Aburi City
City in Eastern Region of Ghana
Hill town above Accra famous for the Aburi Botanical Gardens; visitors walk shaded paths, visit craft and woodcarving stalls, and take back roads for panoramic views of the coast and Accra’s spread below.
Aburi at a Glance#
Costs: Typical tourist budget: $30-60 per day - affordable food, guesthouses or day-trip costs from Accra.
Safety: Safe for day trips with standard precautions - generally safe; watch petty theft in market areas.
Best Time: Best: November-March (dry season) - dry, cooler months; avoid heavy monsoon rains.
Why Visit Aburi?#
Sitting above the coastal plain, Aburi is prized for its cool climate and the historic Aburi Botanical Gardens, where tree-lined paths and rare specimens attract gardeners and photographers. The town’s roadside stalls and craft shops sell handwoven textiles and woodcarvings, and small eateries serve Ghanaian jollof and spicy kelewele. Many visitors come for the panoramic views, plant nurseries and easy day trips from Accra that mix nature with market shopping.
Best Things to Do in Aburi#
Aburi Bucket List#
Aburi Botanical Gardens - Stroll centuries-old Aburi Botanical Gardens with exotic trees and panoramic hill views.
Aburi Craft Village - Browse woodcarvings, textiles and local crafts at the Aburi Craft Village workshops.
Aburi Mountain Road viewpoint - Drive Aburi Mountain Road for scenic overlooks across Accra’s coastal plain.
Small cocoa farms nearby - Visit nearby small cocoa farms for guided tours and tastings of local cacao.
Peduase Lodge and trails - Enjoy forest walks and views from the historic Peduase Lodge near Aburi hills.
Local palm wine spots - Sample palm wine and homemade snacks at family-run stalls off the main road.
Accra day trip - Take a day to Accra for galleries, historic sites and bustling Makola market stalls.
Akosombo and Volta Lake - Drive toward Akosombo to see the lake, hydroelectric works and riverside scenery.
Best Time to Visit Aburi#
Aburi is best from November to March when dry, breezy conditions make the botanical gardens and hill views most enjoyable. The wet seasons bring lush scenery and brief but heavy rains; Harmattan can make mornings dusty.
April - July
20°C - 26°C (68°F - 79°F)
Heavy afternoon rains cool the hills, making waterfalls lively and foliage lush - expect slick trails and fewer tourists, but dramatic green scenery.
September - October
21°C - 27°C (70°F - 81°F)
Short rains bring sudden downpours and greener gardens; great for fewer crowds and waterfalls, but pack a rain jacket and flexible plans.
November - March
22°C - 31°C (72°F - 88°F)
Dry months are warm, breezy and clearer - perfect for hiking Aburi Gardens and panoramic views, though Harmattan haze can dust mornings.
Aburi's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1219 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 22 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (160 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (211 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (144 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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How to Get to Aburi#
Aburi is reached most easily from Accra (Kotoka Airport) by road. Shared minibuses (tro-tros) from central Accra and private taxis/ride-hailing services are the standard options for the ~45-60 minute trip up the hills.
Kotoka International Airport (ACC): Kotoka in Accra is the main international gateway for Ghana. From ACC you can take a taxi to Aburi (Nungua/Accra routes) in about 45-75 minutes depending on traffic; expect fares around GHS 120-200 for a private taxi. Ride-hailing apps operate in Accra for easier bookings.
Tamale Airport (TML) / Kumasi (KMS): These airports serve domestic flights but are far from Aburi; if arriving into Kumasi you would continue by road (several hours) - minibuses and intercity coaches connect regional hubs to the Greater Accra area.
Train: Ghana no longer has a widespread passenger rail service between Accra and nearby towns; trains are not a practical option to reach Aburi.
Bus / Tro-tro: The usual route is by tro-tro (shared minibus) or intercity bus from Accra. From central Accra (e.g., Circle or Tema stations) tro-tros depart for Aburi; journey time is roughly 45-60 minutes and fares are typically around GHS 6-12. Private buses or shuttles from Accra hotels will cost more but are more comfortable.
How to Get Around Aburi#
Aburi is a short road trip from Accra; tro-tros and shared minibuses balance cost and frequency, while taxis/ride-hailing give door-to-door convenience. For day trips consider joining a private shuttle or renting a car.
- Tro-tro (shared minibus) (GHS 6-12) - Tro-tros are the cheapest way to reach Aburi from Accra - frequent departures from main stations such as Accra Circle and Tema. Vehicles fill and depart when full; expect a basic, crowded ride. Bring small change and be prepared for variable comfort.
- Intercity coach / private shuttle (GHS 30-70) - Private coaches or hotel shuttles offer more comfort and luggage space than tro-tros. They follow scheduled departures and can be booked in advance for a predictable journey; suitable if traveling with luggage or a group.
- Taxi / Ride-hailing (GHS 120-200) - Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Uber in Accra areas) provide door-to-door service and are faster than tro-tros, especially with luggage. Negotiate or check app fares before boarding; expect higher cost during peak times.
- Private car / Rental (GHS 200+/day) - Renting a car gives freedom to explore Aburi Botanical Gardens and nearby attractions. Roads between Accra and Aburi are paved but can be busy; parking at tourist sites is generally available.
- Motorbike taxi (Okada) / Motorcycle (GHS 5-30) - Motorbike taxis can be found for very short hops or where traffic is heavy. They are quick but less safe and not recommended for long journeys or with luggage.
- Walking - Within the Aburi town centre and garden areas, walking is the best way to move between sites. Paths are uneven in places, so wear good shoes and bring water.
Where to Stay in Aburi#
Aburi hillside - $20-60/night
Aburi has small guesthouses and lodges near the botanical gardens and hill area; expect basic facilities and many family-run places without websites.
Accra (nearby) - $50-120/night
A few comfortable mid-range guesthouses exist, but for a wider selection of boutique hotels and consistent online booking, use Accra-area options.
Accra - $150+/night
No true luxury resorts in Aburi; travellers seeking upscale hotels should stay in Accra and make a day trip to the Aburi gardens.
Where to Eat in Aburi#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Aburi’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Aburi#
Shopping in Aburi is focused on roadside craft stalls and small shops along the main road; you’ll find carved wooden souvenirs, woven goods and other Ghanaian handicrafts sold by local vendors. The stalls around the Botanical Gardens are convenient for visitors. For supermarkets, larger craft centres and more variety, go down to Accra or the nearby larger towns.
Nightlife in Aburi#
Nightlife in Aburi is limited to relaxed evening spots: guesthouses, small bars attached to hotels and a few eateries that stay open late. There’s no club scene in town. Most evening activity is low-key; visitors looking for livelier nightlife head back to Accra.
