Palm trees and smooth, gently sloping shores are a given on most of the beaches in Ghana, and many are among the best places to visit in West Africa. As a destination still on the cusp of mainstream tourism, the coastal areas of Ghana are either wild and untouched or bursting with culture. Among these coastal treasures, Kokrobite Beach stands out as a chilled-out expanse of fine, honey-hued sand with surfable waves and colourful hand-carved boats.
Kokrobite Beach, Ghana (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
While the charm of its former life as a sleepy fishing village will reel you in, it’s the reggae beach parties that’ll make you stay until the early hours. Kokrobite Beach's lively vibes make it good for a visit or a longer stay.
Navigating the Waters: Safety First
Because Ghana doesn't use safety flags and the busiest beaches only have the odd lifeguard, assess the situation before you head in for a swim. Rip tides and powerful undercurrents are renowned in the Gulf of Guinea, especially in the areas between Cape Coast and Elmina. If there’s been a recent storm or it’s the rainy season (April to June), it’s best to avoid the water.
What to Do and See in Kokrobite
Step onto Kokrobite Beach and behold the energetic, undulating waves of the Atlantic. Look out to sea and you'll witness surfers practicing their moves on colorful surfboards. It's likely that they learned their skills at Mr Bright's Surf School, which faces the beach and has been teaching members of the community since 2010.
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Mr. Bright's Surf School
Located in the social heart of Kokrobite beach, Mr. Bright offers individual and group surf lessons to beginners and intermediaries. A former professional surfer and well known character in Kokrobite, Mr. Bright's Surf School is a must-visit for surf enthusiasts.
Surfing Kokrobite.
Big Milly's Backyard
For a window into traditional Ghanaian culture, head to Big Milly's Backyard, an all-in-one stop for lodging, food, and entertainment that is just a short walk from the beach. It won't be hard to find on Fridays, when the atmosphere is elevated with traditional drumming. Big Milly's Backyard keeps the celebration vibes going in the evenings with nightly live bands and their iconic Reggae Nights.
While Big Milly’s is a bit pricier than the other restaurants and road-side stalls in town, you will still most likely pay less than you normally would at home. For example, a spinach tagliatelle made with vegetables, cheese, and white wine sauce costs 12 cedis (about $7), mixed roast vegetables with couscous will cost 11 cedis (about $7), and huge plate of vegetable fried rice will cost you 8 cedis (about $5).
Big Milly's Backyard (Source: TripAdvisor)
Performers also play highlife there - an upbeat fusion of African, Black American, and jazz music that originated in Ghana.
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Other Venues and Activities
- Free Kick Bar: Live music also awaits at Free Kick Bar, a 10-minute walk from Big Milly's, where you'll find tourists and locals sipping on refreshing cocktails. Be careful when walking at night, as pickpockets have been reported in the area.
- Dizzy Lizzie's Bar and Restaurant: For an unforgettable dining experience, stay on the beach and stop by Dizzy Lizzie's Bar and Restaurant - an indoor/outdoor establishment owned by a welcoming U.K. and Ghanaian duo. The establishment boasts Ghanaian dishes like grilled fish with banku, a fermented corn and cassava mixture that is typically savored without chewing.
- Berlin Drum School: Drumming is a large part of Ghanian culture, and is something enjoyable to experience for yourself, especially on the beach in Kokrobite. Visit Berlin Drum School and ask them for a lesson on the beach. The cost is supposed to be about 25 cedis (about $15).
- Cafe des Artes: One fun and unique place to try is Cafe des Artes, an outdoor venue that plays Bob Marley-type music all day long, is decorated with funky beads, and serves fresh palm wine (you can purchase a whole soda bottle full for about 6 cedis, which is about $5).
Additional Attractions Near Kokrobite
- Kokrobite Gardens: A little tropical oasis in the centre of Kokrobite, Kokrobite Gardens provides beautiful exotic gardens, a restaurant serving wood-fired pizza, and an ornate swimming pool to cool down in.
- A Beach Side Cafe, Restaurant and Local Music Venue: Enjoy the views overlooking Kokrobite Beach.
- White Sands Beach: A large hotel & resort located on an estuary with a canoe crossing across to the sand island beach. Visitors can relax on a private, clear golden beach, take refreshments, and enjoy the cool breeze.
- Monkies Forest: A small sanctuary in a neighbouring village from base that offers a very personal experience to get up-close and personal with the monkies.
- Bortianor Village: A new daytime and family venue on the white beaches of Bortianor village, where visitors can relax, ride pedalos, take a stroll up and down the beach on the back of a donkey, and generally unwind.
Essential Tips for Visiting Kokrobite Beach
Bring cash to Kokrobite Beach, as few places accept credit cards and there are no easily accessible ATMs. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, which in Ghana are summer or winter.
Explore Beyond Kokrobite: Nearby Attractions and Tours
While Kokrobite is a gem in itself, consider exploring other attractions and tours in the Accra region:
- Accra City Tour: Immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and people of Accra with our captivating city tour.
- Cape Coast and Elmina Castles & Kakum National Park: Embark on a captivating tour of Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, and Kakum National Park.
- Aburi Botanical Gardens: Escape the hustle and bustle of Accra and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Aburi Gardens.
Accommodation Options in Accra
If you're planning a trip to Accra, here are some highly-rated hotels and aparthotels to consider:
| Hotel | Description | Rating | Price (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accra Luxury Apartments at The Gardens | 4-star business-friendly aparthotel with free WiFi and parking. | 9/10 (Wonderful!) | $89 |
| Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City | 5-star luxury hotel with free breakfast, WiFi, and parking. | 9/10 (Wonderful!) | $315 |
| Accra Marriott Hotel | 4.5-star luxury hotel with free WiFi, parking, and 3 restaurants. | 8.2/10 (Very Good!) | $271 |
| The Pelican Hotel Cantonments Accra | 4-star aparthotel with free WiFi, parking, and breakfast. | 9.2/10 (Wonderful!) | N/A |
| The Signature Haven | 4-star aparthotel with free WiFi, parking, and 2 outdoor pools. | 8.2/10 (Very Good!) | N/A |
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