Amongst the many tourist attractions and hotels across Ghana, Eastern Region is the hub for some of the most popular destinations. Whereas others are connected to the lake, others embrace the beautiful forests in the areas. Variety is the spice of life they say, therefore this write-up will guide you to choose from the regions offer when it comes to top tourist sites in the Eastern region
Eastern Region is located in south Ghana and is one of the sixteen administrative regions of Ghana. The Eastern region is to the east by Lake Volta, to the north by Bono East Region and Ashanti region, to the west by Ashanti region, to the south by Central region and Greater Accra Region.
The place has rich dramatic landscapes, historic relic sites, and traditional cultures. The region is dominated by Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, and the Akosombo Dam which is the source of much of Ghana’s hydroelectric power. Here is Mrpocu.com list of tourist sites in the Eastern Region you should add to your bucket list.
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Ghana Travel Restrictions
Ghana is open to most travelers again. I mean travelers from all over the world. However, you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines. They are all good for our safety.
Read the ultimate travel guide to Ghana to help you plan your trip.
Tourist Sites In Eastern Region
Aburi Botanical Gardens
The garden is located at Aburi in the Akwapim South District of the Eastern Region and it is 30 Km North of Accra on the Akuapemhills at 1200 feet elevation. The garden can be used as a place of convalescing and has both flora and fauna. In colonial times, it was used as a retreat for official visitors and others who needed to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. The town has comfortable weather conditions similar to that of the fall in the northeastern part of the United States, the coast of France, or Germany during the summertime. It has a comfortable spot near the coast.
The botanic garden attracts people from all over Ghana, as well as many foreign visitors. At the entrance of the garden is beautiful Royal Palm trees which are one of the most popular spots in most pictures of visitors. The attraction has a large variety of traditional, medicinal plants as well as a silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentrandra), the sole survivor of the original forest that once covered the Aburi hills. The venue is also ideal for picnics, and wedding receptions amongst other events.
Shai Hills Resource Reserve
The Shai Hills Resource Reserve is estimated an hour’s drive from Accra. Located towards the north of Accra and around the Akosombo road, the reserve is home to some of Ghana’s best wildlife. The best time to have the most sightings of the various animals like the antelopes, monkeys, and bushbucks just to mention a few is in the mornings. To add to the fun there is also the opportunity to visit the Obonu tem and Se yo caves on the Hioweyo and Sayu Hills while there.
If you looking for the best camping experience in the Eastern region, then Shai Hills Reserve is the best among all the tourist sites. Hence you have an entire package of an experience when you visit the Shai Hills Resource Reserve. Most people also choose to spend the night by booking their luxury tent or choose to camp to have a full feel of the place. One other piece of advice is to visit the place when you have your own vehicle.
Boti Falls
Boti Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Ghana. It is a twin waterfall located at Boti in the Eastern Region of Ghana. These twin falls are referred to as female and male. People visit this site to swim and enjoy the feel of nature as well. At the site of the Boti Falls in Yilo Krobo District, that is where the Umbrella Rock is found. Arguably it is the most popular among all tourist sites in the Eastern region.
Umbrella Rock
The Rock is roughly a 40-minute walk or hike in the forest from the falls. You can also get there by car in about 10 minutes. The Umbrella Rock which is also referred to as Akatamann, meaning ‘umbrella’ in the Akan language, is certainly a sight worth seeing.
Its size can shelter up to about 12 to 15 people at once. Even though the pivot on which the top rock lies might seem small, it’s very strong and has not been able to pull or push down with manpower. Yearly, many tourists make it to the Boti Falls to have a feel of nature, without leaving the umbrella rock from sight. Nearby is also a rock known as the Fertility rock which is believed to bless young ladies who sit on it with twins or triplets.
Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm
Located in Mampong Akwapim, is the first cocoa farm established in the Country from seeds first brought from Fernando Po Island by the Legendary Tetteh Quarshie. From this small beginning grew a major cocoa industry. It is believed that a few of the original first trees planted by Tetteh Quarshie can still be found on the farm.
Other cocoa farms were later established which has given birth to a vibrant cocoa industry in the country. It is believed that a few of the original first trees planted by Tetteh Quarshie can still be found on the farm. Relics and important artifacts used by Tetteh Quarshie are also on display at a museum that is situated on the farm.
Akosombo Dam
Akosombo Dam also known as the Akosombo Hydroelectric Project is a hydroelectric dam on the Volta River. The Dam over the years has been a major destination for educational tourism and the main source of hydroelectric power for the country. The site is located in the Akosombo gorge and it is part of the Volta River.
Lake Volta is the largest man-made lake in the world. It covers 8,502 square kilometers (3,283 sq. mi) which is 3.6% of Ghana’s land area. The dam is 132 meters high from its foundation and 660 meters long. It has created a reservoir of water of about 780-kilometer square surface area with a total storage capacity of 148 meters.
Bunso EcoPark
Bunso Arboretum is a botanical garden located at Bunso in the East Akim District of the Eastern Region in Ghana. This district is an eco-tourism site an hour’s drive and has about 600 tree species used for medicinal purposes. Upon visiting this forest reserve you can choose the adventure of walking on the canopy walkway, zip-lining, or horse riding activities. Children are not left out of the fun. A playground and a canopy walk it designed just for them to have a feel of the adventure too.
The Big Tree At Ada
One of the most notable, amazing, and exceptional tourist destinations in Birim Central, and in fact, all of Ghana, is the enormous tree. With a diameter of 3.22 meters at 1.37 meters, 2.72 meters at 3.1 meters, making 12 meters in circumference, and a height of 66.5 to 90 meters, the tree is thought to be the largest in West Africa. Additionally, it has a circumference of 8.63 meters at 3.1 meters and 10.11 meters at 1.4 meters.
Bead Factory
The creation of beads is a specialty of the Eastern Region. In West African culture, beads are crucial. They are worn to denote important events, prosperity, and prestige. They serve as a symbol of office for chiefs, traditional priests, and other community leaders. They signify periods in life, such as motherhood or sorrow.
In earlier centuries, beads were traded for slaves, ivory, palm oil, and gold. Some cultures believe their ancestors emerged from beads, and some beads are endowed with unique abilities.
Dodi Island
How splendid it is to dive into the allure of Dodi Island, a jewel nestled 5 km away from the fringes of Lake Volta. This picturesque haven doesn’t merely grace the landscape but stands as a vibrant testament to the intersection of nature’s splendor and human ingenuity.
As a tourist hotspot, Dodi Island beckons travelers from far and wide, promising an escapade like no other. The island’s embrace extends to the grandeur of Lake Volta, offering a harmonious blend of tranquil waters and lush greenery. It’s a canvas where the whispers of history harmonize with the rhythm of modern exploration.
An undeniable highlight of Dodi Island is the stately presence of the Dodi Princess cruise liner. A sentinel of luxury and adventure, this vessel invites you to set sail on the tranquil waters, offering a vantage point to absorb the serene beauty of Lake Volta’s expanse.
Incorporating Dodi Island into your exploration of the best places in the eastern region is akin to weaving a tapestry of experiences for your readers. From the island’s captivating charm to the majestic voyage on the Dodi Princess, your articles can transport readers to this idyllic corner of the world, allowing them to vicariously partake in the romance of discovery and the embrace of natural and man-made wonders.