Best Hiking and Trekking Adventures Around Accra

Accra is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of hiking. But within an hour of the city, the landscape changes dramatically—from coastal savannah to forested hills and rocky outcrops. And if you are willing to drive a little further, Ghana’s highest peaks and tallest waterfalls await in the Volta Region.

Shai Hills Resource Reserve: The Closest Escape

If you want to hike without leaving the Greater Accra Region, Shai Hills is your answer. The reserve sits about 50 kilometres northeast of Accra, roughly an hour’s drive along the Accra–Akosombo road .

The terrain is a mix of savannah grassland and rocky hills, with ancient caves once used by the Shai people. The hiking is easy to moderate, with short trails winding past granite outcrops and offering panoramic views of the Accra plains .

What makes it worth the trip: The wildlife. Shai Hills is home to olive baboons, kobs, antelopes, green monkeys, and over 150 bird species. You can hike with a guide and encounter animals along the way—a rare experience so close to the capital.

Practical details:

• Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Best time to visit: November to April, the dry season, when trails are accessible and wildlife is easier to spot

• What to bring: Sturdy shoes, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Do not feed the baboons—they can be aggressive

Aburi Hills: Forest Trails in the Eastern Region

The Aburi Hills sit in the Akwapim South District of the Eastern Region, part of the range that stretches from Ghana into Togo. At an elevation of about 450 metres, the climate is noticeably cooler than the coast, making it a popular retreat .

The area offers several hiking and trekking trails for different fitness levels, winding through lush forests with views of the surrounding hills and valleys . The Aburi Botanical Gardens, established in 1890, is a natural starting point—a 64-acre space with tropical and medicinal plants, and a peaceful atmosphere for a stroll before or after a hike .

What makes it worth the trip: The combination of forest hiking and botanical heritage. It is a gentler option than the Volta Region peaks, suitable for a half-day or full-day trip from Accra.

The Volta Region: Ghana’s Premier Hiking Destination

If you are serious about trekking, the Volta Region is where you go. It is home to Ghana’s highest mountain, its tallest waterfall, and some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country.

Mount Afadjato (Mount Afadja)

Mount Afadja stands at 885 metres above sea level, near the villages of Gbledi and Liati Wote on the Ghana–Togo border . The hike is steep but relatively short—about 2.5 hours round trip for a person of moderate fitness .

The reward is a view that stretches across Ghana and into Togo on a clear day. Note that visibility is often poor during the Harmattan season (November to March), so plan accordingly .

Practical details:

• Guide required: A local guide is mandatory and can be arranged at the visitor centre in Liati Wote

• Fee: Around 40 cedis for the mountain, with a combined ticket option for the nearby waterfall

• Best time: Early morning or late afternoon, as the mountain has little shade

Wli Waterfalls

Wli is the tallest waterfall in Ghana and West Africa, set inside the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary . The lower falls are a relatively easy 2.2-kilometre forest walk along the Agumatsa River, crossing footbridges and ending at the plunge pool of the 80-metre main drop .

For a more challenging hike, the upper falls route climbs steeply through forest on a switchbacked clay-and-rock trail. The combined lower-and-upper walk is the headline waterfall hike of the Akwapim-Togo Range.

Practical details:

• Guide required: A community fee is paid at the Wli reception, and a village guide is assigned

• What to bring: Trail shoes with grip (the upper path is slippery when wet), swimwear for the lower plunge pool, and 2–3 litres of water for the upper hike

Amedzofe and Mount Gemi

Amedzofe is often described as Ghana’s highest habitable village, sitting at around 600 metres at the foot of Mount Gemi . The hike to the summit is short and accessible—1.5 hours round trip with an elevation gain of about 150 metres .

At the top, a large iron cross erected by German missionaries in the 1930s offers panoramic views stretching to Lake Volta on a clear day . The village also has a canopy walkway and a trail down to a local waterfall, making it a half-day loop .

Practical details:

• Best time: Early morning for the mountain climb, as the trail has no shade. The waterfall trail is partly shaded, with peak water levels from May to November

• Guide: A community fee is paid at the Amedzofe tourism office, and a village guide is normally required

Planning Your Trip

Getting there: The Volta Region is best reached by car. From Accra, the drive to Amedzofe or Liati Wote takes several hours. Many tour operators offer multi-day packages that include transport, accommodation, and guides .

When to go: The dry season (November to March) offers the best conditions for hiking, though the Harmattan haze can obscure views from mountain summits. For waterfall volume, the wet season (May to November) is better, but trails can be slippery .

What to bring: Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, plenty of water, sun protection, insect repellent, and a light rain layer for the forest hikes .

Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the closest hiking spot to Accra?
Shai Hills Resource Reserve is the closest, about 50 kilometres northeast of Accra—roughly an hour’s drive. It offers easy to moderate trails and wildlife viewing .

2. Can I climb Mount Afadjato without a guide?
A local guide is required and can be arranged at the visitor centre in Liati Wote. The hike is steep but manageable for people with moderate fitness .

3. How long does it take to hike Mount Afadjato?
The round trip takes about 2.5 hours for a person of moderate fitness. The trail has little shade, so early morning or late afternoon is best .

4. What is the best time to go hiking in Ghana?
The dry season (November to March) offers the best trail conditions. For waterfall volume, the wet season (May to November) is better, though trails can be slippery .

5. Are there easy hikes near Accra?
Yes. Shai Hills and the Aburi Hills offer easy to moderate trails suitable for most fitness levels. Amedzofe’s Mount Gemi is also a short, accessible climb .

6. What should I bring for a hike in the Volta Region?
Trail shoes with good grip, plenty of water, sun protection, insect repellent, and swimwear if you plan to visit the waterfalls. A light rain layer is useful for forest hikes .

7. Is Wli Waterfalls a difficult hike?
The lower falls are an easy 2.2-kilometre forest walk. The upper falls route is steeper and more challenging, with slippery sections when wet 

Source: Accra Street Journal

Last Updated on October 19, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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