Thing to do
Makola Market
Accra's best-known market, run largely by women traders, where crowded lanes sell everything from fresh produce and fabrics to beads, pots and tools.
Legon Botanical Gardens
University of Ghana-owned gardens near Legon with a 138-metre canopy walk, high ropes and zip lines, canoeing at weekends and plenty of shade.
At a glance
- Type
- Botanical garden and adventure park
- Area
- Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Official site
- visitghana.com
Good to know
- Canopy walk
- High ropes course
- Zip lines
- Canoeing
- Children's playground
- Barbecue stands
Why we recommend it
Legon Botanical Gardens is Accra's most popular green space for an active day out. The gardens belong to the University of Ghana and are managed by its Department of Botany together with a private operator, Mulch Company Limited. They sit off the Atomic-Haatso road at Agbogba Junction, about five minutes from the university's main entrance, and offer shaded woodland, a lake and a set of adventure activities that draw families, school groups and friends at weekends.
The main attraction is the canopy walk, described by the official tourism site as the widest in Ghana. It runs for 138 metres at a height of 13 metres, giving an easy, family-friendly view through the treetops. More adventurous visitors can tackle the high ropes course, which has four routes and 64 challenges over two levels, each ending with a zip line; closed shoes, trousers or shorts and hand gloves are required. Canoeing on the lake runs from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays, and the children's playground has junior ropes, a trampoline, a climbing circuit, a carousel and a tall pyramid net climber. Birdwatching, fishing, cycling and barbecue stands round out the options.
The gardens suit families with children of all ages, groups celebrating birthdays or team days, and couples looking for a picnic in the shade. Adults who simply want a quiet walk will find the woodland paths pleasant on weekdays, when the site is calm. Groups of 20 or more should book canoeing in advance.
According to the official tourism listing, the gardens open from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays (last entry 16:30) and from 08:00 to 18:00 at weekends and on public holidays (last entry 17:00). Mondays and Tuesdays are quiet days when the activity facilities are not in use, so go from Wednesday onwards if you want the canopy walk or ropes course. Charges apply for entry and for each activity. Bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent, and allow at least half a day if you plan to try several activities.
The gardens are in the north of the city near the University of Ghana campus at Legon. A taxi or ride-hailing car is the simplest way to get there, and the digital address GA-575-2433 helps drivers find the entrance. Weekend traffic on the approach roads can be slow.
Legon Botanical Gardens FAQs
What is there to do at Legon Botanical Gardens?
A canopy walk, a high ropes course with zip lines, canoeing, a children's playground, birdwatching, fishing and cycling.
How long and high is the canopy walk?
It is 138 metres long and 13 metres high.
When is it open?
Weekdays 08:00 to 17:00 and weekends and public holidays 08:00 to 18:00, according to the official tourism listing.
Are all activities available every day?
No. Mondays and Tuesdays are quiet days when activity facilities are not in use, and canoeing runs Friday to Sunday and on public holidays.
What should I wear for the ropes course?
Closed shoes, trousers or shorts and hand gloves are required.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The playground, junior ropes and canopy walk are popular with families.
Do groups need to book?
Groups of 20 or more should book canoeing in advance.
Who runs the gardens?
They are owned by the University of Ghana and managed by its Department of Botany with Mulch Company Limited.