Staying in Aburi: the complete guide

Why Aburi

Aburi sits in the Akuapem hills in Ghana's Eastern Region, roughly an hour's drive and about 30 km north of Accra. The road climbs, the air changes, and by the time you arrive it is measurably cooler than the city you left.

That contrast is the whole appeal. Ghanaians have treated Aburi as a weekend escape for generations, and it works just as well for a visitor who wants to see something other than the capital.

Getting there

The drive from Accra takes about an hour in normal conditions, longer if you leave at the wrong time. There is a well-known turn-off on the Accra–Koforidua road, after which the ascent begins and the views open up.

Most visitors come by car, taxi or a ride-hailing app. If you are staying with us, ask before you book and we will tell you the current route and how long it is actually taking — road conditions change, and we would rather give you today's answer than a generic one.

What to do

The Aburi Botanical Gardens is the main attraction and the reason most people make the trip: broad lawns, mature trees, walking paths and a remarkably calm atmosphere. It is a garden to wander rather than a tick-box attraction, so give it a couple of hours.

The craft market nearby is well known for wood carvings and drums — good for gifts, and worth an hour. Beyond that, the hills themselves are the draw: viewpoints, quiet roads, and cooler air in the evenings.

• Aburi Botanical Gardens — the headline attraction
• Aburi craft market — carvings, drums, souvenirs
• Hilltop viewpoints over the Accra plain
• Walks and cooler evenings back at your accommodation

When to go

Aburi is a good choice in the hot months precisely because it is elevated. Ghana's dry season runs roughly October to March — with the harmattan, a dry dusty wind from the Sahara, from around December to February. The heaviest rain falls between April and June, with a lighter wet spell around September and October.

If you are planning around weather, see our guide to the best time to visit Ghana.

Where to stay: the Aburi Mountain Retreat

Aburi Mountain Retreat sleeps four across four bedrooms with five bathrooms, and includes a private pool, fully equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi. It is the quiet option — the kind of place you take a book to.

Rates start at GH₵600 per night for a single bedroom, rising through a studio and larger configurations to GH₵3,500 for the whole apartment. A monthly rate is available for longer stays, which makes it a realistic base for a few weeks rather than just a weekend.

Who Aburi suits

It suits anyone whose trip is about rest, and anyone combining Accra with the Eastern Region. It suits couples, small families and remote workers who want quiet and a reliable connection.

It does not suit someone who needs to be in central Accra every morning. Choose the city for that and come up for a night or two instead — the drive is easy enough to make it a proper break rather than an expedition.