Western Region: Nzulezu, Busua Beach and Ghana's Coastal Frontier

Nzulezu: a village built on water

Nzulezu is a roughly 400-year-old stilt settlement built entirely on Lake Tadane, home to hundreds of people, reached by a canoe ride from Beyin, about 90 kilometres west of Takoradi. The village is open to visitors every day except Thursdays, which are considered sacred days locally — a cultural taboo worth respecting when planning a visit.

Busua and Butre Beaches

Busua Beach is highly recommended for its pristine sands, clear waters and friendly local hospitality, popular for relaxation, surfing (the Ahanta Surf School operates here), and local cuisine from nearby bars. Nearby Butre Beach offers a quieter, less developed alternative for visitors wanting fewer crowds.

Ankasa Conservation Area and Nini-Suhien National Park

Together, these two reserves protect roughly 500 square kilometres of tropical evergreen rainforest — the most biologically diverse forest in Ghana, with over 800 recorded plant species. The Ankasa, Nini and Suhien rivers pass through the park, known for rapids and smaller waterfalls, and wildlife including buffaloes, antelopes and baboons.

Colonial forts along the coast

The Western Region holds several historical forts, including Fort Santo Antonio in Axim and Fort Metal Cross in Dixcove, offering insight into the area's colonial history distinct from the larger, more-visited castles of the Central Region. Cape Three Points, Ghana's southernmost point, sits within this stretch of coastline.

Akatekyi Crocodile Pond

At Akatekyi, visitors can see crocodiles summoned by a local fetish priest through traditional chants and offerings — a genuine glimpse into local spiritual practice and one of the region's more unusual cultural stops, open most days of the week.

Getting to the Western Region

Sekondi-Takoradi, the regional capital and twin city, is the practical base for exploring the Western Region — famous in its own right for an annual masquerade festival featuring colourful costumes and street dancing. The best time to visit is dry season, November through March, when conditions are most favourable for both beaches and the rainforest reserves.

Best time to visit

The dry season, November through March, is most favourable for both the beaches and the rainforest reserves, with calmer seas and easier hiking conditions in Ankasa. Remember that Nzulezu is closed to visitors on Thursdays, a sacred day locally — plan your route accordingly.

Getting there from Accra

The Western Region sits several hours from Accra along the coastal highway. Given the distance and the unpaved final stretch to reach Nzulezu by canoe, we'd recommend a chauffeured SUV and building in an overnight stay rather than attempting it as a single long day.