Ho Travel Guide

Discover the best places to see, eat, and stay in Ho, Ghana. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary, hiking routes, and tips for safety and health.


Introduction to Ho

Nestled in the heart of the Volta Region, Ho is a vibrant city that combines both natural beauty and urban architecture. Being the capital of the Volta Region, Ho is a hub of commerce, education, and culture. The city boasts a unique blend of traditions and modern amenities. Ho is renowned for its lush greenery, waterfalls, mountains, and rivers; these create a stunning landscape that is unmatched anywhere else in Ghana.

List of Places to Visit in Ho

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Wli Waterfalls

One of the most popular destinations in Ho is the Wli Waterfalls. Located about 30 kilometers from the city center, this spectacular waterfall is the highest in West Africa, standing at an impressive height of about 60 meters. The waterfall is surrounded by a tropical forest that is home to some of the most exotic bird species in the world, including the endangered Togo lovebird. Visitors can take a hike through the forest trails, enjoying the scenic views and taking quaint photos en route.

Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary

The Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary is another attraction that should not be missed when visiting Ho. This sanctuary is home to the endangered West African Monkeys, which are considered sacred by the local people. Visitors can observe the monkeys in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and the conservation efforts that are being made to protect them.

Mount Afadja

Mount Afadja is the highest mountain in Ghana, standing at a towering height of 885 meters. It’s located near the border of Togo and can be accessed via the Afadja Hiking Trail. The climb can be steep and challenging, but it’s definitely worth it for the breathtaking views at the top.

Natural Attractions of Ho: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tafi Atome Nature Reserve

The Tafi Atome Nature Reserve is a must-visit for nature lovers. It’s located about 35 kilometers from Ho and is home to several species of monkeys, butterflies, and birds. Visitors can take a guided tour of the reserve and learn about the plants and animals that thrive in this unique ecosystem.

Volta Lake

The Volta Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, covering an area of about 8,502 square kilometers. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the serene views while observing the local fishing practices. There are also several resorts located along the shores of the lake where visitors can enjoy water sports, including skiing, canoeing, and fishing.

Tsokome Hills

Tsokome Hills is a rocky outcrop located near the town of Lolobi. It’s an ideal hiking spot, offering a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a picnic at the base of the hills or take a long hike along the trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ho

Wli Waterfalls Trail

The Wli Waterfalls Trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in Ghana. It’s a 9 km trail that takes about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace. The trail offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and rivers. The trail is best traversed in the mornings or late afternoons, when there is less crowding.

Afadjato Hiking Trail

The Afadjato Hiking Trail is the most challenging hiking trail in Ho, taking about 3 hours to complete. The trail is steep and rocky but offers breathtaking views of the landscape from the top of the mountain. It’s recommended to wear appropriate hiking gear and to carry enough water for the duration of the hike.

Best Things to Do in Ho: Activities and Tours

Canopy Walk at Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park is located about 4 hours away from Ho and offers a unique canopy walk attraction. Visitors can walk along the suspension bridge, which is about 350 meters long and hangs 30 meters above the ground. The canopy walk offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding forest and is a thrilling experience for all visitors.

Cultural Tour of Ho

Visitors can take a cultural tour of Ho with a local guide to learn about the city’s traditions and customs. The tour includes visits to local markets, traditional village settlements, and museums.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ho

Day Activity
1 Visit Wli Waterfalls, hike and enjoy a picnic in the surrounding area
2 Visit Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and nature reserve, tour the reserve and interact with the monkeys
3 Hike Mount Afadja, enjoy scenic views at the top
4 Take a boat ride on the Volta Lake, enjoy water sports, and relax at a resort
5 Visit Tsokome Hills, hike and have a picnic in the surrounding area
6 Take a cultural tour of Ho, visit local markets, and learn about the city’s traditions
7 Relax and unwind at a local spa, enjoy cool beverages and local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Ho

Must-Try Dishes

Akple and Fetri Detsi

Akple and Fetri Detsi is a local dish made from corn and cassava dough. It is served with soup or stew made from fish or meat.

Tuo Zaafi

Tuo Zaafi is a dish made from boiled maize flour or millet flour, served with soup or stew made from spinach or okra. It’s a popular food item among the locals and should not be missed when visiting Ho.

Local Beverages

Palm Wine

Palm wine is a popular alcoholic beverage in Ho. It’s harvested from palm trees and has a sweet and sour taste. Visitors can taste the freshly made palm wine at local bars.

Sobolo

Sobolo is a non-alcoholic beverage made from the hibiscus flower. It has a sweet and tangy taste and is perfect for hot days.

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

Royal Senchi Hotel

The Royal Senchi Hotel is a luxurious hotel located on the banks of the Volta River. The hotel has a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant, offering guests the ultimate relaxation experience.

Ho Sunset Hotel

The Ho Sunset Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, offering guests local and international cuisine.

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

Kente Cloth

Kente cloth is one of the most famous traditional cloths in Ghana. It’s made from handwoven strips of cotton or silk and is worn on special occasions. Visitors can buy Kente cloths in Ho as souvenirs to take back home.

Beaded Jewelry

Beaded jewelry is another item that visitors can buy in Ho. The jewelry is made from colorful beads and is available in different designs and patterns.

Local Culture and Customs of Ho

Ho is a culturally rich city, with various festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The Hogbetsotso festival is the most famous cultural festival in Ho, celebrated in November every year. The festival highlights the traditions and history of the local people.

Best Time to Visit Ho

The best time to visit Ho is between November and February when the weather is cool and dry. The rainy season starts in March and lasts until September, making some outdoor activities challenging to embark on.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ho

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Wear appropriate clothing, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Use a local guide when hiking or exploring the natural attractions

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of people or children without permission
  • Litter or damage the natural environment
  • Disrespect public places or religious sites

Safety and Health

Safety in Ho

Ho is a safe city to visit, but visitors are advised to take precautions to ensure safety. Avoiding walking late at night in unlit areas and being vigilant of surroundings goes a long way. Visitors must take care of their belongings at tourist sites, including natural attractions and markets.

Health in Ho

Visitors to Ho should take health precautions such as vaccination for yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, and hepatitis A & B. Drinking clean, bottled or purified water and practicing good hygiene practice will, in addition, ensure protection from water-borne illnesses.

Getting to Ho: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ho

The closest airport to Ho is Kotoka International Airport in Accra, which is about 150 kilometers from Ho. Visitors can take flights from Accra to Ho, arriving at the area’s small airfield.

Bus Stations Near Ho

There are several major bus stations in Accra where visitors can find transportation to Ho. The trip takes about 4 hours and costs around GHC 20 ($3.5) per person.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car and drive to Ho or hire a taxi from Accra. However, it should be noted that road conditions and signage in some areas may be lacking, and it might be best to hire a local driver or guide.

How to Get Around Ho

The easiest way to get around Ho is by hiring a taxi, motorbike, or bicycle. Visitors can also opt to walk around the city to explore and interact with locals.

Where to Go Next from Ho: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Togo

Togo is located just a few kilometers from Ho, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a different culture and cuisine. The capital city of Lome is 136 km from Ho and provides a mix of colonial and contemporary buildings, beaches, and restaurants.

Ada Foah

Ada Foah is located about 80 kilometers from Ho, offering visitors an opportunity to experience beach life. It’s a fishing village with various resort options from which guests can enjoy water sports like swimming, fishing and have various seafood delicacies.

Conclusion

Ho is a charming and unique city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors to Ho can enjoy waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and hiking trails in addition to a variety of exotic meals, traditional beverages, and local cultural experiences. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan their visit to Ho, taking advantage of its gems and activities.