Free Eastern Region Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Eastern Region with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Eastern Region
Eastern Region photo 2
Eastern Region photo 3
All photos

Explore Ghana’s Eastern Region for forested hills, cocoa heritage, waterfalls, bead craft, Lake Volta and the engineering landmark of Akosombo Dam.

Eastern Region lies north-east of Accra, where Ghana’s coastal plains rise into forested Akuapem and Akyem hills before opening towards the broad waters of the Volta Lake. The regional capital, Koforidua, is a useful base for exploring waterfalls, botanical gardens, cocoa heritage and mountain landscapes, while smaller towns such as Aburi, Akropong, Somanya, Nkawkaw and Akosombo reveal distinctly different aspects of eastern Ghana.
Read more about Eastern Region
The Akuapem escarpment gives the south-western part of the region a cooler, greener character than the lowlands around Accra. Aburi is known for its botanical gardens and elevated setting, while nearby Mampong is associated with the Tetteh Quarshie cocoa farm, a landmark in the history of Ghana’s cocoa industry. Around Koforidua, roads climb through cultivated hills and forest remnants towards sites such as Boti Falls and Umbrella Rock. Water levels and seasonal rainfall influence the appearance of waterfalls, so conditions can vary considerably during the year.
Further east, the Krobo areas around Somanya and Odumase-Krobo have long been associated with glass-bead making, an important craft tradition whose colours and forms carry social and ceremonial meanings. The Kwahu hills form another prominent landscape, especially around Kwahu areas such as Atibie and Nkawkaw. During Easter, the hills attract large crowds for outdoor celebrations and paragliding activities, although visitors should expect busy roads and more limited accommodation at peak times.
The Volta River defines the region’s eastern character. Akosombo Dam, completed in the 1960s, created Lake Volta and transformed Ghana’s power and transport geography. Today, the lake supports fishing, boat travel and lakeside recreation, while the Adomi Bridge spans the Volta near Atimpoku and provides one of the region’s most recognisable engineering landmarks. Boat excursions should be arranged with experienced local providers and undertaken with appropriate life-saving equipment.
Eastern Region’s food culture reflects Ghanaian traditions alongside local produce from its farms and forests. Visitors will encounter plantain, cassava, yam, rice, palm-based dishes, grilled meats and freshwater fish, as well as cocoa and tropical fruit. The region is best approached as a collection of short journeys rather than a single compact attraction zone: forested hills, craft communities, waterfalls and lake country each reward separate attention.

When is the best time to visit Eastern Region?

Best: December–February · 31–32°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)3130
February (best)3240
March3260
April3290
May32120
June31140
July31150
August31150
September31140
October31120
November3270
December (best)3140

Getting to and around Eastern Region

How to get there

Most international visitors reach Eastern Region via Kotoka International Airport in Accra, which is outside the region but is the principal gateway. From Accra, the N4 and connecting roads lead towards Aburi, Koforidua and the Akuapem hills, while eastern routes continue towards Somanya, Akosombo and Nkawkaw. Intercity buses and shared vehicles serve major towns; private transfers are useful for combining dispersed waterfalls, cocoa sites and lake destinations.

Transportation

Shared minibuses and taxis connect Koforidua with Accra and other principal towns, but services become less frequent in rural districts and are not designed around sightseeing itineraries. A hired car with a driver or a locally arranged taxi is often the most practical option for visiting several sites in one day. Roads vary in quality, and journeys through the hills can be slower than distances on a map suggest. Walking is suitable within towns and for guided nature excursions, not for linking widely separated attractions.

Top city travel guides in Eastern Region

The cities of Eastern Region, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Eastern Region

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Eastern Region

Eastern Region’s attractions are spread across several contrasting landscapes. Around Aburi and the Akuapem hills, visitors can combine the Aburi Botanical Gardens with viewpoints, historic settlements and the Tetteh Quarshie cocoa farm at Mampong. Near Koforidua, Boti Falls and Umbrella Rock make a rewarding guided excursion through a forested setting, particularly when seasonal rainfall has strengthened the falls. The experience is more about walking, geology and local interpretation than polished visitor infrastructure. Around Somanya and Odumase-Krobo, bead workshops offer insight into a living craft tradition, with opportunities to see recycled-glass beads made and finished by hand. The Kwahu hills provide elevated scenery and seasonal outdoor activity, while Akosombo opens onto Lake Volta, where boating, fishing and lakeside relaxation are central attractions. The dam itself is an important piece of modern infrastructure, although access arrangements can vary. Across the region, rural markets, farms, churches, traditional areas and roadside food stops add cultural context to a route that is best explored by linking several short excursions.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Eastern Region

