Locals believe Kumasi will last forever when it comes to history and traditional background, and it seems they are right. The city is full of historical places making it one of Ghana historical destination for tourist all over the world. Here are best things to do in Kumasi if it’s on your bucket list.
The historical city of Kumasi is located in the Ashanti Region in southern Ghana, fewer than 500 miles north of the Equator. Kumasi, often known as “The Garden City” and the cultural capital of Ghana, is a must-see for everyone visiting the country. The best things to do in Kumasi, Ghana include not just cultural highlights, but also unique delicacies, attractions, and facets of daily living.
Despite being Ghana’s most culturally interesting city, Kumasi is frequently disregarded by visitors. Travelers that skip Kumasi will miss out on the city’s craftsmen and handicraft dealers, who create beautiful masks and carvings.
In this article, Mrpocu.com has put together thing to do in Kumasi if you are planning a trip. From visiting historical places and enjoying nightlife.
Things To Do In Kumasi
Visit The Manhyia Palace Museum
When Prempeh I returned from exile in the Seychelles in 1925, the British government erected the Manhyia Palace as a house for him, and it remained a royal residence for Prempeh I and Prempeh II until the early 1970s. The Manhyia Palace Museum, which opened in 1995 to display the residence’s original furnishings and royal treasures, including Asanteman’s first television and wax statues of various Ashanti kings and queens, is now housed in the Asantehene’s Palace. Aside from the museum collection, the structure is an excellent example of traditional Ashanti architecture from the turn of the century. The palace host about thousands of tourist every year.
Tour Inside Prempeh II Jubilee Museum
The Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, housed within the National Cultural Centre, depicts the narrative of the Asante Kingdom, one of Africa’s most powerful and affluent states in the 18th century.
The modest museum houses items and memorabilia related to the Asante people and their royalty. Asante King Prempeh II’s battle and ceremonial clothes, palace furniture, jewelry, and royal symbols are among the highlights. There’s also a replica of the Golden Stool, the Asante Kingdom’s literal seat of authority and the object that ignited the ultimate confrontation between the British Imperial government and the Asante Empire.
A 300-year-old leather treasure bag, originally gifted to the king by a fetish priest, is also on display, though no one knows what’s inside because local legend claims that opening the bag would bring the Asante nation’s collapse. The complete collection is displayed in a replica of an Asante regalia home from the nineteenth century.
Shop At Kejetia Market
While visiting the Kejetia Market on your own is absolutely viable and rather secure, obtaining the assistance of a guide who can explain some of the trade goods and assist you in bargaining for purchases will enhance the experience.
The economic core of Kumasi, Kejetia Market, is the largest open-air market in West Africa. Every day, more than 12,000 stalls open their doors to sell food, clothing, handcrafted glass beads, souvenirs, Ashanti sandals, fabric, and other items you didn’t realize you needed until you saw them.
Kejetia Market is a lively local retail centre, and while visitors do arrive from time to time, they frequently become the center of attention. A visit to the market remains one of the best opportunities to experience a slice of true Ghana, despite—or perhaps because of—the overcrowding, jostling, noise, and riot of color everywhere you turn.
Historical Listening inside Kumasi Fort And Military Museum
The Kumasi Fort was built in 1820 by Ashanti king Osei Tutu Kwamina in the style of forts built by European traders in Africa. The fort was totally rebuilt in 1897 after being destroyed by the British in 1874. The British government then acquired possession of the fort during WWII and turned it into a museum.
The Kumasi Fort and Military Museum now has a collection of war weapons, medals, pictures, anti-aircraft guns, and other items from the British-Ashanti war as well as World War II. Guided tours of the museum aim to bring Ghana’s famous military past to life, with in-depth explanations of Ghana’s long and sometimes tumultuous connection with the United Kingdom.
A Stay At Lake Bosumtwi
Lake Bosumtwi, Ghana’s only natural lake, was formed 17 miles (27 kilometers) southeast of Kumasi in a meteorite impact crater, and dozens of small settlements now line its shores, all surrounded by lush flora. The lake has been a popular recreational destination since the 1970s, having calm water that is safe to swim in. The water level has progressively risen over the years due to the lack of surface exits, and the settlements on the lake’s banks have been forced to relocate further up the slopes from time to time.
The ghosts of the deceased come to Lake Bosumtwi to bid farewell to the god Twi, according to Ashanti traditional beliefs. There is a taboo against letting metal touch the water because it is considered sacred, so villagers can only fish the lake using enormous boards of wood.
