Aburi Botanical Gardens: An Easy Day Trip from Accra (With a Driver)

Why Aburi Is the Easiest Day Trip from Accra

If you want a day out of Accra that feels like a real change of scene, Aburi is hard to beat. The town sits in the Akuapem Hills in the Eastern Region, roughly an hour's drive north of the city. In that hour you leave the heat, traffic and noise of the capital behind and climb into a landscape of green slopes, cooler air and wide views.

The Aburi Botanical Gardens are the main reason most people make the trip. They were established in 1890, and today they are known for avenues of tall old trees, palms and well-kept lawns. It is a place to walk slowly, sit down and let the day stretch out. Families come for relaxed afternoons, couples come for quiet walks, and the gardens are also a popular spot for picnics and weddings.

What makes Aburi such an easy day trip is how little it asks of you. There is no rush, no packed itinerary and no pressure to see everything. You can be in the hills by late morning, spend the afternoon among the trees and be back in Accra in time for dinner.

Getting There: The Drive Up the Akuapem Hills

The journey starts on the main roads out of Accra, heading north. Accra traffic is often the slowest part of the trip, so leave early, especially on weekday mornings. Once you clear the city, the road begins to climb and the scenery changes quickly.

The mountain road to Aburi is winding, with bends that need steady, attentive driving. It is manageable for an experienced driver, but it is far more relaxed when someone who knows the road takes the curves at a comfortable pace. The payoff is worth it. As you climb, the view opens up over the plains below, and on a clear day you can see a long way across the land you have just left.

As a rough guide:

• Normal conditions: about an hour each way from central Accra.
• Heavy city traffic: add extra time, particularly at rush hour.
• After rain: allow more time. Wet hill roads call for slower driving, so a short delay is always better than a rushed descent.

Why Go With a Professional Driver

Every CarRentalGH hire includes a professional driver, and that is deliberate. For a trip like this, a driver lets you enjoy the view instead of watching the road, and it means someone is always responsible for the vehicle, the route and the timing.

A driver also makes the day easier in practical ways:

• Local knowledge: they know the road, where to slow down and where traffic tends to build up.
• Flexibility: you can stop for photos, linger in the gardens or head back earlier if the weather turns.
• Comfort: you are not hunting for parking or checking directions on a winding hill road.

Booking is straightforward. Send us a WhatsApp message with your travel date, pick-up point, number of people and any stops you have in mind, and we will suggest a vehicle that fits the group and the road.

Choosing the right vehicle matters too. A Corolla from GH₵800/day is comfortable for a couple or a small group. A RAV4 from GH₵1,200/day gives a family more room. A Prado with driver from GH₵1,600/day suits larger groups or anyone who wants extra comfort, and a 30-seat Coaster from GH₵2,200/day keeps a big party together. These are starting rates, so confirm what is included, such as fuel, tolls and waiting time, when you book.

Inside the Aburi Botanical Gardens

Once you are inside, the pace slows straight away. The gardens are built around avenues of tall, mature trees, with palms and open lawns that make a natural place to rest. Many visitors start with a gentle walk along the main paths, then choose a shady spot to sit and simply take in the surroundings.

Take your time. The gardens are especially good for:

• Slow walks under the big trees, most pleasant in the late morning or late afternoon
• Picnics on the lawns, which is one of the most popular ways to spend a visit
• Photos, from the long avenues to the palms and open green spaces
• Quiet time away from the city, with the cooler hill air as a welcome bonus

The wide, shaded avenues are also useful if you are travelling with older relatives or small children, since there are plenty of places to rest between walks. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes and take the paths at an easy pace, and the visit will feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Because the gardens are a favourite for weddings and family outings, you may come across celebrations or groups on the lawns. This is part of the charm. If you are after peace and quiet, aim for a weekday or arrive early, before the afternoon crowds gather.

Things to Do Nearby: Crafts, Views and Cocoa History

Aburi is more than its gardens. If you have time, the area offers a few easy additions to your day:

• Roadside craft sellers: wood carvings and other handmade pieces are sold along the roads in and around Aburi. Take a look before you buy, and be prepared to haggle politely.
• Hill views: the climb itself is one of the highlights. Ask your driver to stop at a safe spot on the way up or back down.
• Food and drinks: bring snacks and water from Accra, and plan a proper lunch stop if you are staying for the full day.

The region also has a place in Ghana's cocoa story. Tetteh Quarshie brought cocoa to the country from Fernando Po in 1879 and farmed near Mampong, in the Akuapem hills. The wider area is part of the story of how cocoa grew into one of Ghana's most important crops. If history interests you, tell your driver before you set off so you can plan a stop that fits the day.

Planning Your Visit: Timing, What to Bring and Who It Suits

Best time to go: The drier months from about December to March are usually the most comfortable for a day out, although the harmattan can make the air hazy in the dry season. The main rains tend to fall from around April to June, with a shorter wet spell later in the year. Check the forecast the day before, and be flexible if heavy rain is due, since downpours make paths muddy and can spoil the views.

What to bring:

• Water, sunscreen and a hat, even on cooler days
• A light layer for the hill air, especially in the morning
• Small cedi notes for crafts, snacks and any small fees
• A picnic blanket if you plan to sit on the lawns
• Comfortable shoes for walking on the paths
• Cash and a phone charger, in case you want a photo stop or a longer afternoon

Timing the day: Start early if you can. The hill air is at its most refreshing in the morning, the paths are usually quieter, and you have the whole afternoon to rest, eat and make your way back to Accra before the evening traffic builds up.

Families and groups: The gardens suit families with children who enjoy space to run, and older visitors who prefer gentle walks. For a larger group, a Prado or Coaster keeps everyone comfortable and together. A full day with a picnic works well for families, while a half day with a late lunch back in Accra is just as easy for couples and friends.

Frequently asked questions