Eastern Region: Aburi, Boti Falls and Akosombo
Aburi Botanical Gardens — image via Wikimedia Commons
Ghana's Eastern Region is the easiest nature escape from Accra — Aburi Botanical Gardens is about an hour away, Boti Falls and Umbrella Rock roughly two hours, and Akosombo (gateway to Lake Volta) a similar distance. All three can be combined into a single, relaxed day trip without a long drive.
Aburi Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1890, Aburi Botanical Gardens sits in the cooler Akuapem hills about an hour from Accra, combining walking trails through mature tropical gardens with a lively craft market at the entrance. The paved road throughout means any sedan handles the trip comfortably, making it the easiest first excursion for families or a self-drive rental with no off-road needs.
Boti Falls and Umbrella Rock
Boti Falls, near Koforidua in the Manya Krobo district, is a picturesque twin waterfall passing through the Huhunya forest reserve, best viewed in the rainy season (May-October) when the falls run fullest. Nearby, Umbrella Rock is a striking natural rock formation resembling its namesake, a short and rewarding add-on to the same visit.
Akosombo Dam and Lake Volta
Akosombo is known for its hydroelectric dam and the peaceful boat cruises available on Lake Volta — one of the largest reservoirs in the world by surface area. It's a popular pairing with Aburi for a full day: cool hills in the morning, lake views in the afternoon.
Bunso Arboretum
The Bunso Arboretum features its own canopy walkway, offering a treetop perspective of the region's lush forests — a quieter, less-visited alternative to Kakum's more famous walkway in the Central Region, worth considering if you want a similar experience with fewer crowds.
Beadmaking and Koforidua's market scene
Koforidua, the Eastern Region's capital, is known for beadmaking and hosts an active, bustling market scene worth a stop if your route passes through, particularly for visitors interested in taking home genuinely locally-made craft items.
Planning the easiest day trip from Accra
For anywhere within 2 hours (Aburi, Boti Falls), leaving Accra by 8am avoids the morning rush and gives a full day at the destination. Roads are paved and straightforward throughout most of this region, making it one of the most self-drive-friendly day trips in the country.
Best time to visit
Aburi's hill climate stays pleasantly cool year-round, making it a comfortable escape from Accra's heat in any season. For Boti Falls specifically, the rainy season (May-October) gives the fullest, most impressive waterfall views, while dry season visits are easier underfoot.
Getting there from Accra
Aburi, Boti Falls and Akosombo are all reachable within 1-2 hours of Accra on largely paved roads, making this one of the most self-drive-friendly regions on this list. Our Aburi & Akosombo Nature Tour Package covers the classic combination with a sedan, SUV or MPV.
Eastern Region Tourist Attractions — FAQ
About an hour by road, on a fully paved route — one of the easiest self-drive day trips from the city.
The rainy season, May through October, gives the fullest, most dramatic waterfall. Dry season visits are easier underfoot but the falls run lower.
It's possible but tight — most visitors pair Aburi with Akosombo, or Boti Falls with Umbrella Rock, rather than trying to fit all three comfortably into a single day.
Yes, in concept — a treetop walkway through rainforest — though Bunso sees far fewer visitors, making it a quieter alternative.
No — roads to Aburi, Boti Falls and Akosombo are paved and manageable in a standard sedan or SUV.
Yes — Aburi Botanical Gardens and Boti Falls (the lower viewing area) are both manageable for children, making this one of the more family-friendly regions on this list.
Yes — it's roughly 2 hours each way, making a full there-and-back day trip realistic if you leave Accra by mid-morning.
Book the Aburi & Akosombo route
Vehicle, driver and route included — see our tour packages or ask us to build a custom itinerary.
View the Aburi & Akosombo Package