Akosombo Dam is Eastern Region’s defining modern landmark, a vast concrete structure on the Volta River whose construction created Lake Volta and helped shape Ghana’s post-independence industrial ambitions. Near Atimpoku, the Adomi Bridge crosses the Volta and forms a prominent part of the road approach to the lake country. In the Akuapem hills, the Aburi Botanical Gardens is notable not only for its plant collections but also for its elevated colonial-era landscape and long association with botanical study. Mampong’s Tetteh Quarshie cocoa farm represents the agricultural history that made cocoa central to Ghana’s economy. Boti Falls and Umbrella Rock are natural landmarks whose appeal lies in their unusual rock formations, wooded setting and connection to local excursion traditions. In the Krobo area, bead-making workshops are cultural landmarks in a broader sense: their importance rests not on monumental architecture but on the continuity of a distinctive craft economy. The hills around Kwahu provide a further landmark landscape, with escarpments and high viewpoints that contrast sharply with the lowlands and the broad waters of Lake Volta.

Show more landmarks

Explore Eastern Region on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Eastern Region

Dining in Eastern Region is rooted in Ghanaian home-style cooking, market food and roadside grills rather than a single distinctive regional cuisine. Koforidua and Akosombo offer the broadest choice of restaurants, cafés and hotels, while smaller towns and rural stops are more likely to specialise in filling local meals. Expect banku with pepper and fish, fufu with soup, tuo zaafi in some establishments, waakye, rice dishes, fried plantain, yam, grilled chicken and tilapia, with availability shaped by season and locality. Freshwater fish is particularly associated with the Volta basin, while plantain, cassava, palm products, fruit and cocoa reflect the agricultural landscape. Chop bars provide informal, inexpensive meals; pubs and restaurants may add continental dishes for travellers. At markets, food is generally ordered according to what has been prepared that day, so early or lunchtime visits provide the widest choice. Wash produce carefully and choose busy food stalls where turnover is high.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Eastern Region

Evening life in Eastern Region is concentrated in Koforidua, Akosombo and other larger towns, with traditional drinking spots, hotel lounges, restaurants and music-led venues more prominent than a large nightclub circuit. Koforidua has the widest urban choice, including casual bars and places playing Ghanaian popular music, while Akosombo’s hotels and lakeside establishments cater to visitors staying near the Volta. In smaller communities, evenings commonly centre on outdoor drinking spots, food vendors, church or community events and locally popular music rather than late-night entertainment. The Kwahu hills become exceptionally busy around Easter, when outdoor celebrations and music attract visitors from across Ghana, but this is a seasonal surge rather than a permanent nightlife scene. Drink responsibly, arrange transport before going out in rural areas and avoid assuming that a venue’s hours or programme are fixed year-round.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Eastern Region

Evening life in Eastern Region is concentrated in Koforidua, Akosombo and other larger towns, with traditional drinking spots, hotel lounges, restaurants and music-led venues more prominent than a large nightclub circuit. Koforidua has the widest urban choice, including casual bars and places playing Ghanaian popular music, while Akosombo’s hotels and lakeside establishments cater to visitors staying near the Volta. In smaller communities, evenings commonly centre on outdoor drinking spots, food vendors, church or community events and locally popular music rather than late-night entertainment. The Kwahu hills become exceptionally busy around Easter, when outdoor celebrations and music attract visitors from across Ghana, but this is a seasonal surge rather than a permanent nightlife scene. Drink responsibly, arrange transport before going out in rural areas and avoid assuming that a venue’s hours or programme are fixed year-round.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Eastern Region

Shopping in Eastern Region is strongest in Koforidua’s markets and high streets, where visitors can find clothing, household goods, fruit, spices and prepared foods alongside everyday Ghanaian commerce. The region’s most distinctive purchases are Krobo glass beads, available through workshops and specialist sellers around Somanya and Odumase-Krobo. They range from simple strands to carefully patterned pieces used for fashion, gifts and ceremonial purposes; ask about materials and production rather than treating all beads as identical souvenirs. Aburi and other hill communities may offer woodwork, woven goods, plants and locally produced food, although selection varies by location and season. Cocoa products, dried foods, honey and regional produce can also make practical gifts when properly packaged. Markets are generally the best place to observe local trade, while craft workshops provide a more direct way to support makers. Bargaining may be customary for some goods but is not appropriate everywhere, so ask the seller and agree the price clearly before completing a purchase.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Eastern Region, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Eastern Region essentials

