Accra: Waterfalls, Aburi Gardens & Cocoa Farm Day Trip

Three stops into Ghana's Eastern Region: waterfalls, a 130-year-old garden, and where cocoa begins

You're picked up from your Accra accommodation and driven through the Akuapem Mountains to four natural and cultural stops: Aburi Botanical Gardens with its 130-year history and rare tree species, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm where you taste raw cocoa, a waterfall (Boti, Akaa, or Asenema depending on seasonal conditions), and Umbrella Rock. All entrance fees, guided tours, transport, and water are included. The driver confirms your specific waterfall location before the day begins.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore waterfalls, gardens, and cocoa farm

• Depart from Accra
• Visit Aburi Botanical Gardens
• Tour Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm
• Explore Boti, Akaa, or Asenema Falls
• Hike to Umbrella Rock
• See the Three-Headed Palm Tree
• Return to Accra

The experience

The van is already moving when you climb in. Your driver knows the Accra traffic and has timed the pickup to miss the worst of it. You're heading east toward the Akuapem Mountains, and the city noise drops away faster than you'd expect. The road climbs through villages where people are already at market, and the air gets cooler. By the time you reach Aburi Botanical Gardens, you've left the coastal heat behind. The gardens sprawl across 64.8 hectares, laid out in 1890 with both local and foreign trees: your guide walks you through the species, pointing out which ones the locals use for medicine, which ones are just old. You'll spend an hour here, maybe longer if you want to sit on the lawns between the palms.

After the gardens, the tour moves to Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, Ghana's first cocoa farm. This is where the country's whole cocoa story started, and you get to see the plants growing, learn how they're harvested, and taste the raw cocoa pod before it becomes chocolate. It's not a museum. It's a working farm, and the difference matters. You'll understand why Ghana's cocoa is what it is. Then comes the waterfall. Which one depends on the season and water levels. It could be Boti Falls with its twin cascade, or Akaa Falls, or Asenema Falls if conditions shift the route. The hike to Umbrella Rock is part of the day, a climbable formation that looks exactly like its name suggests, with forest beyond it. You're moving through the landscape, not just looking at it from a platform.

The whole day runs 8 to 10 hours depending on which waterfall opens up and how long you linger at each stop. You get picked up from your Accra hotel or Airbnb in the morning and dropped back in the evening. The van is air-conditioned, which matters on the drive back when you're tired. Bottled water is included, and the guide is with you the whole time, not just at the big moments, but explaining the trees, the farming, the rock formations as you move through them. If you've been stuck in Accra and want to see what's an hour outside the city without renting a car or figuring out transport yourself, this is how you do it.

What’s included

Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in Accra, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees and guided tours at Aburi Botanical Gardens, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, Umbrella Rock, and your selected waterfall (Boti Falls, Akaa Falls, or Asenema Falls), professional guide throughout the day, bottled water, and a tour PDF/ebook. Wi-Fi is available onboard the vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (23 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 70 years) · Youth (16 to 22 years) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Expedition-Go Tours Ltd

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to see Ghana's Eastern Region (waterfalls, botanical gardens, and cocoa farming) in one day without arranging transport, entrance fees, or a guide yourself. The fixed itinerary and included pickup mean you show up and the day unfolds.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 22 years); Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Which waterfall will I visit?

The specific waterfall (Boti Falls, Akaa Falls, or Asenema Falls) is confirmed before your tour date based on seasonal water levels and accessibility. All three offer similar scenery and hiking experiences.

How long is the tour?

The full day runs 8 to 10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, depending on which waterfall is accessible and how long you spend at each stop.

What's the physical demand?

The tour involves hiking to waterfalls and climbing Umbrella Rock. Moderate fitness is recommended. The tour is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Do I need to arrange my own transport?

No. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in Accra are included, along with air-conditioned transport throughout the day.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup time is arranged based on your accommodation location in Accra. Confirm the exact time when you book.

Is the guide included?

Yes. A professional guide leads you through all four stops and explains the plants, farming practices, and natural features throughout the day.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring sunscreen and a hat, and wear clothes suitable for hiking and water splashes near the falls. Bottled water is provided.