Aburi Botanical Gardens

Perched in the cool, misty Akuapem Hills, the Aburi Botanical Gardens is Ghana’s most storied sanctuary of flora. Established by the British in 1890, this 160-acre garden offers a refreshing "hill station" climate and a peaceful escape just a short drive from the heat of Accra. The Experience The Palm Walk: Your journey begins at the iconic entrance lined with towering Royal Palms, creating a grand, natural cathedral effect that is a favorite for photography. Tree of Life: Marvel at the famous carved cedar tree, a dead silk cotton tree transformed by a local artist into a detailed sculpture depicting people climbing toward the top—symbolizing human struggle and achievement. Historical Architecture: Explore the "Sanatorium" (now a guest house), originally built for colonial officers to recover from tropical illnesses in the cooler mountain air. The Silk Cotton Giant: Stand inside the hollowed-out buttress roots of a massive Kapok tree, which has survived for over a century. The Abandoned Helicopter: A quirk of the gardens is the old, rusted helicopter nestled in the greenery—a relic of Ghana’s political history that children love to climb. Travel Time from Accra Aburi is approximately 35–40 km north of Accra. By Car: The drive takes about 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. The ascent up the Peduase hill offers stunning panoramic views of the Accra plains below.