Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park: A National Icon That Keeps Drawing Crowds
For the second year in a row, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra has topped the charts with 302,523 visitors in 2024. And honestly, it is not hard to understand why. This is not just a park. It is the resting place of the man who changed the course of African history. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah led Ghana to independence in 1957 and became the country’s first President, and everything about this memorial reflects the scale of that legacy. You will find his mausoleum, a museum packed with historical artefacts, and peaceful gardens that feel like a world away from the bustle of Accra outside its gates.
Sabary Tours Tip: Go early on a weekday morning. The park is quieter, cooler and you will have much more space to take it all in. Give yourself at least 45 minutes in the museum alone.
Kakum National Park: Where Nature Takes Centre Stage
Kakum National Park came in second place with 203,222 visitors, up from 183,757 the year before. Located in the Central Region, this rainforest reserve is one of West Africa’s true natural treasures. The canopy walkway is the star attraction, stretching across rope bridges suspended 30 metres above the forest floor. It is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave. Beyond the walkway, Kakum is home to forest elephants, leopards, bongos and more than 200 species of birds. Nature lovers will be completely in their element here.
Sabary Tours Tip: The canopy walkway fills up fast once the morning gets going. Get there right at opening time. While you are in the area, Cape Coast Castle is only about 30 minutes away, making it a perfect combination for a full day out.
Bunso Arboretum: A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering Bunso Arboretum secured third place with 149,319 visitors. If you have never heard of it, you are not alone, and that is actually part of its charm. Tucked away in the Eastern Region, this peaceful forest reserve is known for its butterfly sanctuary, treetop walkway and guided nature trails. It is the kind of place where you can slow down and actually breathe.
Sabary Tours Tip: Visit between November and March when the dry season makes the trails much easier to walk. Pair it with a trip to nearby Boti Falls for a wonderful full day in the Eastern Region.
Cape Coast Castle: A Journey Through History
Cape Coast Castle came in fourth with 141,523 visitors. There are few places in the world that carry the emotional weight of this site. Built by the British and used as a major holding point during the transatlantic slave trade, the castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited heritage sites on the African continent. People come from across the globe to walk through the Door of No Return, to stand in the dungeons and to pay their respects. It is a heavy visit but a deeply important one.
Sabary Tours Tip: Please do not visit this one without a guide. The guided tours here are genuinely exceptional and the history comes alive in a way that a solo walk simply cannot replicate. Set aside at least two hours and go with an open mind.
Manhyia Palace Museum: The Heart of Ashanti Culture
Rounding out the top five was the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi with 120,328 visitors. This is the official seat of the Asantehene, the paramount ruler of the Ashanti Kingdom, and a visit here is like stepping into the living heart of one of Africa’s most celebrated cultures. The royal regalia, the history and the guided tours all combine to make this one of Ghana’s most rewarding cultural experiences
Sabary Tours Tip: Keep an eye on the calendar before you visit Kumasi. If there is a traditional festival happening while you are there, do not miss it. Seeing Ashanti culture in full ceremonial flow is something that will genuinely take your breath away.
The Full Top Ten Lıst
Leading the rankings for the second consecutive year, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park topped the list with 302,523 visitors, followed by Kakum National Park in second place with 203,222. Bunso Arboretum came in third with 149,319 visitors, while Cape Coast Castle and Manhyia Palace Museum rounded out the top five with 141,523 and 120,328 visitors respectively.
The remaining five spots were claimed by Kumasi Zoo, Accra Zoo, Elmina Castle, Shai Hills Resource Reserve and Aburi Botanical Garden, a mix of wildlife, heritage and nature-based attractions that together reflect the breadth of Ghana’s tourism offering.
Sabary Tours Tip: If you are planning to visit several sites on this list, think about grouping them by region. Tackle Accra’s sites on one trip, then dedicate separate visits to the Central Region, Kumasi and the Eastern Region. You will get far more out of each destination that way.
What the Numbers Mean for Ghana’s Tourism Future
Ghana’s top ten sites collectively welcomed 1,377,588 visitors in 2024, which accounts for 77 percent of all domestic tourism visits across the country. That is a remarkable figure and it tells us something important: Ghanaians and international visitors alike are genuinely engaged with what this country has to offer.
What stands out most is the variety at the top of the rankings. History, culture and nature sit side by side, from the political legacy of Nkrumah to the ecological wonder of Kakum and the royal traditions of Kumasi. Ghana is not a one-note destination. It is layered, complex and endlessly rewarding for those who take the time to explore it properly.
Before You Go: Practical Advice for Visiting Ghana’s Top Sites
Plan around the seasons. The dry season from November to March is generally the best time for outdoor sites like Kakum, Shai Hills and Bunso Arboretum. Coastal sites like Cape Coast and Elmina are great to visit year-round. Book guided tours where you can. Sites like Cape Coast Castle, Manhyia Palace Museum and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park are all significantly better experiences with a knowledgeable guide alongside you. Combine nearby sites into day trips. Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle are just 15 minutes apart. Kakum is 30 minutes from Cape Coast. Manhyia Palace and Kumasi Zoo are both in Kumasi. A little planning goes a long way.
Arrive early. The most popular sites get busy by mid-morning, especially on weekends. Early mornings mean cooler temperatures, smaller crowds and much better photos.
Respect the spaces you visit. Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle and Manhyia Palace all carry deep cultural and historical significance. Dress modestly, follow your guide’s instructions and give these places the respect they deserve.
