Aburi Botanical Gardens

The gardens at Aburi were laid out in 1890 on the site of a sanatorium in the Akuapem hills, where the altitude of around 400 metres makes the air noticeably cooler than Accra below, and they were used to trial economic crops for the colony, including the cocoa that became Ghana's main export. Around 65 hectares are planted with avenues of royal palms, a large ficus arch, mahogany, and specimens from across the tropics, laid out with lawns between. A former colonial helicopter sits on the lawn as an oddity. The gardens are used heavily at weekends by Accra families for picnics and by wedding parties for photographs. Craft and furniture sellers line the road up to the entrance.

What you actually see

• The palm avenue - the royal palms along the main walk.
• Old specimen trees - mahogany, ficus and tropical species from the 1890s.
• The lawns - the open ground used for picnics and photographs.
• The road crafts - the woodcarving and furniture stalls on the approach.

When to go

November to March for the driest weather. Weekdays are far quieter; weekends bring large picnic crowds and wedding parties. The hills are cooler than Accra year round.

Honest expectations

Maintenance has been uneven and labelling of species is patchy. Weekends are crowded and noisy. The road up from Accra is congested. Craft sellers on the approach are persistent.

Nearby

Accra lies south; Boti Falls and Koforidua are north.