Bird Seeing At Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary
Visit the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary west of Kumasi for a taste of the African rainforest while in Ghana. A large reservoir is surrounded by a five-square-mile (13-square-kilometer) swath of secondary forest, which attracts a variety of wildlife, including 160 species of birds. Many of the sanctuary’s mammal species, such as antelope, are shy and difficult to observe, however monkey sightings are common.
The sanctuary is historically significant because its reservoir, which was created by the construction of the Barekese Dam in 1971, is the source of Kumasi’s water.
The sanctuary is a delightful getaway from the frequently overpowering bustle of Kumasi, whether you come for the wildlife, scenic appeal, or to observe the source of Kumasi’s water.
Enjoy Nightlife On Bantama High Street
Kumasi, Ghana’s second-busiest city after Accra, has a booming nightlife culture, and Bantama High Street is one of the best sites for weekend people-watching or after-dark beverages. From Thursday through Sunday, this section of road is dotted with open-air taverns serving libations and kebabs, and it’s very bustling.
While it’s not exactly a sophisticated nightlife hotspot (plastic chairs and tables line the pavement), it’s a fun and laid-back spot to enjoy a drink and the local Ghanaian evening vibe.
Visit The Kumasi Center for National Culture
The Centre for National Culture is about a five-minute walk from Kumasi’s Kejetia Market. The complex, was opened in 1952 as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s earliest cultural centers, provides a good crash education in Ashanti culture to tourists visiting Ghana.
Start with a visit to the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, which features a collection of historic artifacts and memorabilia, including King Prempeh II’s war costume, old brass weights used for gold dealing, and a 300-year-old treasure bag, all of which help to tell the narrative of Ashanti.
Visitors to the Craft Centre can watch craftsmen create kente cloth, brass items, and ceramics using traditional methods, while a nearby gift store sells many of these goods for an affordable price.
Go to the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
This picturesque refuge is home to roughly 700 monkeys, including the black-and-white Geoffrey’s Colobus Monkey and the lower-living Campbell’s Mona Monkey. Other species such as the Patas and Dinah Monkey are frequently seen, despite the fact that they are not native to the area. Because the monkeys are safeguarded and revered in the surrounding villages, they are accustomed to being fed and interacted with. A 19th-century local tradition tells about a hunter who was commanded to protect the monkeys and who saw his fortunes improve as the monkey population grew. In keeping with this theme, the site also has a graveyard where monkeys and priestesses are interred alongside as a symbol of their sacred nature.
Explore Bobiri Forest Reserve
This butterfly sanctuary, which is the only one in West Africa, is home to 400 different species of butterflies. The facility includes an arboretum, woodland hiking paths, housing, and guiding services. It is an intact jungle well off the usual path, making it a rare eco-tourism spot. This area is great for nature lovers seeking a world apart from the bustling metropolis, with lush tree varieties that give a cool canopy cover.
Eat At View Bar And Grill
Since their arrival in Kumasi, their grilled chicken and fried rice have remained unchanged. Kumasi’s first design-driven restaurant, bar, and lounge is called View. View bar and grill offers superb international cuisine, as well as cutting-edge interiors and excellent service. It’s one of Kumasi’s most Instagrammable supper spots, as well as one of the greatest eateries for a wonderful staycation.
Hangout At Momo’s Pool And Bar
If you aren’t served beside the pool, your dinner at Momo’s pool bar is incomplete (lol). If you’re in Kumasi and want to spend the entire day having a good time, this is the place to go. Bring the family along for a pleasant late-Sunday outing; they’ll have a great time.
Dine At Noble House Restaurant
Noble is the finest spot to try African-Asian cuisines, as well as local and Asian cuisines. It’s like though you’ve returned to your Asian hometown. The restaurant serves a variety of Asian cuisines, including Chinese and Indian. The restaurant has a pleasant environment and reasonable pricing to satisfy your appetite. Noble is more than just a restaurant; it’s also one of Kumasi’s best hotels and restaurants.
Visit The Okomfo Anokye Sword Museum
With a 333-year-old sword stuck in the rockface, Okomfo Anokye is the best fetish priest in history. The sword museum is one of the most important objects and tales in the Asante nation’s long history. No one has ever been able to remove it since then. The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is located on the premises. A visit to the sword site provides fascinating insight into the Ashanti Kingdom’s beginnings. The historic site has been safeguarded for future generations. The Legendary Okomfo Anokye Sword is commemorated at this historical place.
Picnic At Kumasi Rattray Park
The Rattray section is Ghana’s largest and most technologically advanced amusement park. The park was built by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly in an effort to reclaim Kumasi as West Africa’s Garden City. It was opened by Ghana’s former president, John Mahama, and Kumasi’s king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu. It is one of Kumasi’s Instagram-worthy locations.