Are you searching for tourist sites in Eastern Region? Maybe you have gone through the best tourist attractions in Ghana and want to know the best tourist sites in the Eastern region, then this article is for you.
The Eastern Region is known for its lush scenery, cool temperature and world-class resorts and hotel.
The Eastern region is also home to popular landmarks well-loved by tourists. This article is for you if you want to visit Eastern Region and tour these tourist sites.
Tourist Sites In the Eastern region
Here are the top 5 tourist sites in the Eastern Region:
- Akosombo Dam
- Aburi Botanical Gardens
- Boti Waterfalls
- Umbrella Rock
- The Big Tree At Oda
Akosombo Dam
Who doesn’t know the Akosombo Dam? Opened in 1965, this dam is the main supplier of hydroelectric power in the country and also provides power to neighbouring countries such as Togo and Benin.
It is situated on the Volta River in the Akosombo gorge and falls under the jurisdiction of the Volta River Authority.
Construction of the dam led to the flooding of a part of the Volta River Basin, which subsequently led to the creation of Lake Volta, the largest artificial lake in the world by surface area.
The initial purpose of the dam was to provide power for the aluminium industry, but it eventually started providing power to the country.
The Volta River Authority oversees all visits, and guided tours begin at 9:00 am and end at 3:00 pm daily. The rates are as follows;
Akosombo Dam Entry Rates
- Adult foreigners- GHS 10
- Student foreigners- GHS 5
- Children foreigners- GHS 2
- Adult Ghanaians- GHS 5
- Tertiary institutions-GHS 3
- 1st and 2nd cycle schools- GHS 2
- Children- GHS 2
- Church groups- GHS 5
Akosombo Dam’s contact numbers are 0302664941/9, 0302744400 or 0302218540.
Aburi Botanical Gardens
Located in the cool Akwapim Mountains is the Aburi Botanical Gardens. About 45 minutes from the capital Accra, this tourist site features lush lawns and tall trees, although most of it serves as a botanical reserve.
Visitors to the gardens can marvel at the Rock Garden, Bush House, Retired Helicopter, VVIP Garden and many more.
A recent addition to the gardens is a bike hiring service operated by an Aburi native.
The entrance fee for The Botanical Gardens is GHS 5.00 for Ghanaians and GHS 10.00 for foreigners.
It is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and can be reached on the number 0342197473.
The entrance fee is GHS 5 for Ghanaian adults and GHS 10 for adult foreigners.
Boti Waterfalls
One of the well-known tourist attractions in the Eastern Region, the Boti Waterfalls, is a spectacular fall you can find in Boti in Yilo Krobo District.
These twin falls are referred to as male and female. The falls are formed by River Pawnpawn, which takes its source from Ahenkwa-Amalakpo before falling over a rock outcrop at the Boti Langmase.
Before you get to these falls, you must first descend over 70 steps. Other attractions in the area are the Umbrella Rock and 3-head Palm Tree.
The falls are open 24 hours, and contact numbers are 0553030517, 0506429292 or 0302770161.
Umbrella Rock
This is a tourist attraction at Asiafo Amanfro, found at the site of the Boti Falls in the Yilo Krobo District.
The rock is named Umbrella rock because the overhang on the top of the rock can provide shade and shelter for 12 to 15 people at once.
The Umbrella Rock is open to visitors 24 hours a day. It is about a 1-hour walk from Boti Falls, a good hiking experience.
If you’d rather not talk but prefer to drive, it’s just about 15 minutes from Boti Falls.
Tourists around the umbrella rock will cost you GHS 15.00 and GHS 30.00 for foreigners.
The Big Tree At Oda
Known as the biggest tree ever discovered in Ghana and West Africa at large, the Big Tree near the town of Akim Oda is another tourist attraction in the Eastern Region.
It is a member of the species Tieghemella heckelii. It can be found in the Esen Apam Forest Reserve, only 22km from the Akim Oda township.
The tree is very old, about 350 to 400 years approximately. According to officials from the Forestry Commission, the tree is 66.5 to 90m tall and 396cm in diameter.
It is cylindrical and has thick grey bark with bright pink leaves at longitudinal ridges.
Conclusion
Don’t hesitate to visit these tourist attractions in the Eastern Region. From the Akosombo Dam, Aburi botanical gardens, Boti Waterfalls, Umbrella Rock and the big tree at Oda, these sites provide tourists with a wonderful experience.
You can also read our guide on the most popular tourist attractions in Accra, which happens to be the capital town of Ghana.
