Perched along the lush Akuapem Ridge, the Akuapem South District remains one of Ghana’s most enchanting tourism destinations in 2025—renowned for its cool mountain climate, panoramic views, vibrant traditions, and rare ecological treasures. Just an hour’s drive from Accra, the district blends natural beauty with history, offering a refreshing escape for domestic and international visitors alike.
At the heart of this appeal is the iconic Aburi Botanical Gardens, established in 1890 and still one of Ghana’s top tourist attractions. The gardens span over 160 acres of landscaped serenity and are home to centuries-old trees, exotic plants, medicinal herbs, and more than 150 species of birds and butterflies. Recent renovations and improved facilities, including a new eco-trail and garden café, have enhanced its appeal as both an educational and recreational site.
The district's natural beauty extends beyond Aburi. Among the hidden gems are the Boade Waterfalls at Nsakye, known for their all-year flow and mystical forest setting, and the Mensaman Waterfalls near Nsawam, which offer scenic hiking trails and picnic spots. Boade’s downstream pools support native aquatic life including crabs, mudfish, and freshwater lobsters, attracting eco-tourists and researchers alike.
Adventurous travelers can explore Oboguateng, a naturally sculpted rock at Kobiso near Amanfro, resembling a ram—an ancestral symbol held sacred by the local people. Nearby, the Adade Yaw So cave, capable of sheltering up to 100 people, adds an element of exploration to the region’s eco-tourism offerings. In the dense grove of Oboadaka lies another geological wonder: four stone slabs shaped like coffins, stacked naturally atop one another—an awe-inspiring sight known as the Stone Box.
At Papawani, visitors can cross a rare natural stone bridge formed over a flowing stream, now used as a rural roadway—a testament to the harmony between nature and community life in the district.
Aburi’s Odusum Lake continues to draw spiritual pilgrims and curious visitors alike. Surrounded by thick greenery, the lake is believed to have healing properties, and sightings of crocodiles and other reptiles lend it a mythical air. Spiritual tourism also leads visitors to Brekuso, where a sacred shrine linked to the ancestry of Nana Osei Tutu, the founder of the Asante Kingdom, continues to attract those seeking history and blessings.
For cultural enthusiasts, the Odwira and Odehoro festivals remain the biggest draws—celebrated annually in Aburi and other towns with colorful processions, traditional music, dance, purification rites, and storytelling that honor Akuapem ancestry. These events attract thousands of visitors each year and are increasingly being promoted as part of Ghana’s cultural heritage tourism.
The Nyanao Hills near Sakyikrom offer a blend of legend and landscape. Once the hideout of Akwamu warriors led by Nana Ansah Sasraku, the hills today provide sweeping views over Accra, the Tema plains, and the Volta basin. The site is gaining attention for historical tourism and eco-retreats.
In terms of arts and crafts, the Aburi Industrial Centre has grown into one of West Africa’s largest open-air wood carving hubs. From humble beginnings in 1979, the centre now supports over 1,000 artisans, most of whom are descendants of repatriated Ghanaians from Nigeria. They produce traditional and contemporary woodworks, masks, stools, and sculptures sought after by collectors and tourists. A new craft village, supported by the Ghana Tourism Authority, is under construction to improve space, sanitation, and visibility for artisans.
Nearby at Konkonuru, plans for a fully serviced tourist village are also underway. The goal: to provide eco-lodging, adventure tours, and cultural workshops for both short-stay visitors and long-term volunteers. Tourists can now find support at the Tourist Information Centre located within the Botanical Gardens, with improved signage and digital booking access across the district.
In 2025, Akuapem South offers more than just scenic views. It is a living tapestry of history, art, spirituality, and natural wonders—where the past and future meet in a peaceful, elevated atmosphere. Whether you're in search of relaxation, discovery, culture, or inspiration, this highland district remains one of Ghana’s most rewarding places to visit—and invest.