Currency and Payment
Eastern Region uses Ghana’s national currency, the Ghana cedi (GHS). Cards and mobile-money payments are common in hotels, established restaurants and larger shops in Koforidua and Akosombo, but smaller towns, rural attractions, market stalls and craft workshops may accept cash only. Carry modest cedi notes and keep them secure; exchange facilities and reliable cash machines are easier to find in larger urban centres than in remote lake or forest areas.
Safety
Use ordinary precautions with valuables in transport hubs, markets and crowded festivals. Outdoor visitors should take care on wet rocks and steep paths, use appropriate footwear and follow local guidance at waterfalls and forest sites. Swimming in rivers or Lake Volta should be undertaken only where local conditions and supervision are considered suitable, and life jackets are important on boats. Night driving on rural roads is best avoided because of lighting, pedestrians, animals and changing road conditions.
Emergency Situations
Ghana’s national emergency number is 112, which can connect callers with emergency services. Police can also be reached on 191, the Ghana National Fire Service on 192 and ambulance services on 193, although network coverage and response times may vary outside larger towns. Tell a hotel, driver or local guide your route when visiting remote hills, waterfalls or lake areas, and carry a charged telephone with offline directions where possible.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when visiting churches, traditional palaces, shrines or community ceremonies, and ask before photographing people, rituals or private compounds. Greet elders politely and accept that meetings and transport may follow a more flexible rhythm than visitors expect. Ask permission before entering farms or craft workspaces, do not remove natural or cultural objects, and follow instructions at waterfalls and on boats. Tipping is discretionary but appreciated for attentive guiding and service.
Local Tips
Koforidua is a useful logistics base, while Aburi and the Akuapem hills suit visitors seeking elevated scenery and botanical interests. Plan craft visits around Somanya and Odumase-Krobo through a recognised workshop or local contact rather than expecting every producer to operate as a public attraction. If visiting the Kwahu hills at Easter, reserve accommodation early and expect congestion. Lake Volta excursions are most easily organised from established lakeside accommodation or through trusted local operators in the Akosombo area.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAkwabaa[ah-kwa-ba]
GoodbyeNante yie[nan-teh yee-eh]
YesAane[ahn-eh]
NoDaabi[dah-bee]
Please/You're welcomeMepa wo kyɛw[meh-pah woh cheh]
Thank youMedase[meh-dah-seh]
Excuse me/SorryKafra[kah-frah]
How are you?Wo ho te sɛn?[woh ho teh sen]
Fine. And you?Me ho yɛ, na wo nso?[meh ho yeh, nah woh nso]
Do you speak English?Wokasa Borɔfo?[woh-kah-sah boh-roh-foh]
I don't understandMente ase[men-teh ah-seh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMepɛ sɛ mehwɛ menu no[meh-peh seh meh-hweh meh-noo noh]
I don't eat meatMente nnuan[men-teh noo-ahn]
Cheers!Nante yie![nan-teh yee-eh]
I would like to pay, pleaseMepɛ sɛ mɛtua ka[meh-peh seh meh-twah kah]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Boa me![boh-ah meh]
Go away!Kɔ fi ha![koh fee hah]
Call the Police!Frɛ ɔmanpanyin no![fre oh-man-pah-nyin noh]
Call a doctor!Frɛ dɔkita![fre doh-kee-tah]
I'm lostMeda hɔ no[meh-dah ho noh]
I'm illMeda ɔyare mu[meh-dah oh-yah-reh moo]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mepɛ sɛ mɛtɔ...[meh-peh seh meh-toh]
I'm just lookingMerehwɛ nko[meh-reh-hweh n-koh]
How much is it?Ɛyɛ sɛn?[eh-yeh sen]
That's too expensiveƐyɛ dɔɔso[eh-yeh doh-oh-soh]
Can you lower the price?Wobɛtɔ ka no ase?[woh-beh-taw kah noh ah-seh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Dɛn na ɛyɛ?[den nah eh-yeh]
It's one o'clockƐyɛ ɔha[eh-yeh oh-hah]
Half past (10)Afe 10[ah-feh ten]
MorningAnɔpa[ah-noh-pah]
AfternoonAwia[ah-wee-ah]
EveningAnadwo[ah-nah-dwoh]
YesterdayƐnnɛ[eh-neh]
TodayDa no[dah noh]
TomorrowƐkyɛda[eh-cheh-dah]
1Baako[bah-koh]
2Mmienu[mee-eh-noo]
3Mmienu[mee-eh-nin]
4Nan[nahn]
5Num[noom]
6Nsia[n-siah]
7Nson[n-sohn]
8Nkwan[n-k-wan]
9Nkyɛn[n-kyehn]
10Dɛn[den]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?He na ... wɔ?[heh nah ... woh]
What's the address?Dɛn na ɔkɔ?[den nah oh-koh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Wobɛda me ho adi (wɔ map no)?[woh-beh-dah meh ho ah-dee (woh map noh)]
When's the next (bus)?Bɛn na ɔbɛba (bus no)?[ben nah oh-beh-bah (bus noh)]
A ticket (to ....)Dɔkita (kɔ ...)[doh-kee-tah (koh ...)]

