Aburi Travel Guide

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.

Main image
A ramshackle structure enroute to Aburi.jpg
A spider specie at Aburi in the Eastern Region of Ghana.jpg
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Aburi craft village.jpg
Aburi hills.jpg
Aburi Mampong Green landscape.jpg
Aburi Mountain Highways.jpg
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Aburi Mountains.jpg
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.
Time
Weather
Population
18,399
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good road access from Accra by trotro or taxi; limited English signage.
Popularity
Popular day-trip from Accra and weekend retreat for Ghanaians.
Known For
Aburi Botanical Gardens, mountain ridge views, cool climate, craft markets, weekend escapes from Accra, tropical flora, colonial-era trees, local eateries
Aburi is home to Ghana's historic Aburi Botanical Gardens, a major 19th-century colonial garden and local landmark.

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.

Top Things to Do in Aburi

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • 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.
Hidden Gems
  • 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.
Day Trips
  • 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.

Main Rainy Season
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.
Short Rainy Season
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.
Dry Season (Harmattan)
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.

Best Time to Visit Aburi #

Climate

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.

Best Time to Visit
JanuaryDecemberFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

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.

93 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 30°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

February

February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 31°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.8h daylight

March

March is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 30°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

April

April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 30°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

May

May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (160 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

160 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.3h daylight

June

June is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (211 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 27°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

211 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
12.3h daylight

July

July is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 25°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
12.3h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
20° 25°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

September

September is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 27°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (144 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

144 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (80 mm).

83 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.8h daylight

December

December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

91 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 29°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

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.

By Air

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.

By Train & Bus

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 small and easy to walk around the core areas like the Botanical Gardens and the main stretch of the Adukrom-Aburi road. Short distances are commonly covered on foot. For travel from Accra and surrounding towns use tro-tros (shared minibuses) and shared taxis; fares are inexpensive but vary by route. Motorbike taxis operate locally for quick hops-agree a price before you ride.

Where to Stay in Aburi #

Budget
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.
Mid-Range
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.
Luxury
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.

Rice
Banku
African
And Kenkey

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.

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.

Nearby Cities #