If you’ve only got a day or two outside Accra, the Eastern Region is where most people spend it — and for good reason. Just north and east of the capital, it gathers some of Ghana’s easiest, prettiest day trips: the colonial-era botanical gardens at Aburi, the great dam and lake at Akosombo, the twin Boti Falls with their famous umbrella rock, and the bead-making villages of the Krobo. Green, hilly and close to the city, the Eastern Region is the country’s accessible escape into nature and craft. Here’s what to see, when to go, and how to get there.
The vibe
Lush, hilly and laid-back. The Eastern Region rises into the cool Akuapem and Kwahu hills behind Accra, threaded with waterfalls, forest reserves and craft villages, and bordered by the vast Lake Volta at Akosombo. It’s close enough for day trips yet green enough to feel a world away from the capital’s heat — the easiest dose of countryside in southern Ghana. The capital is Koforidua, known for its bead market.
Top things to do in the Eastern Region
| Sight | What it is |
|---|---|
| Aburi Botanical Gardens | Cool colonial-era gardens, ~45 min from Accra |
| Akosombo Dam & Lake Volta | Great dam; Dodi Island cruise on the lake |
| Boti Falls | Twin “male & female” falls, umbrella rock, 3-in-1 palm |
| Krobo bead villages | Recycled-glass beadmaking (Cedi Beads, Odumase) |
| Kwahu plateau | Cliffs & Easter paragliding festival |
| Bunso Arboretum | Forest reserve & canopy walk |
The easy escapes from Accra
Aburi Botanical Gardens, opened in 1890 up the Akuapem ridge, is the classic half-day out of the capital — shady avenues of old trees, fresh hill air and roadside woodcarvers. Akosombo, about two hours from Accra, holds back the largest man-made lake on earth by area, and a relaxed Dodi Island cruise (highlife band, dancing) is a local favourite. Both are doable as day trips, or strung together for an overnight.
Waterfalls, beads and hills
Boti Falls, in a forest reserve near Huhunya, is a twin waterfall reached by 250 steps, complemented by the curious “umbrella rock” and a three-in-one palm — best between June and August when it’s in full flow. The Krobo area around Odumase is Ghana’s beadmaking heartland, where recycled glass is fired into the vivid beads you’ll see across the country (Cedi Beads runs great workshops). And the Kwahu plateau draws crowds each Easter for its paragliding festival.
When to go
The Eastern Region is good year-round, but the falls (Boti especially) are best in and just after the rains (June to August), while the dry season (Nov–Mar) is easiest for the gardens and lake. Kwahu comes alive at Easter. See our best time to visit guide.
Getting there and around
Most of the region is within 1–2.5 hours of Accra by road — Aburi is the closest (~45 min), Akosombo about 2 hours, Boti a little further. A hired car or driver makes linking the sights easy, and many visitors fold the region into the start of a Volta trip (Akosombo is the gateway east).
Where to stay
For an overnight, Aburi has charming hill hotels with views over Accra, and Akosombo offers lakeside resorts perfect for a slow evening on the water. Koforidua, the regional capital, has practical mid-range options. Many travellers simply day-trip from Accra and don’t stay at all.
Explore the Eastern Region’s attractions
Tap any place for the full details, map and visitor tips.
Aburi Botanical Gardens
Perfect day trip from Accra (45 mins). Colonial-era gardens. Good for families.
Akosombo Dam & Volta River Authority Boat Cruise
The Akosombo Dam — completed 1965 — created Lake Volta, the world's largest man-made lake by surface area. The VRA (Volta River…
Asenema Falls
A rarely-crowded fall in the Akuapem hills about 90 minutes from Accra — cool, green and perfect for a picnic and a…
Boti Falls
Twin waterfalls. 1hr from Accra. Combine with Aburi for a full day trip.
Christ Presbyterian Church, Akropong
One of Ghana's oldest churches (Basel Mission, 1830s) in the cool Akuapem hills — pair with Aburi gardens.
Koforidua Bead Market
Thursday market only. Best glass beads in Ghana. Arrive by 8am before crowds.
Kwahu Easter Paragliding
Only Easter weekend. Paragliding over Kwahu escarpment. Unique annual event.
Larteh Sacred Grove & Shrine
An intact traditional spiritual landscape in the Akuapem hills — sacred groves, shrines and an annual festival.
Odwira Festival
The Akuapem purification festival (Sept-Oct) in Akropong and Aburi - fasting, feasting and a grand durbar.
The bottom line
The Eastern Region is Ghana’s most accessible nature break — cool gardens at Aburi, a lake cruise at Akosombo, the Boti Falls and the bead villages of the Krobo, all within easy reach of Accra. Do it as a day trip or two, or use Akosombo as your gateway into the Volta hills. Plan it into a wider loop with our itinerary and things to do guides.
