Aburi Day Trip: Gardens, Cocoa Farm & Waterfall Tour

Spend a half-day in the Aburi Hills without arranging transport yourself

A guided day trip from Accra northeast into the Aburi Hills combines the Botanical Gardens, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm (Ghana's first commercial cocoa plantation, founded in 1879), a waterfall, and a craft village in one outing. A local guide leads the route. Air-conditioned transport is included. The tour runs four to five hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Aburi's nature and culture

• Visit Aburi Botanical Gardens
• Tour Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm
• See Oboadaka Waterfall
• Explore Aburi Craft Village

The experience

You start from Accra and travel northeast into the Aburi Hills, where the air cools as the landscape shifts from city to forest. The Botanical Gardens open the day: wander the winding trails past towering palms, African mahogany, and orchids overhead while your guide explains the conservation work and the mix of native and exotic species. The gardens sit at elevation, so the climate alone feels like a break from the coast.

Next is the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm in Akuapim-Mampong, where two original cocoa trees, over 145 years old, still fruit on the land where Ghana's first commercial cocoa plantation took root in 1879. Your guide walks you through the farm's history: Tetteh Quarshie was a blacksmith who brought cocoa back from Fernando Po and built the foundation of an industry that shaped Ghana's economy. You see the trees and the landscape that made it possible. After the farm, you stop at the Aburi Craft Village to watch artisans at work and buy handmade pieces directly.

The final stop is Oboadaka waterfall, a 20-minute drive downhill from the gardens. The waterfall drops roughly 623 feet over rock steps into a plunge pool, ringed by thick green forest and the sound of songbirds. You descend the stairway at a slow pace to reach the water's edge: the payoff for the climb back up. The whole route is paced to fit a half-day, so you're back in Accra by early afternoon.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle and a live guide in English are included.
• pickup from your Accra location is arranged.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Vince

Is this one for you?The four- to five-hour pace fits a half-day break from the city without eating into your evening plans. All fitness levels are welcome, though the descent to Oboadaka waterfall involves stairways and a slow climb back up: manageable for most travelers, but worth noting if stairs are a concern.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

What is the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, and why does it matter?

Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm is Ghana's first commercial cocoa plantation, established in 1879 by Tetteh Quarshie, a blacksmith who introduced cocoa to Ghana after returning from Fernando Po. Two of the original trees, now over 145 years old, still bear fruit on the farm, making it a living record of the industry's roots in the country.

How far is Oboadaka waterfall from Accra, and what is it like to reach it?

Oboadaka waterfall is a 20-minute drive from the Aburi Botanical Gardens, downhill into the forest. You descend a series of steep stairways at a slow pace to reach the plunge pool at the base, where the waterfall drops roughly 623 feet over rock steps and is surrounded by thick green foliage and birdsong.

What will I see at the Aburi Botanical Gardens?

The Aburi Botanical Gardens feature winding trails through native and exotic plant species, including towering palms, African mahogany trees, and orchids that hang from overhead branches. Your guide explains the conservation work and biodiversity on the grounds.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included, which gives you the flexibility to explore Ghanaian cuisine according to your preference. Your guide will gladly recommend local options.