Aburi Travel Guide (Ghanaian Coastal Plain/Ghana/West Africa/Africa)

Aburi is a town located in the Ghanaian Coastal Plain, in Ghana, West Africa. The town is known for its spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lush green vegetation. Aburi is not only a popular tourist destination but it’s steeped in fascinating local history and customs. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through all the things you need to know to plan your visit to Aburi, including the best places to visit, eat, and stay, and the cultural customs and do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when you get there.

Introduction to Aburi

Nestled in the Ghanaian Coastal Plain, Aburi is a serene town that offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and history. The town is situated in the Akuapem Hills, a scenic location that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a cool, refreshing climate.

List of Places to Visit in Aburi

Aburi has a variety of attractions that cater to different interests. Here are some of the most prominent places to visit during your stay:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Aburi is home to a number of museums and historical places that provide visitors with insight into the local culture and history. These include:

The Aburi Botanical Gardens: A sprawling green space filled with a wide range of exotic plant species, including a bamboo grove, trees from the Amazon, and an impressive Azalea collection. The gardens also have several walking trails as well as a butterfly sanctuary.
The Presbyterian Secondary School Museum (“Presby Museum”): Located within the Presbyterian Secondary School (formerly known as the Basel Mission School), this museum offers a fascinating look into the history of the Presbyterian Church in Ghana as well as the education system during the colonial period.
The Aburi Craft Village: A small village specialized in Adinkra cloth, an art form which involves stamping traditional Ghanaian symbols on fabrics to create intricate patterns. It’s worth exploring the village’s numerous stalls and shops and experimenting with some of the various Adinkra designs.

Natural Attractions of Aburi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Aburi’s natural scenery is stunning, making it an ideal destination for those looking for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Other natural attractions worth visiting in Aburi include:

The Aburi Mountains: A series of peaks and ridges to the north and east of the town. Hiking up the mountains is an excellent way to experience the area’s natural beauty and is also an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife, such as monkeys and baboons.
The Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Museum: A museum dedicated to the Tetteh Quarshie, a Ghanaian agriculturalist, who brought cocoa beans to Ghana. The museum is located on the grounds of the Ghana Cocoa Research Institute, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of cocoa and the cultivation, processing, and exportation of the crop.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Aburi

The Aburi Mountains offer an excellent hiking and biking experience. There are several hiking and biking routes that cater to varying degrees of difficulty. These routes traverse through scenic landscapes, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.

Best Things to Do in Aburi: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Aburi. Here are some of our top picks:

Take a stroll through the Aburi Botanical Gardens.
Visit the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Museum.
Take a hike up the Aburi Mountains.
Try your hand at Adinkra cloth stamping at the Aburi Craft Village.
Take a nature walk through Aburi’s lush forests

Week-Long Itinerary for Aburi

To help you make the most of your visit to Aburi, here is a suggested week-long itinerary for your trip:

Day 1: Arrival/Relaxation Day 2: Aburi Botanical Garden Day 3: Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Museum Day 4: Aburi Mountains Day 5: Aburi Craft Village Day 6: Nature Walks Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Aburi

Aburi has a variety of dining options that cater to different palates. The town also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars and nightclubs offering various live music performances.

Must-Try Dishes

Ghanaian food is famous for its delicious and unique flavors. Here are some must-try dishes to sample during your stay:

Jollof Rice: A popular West African dish that consists of a spicy tomato-based rice dish often served with chicken or fish.
Banku and Tilapia: Made from fermented corn and cassava dough, this dish is known for its unique texture and is usually served with grilled tilapia and hot pepper sauce.
Kenkey and Fish: A popular street food made from fermented corn dough and fish that is often served as breakfast.

Local Beverages

Ghana has several local drinks that are unique to the region. These include:

Palm Wine: A sweet alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees.
Sobolo: A hibiscus-based drink that is often served chilled and provides a refreshing and zesty flavor.
Pito: A strong, locally brewed beer made from fermented millet.

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

Aburi has a variety of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the best options include:

Hillburi: A boutique guest house that provides a panoramic view of the Aburi Mountains
Peduase Valley Resort: An elegant resort that offers a range of chalets and rooms featuring unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains.
Sir Max Hotel: A modern hotel located in the heart of Aburi.

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

Shopping in Aburi is an excellent opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs and local products that capture the town’s culture and history. Some of the most popular products to buy in Aburi include Adinkra fabrics, carved wooden figurines, and woven baskets.

Local Culture and Customs of Aburi

Ghanaian culture is incredibly diverse and fascinating. Before visiting Aburi, it’s worth taking some time to explore the country’s social norms and cultural customs. Some of the things to keep in mind when traveling to Aburi include:

Dress conservatively, especially when visiting sacred or ceremonial sites.
Greet locals properly, as a sign of respect.
Respect local customs and traditions, including laws regarding wildlife and national parks.

Best Time to Visit Aburi

The best time to visit Aburi is between November and February when the weather is dry and cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities. If you plan to visit between March and May, be prepared for hot and humid weather. June through September can be rainy, making it less ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Aburi

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions.
Learn basic greetings in the local language.
Dress modestly when visiting sacred or ceremonial sites.

Don’t:

Take photographs of people or historical sites without permission.
Ignore signs and restrictions in national parks.
Publicly display affection, especially if visiting remote or conservative areas.

Safety and Health

Aburi is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it’s important to take basic precautions, such as not walking alone at night and keeping valuable items secure. Regarding health measures, it is recommended that you receive the necessary vaccinations before traveling to the region.

Safety in Aburi

Always be aware of your surroundings and belongings.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry in public areas.
Be aware of local scams and theft tactics.

Health in Aburi

Ensure that you have received all the necessary vaccinations before traveling.
Drink bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Be aware of exposure to mosquitoes and protect yourself with repellent.

Getting to Aburi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Aburi is located approximately 30 kilometers from the capital city of Accra and can be reached by car, public transportation, and taxis.

Airports Near Aburi

The nearest airport to Aburi is Kotoka International Airport in Accra, which is approximately 46 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Aburi

Several private bus companies operate services between Accra and Aburi from Accra New Town Station or Madina.

Other Options

Taxis and private cars, as well as shared or private minivans, are other great ways to get to Aburi.

How to Get Around in Aburi

Local modes of transportation in Aburi include shared taxis, motorcycles, and bicycles. Taxis do not have meters, so you will need to agree on a price before you board. For adventurous travelers, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Aburi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the most popular nearby destinations to Aburi include:

Accra: Ghana’s vibrant capital city that offers a diverse range of attractions, including museums, galleries, and markets.
Cape Coast: A historic coastal town with a dark history of the transatlantic slave trade.
Kakum National Park: A rainforest reserve that offers guided canopy walks and hiking trails.

Conclusion

Aburi is undoubtedly an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience nature, history, and culture. This guide provides you with all the essential information you need to plan your trip to Aburi. By exploring the museums and historical places, hiking on the Aburi Mountains, trying out the fabulous local cuisine, and immersing in the customs and traditions of Aburi, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in one of Ghana’s most beautiful regions. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Aburi Image Gallery

A street in the town of Aburi

Aburi Botanical Gardens