Accra to Aburi Tour: Gardens & Falls – A Detailed Review
Alright, so you’re thinking about heading from Accra to Aburi for a day? Pretty cool choice! A day outing to Aburi Botanical Gardens, with a bonus stop at a local waterfall, is very, very popular with visitors, and there’s a good reason. You get away from Accra’s constant energy and breathe in a little clean mountain air. This is my take, anyway, on what you might expect, and what might make it an outing to remember.
Why Aburi? A Breath of Fresh Air
Accra can sometimes, you know, get a little much. Too much traffic, way too much activity. So, the thought of heading up to Aburi, it almost feels like escaping to another dimension. That’s because Aburi is located in the Eastern Region and it gives you somewhat cooler temps and a more relaxing view of Ghana’s landscape. But there is, you know, more to it than that.
The Aburi Botanical Gardens have been there for over a century. In a way it tells the story of how plants from all over the globe were brought here for testing, some found new homes, some didn’t. Yet the layout, with these huge trees, feels timeless. It is a little, you know, like a green sanctuary.
What You Will See
Firstly, of course, are all the plants. Really old trees are almost art in themselves, way different than what you are used to in the city. You might, too, see cocoa trees, coffee plants and other things that, as a matter of fact, feed the world.
And you will spot couples holding hands in quiet corners. And children, as a matter of fact, are just running around playing. It’s almost like life slowed down a little, so it feels more simple.
Getting There and Away
OK, so how do you do this trip from Accra? Well, a private tour, which I did, makes it really easy. I was picked up from my location, which took so much anxiety out of figuring things out in a different place. As I was saying, the journey itself is part of it.
The road from Accra to Aburi does climb, and you get good roadside looks at how people in Ghana, well, just live their lives. Towns getting busy with sellers, colourful fabric for sale, things like that. With your own transport, the driver, basically, might stop if you want for quick pictures or to get snacks.
Inside Aburi Botanical Gardens
Right, so when you pull up to the gardens, it might be a bit more crowded than you think. Very popular spot, that. Yet do not let that discourage you.
Entry and Guidance
Your tour will have you covered for entry payments, of course. I might also advise a local guide to go with you after you go inside. I learned, honestly, so much about the trees from mine – like the history of the plants and what they were used for, maybe even what local folklore has to say about them.
Must-See Spots
So there are several spots that tourists visit. One is the Umbrella Tree, a really large tree that spread out wide. The Palm Avenue, too it’s almost a really impressive display. Take your time wandering the trails. Some little cool things hide if you, you know, really look.
Basically, there’s a craft marketplace, selling items made locally. This is where you, like your, haggle. Do it nicely and you find something special for those back home.
Waterfalls: A Side Trip
Okay, so the Aburi Botanical Gardens is good, but you, like your, might combine this with a visit to a waterfall close by. That day outing usually, usually, includes a visit to a pretty area. Your private tour normally sorts out getting there.
Reaching the Falls
Now depending on which falls your tour chooses, keep in mind, just a little walking might be needed. The path might have rocky, you know, or maybe even muddy. You do not need to be super athletic, but have walking shoes.
Experiencing the Water
The waterfall will depend a lot on the time of the year. During dry season there’s less flowing water. Yet anytime you visit there is always that nice fresh mist, that’s almost wonderful for your face and skin. Several of these falls permit swimming at the base, so take your bathing things.
Be Considerate
Now be polite. These falls almost, very often, mean much for the area people, so remember to treat the spot, too it’s almost, with esteem. Never litter, keep the sound amount where it belongs, that way others, actually, get to share it.
Food Along the Way
Look, a part of seeing Ghana has got to include its food! And your Accra to Aburi trip provides choices. Find out if, literally, your private tour comes bundled with eating, and if not, they probably understand a restaurant someplace along the route. Else, when your path heads back towards Accra, ask to stop somewhere to test some things.
Local Restaurants
There almost seems like, many “chop bars” or restaurants near Aburi provide food that is home-style. Search out a jollof rice tasting – a tomato rice dish spiced just correct, which they, basically, normally, make differently everywhere. Tilapia, in particular, they just might grill over a wood open-fire and give with banku or kenkey (maize dough), plus pepper sauce; pretty darned yummy!
Snacks and Markets
You see sellers almost anywhere. Packaged water, snacks, fruit may show up right at the side of any road. That might not seem like your normal thing back home, but actually trying street eats, that’s a pretty neat element when traveling!
What to Bring
Here are several things I found when doing a similar outing which help: very comfortable shoes! So the Aburi Botanical Gardens will take some walking. With any waterfall climbing, you may be thankful when you have anything rugged! Water, which almost, really, often, turns hot, keeps yourself hydrated. Bring insect repellent, pretty vital, just in the botanical gardens or near enough those streams. Have some sunscreen on hand; it is Ghana and that sun may bite hard! And cash — certain smaller stalls or merchants usually take only GH Cedis.
Photography Tips
Do you, like your, want Instagram-worthy captures? Therefore, the Aburi Gardens deliver!
Best Times for Photos
The morning and very later part in a day possess that sweet, soft, sunlight which brings something beautiful out in vegetation. Try these times for more dramatic illumination but a lessened amount on the total glare!
Focus on Details
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Never just catch panoramas alone, then! Zoom down near those blossoms plus insect that you view close to. Consider any designs within plants – such detailed visuals, as a matter of fact, truly inform where are.
Be Respectful
Always respect, obviously, signs prohibiting photographing. Please seek anyone’s consent previously shooting him also that. Every culture displays different standards regarding image getting; know their view too!