Discover the Eastern Region of Ghana: A Guide to Tourism and Adventure

Nov 24, 2025 0

Welcome to the Eastern Region of Ghana, a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. This region is perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the serene landscapes and rich history of Ghana.

The Eastern Region is located in the eastern part of Ghana and is one of the sixteen administrative regions of Ghana. It is bordered to the east by Lake Volta, to the north by the Bono East Region and Ashanti Region, to the west by the Ashanti Region, and to the south by the Central Region and Greater Accra Region.

Akans are the dominant inhabitants and natives of the Eastern Region, and Akan, Ewe, Krobo, Hausa, and English are the main spoken languages. The capital town of the Eastern Region is Koforidua.

Key Attractions and Activities

The Eastern Region of Ghana is a rich blend of dramatic landscapes, historic relics and traditional cultures. Key attractions include:

Aburi Botanical Gardens: Located 30 km north of Accra on the Akuapem hills, the Aburi Botanical Gardens are known for their serene environment and rich collection of tropical flora. These century-old botanical gardens, about one hour’s drive from Accra, offer a rich collection of tropical flora which attracts scores of birds and butterflies. The Gardens were originally created in 1890 as an agricultural research station and a habitat for plants from around the world.
Lake Volta: Lake Volta lies along the Greenwich Meridian, and just six degrees of latitude north of the Equator. Lake Volta is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, formed by the Akosombo Dam, which provides much of Ghana’s hydroelectric power. The lake’s northernmost point is close to the town of Yapei, and its southernmost extreme is at the Akosombo Dam, 520 kilometers (320 mi) downstream from Yapei. Akosombo Dam holds back both the White Volta River and the Black Volta River, which formerly converged, where the middle of the reservoir now lies, to form the single Volta River.
Umbrella Rock: The Umbrella Rock is a rock found at the site of the Boti Falls in Yilo Krobo District, Ghana. Its size is well okay to shelter up to about 12 to 15 people at once.
The Big Tree at Akim Oda: The big tree is one of the prominent, astonishing and outstanding tourist attractions in the Birim Central and for that matter Ghana. The tree is believed to be the biggest in West Africa with a diameter of 3.22 meters at 1.37 meters, 2.72 meters at 3.1 meters, making 12 meters in circumference and 66.5-90 meters tall.
Boti Falls: Boti falls is a twin waterfall located at Boti in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Spectacular, but seasonal waterfall in the forest reserve at Huhunya. A series of falls and cascades surrounded by attractive woodland and forest. At Boti Falls, visitors can enjoy the twin waterfalls, hike to the Umbrella Rock, and explore the nearby Fertility Rock.
Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm: The Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm in Mampong Akwapim is the site of Ghana’s first cocoa farm, established with seeds brought from Fernando Po Island by Tetteh Quarshie. From this small beginning grew our major cocoa industry. The first cocoa farm established in the country from seed first brought from Fernando Po Island.
Akosombo Dam: The Akosombo Dam is accessible by road from Accra. The Eastern Region is the location of the Akosombo Dam, and the economy of the Eastern Region is dominated by its high-capacity electricity generation. Akosombo Dam holds back both the White Volta River and the Black Volta River, which formerly converged, where the middle of the reservoir now lies, to form the single Volta River. The Akosombo Dam was completed in 1965 as part of the Volta River Project. The dam measures at 440 ft (134 m) above ground level. The large electric power generating capacity is 912 megawatts. It is an engineering marvel that supplies hydroelectric power to Ghana and is part of Lake Volta.

Hidden Tourist site in eastern Region you need to visit- Adom Waterfalls

Cultural Experiences

The Eastern Region is known for its bead-making. Beads play an important role in West African life. They are worn to signify special occasions, wealth, and status. Beads were used in the barter for slaves, ivory, palm oil and gold in previous centuries.

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Traditional and historic villages and towns are part of the richness of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Visitors should take the opportunity of visiting the original Presbyterian school buildings in Akropong, and the house of Tetteh Quarshie in Mampong.

