Kantamanto & Makola Markets Food Tasting: Private Accra Tour

Walk through the weekly arrival point of millions of secondhand garments, then taste street food in Ghana's largest market.

A private tour of Kantamanto and Makola markets in Accra with a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, and street food tasting included. Kantamanto is where roughly 15 million used clothing items from Europe, USA and Asia arrive each week. Makola is Accra's largest market, where you shop directly from locals and sample street food. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours and ends with the option to cool down at a beach restaurant overlooking Jamestown and the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore markets and local culture

• Visit Kantamanto market
• Learn about used clothing economy
• Experience market hustle and entertainment
• Visit Makola market
• Shop from local vendors
• Enjoy street food tasting
• Relax at beach restaurant with drinks
• View Jamestown and Accra city

The Experience

Kantamanto market, known locally as Kanta, is the entry point for a global secondhand clothing economy. Every week, 15 million used garments, bags, shoes and belts arrive from Europe, the USA and Asia, creating a marketplace where you can find nearly every known brand. The tour walks you through this working market to see how the flow of charity clothing sustains livelihoods while raising questions about consumption and waste. You experience the real hustle of an African market environment, fully entertained as you move through the stalls.

From there, the guide takes you to Makola Market, Accra's largest and the second biggest in Ghana. Unlike a quick stop, you explore it as a shopper would: browsing directly with locals, picking up snacks and street food as you go, and absorbing the market's own rhythm and energy. The tasting is woven into the walk, not separated out. You eat what vendors are selling that day.

After the heat and activity of both markets, you have the option to head to a beach restaurant overlooking Jamestown and the Accra skyline for cold drinks and a view. The tour includes hotel or residence pickup and drop-off in a fully air-conditioned vehicle, so you arrive back without the fatigue of navigating transport yourself. If you're interested in photography or documentary work, the operator arranges special access on request.

What’s included

• Hotel or residence pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• street food tasting (snacks) as you walk through Makola Market.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full 4 to 5 hours.
• all fees and taxes.

Days and timesDaily · 08:00

Ages14 to 70 years · Under 14 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup8 pickup points to choose from.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ghana Must Go Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to set your own pace through the markets with a guide who can answer questions as they come up. Choose the private option if you'd rather explore Kantamanto's stalls at your own speed than move with a group.

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Top questions

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 24h before the start.

What exactly is Kantamanto market and why does it matter?

Kantamanto is where roughly 15 million used clothing items from Europe, the USA and Asia arrive in Ghana every week. The tour shows you how this secondhand trade creates both an economy and an environmental footprint, and lets you see every major brand available in the stalls.

Do I get to eat during this tour, or is food tasting just samples?

Street food tasting is included as part of the walk through Makola Market. You sample snacks vendors are selling that day as you shop and explore. It is not a sit-down meal, but real food from the market itself.

How long does the tour take and what's the pace like?

The tour runs 4 to 5 hours total. You walk through both markets at a working pace, stopping to look, shop and taste as you go. After the market walk, you can rest at a beach restaurant if you choose.

Is hotel pickup included, and do I need to arrange my own transport?

Hotel or residence pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price. You travel in a fully air-conditioned vehicle, so you don't arrange transport yourself.

Can I bring a camera or film during the tour?

Yes, cameras are welcome for personal photography. If you're working on a documentary or professional project, contact the operator to arrange special access and permissions in advance.