong-Ahafo Region, providing insight into its rich cultural heritage. It is located in the offices of the Brong-Ahafo Regional Administration building, and visitors can check out traditional clothing, musical instruments, and craftworks of the region.

Kintampo Waterfalls

The Kintampo waterfalls are located on the Pumpum river, and it’s a serene spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The cascading waterfall is 70 meters high, and visitors can take a dip in the cool waters below. The scenery is breathtaking, and it’s perfect for taking memorable photographs.

Natural Attractions of Sunyani: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary

The Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is located within a 25 km radius of Sunyani. It’s a protected area where visitors can observe over 200 black and white mangabeys and more than 500 mona monkeys live in peace. Visitors must be accompanied by a guide before they can take a tour of the sanctuary.

Buabeng-Fiema Wildlife Sanctuary

Buabeng-Fiema Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Ethiopian hedgehogs, African civet, giant rats, pangolins, and bushbucks. Visitors can take guided tours to spot these fascinating animals and observe how they live in the wild. The sanctuary is open all year round.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sunyani

The city of Sunyani has scenic and green landscape which makes it great for hiking, biking, and nature walks. Some of the top hiking and biking routes include:

  • Sunyani to Abesim Forest Reserve
  • Sunyani to Sankore
  • Sunyani to Drobo

Best Things to Do in Sunyani: Activities and Tours

Attend Traditional Festivals

Sunyani is known for its traditional festivals. Key festivals include the Odwira Festival celebrated in September and the Brong-Ahafo Regional Yam Festival. These festivals provide visitors with a deep insight into the local culture and customs.

Take Bird Watching Excursions

Sunyani has numerous bird species, and visitors can take guided bird watching tours within the city’s natural reserves. The bird species include the red-throated bee-eater, green-tailed bristle bill, and the black bee-eater.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sunyani

Here’s an itinerary to help visitors make the most of their time in Sunyani:

Day 1: Visit the Sunyani Museum

Day 2: Hiking in the Abesim Forest Reserve

Day 3: Visit the Kintampo waterfalls

Day 4: Take a guided bike tour of the city’s natural reserves

Day 5: Attend the regional yam festival

Day 6: Visit the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary

Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Sunyani

Must-Try Dishes

Samp, banku, kenkey, fufu, and jollof rice are some of Sunyani’s must-try dishes. They are prepared using local ingredients, with a mix of spices and herbs, and are eaten with different types of soup or stew.

Local Beverages

Some of Sunyani’s local beverages include pito, asana, and palm wine. Pito is a fermented drink made from corn, while asana is a fruit juice made from pawpaw, pineapple, or watermelon, and palm wine is tapped from palm trees.

Where to Stay in Sunyani: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sunyani has various accommodation options for visitors, depending on their preferences and budget. Some of the best hotels, guesthouses, and hostels include:

  • Hilltop Hotel
  • Eusbett Hotel
  • Sir Max Hotel
  • Crown Apartamento Hotel

What to Buy in Sunyani: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can buy souvenirs and local products from craft markets, curio shops, and art centers around Sunyani. Some of the popular items to buy include traditional clothing, crafts, jewelry, and paintings.

Local Culture and Customs of Sunyani

The people of Sunyani are friendly, courteous, and welcoming to tourists. Visitors should learn some of the local customs and etiquettes, such as removing shoes before entering homes, showing respect to the elderly, and avoiding baring too much skin.

Best Time to Visit Sunyani

The best time to visit Sunyani is between December and March when the weather is relatively dry and cool. The humidity is low during this period, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sunyani

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Dress appropriately in public places
  • Try the local cuisine

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of people without permission
  • Engage in drug use or illegal activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Sunyani

Sunyani is a generally safe city, but visitors are advised to be cautious when moving around at night and in isolated areas. Ensure you keep your belongings safe and avoid exposing valuables in public.

Health in Sunyani

Visitors are advised to have up-to-date vaccinations for yellow fever and malaria before visiting Sunyani. They should also carry mosquito repellents and mosquito nets, especially during the rainy season.

Getting to Sunyani: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sunyani

The Sunyani airport is located on the outskirts of the city, with domestic flights that come in from Accra.

Bus Stations Near Sunyani

There are big and small bus terminals in Sunyani, some of which are for buses traveling between regions, while others are for those moving within the city.

Other Options

Visitors can hire a car or a taxi for local travel. Motorbike taxis are also prevalent and provide alternatives for those who want to move faster.

How to Get Around in Sunyani

Sunyani has a well-organized transport system, including buses, taxis, and motorbikes. They are relatively cheap and convenient to navigate through the city.

Where to Go Next from Sunyani: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can explore other fascinating destinations near Sunyani, such as:

  • Lake Bosumtwi
  • Kumasi
  • Busua Beach

Conclusion

Sunyani is undoubtedly one of Ghana’s most prosperous cities, with numerous attractions that provide an insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can relax, have fun, and learn about the traditional way of life in Sunyani. This comprehensive guide will help visitors solve any last-minute issues and make the most out of their trip.