Festivals

Akuapem Odwira and Chum Festivals, two of the famous and most important cultural festivals celebrated in the country, are celebrated in turns by the chains of towns on the Akuapem Ridge. These festivals commence in September and end in January every year. The ceremonies include purification of the stools, reaffirmation of political loyalties and traditional allegiance. Each of these festivals is crowned with a colourful durbar of chiefs and people of the area/town concerned.

This is the annual traditional harvest and thanksgiving festival of the Krobo people. The festival is celebrated twice a year. The duration of the festival is 2 days (Tuesday - Wednesday). Two weeks before the festival, a ban in placed on drumming, dancing and noise making.

The festival is mainly the dramatization of Akwapem sacred traditions, myths and olden day legends, handed down by the ancestors of the “Oman”. It involves the re-staging of some of the antiquated historical episodes like traditional military tactics.

The Akuapem Odwira festival was instituted by the 19th Omanhene of Akropong, Nana Addo Dankwa 1(1811-1835) and first celebrated in October 1826.

Nature and Adventure

Striking landscapes are overlooked by the Krobo Mountains and the Akwapim Ridge, and the countryside is great walking country. The Eastern Region is famous for its large areas of lush tropical forest, and cascading waterfalls.

10km north of Kibi is the magic forest of Atewa-Atwirebu. This nature lovers’ paradise has over 150 different species of ferns and other flora.

The Bunso Arboretum is a protected forest reserve, spanning 16.5 hectares. The Arboretum is home to over 110 species of birds, some of which are very rare. Visitors can stroll through the many kilometres of nature trails in the arboretum. The Bunso Arboretum has a butterfly sanctuary within the 16.5 hectares.

The Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve lies in the Ashanti Region of Ghana which falls in the forest zone. The Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve is a natural preservation area set up to protect the ecology, check the downward drift of the savanna grassland and to promote scientific research, particularly on how nature revitalizes itself after major disasters.

Planning Your Trip

Here are some tips for planning your trip to the Eastern Region:

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Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Eastern Region of Ghana is during the dry season, which runs from November to March.
Visa Requirements: Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Ghana.
Safety: The Eastern Region of Ghana is generally safe for travelers. Exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime and violence against women travelers and lesbian, gay, and bisexual travelers.
Accommodation: Accommodation options in the Eastern Region range from budget guesthouses and lodges to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts.
Transportation: Getting around the Eastern Region can be done by various means including taxis, tro-tros (shared minibuses), and private car hires.
What to Pack: When packing for a trip to the Eastern Region, consider bringing lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
Local Customs: Yes, it's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Ghanaians are generally very friendly and hospitable. When greeting someone, a handshake is common, and it's polite to use your right hand for giving and receiving items.
Language: The primary language spoken in the Eastern Region is Akan, specifically the Twi dialect.

Tour Options

Consider these tour options for an enhanced experience:

Volta Lake Cruise: Experience relaxation and scenic views that are simply breathtaking.
Cocoa Farm Tour: Gain a unique glimpse into the country’s oldest cocoa farming practices.
Boti Waterfalls Tour: Enjoy the beauty of cascading waters and lush greenery.
Kwahu Adventure: Offers scenic views, cave explorations, and even zip-lining.
Beads Factory Tour: Explore Ghana’s energy industry and cultural beading traditions.

Additional Attractions

Don't miss these unique spots:

The Shai Resource Reserve: The Shai warriors were said to have fired their last bullets into this tree to declare the Kantamanso War over on 26th August, 1826.
The Tsenku Waterfall: The Tsenku Waterfall sits at the northern corner of the Dodowa Forest, taking its source from Obosmase (Akwapim ranges).

Local Cuisine

The local cuisine in the Eastern Region features a variety of traditional Ghanaian dishes such as fufu, banku, and kenkey, often served with soups and stews made from fish, meat, and vegetables.