Top Things to do in Central Region
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Top 10 Things to do in Central Region, Ghana
Discover the best top things to do in Central Region, Ghana including Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Kakum National Park, Ghanaecotours.com Day Tours, Global Mamas Cultural Workshops, International Stingless Bee Centre, Elmina lagoon, Monkey Forest Resort, Global Mamas Fair Trade Shop, Fort St Jago.
Restaurants in Central Region
1. Cape Coast Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 467 reviews
This 16th-century trading lodge now contains the Museum of West African History.
Reviewed By Adrianna M - Hong Kong, China
Our guide, Justice William Acquah (Kobena) was absolutely fantastic. His passion and knowledge are unparalleled. He was approachable and humble about the information he knew, and was more than happy to share and dive deeper into conversation and meaning. Kobena would be a great guide for both the historically aware and those looking to be taught.
The experience itself was extremely sobering, it's hard to put into words, to be honest, I'm still processing it. What I know for sure is that the experience was a necessary one and one that everyone can gain something from.
Highly Recommend.
2. Elmina Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 379 reviews
The European traders built and occupied many forts along the coast of Ghana in the 15th-17th centuries to protect their trading posts.
Reviewed By Pierre F - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
This castle was built in the 1480s by the Portuguese and soon became an important hub for the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, continuing well into the 19th century under the command of different European powers. The stories told are shocking and humbling - and should hopefully serve to make us better embrace the value of universal human rights and react against today's modern forms of slavery.
While the international context and drivers behind the slave trade are aspects relatively well covered by the guides, attention should also be given to the local circumstances under which the trade prospered - that is, also reflecting the local rulers' role in the slave trade. This is not a pledge to be "fair" in describing this horrible history - but rather to leave "political correctness" and focus on the factual power relations instead. Only then may this horrendous chapter learn us something.
3. Kakum National Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 565 reviews
This forested parkland makes for a great day hike with fantastic views, especially from the wooden suspension Bridges that soar a hundred feet overhead.
Reviewed By Pierre F - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
We actually hired a driver and car specifically to visit this park before going back to the coast and head towards Kumasi. We only had a couple of hours at our disposal so we went for the much-advertised "Canopy Walk". Unfortunately we were deeply disappointed as it had nothing to do with Nature (reduced to a back-drop only) but was just a brief entertainment like at some Tivoli. Moreover, the guide didn't seem to very interested or knowledgeable about the forest. When the canopy walk-way was built in the 1990s it may have been kind of innovative - but today there are so many other destinations (outside of Ghana) which have succeeded in combining elements of adventure with close-to-Nature experience and learning. Those places are well worth the visit but not this one. Time for Kakum National Park to rethink the concept, explore other examples - and decide how to go forward!
4. Ghanaecotours.com Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By LUKKANE - London, United Kingdom
Fascintating tour of backstreets and harbour of Elmina. We wanted to focus on the fish market and ship building area which were fascinating. Knowledgable and friendly guide - thanks Richard! Would wholeheartedly recommend. Also, really helpful providing us with a great driver. No fights over prices with the driver which happened to us a lot in Ghana. 100% recommend
5. Global Mamas Cultural Workshops
Overall Ratings
5 based on 17 reviews
We offer a verity of cultural workshops that will submerge you in Ghana's rich culture. Our many workshops can be organized at your convenience. We offer, Batiking, Drumming and Dancing, Ghanaian Cuisine Workshop, Head-wrapping, and in our Odumase-Krobo location Bead Making. You are welcome to experience the tastes, colors and sounds of our beautiful Ghana.
Reviewed By Moniek_Accra - Accra, Ghana
We had a great time taking the cooking workshop and the drumming/dancing workshop. The workshops are an excellent complement to visits to the Castles in Cape Coast and Elmina. Esi, the cooking instructor, is fantastic. The class is held in her restaurant in the middle of town. She is quite entertaining while also being an effective teacher on how to make some classic Ghanaian dishes. We took the class in the morning and then ate the food for lunch. The class was over 3 hours long – but the time flew by. The drumming/dancing class was held on a pavilion overlooking the ocean, an amazing spot. The workshop starts with dancing. Mary, our instructor, was pleasant as well as a great dancer and very patient. You need to let loose to enjoy the dancing. Drumming was taught by Alfred. It is hard to appreciate good drumming until you try it. He managed to get us on track – also a very patient person.
Our group was split on which class they liked better -- since both were quite fun.
6. International Stingless Bee Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
The International Stingless Bee Centre (ISBC) is a sanctuary for stingless bees and a place of environmental education and ecotourism. Many people do not know about stingless bees, especially African species, nor have many sampled their honey, pollen and propolis, delectable activities offered at the ISBC. In addition to beekeeping, the ISBC also serves as a station for international research.
Reviewed By V_Goodwin_1
This is really worth a visit if you are an environmentally concerned person. It is a little pocket of tranquility. Richard is clearly very passionate about the bees and how they can be used for more sustainable agriculture, and gives a very informative presentation. He keeps the bee hives and garden immaculately. You can touch the bees, as they are completely harmless, and taste honey. Ghana needs more of this.
7. Elmina lagoon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Richard K - Limerick, Ireland
Elmina is a big, lively coastal town with lots of traditional fishing boats and trader stalls - well worth seeing! The locals can get quite aggressive if you just walk up and start taking photos of them. However, if you approach with care and respect, show them your camera and let them decide if they are OK with you taking their photo then things are bokoh! (fine).
8. Monkey Forest Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By FactChick - Montreal, Canada
Loved my visit to the Monkey Forest. Initially I was not going to go because I thought it would be a tourist trap but what a surprisingly wonderful experience. Tons of great photos. Don't where any "bling" or carry a water bottles. They will snatch them away in an instant. Spectacular walk in the forest. So well done! Don't hesitate to do this while in Ubud. Give yourself about 1 hour or less depending on photo ops. Cost was about $5 Canadian.
9. Global Mamas Fair Trade Shop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Global Mamas offers unique apparel, accessories and home goods for people who love living life in full color. For more than a decade, we have been creating the highest-quality goods using the talent of skilled craftswomen, local knowledge, and deep sourcing relationships. Our entire organization is fully embraced in Fair Trade principles as we improve the economic outlook for the women of Ghana.
Reviewed By CarlyMaria - Guelph, Canada
I visited this shop on their grand opening and was very pleased! It is quite similar to their Accra shop, with great gifts and clothing items. The staff were friendly and helpful, and I love that the products are all fair trade! Definitely worth the visit.
10. Fort St Jago
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By KS&HC - Pontypridd, United Kingdom
This fort is situated in Elmina village and quite possibly has a more dominant position on the hilltop overlooking the village than its more famous neighbour Elmina castle. And while we were there a few hundred people, foreigners and locals, visiting Elmina castle, no one visits St Jago Fort. Which is a pity because it is a substantial structure with great views in all directions. But by being not visited it presumably has no money spent on upkeep so is a bit overgrown and neglected. Sharing the same history of purpose as all Ghana coast forts and Castles it is worth a free look while in the village. The access road is broken for vehicles but easy to walk being just a few hundred metres up a steep hill.
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