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Aburi Botanical Gardens
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The Aburi Botanical Gardens were officially opened in March 1890 and are located in the Akwapim mountains, about 30 kilometers north of Accra. The site sits at an elevation of 370 to 460 meters above sea level, providing a significantly cooler climate than the capital city. Originally, the location was used as a sanatorium for British government officials in 1875 before its conversion into a botanical garden. The gardens span 64 hectares, of which only a portion is intensively cultivated, while the remainder is preserved as natural forest. Botanical highlights include the monumental royal palms lining the entrance avenue and a collection of exotic plants from various tropical regions worldwide. The institution has served agricultural research and the preservation of rare plant species for over a century. Today, Aburi is a major destination for ecotourism and has educational programs about Ghana's tropical flora.
- Location: Ghana
- Nearby: Dome (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 22 | 44 | 104 | 134 | 196 | 197 | 91 | 40 | 102 | 149 | 64 | 25 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Aburi Botanical Gardens are a public park that can be visited for a small entrance fee. The extensive grounds with old trees and exotic plants invite strolling and relaxing.
Typical hours
The gardens are typically open daily from morning until late afternoon, usually from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is advisable to come early to enjoy the morning tranquility.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the gardens, handy for capturing botanical diversity and historic trees. The large lawns are especially good for family photos.
Time needed
A relaxed stroll through the gardens takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you want to have a picnic or explore all the paths, allow 2 to 3 hours.
Combine with
The gardens are in Aburi, about 30 kilometers north of Accra, and combine well with a visit to the Aburi market. A trip to nearby waterfalls or the Boti Forest Reserve is also possible.
Getting there
The gardens are easily reachable by car or taxi on the well-maintained road from Accra in about 45 minutes. Public buses also run to Aburi, taking a bit longer.
Insider tip
Bring a picnic blanket and food as there are only simple snack stalls on site. Visit the gardens on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.
Geography
Facts
- Opened in March 1890
- Elevation: 370–460 meters
- Total area: 64 hectares
- Distance from Accra: 30 km
- Origin as a sanatorium (1875)
- Famous for the Royal Palm avenue
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Sights in the town Aburi Botanical Gardens (1)
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the Aburi Botanical Garden located?
It is located in the Aburi Mountains, about 45 minutes' drive north of Accra.
What can you do there?
You can go for walks, admire rare plants, have a picnic, and go bird watching.
Is there food and drink available?
Yes, there is a small restaurant and refreshment stands on the grounds.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
The main paths are flat and paved, but some side paths may be uneven.
How much is the entry fee?
Entry costs about 10-20 GHS for adults, depending on nationality.
Aburi Botanical Gardens: where is it located?
Aburi Botanical Gardens is located in Ghana.
Aburi Botanical Gardens: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
Aburi Botanical Gardens: why is it worth visiting?
The Aburi Botanical Gardens were officially opened in March 1890 and are located in the Akwapim mountains, about 30 kilometers north of Accra.
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