History of Eastern Region

Early Akan and Guan Settlements

The hills and forest zones of present-day Eastern Region have long been inhabited by Akan and Guan-speaking communities. Political organisation developed through states and traditional areas including Akuapem, Akyem Abuakwa, Akyem Kotoku and Krobo. Their histories were shaped by farming, trade, migration and relationships with neighbouring powers. Traditional authorities and stools remain important cultural institutions, and festivals, language, court traditions and settlement patterns continue to reflect these older political landscapes.

European Trade and Missionary Activity

From the seventeenth century onwards, European commercial and religious activity expanded along the Gold Coast, although the Eastern Region was largely an inland sphere connected to coastal markets by trade routes. Christian missions became increasingly influential in the nineteenth century, particularly in Akuapem. Schools, churches and printing helped create new educational and religious networks, while also interacting with established political authorities and local cultural systems.

The Formation of Akuapem

Akuapem developed as a political formation in the eighteenth century through alliances and conflict involving Guan, Kyerepong and Akan communities in the hills. The area’s strategic position between the coast and inland states made it important to regional trade and diplomacy. Later colonial administration reinforced some chiefly structures while altering others, leaving a complex legacy visible in the traditional areas, historic settlements and cultural institutions of the Akuapem hills.

Tetteh Quarshie and the Rise of Cocoa

The spread of cocoa cultivation became one of the most consequential agricultural changes in the region. Tetteh Quarshie is traditionally credited with bringing cocoa seedlings from Fernando Po, now Bioko in Equatorial Guinea, to the Gold Coast in the late nineteenth century. His farm at Mampong, near the Akuapem hills, is commemorated as an important site in Ghana’s cocoa story. Cocoa later transformed rural economies, land use and export earnings across southern Ghana.

Colonial Rule and Transport Links

British colonial administration incorporated the region into the Gold Coast’s expanding political and economic system. Roads, railways and trading routes linked inland farming districts with Accra, coastal ports and neighbouring territories. Towns such as Koforidua grew as administrative and commercial centres, while agricultural production supplied national and overseas markets. Colonial institutions changed patterns of authority and education without replacing the continuing importance of traditional communities.

The Akosombo Dam and Lake Volta

Construction of the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River began after independence and was completed in the mid-1960s. The project generated hydroelectric power for Ghana’s industrial development and created one of the world’s largest artificial lakes by surface area. It also displaced communities, altered river and fishing economies, and reshaped transport and settlement around the lower Volta. The dam and lake remain central to the region’s modern economic and environmental history.

Modern Craft and Regional Development

In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Eastern Region’s economy has continued to combine agriculture, manufacturing, trade, energy, transport and tourism. Krobo bead production has developed into a recognised cultural and commercial craft, while the Kwahu hills and the Volta basin have attracted growing interest in outdoor recreation. Koforidua, Akosombo and other regional centres now connect traditional institutions and rural industries with Ghana’s national markets.

Eastern Region in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Eastern Region

The closest regions to Eastern Region, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Ghana
More of the region

Explore more of Ghana

Discover Ghana: A vibrant blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality in the heart of West Africa.

Explore Ghana
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Eastern Region, Ghana

Discover the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more in Eastern Region with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore the Eastern Region of Ghana like never before with Evendo. From majestic landmarks to hidden gems, our app offers everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

  • Travel essentials and historical background of Eastern Region.
  • 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience.
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Imagine embarking on a journey to the Eastern Region of Ghana with a personal guide that fits right in your pocket. Evendo is your ultimate travel companion, providing detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Whether you're planning to visit the famous Aburi Botanical Gardens, explore the historic Boti Falls, or dine at the renowned Hillburi Restaurant, Evendo has you covered.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the hassle of multiple searches and reservations. Our rich set of information includes images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easier than ever to plan and organize your trip. Discover amazing new things in Eastern Region with curated local tips that let you experience the area like a true local.

The app also features comprehensive travel essentials and the history of the Eastern Region, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure. With the 'Near me' feature, you can effortlessly find attractions and amenities around you, no matter where you are. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Download Evendo today and start exploring!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.