Ghana With Children: Gardens, Reserve, Canopy
Ghana with children
Travelling in Ghana with children is more about stamina than attractions. Journeys are long, the heat is steady and purpose-built family venues are scarce, so the trip works best with one outdoor highlight a day and plenty of rest. Figures are in cedis (GH₵); the rate was about 11.7 per US$ on 1 October 2026 and shifts, so treat dollar equivalents as approximate.
Start with health
Your first step is a conversation with a travel clinic. Get malaria advice from a doctor or travel clinic before departure; the risk covers the whole country, including the coast and Accra. A yellow fever certificate is required at entry, and anyone without one may be refused entry or vaccinated on arrival; ask the clinic how that rule applies to your children’s ages. Use repellent from dusk and sleep under screens or nets.
Easy days near Accra
Aburi Botanical Gardens, about 35 km north and an hour’s drive, climb into the cooler Akuapem hills. Wide lawns and giant trees make a calm picnic day, and entry is about GH₵20.
Shai Hills Resource Reserve, around 50 km north-east, is open grassland and rock. A vehicle drive passes olive baboons and kob antelope. Entry is GH₵70 per adult plus GH₵20 per vehicle, and the Wildlife Division publishes reserve details at fcghana.org . Keep windows up near baboons and never offer food.
One big day: Kakum
At Kakum National Park, a guided group crosses 7 bridges over 333 m of canopy, up to 27 m above the ground, in about an hour. The park is open daily 06:00 to 16:00. Check age limits and the fee at the gate, and wear closed shoes. Because the road from Accra takes about four hours, sleeping in Cape Coast first is kinder to younger children. Check family tours on Viator for drivers.
Water and sun
Open-coast beaches face the Atlantic, where rip currents and powerful waves cause drownings every year; a hotel pool or sheltered lagoon is the safer choice for weaker swimmers. Children should only swim in a hotel pool.
Getting around
Intercity STC coaches suit long journeys, with timetables at stc.gov.gh . Cedis in cash cover most gates and street food, mobile money is common, and cards work at larger Accra hotels and restaurants. Paperwork comes first: UK and US passport holders must hold a visa, requested through the government’s e-visa site, evisa.immigration.gov.gh , which shows the current fee. Carry your yellow fever certificate, because it is required and otherwise you may be turned back or vaccinated at the airport.
Verdict: Aburi is the best first day for small children, and Kakum rewards those old enough to enjoy heights. For longer plans, see the multi-day trips page .